Pune Archives - Rickshaw Challenge

Things to do in Pune – Apart from the Usual Sightseeing

veronika — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 14:16:40 +0000

Once you’re done with the usual touristy sights, there are many more things to do in Pune – if you have the energy, that is. Oh, and capacity to eat (and drink) many delicious treats!
Osho Commune International

Situated in Koregaon Park, this international meditation resort has a lot of activities (and food) to offer. It is the perfect place to get away from the world a bit, with a beautiful Zen park to soothe your nerves and meditation courses that’ll teach you to relax completely. Whether it is creative arts, sports or cooking you want to do, they have it all.

Doolally Brewing Company

Photo by Quinn Dombrowski

Following the traditional way of beer brewing, Doolally Brewery Comany is a very popular micro-brewery in Pune. Although they make small batches, they have tons of flavours, like Rauchbier, Kolsch, Oatmeal Stout, Belgian Witbier and even Apple Cider for people with a sweet tooth. Be sure to try out at least a couple of these flavour palettes, and try not to miss the annual Doolally Beer Olympics and Doolally’s Oktoberfest, held in May and October, respectively.

ABC Cheese Farm

Photo by Skånska Matupplevelser

Lovers of cheese, rejoice! Your prayers have been answered. A farm. Where you can eat cheese. Seventy DIFFERENT varieties of cheese. The cheese paradise was created in 1976 and has remained successful ever since (we’re not surprised.) You can sample all the cheese you can bear here, like the whiskey and walnut enhanced cheese wonder, or the cranberry flavoured cheese creation. All of their products are made without preservatives and chemicals. You can book a cheese tasting appointment on their website.

Rajgad Fort

Worth the Trek. Photo Credit: Wiki

Just 50 kilometres outside of Pune, the Rajgad Fort is a destination that was made for the sporty individual; it can only be reached through a large number of steps, steep valleys and uphill pathways. It can be a great hiking trip and a history lesson, if you can muster enough energy. Once you’re there, you’ll see why the trek was worth it; looking over the city of Pune while the sun goes down is an incredibly rewarding view. The fort used to be the residence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, so you’ll feel like you have been thrown back into time. Nature and history fans will absolutely adore it!

Prabhat Museum
Another great way to spend a couple of hours in Pune is the Prabhat Museum. If you’re interested in movie making and films in general, the museum will help you broaden your knowledge with the help of the hundreds of historical movie memorabilia acquired from Prabhat Studios, which stopped its operations in 1953. This was the moviemaking firm that produced great films such as Sant Tukaram, Amrut Manthan, Kunku, Duniya Na Mane and Shejari. You’ll see costumes, photos, film equipment, musical instruments and even movie contracts, all attesting to the advancement of Indian filmmaking. Be sure to check out the Tutari, a traditional Indian trumpet that used to be the symbol of the Studios.

Are you crazy enough to come along for the ride? Then join us on the next Rickshaw Challenge. Get a team together and let’s see you at the starting line! If you want to join us in spirit, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to keep up with our latest antics.

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Costumes & Three Wheels: The Mumbai Xpress 2015 Begins

Jennifer — Fri, 14 Aug 2015 13:15:22 +0000

One of the toughest three-wheeled adventures in the Travel Scientists’ repertoire, the Mumbai Xpress is an ambitious feet from Mumbai to Chennai, a journey that traverses most of South India and the better part of 2000km – all during the infamous monsoon season. As our nutty teams kick off from India’s largest metropolis, are they ready for this challenge of endurance?

Photo by Ashleigh Grant from Team Smurf.

Day 1: Meeting the Rickshaws

We started things off on an easy note for day 1, getting the paperwork and registration out of the way before introducing the teams to their rickshaws and getting them to practice a bit on their three-wheeled steeds.
Registration started at 9am, and you would have thought people would have leapt out of bed for the chance to do some paperwork, but only 3 teams were uber motivated to sign up so early. The others made it down at a leisurely 11am. Once everyone had given their deposits and signed their souls… er we mean signed the terms and agreements, everybody was led into the Royal Hall in the hotel for a pep talk from the Head Scientist, Aravind Bremanandam, to get everyone in the mood.
Once pepped, then it was time to face the beasts, and our plucky teams made their way over to the Women’s University Campus for some rickshaw driving lessons and general how-not-to-kill-yourself-in-India while driving preparation. One team played hooky though, and that was the Monsoon Riders, although they had a valid excuse in that they were not even in India due to a flight muck-up, but they got the chance to catch up on their training the day after.
After the practice, the teams had the chance to tackle the Mumbai traffic themselves as they had to take the rickshaws back to the hotel. A couple of teams broke down along the way, team Nan of Your Business had flat tyres and needed to change the wheels, but get extra brownie points for managing to do it themselves. Off course there is nothing like Mumbai traffic to inspire one to drink, so everyone went up for the welcome party at Gringo Bar to kick start the fun! The event was also double special, since Neil from team Little Laia and the Blues Brothers, celebrated his birthday.

Day 2: Exploring Mumbai

Photo by Rhys O’Connor from team Curry Struck.

The teams had the chance to explore the city at their own pace, and hone their rickshaw driving skills before hitting the road. The night before turned into a heavy, late night affair, where our rickshaw racers commandeered the swimming pool at 2am during the long party night. Since hangovers were abundant the morning after, most took it easy on day 2 and chose to hit the hay early in preparation for day one on the road.

Day 3: Mumbai to Alibag

Photo by Min Chai from team N2 Extreme TukTuk.

Day one on the road, and the energy was high. Most of the participants came in elaborate and funny costumes ready to tackle the open road with their three-wheeled beast. Sputtering out of the hotel, the main challenge of the day was to get out of Mumbai unscathed. While the traffic was no less unforgiving than normal, the teams reached Alibag before the luggage truck! However, India being India, the unexpected will always happen, and it seems that Hotel Shyadri wanted to put 5 teams in their new property as guinea pigs. Fortunately, Rickshaw Challengers tend to be good sports, and no one complained about the sudden change, and in fact enjoyed the new place and new lawn. Only a couple of breakdowns to report, but again, we have quite a handy team, since they managed to fix their rickshaws by themselves.

Day 4: Alibag to Pune

Photo by Jon McGivern from team The Indians.

Perhaps it was because of the traffic hell in Mumbai that inspired everyone to get up at dawn and go have breakfast at 7:30am, since today’s destination was Pune, Maharashtra’s second largest city – and famous for its terrible traffic. However, all the teams made it to the hotel by the flag down time, except for one team that had to spend two hours at a Local Garage in Penn. Team 14, The Indians, caused a bit of a stir as one of their team members stripped down for a rather disturbing Buddha impression, which we’re sure most of the teams will forget in a hurry! Today, we decided to rack up the stakes a bit and give the teams some simple challenges, but we started them off light, as they did yet more challenging later.

Day 5: Pune to Mahabaleshwar

Photo by Liane Wicks from team Ice Ice Bhaji.

The teams had a few challenges to get to know Pune a little before embarking onwards to Mahabaleshwar, after visiting the famous Aga Khan Palace, they also had the interesting challenge of making chai at a local stall and capturing the moment on camera. Teams Mystery Machine and Nan of Your Business took their own rally course to see a bit more of India, but the competition is heating up among the rest of the teams. So far things are good, and it looks like everyone is having fun, but it’s early days still, so who knows what we can expect in the next coming days?

Are you crazy enough to come along for the ride? Then join us on the next Rickshaw Challenge. Then get a team together and lets see you at the starting line! If you want to join us in spirit, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or Instagram to keep up with our latest antics.

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9 Interesting Sites on the Deccan Plateau

admin — Mon, 04 May 2015 09:41:23 +0000

The Deccan Odyssey is on the horizon, starting in just a month and a bit, so to hype things up a bit we want to introduce the Deccan Plateau to you. This large stretch of land, taking up most of central and south India, lies between the Western and Eastern Ghats, the Nilgiri Hills in the south and Aravalli and Chota Nagpur hills in the north.

The plateau is vast, so of course the Rickshaw Challenge Deccan Odyssey won’t go through all of these places, but we do touch on them in the India’s Cup and the Rickshaw Challenge Mumbai Xpress as well!

The Ajanta and Ellora Caves

Photo by Yashasvi nagda

Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves are some of India’s most remarkable monuments. Housing intricate friezes, frescoes and rock-carved temples dedicated to Buddhist, Hindu and Jain faiths, the Ajanta caves date back to the 2^nd century BC to 6^th century AD; it has 29 caves and is set in the stunning backdrop of a crescent shaped gorge. Ellora on the otherhand has 34 caves, with grand halls, monasteries and temples inside. These caves are slightly younger than Ajanta, dating back to 5^th to 11^th centuries AD. This is definitely going to be one of the biggest highlights on the upcoming Deccan Odyssey!
The Mini-Taj Mahal of Aurangabad

Photo by Arian Zwegers

Aurangabad might be used as a gateway to visit the famous Ajanta and Ellora caves, but this city, named after the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, has plenty to offer.
The city has its own set of Buddhist cave temples dating back to the 6^th and 7^th century AD, but perhaps its most amazing is Bibi ka Maqbara, a monument that bears a striking resemblance to the Taj Mahal. This white marbled building was built in the 17^th century by Azam Shah for his mother, and is pretty spectacular, especially if you won’t get the time to go all the way up to Agra, this makes a pretty good consolation prize.

The Ruins of Hampi

Photo by Apadegal

At the centre of the Deccan Plateau in Karnataka, the enigmatic city of Hampi spreads out for miles on end, with ancient temples and palaces dotted between rocky boulders. This is another UNESCO Site that the Deccan Plateau can claim for itself. Hampi used to be the capital of the Hindu Kingdom of Vijayanagar, which saw its hayday in the 14^th to 16^th centuries. Even today, Hampi is still a spectacular site for visitors. Hampi is one of our highlights on the India’s Cup Ambassador rally!

The Fort of Belgaum

Photo by Manjunath Doddamani Gajendragad

The town of Belgaum dates back to the 12^th century AD to the Ratta dynasty. Belgaum was renowned for its trade in diamonds and wood in the past, but today it’s still a commercial hub of Karnataka state. Main features of this town, which is one of our stops on the Deccan Odyssey, is Belgaum Fort, built in the 13^th century by Jaya Raya. The fort is perhaps most famed for Gandhi having been imprisoned by the British here. You’ll also find several religious monuments dedicated to Hindu, Jain and Muslim faiths inside as well.

The Qutb Shahi Monuments of Hyderabad

Photo by Vamsi Varma

Hyderabad is one of the most interesting cities in the Deccan Plateau. It has a Muslim majority and almost split to join Pakistan, had it not been in its geographic location in the south of India. Main sites include the famous Charminar at the centre of the old town, and Golconda Fort on the outskirts. Golconda is India’s second largest fort and a spectacular site in itself. You’ll also find the spectacular Qutb Shahi Tombs close to Golconda as well.

The Tea Fields of Ooty

Up in the Nilgiri Hills, the town of Ooty is known for its tea gardens and factories. A drive through the hills offers stunning views of bright green tea fields stretching down the mountainside. The tight hairpin bends would be a challenge by rickshaw, which is why we try to get the Ambassadors to tackle this route on the India’s Cup.

The Palaces of Mysore

Famed for its palaces, Mysore is a city in South India that can be thought of as a jewel in its own right. Mysore Palace is said to be India’s second most visited site after the Taj Mahal, and is a bright and gaudy example of indo-saracenic style. The palace echoes back to the era of the Maharajas, with its interior resembling a jewel more than a palace.

Pune’s Legacy

Photo by Mahurkartejas

Pune was once the seat of the Maratha Empire and grew under the ruler Shicajo and under the British Raj. The city today is India’s eighth largest metropolis in India and the state’s second largest city after Mumbai.
There is plenty to see and do in Pune, like the 8^th century rock-cut Pataleshwar Cave Temple or the Aga Kahn Palace. Perhaps the most famous monument is the Red Palace, built in the 17^th century and a bright red structure in the city.

The Gardens of Bangalore

Photo by Kprateek88

Bangalore, also known as the Garden City, is Karnataka’s capital and also the IT hub of India. It’s a city that had a complex history from the Vijayanagar Empire to the Mughals, the Wodeyars and to British India. Bangalore’s main attractions are the Vidhan Soudha – the Legislative Chambers of the state government – and Lal Bagh, 240 acres of gardens!

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Discovering India on three wheels

admin — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 07:25:18 +0000

Press below for the in motion Mumbai Xpress.
The Ultimate Auto-rickshaw Adventure Mumbai Xpress 2013, is a charitable programme which takes aspiring adventurers from different countries and takes them on an exciting 2,000km journey in auto-rickshaws. Their journey began in Mumbai on July 29 and will conclude on August 9. Yesterday, the group were in Pune at the SSVMS in Karvenagar. They interacted with the school children, who benefit greatly from this activity. “Sometimes the participants voluntarily make individual donations to the schools that we run. Round Table India’s purpose behind the event is to generate funds to run these schools,” says Ankush Mehta, secretary of Pune Midtown Round Table 65.
The participants themselves make hay of this opportunity by getting to see India in all its vibrance and reality. With participants from UK, New Zealand, Russia, Australia and Germany, each rickshaw has customised designs and peculiar names. Speaking exclusively to dna, one of the racers, Marc Spence from Australia said, “This is my second visit to India and this time, I wanted to see the real side of this country. So, when I saw this opportunity, I decided to participate.”
Marc, who is in the business of Prosthetics back home, finds the overall experience fascinating. “It was great to ride surrounded by the mountains. It was riding in the cities that was stressful. Especially in Pune, things just keep popping up before you and you have to keep finding gaps,” Marc says, utterly thrilled. By the time he reaches Chennai, Marc will definitely get a hang of Indian roads and the unique skill set required to drive on them.
Via: DNA India

More press below

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Nightmarket. Pune. India.

admin — Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:27:20 +0000

An evening in Pune, India.
Film by Gunther Machu

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Dial An Auto Rickshaw

admin — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 09:47:38 +0000

Autowale.in is a breakthrough 24×7 dial a rickshaw service launched in Pune, India that offers commuters a convenient, efficient and reliable way to book an auto rickshaw and commute around the city. Leveraging technology the way dial a cab services work, Autowale offers both rickshaw drivers and commuters a better system and experience.

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The Dancing Wedding

admin — Thu, 03 May 2012 06:51:26 +0000

‘The Dancing Wedding’ is the story of an Indian guy and French girl getting married over three days of festivities in Pune, India. Along with family and friends representing 27 different nationalities.
The 19 minute film takes an objective look at the popular Indian beliefs and rituals.
A film by Julien Charpentier. facebook.com/jucharpentier
Trailer

Full Version

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Welcome to the Deccan Odyssey!

admin — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 08:13:27 +0000

The Rickshaw Challenge Deccan Odyssey was flagged off by Panaji mayor Yatin Parekh on Sunday, in which participants will be driving their auto-rickshaws to Mumbai.

Having had two days of intensive training, driving their tricky tuk-tuk – as they refer to it, participants are looking forward to the trip. Of seven teams competing, winners will get a free entry into the Caucasian Challenge Motor Rally in Europe besides a refurbished vintage Rickshaw Meter trophy.

‘Along the way, they will have to complete certain challenges while experiencing the real India,’ states organizers Chennai Event Management Services.

“There is a bit of risk, surprise and the active participation of everyone. Through a rickshaw one can feel every smell and every bump on the way, as well as touch the culture. We don’t organize sanitized tourism. Ours is adventure tourism with a reality feel to it,” said Aravind Bremanandam, managing director.

Via: Times Of India

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Dial A Rickshaw

admin — Thu, 19 May 2011 05:44:40 +0000

IndiaCommutes – a communication channel connecting commuters and auto-rickshaw drivers.

‘IndiaCommutes (InCom) is focussed on solving commute related issues in urban India by using community & location intelligence. Currently doing a pilot in Pune, InCom is offerering Dial-a-Rickshaw service over the phone. In the future same service will be extended over Web and SMS.’

The program has the following benefits to its customers/drivers: convenience, cost-effectiveness, safe commute and fuel saving (since auto drivers don’t need to roam around looking for customers.), helping passengers and drivers plan trips in an optimized way.

Via: IndiaCommutes, YourStory.in

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Introducing AutoMeterFare India App for Android

admin — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 07:57:22 +0000

The AutoMeterFare app is to help auto-rickshaw passengers calculate how much they need to pay for their fare. This smart app helps auto-rickshaw users in many cities in India, ten so far (list below).

Cities Supported:
• Ahmedabad
• Bengaluru
• Chandigarh
• Delhi
• Hyderabad
• Mumbai
• Nagpur
• Navi Mumbai
• Pune
• Trivandrum

Features:
• Call relevant authorities directly from the app!
• Option to automatically enable night time surcharge based on system time!
• Meter reading supports decimal places too!

Via: AutoMeterFare India

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