HERITAGE STRUCTURES TO GREEN SPACES: YOUR GUIDE TO A COLOURFUL MAP OF THE CITY

Holi may officially last for just a day, but Pune rarely waits for the festival to feel colourful. The city carries its shades quietly through the year, in buildings we pass daily, gardens we return to, and streets that wear different looks, depending on the season.

Ahead of Holi, here’s your guide to create a colourful map of the city and capture memories while you’re at it!Burst of Red @ Lal MahalAt the historic Lal Mahal in Kasba Peth, red doesn’t feel ornamental. It immediately catches your eye, even if you’ve crossed the area countless times. Set against the backdrop of the old city, the colour carries a sense of strength and history. Much like Holi reds, it feels bold and rooted, a reminder of stories that continue to be visible.

Mellow Yellow @ Marz-o-rinThe yellow walls of the iconic Marz-o-rin bring with them an easy sense of comfort. There’s something familiar about the shade, almost like warmth you associate with long conversations and unhurried meals. In the middle of Camp’s constant movement, this colour softens the mood, reflecting the lighter, more relaxed side of celebrations and offers the perfect backdrop for a pre-Holi selfie.

Fresh & Green @ Pune-Okayama Friendship GardenGreen settles naturally at the Pune-Okayama Friendship Garden, aka P L Deshpande Garden on Sinhagad Road. The shaded pathways and open spaces offer a breather from the city without trying too hard. It’s the kind of green that feels restorative, the pause you didn’t realise you needed. Like Holi marking seasonal change, the space quietly signals renewal and fresh beginnings.

Shades of Blue @Tanpura BridgeAt night on the Tanpura Bridge over the Mutha river, blue opens up the landscape while paying homage to the city's musical heritage. Amid daily traffic and movement, the shade feels unexpectedly calming. Atharva Gokhale, a youngster from the city, shares, “Blue has always felt steady to me. It brings a sense of clarity and focus."

Melange of Brown and Orange @ Vishrambaug WadaVishrambaug Wada carries its browns and oranges effortlessly, the wooden textures and warm tones feeling deeply familiar to Pune’s architectural memory.

The colours feel grounded yet festive at the same time. Much like traditional Holi hues, they connect everyday life with heritage, reminding visitors how the city’s past still shapes its present.

Calming White @ Aga Khan PalaceThe white façade of Aga Khan Palace brings an immediate sense of calm. Surrounded by open lawns, the space feels reflective without being distant. The colour almost works like a reset within the city’s visual noise, reminding us that celebration often begins from stillness before colour slowly takes over.

A blast of colourful @ Yerawada graffiti wallsYerawada’s graffiti wall feels closest to Holi’s spirit year-round. Layers of colour stretch across brick surfaces, turning everyday streets into open canvases. Nothing feels uniform here, and that’s the point. Like Holi itself, the space celebrates expression freely, where colour belongs to everyone passing through.