You are most welcome, dear @Shrut19
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Hello Local Guides Family!
I’m thrilled to share my memorable experience from the “Pogada Meetup”, which took place on 31st May 2025 in Mumbai. This meetup was not just an event, it was an emotion — filled with learning, exploration, joy, and above all, community spirit.
The Journey Begins
I was eagerly waiting for this meetup for many days. This was my second Local Guides meetup in Mumbai, and I couldn’t wait to be a part of it. I woke up early, got ready, and set out from Thane on my bike. Riding through the hectic traffic of Ghodbunder Road, navigating lanes using Google Maps, and finally reaching the location was a mini-adventure in itself.
We had our first gathering at Shruti Tai’s home, where we all met and discussed our route and schedule. It was lovely seeing guides coming from far places like Pune, Panvel, and beyond. The enthusiasm was truly infectious! { @NERKARAMIT , @JitendraKumarprasa , @ModNomad , @MerlinThomas , @TusharSuradkar }
A Quick Refreshment Stop – Misal Duma Dum
By the time everyone gathered, it was around 12 PM, and naturally, we all were very hungry after the long travel. Right beside the route was a famous food stop — Accessible for handling cap “Misal Duma Dum”, where we all enjoyed some spicy and satisfying Maharashtrian snacks. It was a great bonding moment, sharing food and stories with fellow Local Guides.
Boat Ride With a Musical Breeze
After the short break, we headed towards the ticket counter, where we bought our boat tickets (₹50 per person for one way or ₹100 for return). Soon we boarded the boat, and the real fun began!
As the boat moved, the cool breeze and the distant view of Pogada made the moment magical. And to make it even more special, our fellow guide @ModNomad played beautiful tunes on his mouth organ, winning everyone’s hearts and setting the mood for the day.
Arriving at Pogada – Green, Clean & Inspiring
Within 10–15 minutes, we reached the Pogada Entry Gate, located beside “Water kingdom” entrance. After some photo sessions and ticket checks, we finally entered the serene area of Pogada.
The place welcomed us with:
Local craft shops
Three huge water harvesting tanks built by locals
A well-installed solar energy system used to power Pogada’s night lighting
Neatly arranged tree-lined roads, giving shade and clean air
It was impressive to see how well the space is maintained with a balance of sustainability and culture.
The Heart of Pogada – Exploration & Learning
As we reached the main Pogada gate, we paused to take some group photos. Post security check, we stepped inside to explore the true soul of Pogada. @Shrut19 became our local expert, explaining the history, architecture, and significance of Pogada.
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We roamed the entire Pogada, clicking photos, admiring the views, and sharing thoughts. The place had a peaceful vibe that instantly made us feel connected to nature and heritage.
Virtual Meetup – Connecting Beyond Boundaries
Later, we had a 30–45-minute virtual meetup where @JitendraKumarprasa gave an excellent virtual tour of Pogada for Local Guides who couldn’t attend physically. His detailed walk-through helped remote participants experience the location virtually. It truly reflected the inclusivity of the Local Guides community. [ @TravellerG , @Anil6969 , @AjitThite and @Globe_trotter_Ish , @SaylliWalve1 se)
Bonus Exploration – Going Deeper
Even after the official virtual meetup ended, I, Shruti Tai, Tusar Dada, and Jitendra Prasad decided to explore more. We visited other sections of Pogada, capturing extra insights. Later, Shruti Tai and Jitendra Prasad spent around 20 minutes in the video hall, gaining detailed information and learning about Pogada’s deeper history and environmental efforts.
Wrapping Up With Smiles.
As the day came to a close, we all boarded the boat back — once again enjoying the cool breeze, laughter, and joyful conversations. It was a day well spent, filled with learning, connection, culture, and pure enjoyment.
This meetup was not just a gathering — it was a celebration of being a Local Guide. From the early morning ride, the tasty snacks, the scenic boat ride, to the beauty of Pogada and the meaningful conversations — every part was memorable and full of joy.
I want to sincerely Thank Host Shruti Tai and Co-Hosts @RosyKohli the amazing Local Guides who made this event possible. I look forward to many more such enriching meetups and shared journeys!
#LocalGuides #PogadaMeetup #GoogleMapsIndia #MumbaiMeetup #SustainableTravel #pogada #GoogleLocalGuides #VirtualMeetup #CommunityLove #ExploreTogether #Missaldamadam
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Sahi, excellent coverage @NikhilDubey46 . I missed that meet-up. Next time, you arrange one, I will join.
Cheers!
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Jarur, main try Karunga ki Jaldi hi main nhi meet-up arrange kru
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Hello, my dear friend @NikhilDubey46
Wow…
Excellent RECAP…
Very well covered and well worded too…
Appreciate your efforts and dedication…
Your photos are really impressive…
Thanks for tagging me in your post, dear friend…
We really enjoyed the session.
Most sincerely
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नमस्कार
@NikhilDubey46
बहोत अच्छा लगा तुने रीकॅप लिखा , पॅगोडा मिट अप दिन कि याद आई,
धन्यवाद सारे सपोर्ट और मिट अप मे उपस्थित रहने के लिये..
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Hello…!! my dear friend @TravellerG (Dada)
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words! 
I truly appreciate your support and it means a lot to me.
It was a pleasure to share the memories of such a wonderful session, and I’m really glad you liked the recap and photos.
Looking forward to many more such meaningful meetups and experiences together!
Stay connected and keep inspiring! 
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Thank you @Shrut19 Tai mujhe bhi bohot achha laga meet-up me or bohot kuchh experience kiya mene aap logo ke sath 
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I really sorry for jinn logo ko mend isme tag nhi kiya hai because unn logo ka Connect I’d mujhe nhi pata hai.
I really sorry for this 
.
But i try to tag them as soon as possible😃
Hello dear @NikhilDubey46
Merging your recap post here according to new rules on Connect - all recaps are below the main recap.
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Congratulations @Shrut19 tai for great meet up.
It was very interesting to see how they manage there own power and water system.
Really all LG members are so helpful to manage the virtual meet up so smoothly even though there was a little problem at the last moment.
It was great to see all LG at the pagoda.
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Thank you so much for the virtual tour of this pagoda, dear, sorry again for not attending your meet up but see you soon in Mumbai.
Regards Tejal
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Namaskar
Thank you so much @Ru_pali4 tai for your kind words and support. Yes, it was truly amazing to see how the Pagoda manages its own power and water system very inspiring. I’m so grateful to all the Local Guides who stepped up to help when there was a last-minute issue with the virtual meetup. Their quick support made everything run smoothly. Hope we all meet soon in the next meetup and create more such memories together!
Namaskar
@Tejal ben,
Virtual section join karane ke liye aur yah reply ke liye Dhanyawaad
Please pahile informed karana , aur hume milane ke liye thoda time nikal k aana ..
Congratulations on this thoughtful and well-executed meet-up! @Shrut19
Your storytelling and visuals really brought the Pagoda journey to life. It’s events like this that keep the Local Guides spirit strong! 
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Hello dear friend, @NikhilDubey46
Thanks a lot for your kind words and compliments…
Plan and inform us in advance and we assure you that we will join your meet ups…we will be happy to be a part of your mission…
Best wishes & regards
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Yess..! Sure
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नमस्कार
Dhanyawad @NareshDarji Bhai,
for your kind words. I truly appreciate your support, I’m happy to know you enjoyed the storytelling and photos. It was a memorable day for all of us.
Sharing the link to my full experience here would love to hear your thoughts
Pagoda Diaries - A Journey to Recreate & Reflect | Mumbai MH
Let’s keep the Local Guides spirit alive and hope to meet you at a meetup someday soon..
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Blockquote
Thankyou for all Support
We will meet soon…
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