Hy Local Guides, 
Something extraordinary is brewing in Maharashtra’s cultural heart & the excitement across the community is reaching a fever pitch. The 5th India Mega Meetup in Pune is shaping up to be our grandest celebration yet, a whirlwind weekend of mapping drives, deep heritage, mouthwatering street bites & community bond. Just like the India Mega Meetups that have brought together communities across major metropolitan hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi & Kochi, this gathering builds on an inspiring tradition of mappers community. It echoes the milestone when Pune came together to celebrate 50 vibrant community meetups while shining a dedicated spotlight on the trailblazing women local guides shaping our community. Leading the cheer into this new chapter is none other than our bouncy, camera-toting host, whom you can get to know through this delightful introduction to Shiku 
the squirrel mascot, hopping ahead to reveal Pune’s secret courtyards, bustling bazaars & sunlit hilltops.
Getting into town is an adventure in itself & whether you are arriving at Pune Junction Railway Station 
, landing at Pune airport 
or catching a long-distance bus, our curated transit and navigation guide shows you how to cruise effortlessly across Pune’s road and metro network. Once your feet hit the ground, shake off the journey by joining a scenic park-hopping escape through the Japanese serenity of the Okayama Friendship Garden 
and the cool morning breezes drifting across Lakaki Lake.
From tranquil greenery, jump straight into the epic Maratha era with a vibrant heritage walk around Lal Mahal 
, taking in the legendary golden plough memorial, blessing stops at Kasba Ganapati & essential accessibility 
audits along the way. The city’s unexpected side shines just as bright when exploring this handpicked tour of five one-of-a-kind museums , packed with cricketing treasures, vintage fire engines, functioning miniature railways, retro bicycles & the satirical genius of R. K. Laxman. To top off the sightseeing, prepare to be awestruck under the colossal expanse of the World Peace Dome at Loni Kalbhor, an architectural triumph that’s famous for its colossal dome.
Mapping works up an appetite & Pune knows how to quench it in style. You will find yourself sipping your way through town on an indulgent beverage trail across the city, tasting crackling artisanal colas, fresh early-morning palm nira, spiced Amrut Tulya chai paired with buttery bun 
maska & the crowning glory: a tall, creamy glass of ice-cream 
loaded Sujata Mastani.
Every twist and turn in this journey leads directly to Sunday, November 29, at Whispering Wind in Pashan, where the Grand Hybrid Mega Meetup comes alive.
Time Session  |
What to Expect  |
|---|---|
| 08:00 AM | Decorations & Rangol Festive stage setup, vibrant rangoli floral  designs & welcoming early arrivals. |
| 09:00 AM | Breakfast & Morning refreshments, hot chai  & settling in. |
| 09:30 AM | Traditional ceremonial lamp lighting  and the formal meetup kickoff. |
| 10:00 AM | Secret Santa & Introductions to Gift  exchange coupled with attendee icebreakers and introductions. |
| 11:00 AM | Fun Games  & Engaging community activities and lighthearted team challenges. |
| 12:00 PM | Maps Quiz  & Puzzles, Interactive trivia testing local knowledge, navigation & mapping skills. |
| 12:30 PM | Exchange LG Goodies & Give 1 Take 1 souvenir exchange among community members. |
| 01:00 PM | Lunch & Online Meetup with Regional lunch buffet and refreshments while connecting live  on a global hybrid call. |
| 02:30 PM | Water Sports  & Pool Games, Poolside unwinding with water polo, water volleyball & casual catch-ups. |
| 03:30 PM | Ask Maps Treasure Hunt  with Interactive location discovery and mapping adventure challenge. |
| 04:00 PM | Chai Break, Awards  & Wrap-Up Evening tea, collecting commemorative goodies, award distributions & group photos. |
Spots are completely free 
for all Local Guides, but seating is limited, so be sure to grab your pass on the official registration desk right away. Pack your bags 
, bring along a local souvenir from your hometown & get ready for an unforgettable Pune reunion that will echo across the community for years to come.
Posts mentioned above are shared by @TusharSuradkar & @framesbysumedh. Shiku the mascot conception and rendering credits ©️ to @framesbysumedh.
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