Hello, hello, hello, my amazing Local Guides! 
I am Shiku the Squirrel, official nut collector, route explorer, map lover, and proud mascot of the 5th India Mega Meetup 2026 in Pune! 
Guess what?
Only 60 days left!
That’s right. Just sixty tiny squirrel-sized hops away from meeting Local Guides from every corner of India in Pune this November!
And do you know what that means?
Train bookings are already open!
So before all the best berths disappear faster than peanuts at a squirrel convention, let’s explore how YOU can reach Pune!
Option 1: The Legendary Indian Railway Adventure
Ah yes, trains!
The favorite vehicle of every budget-conscious explorer.
Whether you’re coming from:
Delhi
Kolkata
Chennai
Hyderabad
Ahmedabad
Bengaluru
Jaipur
Lucknow
Guwahati
Nagpur
…there’s a good chance Pune is connected to you by rail.
Imagine this:
Window seat
Chai every hour
Beautiful landscapes
New friends in the next berth
Endless discussions about Maps contributions
And perhaps that one uncle who asks:
“Beta, what exactly is a Local Guide?”
Book early because popular routes fill up quickly.
As a squirrel, I believe securing a train ticket feels almost as satisfying as finding a hidden stash of winter nuts.
Option 2: Fly Like a Super Squirrel
Need speed?
Then spread your imaginary squirrel wings and catch a flight!
Cities like:
Delhi Kolkata Bengaluru Hyderabad Chennai Kochi Jaipur Ahmedabad
have excellent flight connections to Pune.
What takes a train one day to cover can often be done in a couple of hours.
One moment you’re sipping tea in your city.
The next moment you’re in Pune wondering:
“Should I try Misal Pav first or meet Local Guides first?”
The correct answer is:
Meet Local Guides Then eat Misal Pav Then talk about Misal Pav for the rest of the meetup.
Option 3: The Sleeper Bus Ninja Move
Want a balance between comfort and budget?
Long-distance buses are a fantastic choice.
Board at night.
Sleep.
Wake up.
Boom!
You’re in Pune.
Almost like teleportation.
Well…
Teleportation with occasional speed breakers.
But still quite impressive. 
Many Local Guides from Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Gujarat, Telangana, and nearby states can conveniently reach Pune by bus.
A quick Gemini search tells me the following are the top bus booking sites in India:
RedBus
AbhiBus
FlixBus
EaseMyTrip
The following are the best choices for government-run buses that offer seats not visible on aggregators.
MSRTC (Maharashtra)
KSRTC (Karnataka)
GSRTC (Gujarat)
APSRTC
TSRTC
RSRTC
Option 4: The Road Trip Champion
Now we’re talking adventure!
Gather your Local Guide friends.
Fill the car.
Create a playlist.
Start driving.
Road trips are not measured in kilometres.
They’re measured in:
Songs sung loudly
Tea stops taken
Photos captured
Unexpected food discoveries
New places added to Maps
If you’re coming from Mumbai, Nashik, Aurangabad, Nagpur, Kolhapur, Belagavi, Hyderabad, or nearby cities, a road trip can be an unforgettable journey.
And remember:
Every fuel stop is potentially a new Google Maps contribution opportunity.
A true Local Guide never misses a mapping mission. 
Shiku’s Smart Budget Tips
Not all squirrels have the same nut budget.
So here’s my travel wisdom:
Lowest Budget: Train Sleeper Class
Budget + Comfort: 3AC Train
Fastest: Flights
Flexible: Bus
Group Fun: Carpool Road Trip
Remember:
The best travel option isn’t always the cheapest.
It’s the one that gets you to the Mega Meetup happy, comfortable, and excited.
Reached Pune Airport?
If you decide to take a taxi from the airport, locating it can be tricky.
Here’s a detailed post by host @TusharSuradkar
How to Use Google Maps to Find the Taxi Stand at Pune Airport
City buses run from just outside the airport to the nearest Metro station, Ramwadi.
Get down at the PMC Metro Station and take bus #114, #256, or #258 to reach Hotel Mahabaleshwar.
Walk 800 meters or take an auto to reach the meetup venue.
Arriving at Pune Railway Station?
The Pune Metro is an integral part of the Pune Railway Station.
Do not exit the Railway Station; simply use the platform bridge to enter the Metro Station right inside the Railway Station.
Get down at the PMC Metro Station and take bus #114, #256, or #258 to reach Hotel Mahabaleshwar.
Walk 800 meters or take an auto to reach the meetup venue.
Reaching by your own car?
“How do I reach the meetup venue without getting lost?”
That’s where your new best friend comes in.
Ask Maps to the Rescue!
Instead of searching endlessly or asking ten different people for directions, simply use the Ask Maps feature in Google Maps.
You can ask natural questions like:
“How do I reach Baner Road using public transport?”
“What’s the fastest way from Pune Airport to Baner?”
“Which bus should I take to reach the meetup venue?”
“How much time will it take to get there?”
And Ask Maps helps you understand routes conversationally.
For travellers visiting Pune for the first time, this is like having a friendly Local Guide in your pocket.
Well…
A tiny digital Local Guide.
Not as fluffy as me.
But still helpful.
Why Ask Maps Is a Life Saver
Imagine arriving after an overnight journey.
You’re carrying:
Backpack
Camera
Power bank
Phone
Sleepy face
And suddenly you’re confronted with:
Buses Metro connections Auto-rickshaws Cabs Local routes
Your brain says:
“I need help.”
Ask Maps says:
“I got you.”
It helps you discover:
Public transport options
Route suggestions
Travel times
Nearby landmarks
Convenient connections
A smoother way to reach Baner Road
All without stress.
Shiku’s Verdict
My dear Local Guides,
Whether you arrive by:
Train
Flight
Bus
Car
Bike
Giant squirrel-powered adventure machine
…I cannot wait to welcome you to Pune…! 
Book your travel early.
Reserve those train tickets.
Plan that road trip.
Watch for flight deals.
Gather your Local Guide friends.
And when you finally land in Pune, remember:
Ask Maps. Travel smart. Reach Baner Road effortlessly. Meet the community. Create memories.
November is approaching faster than a squirrel spotting free peanuts!
See you at the India Mega Meetup, Pune! 
Your travel buddy,
Shiku the Squirrel
“Chief Nut Navigator and Official Excitement Officer” 
Shiku mascot conception and rendering credits to the amazing @framesbysumedh
