There is a fresh energy brewing on the Eastern side of Pune.
For a while now, a few of us have been working quietly but passionately to revive the IITBAA Pune Chapter (East). What started as a simple ritual—meeting every first Sunday of the month at Vaishali Express, Amanora for coffee and conversation—is now evolving into a vibrant, active community.
Our vision is to move beyond just networking tables. We want to build a group that explores, celebrates, and unwinds together—planning everything from Hurda parties and musical nights to fruit parties and match-screenings.
To kickstart this new phase, we organized our very first outdoor adventure yesterday: A Sunrise Trek to the ADYPU / Khandoba Hill Top.
The Morning of "Will We, Won't We?"
The plan was ambitious for a Saturday morning: Assemble at 6:30 AM, start at 6:45 AM sharp, and catch the 7:09 AM sunrise.
As an organizer, there is always that moment of anxiety before an event. Will people actually wake up this early? Is it too cold? But as I pulled into the parking lot, my doubts vanished. Ravindra Ji’s family and Jayant ji’s family were already there—before time!
We waited a few minutes for the rest to trickle in, and soon we were a strong squad of about 16 participants ready to roll.
The Climb: 5 Layers of Surprise
For those who haven’t trekked Khandoba Hill, it’s a unique landscape consisting of five layers: the first three are uphill, the fourth is a descent, and the fifth climbs again up to the temple.
Our initial target was modest: reach the Layer 3 Plateau, a massive open space perfect for chilling.
The first 50-60 meters were a bit tricky—it was still dark, and the path was rocky. I could sense a little hesitation in the group. But as we climbed toward the second layer, the sky began to lighten, and the rhythm set in.
By the time we hit the Layer 3 plateau, we were ready for the sunrise. Unfortunately, the Pune smog had other plans. We couldn't see the crisp sunrise or the usual view of the airport runway, but it honestly didn't matter. The breeze was cool, the air was fresh, and the mood was electric.
The Young "Sherpas"
The real MVPs of this trek were the kids. We had a lively group of children, the youngest being around 3.5 years old, and they were unstoppable.
I was particularly proud of my own kids. This hill is like a second home to us; we’ve been trekking here for over a decade. My younger one first climbed to Layer 3 on his own when he was just two years old! Yesterday, seeing them help the other members—pointing out the slippery patches, suggesting the best paths, and acting as little guides—was a proud parenting moment.
Pushing for the Temple
We were having such a good time on the plateau with our snacks (since there are no stalls up there, everyone brought their own goodies) that a sudden wave of energy hit the group.
“Why stop here?”
Everyone—from the toddlers to the seniors in their 70s—decided to push for the summit. We navigated the downhill Fourth Layer (stopping to pet some friendly local dogs) and climbed the Fifth Layer to the Khandoba Temple.
The sense of achievement at the top was palpable. We were soon joined by Ashutosh, who deserves a special shoutout for his commitment—he traveled all the way from Kothrud (which is quite a trek in itself!) to join us. Aniruddha and his family also caught up, completing the group.
The Leader’s Lens
On a personal note, this trek felt different for me. I’ve climbed this hill many a times. For me, it was just another day of trekking.
But helping others witness and experience the same thing was a very different level of experience.
Moving from doing things for my own enjoyment to leading a group and facilitating their joy gave me a deep sense of satisfaction. It has only strengthened my resolve to organize more such events—not just treks, but other activities where we can share our passions.
The Breakfast Adventure (And a Plot Twist)
No IITBAA event is complete without food. As we descended, we found our surprise guest, Amit Nagar, waiting for us at the base! He couldn't make the hike but was determined to join the "breakfast party."
We headed to our planned spot, Dosa Crush in Lohegaon, only to find it... closed.
There we were—hungry trekkers, hungry kids, and a closed gate. But thanks to Aniruddha and Amit’s quick thinking, we pivoted to Cafe Durga, where we finally settled down for a well-earned meal. The chaos of finding a new place only added to the bonding experience!
What the Community Said
Don’t just take my word for it. Here is what our members had to say:
"Thanks Dhawal for organizing this event. With age groups from 2 to late 70s, it was really great. 16 participants assembling so early... indicates the commitment and will be catalysing for those who could not attend today." — Jayant
"At first I was sceptical about this early in the morning... but having 15 odd people including family members and kids was really lovely. The view from the top made it all worthwhile." — Aniruddha
What’s Next?
This trek was a massive success for the revival of the IITBAA Pune Chapter (East), but it’s just the beginning.
We meet every first Sunday of the month. For February, we are tentatively planning a Musical Event, but we are keeping the calendar open for all kinds of fun activities.
If you are an alum living in Eastern Pune, come join us. Let's escape the city noise together.
Adventure Awaits! ⛰️✨
📸 Photo Gallery
Photo credit goes to dear friend Aniruddha, Ashutosh and of course Ravindra ji.
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