SIETAR PUNE CONFERENCEOctober 30th to November 1st 2009

Local Information Package

Table of Content

• Background Info on Pune

• Our Conference Venue – The Orchid School

• Pre-Conference Venue – Mahratta Chamber of Commerce

• Getting to Pune

• Getting Around Pune

• Accommodation (Luxury, Middle Class, Budget)

• Sightseeing in Pune

• Shopping

Background Info on Pune 1/2

• Pune is located in Maharashtra, India. It is second largest city in the state and is considered the state's cultural capital. The city contains the headquarters of an administrative division officially known as the Pune division.

• The large student population in the city makes for a lively nightlife and vibrant atmosphere.

• Pune also houses fantastic restaurants, good museums and is well known for its surrounding hill forts which offer panoramic bird's-eye views.

Background Info on Pune 2/2

• Attitude: Attitudes in Pune are liberal and open-minded. The city used to be very traditional and conservative, but times have changed. The onset of globalization along with the development of the city endeavored by its honorable Corporation has seen an onslaught of populations around the country as well as the globe, with it's International Trade Center developed in late 2007. Today Pune is a fairly cosmopolitan city. Although Marathi is the official language of the city and the most common language spoken on the streets most people also speak at least a little Hindi and English

• Climate: Pune has three distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter. Typical hot summer weather runs from March to May, with maximum temperatures ranging from 35 to 42°C. The city often receives local and heavy thundershowers with sharp downpours in May, which cools the temperatures. Nevertheless, the nights in Pune are significantly cooler than most other parts in this region owing to its high altitude. Winter day temperature in Pune goes as low as 24-28°C and Winter night temperature goes as low as 5-8°C with very dry weather. Normally, Pune has very pleasant climate during November month, which can be called as ( गु�ला�बी� थं�डी� In Marathi) or Balanced cold waves.

Our Conference Venue – The Orchid School

• The Orchid School located at Baner, Pune was started by Pradnya Niketan Education Society. P.N.E.S. has been formed by a group of committed educationalists. The Orchid Schools gets it‘s name from the orchid flower, Orchids were the first flowering plants to evolve around 120 million years ago, when the mighty dinosaurs roamed the earth.

• The Orchid School believes in teaching children the skills for adapting to and working with challenging situations. Children are taught how to learn, trying to create a community of life long learner's able to adapt to any situation locally or globally.

• www.theorchidschool.org

Our Venue: The Orchid School

The Orchid SchoolBaner – Mhalunge Road,

BanerPune 411045Maharashtra, India

Pre-Conference Venue – Mahratta Chamber of Commerce

• Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (MCCIA) is a premier industry association with over 2200 members from different sectors like Automotive, Electronics, Agribusiness, Information Technology, Bio, Technology, Environment Technologies, Chemicals, etc. It is one of the most prominent and active Chamber of Commerce in India catering to Pune and around region.

• Address:MCCIA Head OfficeA Wing, 5th Floor, MCCIA Trade TowerICC Complex, 403 –A, Senapati Bapat RoadPune – 411016 Pune (Maharashtra)

Getting to Pune

• By plane: The airport is located in Lohegaon, which is around 10km from the city center, and takes about 45 minutes - 1 hour to reach. Although Pune airport is served by almost all domestic carriers, the number of flights is limited due to the airport functioning primarily as a military facility. Currently, international flights operate only to Dubai. Singapore and Frankfurt. If getting a direct flight proves difficult, then taking a flight to Mumbai is the easiest option. From Mumbai you then have the choice of continuing your journey, either via domestic flight, taxi or train.

• From Mumbai to Pune:– By domestic flight: All major local airlines have connecting flights between

Mumbai and Pune. At www.makemytrip.com you can get an overview of the flight schedules and prices.

– By Taxi: At Mumbai airport you can get a long-distance private taxi. The journey should take around three hours (on the expressway) and costs about Rs 2500.

– By Train: Pune is well connected to other Indian cities by rail and in particular there is a very frequent service to Mumbai. The journey takes about 3 ½ hours.

Getting Around Pune

• SIETAR India is planning a shuttle service between several local pick-up places and the conference venue. More details will follow as we get closer to the conference date.

• Local Transport in Pune:

– There is also a huge army of three wheeled rickshaws. There are some prepaid rickshaw stands at Shivajinagar, Swargate Bus Depot and Lohegaon Airport. Nevertheless, always demand that they use the meter and that they show you the sheet of paper (referred as Tariff Card) which converts the rickshaw meter readings to the actual cost in rupees .

– There are many taxi and car rental agencies (including driver) in Pune. Most of them charge around Rs 1500 a day (8 hrs / 80km) for a mid-size car. There are extra charges for distances above 100 km.

Accommodation in Pune

• Pune offers a large variety of places to stay for all types of budget.

• The following 3 slides provide you with a choice of luxury, mid-range and budget accommodation in the vicinity of our conference venue.

– Prices for high/end and luxury accommodation (4* / 5*) will be around Rs. 5000 to 9000 plus ($ 110 to $ 200)

– Mid-Range Hotels would be in the range of Rs. 2500 to Rs. 4500 ($ 55 to $ 100)

– Good Budget Accommodation can be found from Rs. 1000 onwards ($20)

• For more choices, visit www.punehotels.org. You can also book your room or request a price offer by filling out the reservation form on this website.

Accommodation in Pune – High End

The Gordon House (5* Rating)

E-Square, 132A, University Road, GaneshkhindPune-411016 India

Phone: 020 66044104Email: sales.pune@ghhotel.com Web: www.ghhotel.com

Approximate Room Prices:

Single Room: Rs. 9000 plus Tax (10%)Double Room: Rs. 10000 plus Tax (10%)

Tariff includes breakfast, access to gym and pool, airport pick-up or drop,

The Pride Hotel

5, University RoadShivajinagarPune 411005 India

Phone: 020 25534567Email: frontoffice.pune@pridehotel.com Web: www.pridehotel.com

Approximate Room Prices:

Single Room: Rs. 7000 plus Tax (10%)Double Room: Rs. 8000 plus Tax (10%)

Tariff includes breakfast and airport pick-up and drop

Accommodation in Pune – High End

Seasons Serviced Apartments

128 /2, SanewadiAundh PunePune-411007 India

Phone: 020 40009999Email: info@seasonsaundh.com Web: www.seasonserviceapartments.com

Approximate Room Prices:

One Person: Rs. 8500 plus Tax (10%)Two Persons: Rs. 10000 plus (10%)

Tariff includes breakfast, airport pick-up and drop

The Oakwood (4* Rating)

Good Luck Square, Bhandarkar RoadDeccan GymkhanaPune-411004 India

Phone: 020 25670011Email: info@tghotels.com Web: www.tghotels.com

Approximate Room Prices:

Single Room: Rs. 5000 plus Tax (10%)Double Room: Rs. 6000 plus Tax (10%)

Tariff includes breakfast, internet and evening snacks

Accommodation in Pune – Mid Range

Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration

Rajbhavan ComplexBaner RoadPune 411007

Phone: 020 25608299Email: bkpadhi@yashada.orgwww.yashada.org

Approximate Room Prices:

Single Room: Rs. 3000Double Room: Rs. 4000

The President Hotel (3* Rating)

34/11, ErandwaneBehind Kohinoor Mangal Karyalaya, Prabhat RoadPune-411004 India

Phone: 020 30255555Email: rooms@hotelpresidentpune.com Web: www.hotelpresidentpune.com

Approximate Room Prices:

Single Room: Rs. 5000 plus Tax (10%)Double Room: Rs. 6000 plus Tax (10%)

Tariff includes coffee & tea, breakfast buffet, airport pick-up and drop as well as a car and driver for local transport (80km)

Accommodation in Pune - Budget

Manas Corporate Homes

Row House T1 & T2Nandanvan Society, Near Jagtap DairyPimple NilakhPune-411027 India

Phone: 020 27276302Email: smita@manasgroupindia.com

Approximate Room Prices:

Single Room: Rs. 1000 plus TaxDouble Room: Rs. 1200 plus Tax

Tariff includes Morning Tea & Breakfast.

Hotel Shreyas (Budget)

1242 B, Apte RoadDeccan GymkhanaPune-411004 India

Phone: 020 25531963Email: info@hotelshreyas.in Web: www.hotelshreyas.in

Approximate Room Prices:

Single Room: Rs.1075 (Non A.C.) to Rs.1700 (AC)Double Room: Rs.1175 (Non A.C.) to Rs.1800 (AC) plus Tax

Sightseeing in Pune 1/2

• Parvati Hills and Temples: From this hill, one can have panoramic view of Pune and its environs. A steep flight up 108 steps will take you to a "Nagarkhana", the imposing temple of Parvati Devdeveshwar and samadhi of Nanasaheb Peshwa, and a museum with a display of old paintings, weapons and other antiques.

• Shaniwar Wada: Built in 1736 Shaniwar wada was once the historic palace of Peshwa rulers. It was mysteriously destroyed by a fire in 1827, hence the palace has now become the symbol of the city and culture. Free to all citizens on Friday. On other days Entry fee is Rs. 2/-

• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum: Housed in a quaint Rajasthani styled building is the museum which holds a one man collection of fascinating Indian arti facts. A masterpiece among the exhibits is the "Mastani Mahal" brought and erected as it was from its original place. Mastani was the mistress of Peshwa Bajirao. Entry fee is Rs. 5/- for Indians and Rs. 30/- for foreigners.

Sightseeing in Pune 2/2

• Agakhan Palace: It is a historical landmark on Pune.During the 1942 Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi and other leaders of Indian National Congress were imprisoned here. Marble memorial has been erected of Kasturba Gandhi and Mahadeobhai Desai who died here.

• Mahadaji Shinde Chhatri: Shinde Chhatri is situated at Vanowari, about 5Kms. from Pune. A memorial built in memory of great Maratha nobleman Mahadaji Shinde. It is an imposing edifice displaying serenity and austerity coupled with architectural beauty. The entry fee is Rs. 1/-

• Sarasbaug: A beautiful garden with a temple of Ganapati founded by Madhavrao Peshwa and surrounded by a pond and lawns with colorful lights,at the foothills of Parvati.

Shopping in Pune 1/3

• Mahatma Phule Mandai (Market): Mahatma Phule Mandai is situated in the center of Pune City. Because of its location this place is often used for meetings, Conferences, starting point for the Ganesh festival procession etc. This market is well known for getting fresh vegetables, fruits and articles for the Poojas.

• Laxmi Road (Clothing And Jewelry): When you come to the Laxmi Road, you have entered the real heart of Pune city. You can easily judge this for yourself looking at the crowd and the hustle and bustle on this road as well as on any of the countless narrow side streets that crisscross it. " Laxmi " is the goddess of wealth & as you start your shopping on Laxmi road, you will really feel as if the Goddess of Wealth has showered her blessings on this road. This road, is lined with shops on both sides. You can find shops of the widest range of articles on Laxmi Road. But it is mainly famous for its hundreds of shops of garments of all varieties, suitable for all climates and purposes. Jewelry shops take a distant second.

Shopping in Pune 2/3

• Bajirao Road (Furniture Market): Bajirao road provides excellent opportunities for shopping. Mainly garment shops, furniture shop and presentation article shops are situated on this highly crowded road with an approximate overall length of about 2km.

• Mahatma Gandhi Road (Gifts & Articles): Famously known as MAIN STREET, MG Road is a very good shopping area which is famous for its Gifts & Articles.

• Fashion Street: Just off East Street is the miniature version of Bombay's Fashion Street. There are in all 448 stalls over here which remain open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. This market place is spread over an area of about 2 acres. Mostly the stalls are of the size of about 20 - 30 sq. ft. The articles for sale are brought from Mumbai and sold over here.

• For more tips on shopping in Pune, visit: http://shopping.virtualpune.com

Shopping in Pune 3/3

• The mall industry in Pune is booming and quite a few good malls have begun to spring up in recent years. Shopper's Stop, Big Bazaar, Pyramid, M & S and all are located inside malls.

• Pune Central, 256, Koncord Towers, Dhole Patil Rd• Pune Central 2, Near E-Square• City Mall, Ganesh Khind Rd.• Lingfield Plaza, 7, Clover Centre, Moledina Rd, Camp.• India Bulls (previously Pyramid), Senapati Bapat Rd.• LifeStyle, Kalyani Nagar• Kaakde Mall, MG Road, Featuring Pyramid, Westside, M & S, Body

shop, Mochi & almost all brands to shop for.• Kaakde Mall, Near E-Square