Explore Pune Day
Stay a little longer. The conference ends on Friday — but Maharashtra has more to show you, and the community will still be here on Sunday.
One extra day.
A lifetime of memories.
Deccan Queen on Rails Explore Pune Day is an optional day after the conference where speakers and attendees explore Maharashtra together. No talks. No slides. Just people, places, and the kind of conversations that only happen when you're not rushing to the next session.
October is Pune's most beautiful month — the Western Ghats are still lush from the monsoon, the sky is clear, and the weather is perfect for being outdoors. We couldn't not take advantage of it.
This is the part of the conference that people talk about for years after. The conference ends. The journey continues.
Sunday, October 11, 2026
A full day out — activities start in the morning, wrap up by evening so you can catch late flights or trains home.
Speakers & attendees together
Explore Pune Day is one of the rare times you get to spend a whole day with people you've just met in a conference setting, in a completely relaxed environment.
Opt-in & included for speakers
Explore Pune Day is opt-in for attendees and automatically included for all accepted speakers. Logistics (transport, meals, entry) are handled by the organising team.
What we'll explore
Maharashtra is spectacular in October. Here are the experiences we're planning to build the day around.
Sinhagad Fort
One of Maharashtra's most storied forts, perched at 1312 metres above the Deccan plateau. The trek up takes about an hour, and the views from the top — of Pune, the Ghats, and the surrounding plateau — are genuinely breathtaking.
The chai and zunka bhakar at the top stalls are non-negotiable.
Lonavala Ghats
A 60km drive from Pune, Lonavala sits in the heart of the Western Ghats — all waterfalls, misty valleys, and winding mountain roads. In October, after the monsoon, the greenery is at its absolute peak.
The chikki here is famous. You will buy more than you intend to.
Pune Old City Walk
Pune's old city — Kasba Peth, Shaniwar Wada, Mandai — is a world away from the tech parks of Hinjawadi. Ancient wadas, narrow lanes, temples dating back centuries, and chai shops that haven't changed in decades.
A guided heritage walk that will change how you think about the city.
Pune Food Trail
Pune takes its food seriously. This trail hits the city's legendary spots: Bedekar Misal, Durvankur for authentic Maharashtrian thali, the famous Kayani Bakery, and more. A guided eating tour with stops you won't find on travel blogs.
Come hungry. Leave unable to move. Exactly as intended.
Who it's for & what's included
Who it's for
Open to all conference attendees who want to stay an extra day. Whether you're local to Pune, travelling from elsewhere in India, or visiting from overseas — Explore Pune Day is for you.
What's included
Transport between activities, activity entry fees, and meals throughout the day. We're finalising the exact inclusions — details will be published closer to the conference.
How to join
When you register for the conference, you'll be able to opt into Explore Pune Day as part of your registration. Speakers are automatically included. Capacity is limited.
Detailed itinerary coming soon
We're mapping out the exact activities, timings, and meeting points. The full itinerary will be shared with registered participants closer to October. Join the waitlist to stay informed.
The conference ends.
The journey continues.
The best conferences don't end when the last talk is done. They end somewhere on a hillside at sunset, with people you only met three days ago but somehow already feel like old friends.