January 24 – 31, 2024
Woman’s Heritage Walk, India
Cherishing the past to inform our best future
Our Partnering Team
- Heritage India Communications Pvt Ltd is a social enterprise with a difference. The aim of the organisation is to inform and educate and thus nurture pride in our national identity. The company was set up in 2007 with the primary aim of creating awareness about India’s rich legacy and we have been doing this through various media.
- We have so far published 2 quarterly magazines–‘Heritage India’ (24 issues) for our company and ‘Maharashtra Unlimited’ (18 issues) for the Department of Tourism of Maharashtra, which has won the ICE (In-house communication excellence) award at the national level for 4 consecutive years; Coffee table books; conducted training workshops for teachers of History and Social Sciences, for trainers for guides for the Maharashtra Tourism Department and conducted quiz programs and excursions for school children. Heritage Tours across the country in company of experts is another of our specialized fields of activity. We create unique experiences through interactive trips to heritage sites.
- The company has a three fold vision: Make all fellow Indians aware of our rich heritage and motivate them to become guardians of the same; give authentic information about this ancient land to all outsiders who are interested; and, carry forward our legacy to future generations.
Walks in and around:
- Koregaon Park
- Osho Park
- Sarsbaug Gardens
- Parvati Hill
- Sinhagad Fort
- Tekdi
- Bhaje and Karle Caves
Historical Visits to:
- Zapurza Museum
- Pune University
- Tata Motors
- Iyengar Institute for Yoga
- Karve Stree Shikshan Sanstha
- Bhaje and Karle Caves
- Indian Classical Dance
- Kaivalyadham Yoga Institute
Lectures by Experts on:
- Women and Hinduism
- History of India
- Renowned Women of Pune
- Ayurveda
- Indian Classical Dance
- Traditional Indian Diet
- Iyengar Yoga
FAQS Pune, India
What is the fitness level required for the Walk.
Trekking in the mountains of Bhutan for 12 days, including passes of 13,000 feet, is a physically demanding and challenging adventure, and a good level of fitness is required. Here are some things to consider when determining if you are ready for this level of activity:
Cardiovascular fitness: Trekking at high altitude for 12 days, including passes over 13,000 feet, requires a good level of cardiovascular fitness. This can be achieved by regular aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, cycling, or running, as well as by gradually increasing the altitude you are training at.
Endurance: Being able to trek for several hours at a time and at high altitude requires a good level of endurance. Building up to this level of activity can be done by gradually increasing the duration and intensity of your training over time.
Strength: Trekking at high altitude for 12 days requires good leg and core strength to help you maintain good posture and to carry your gear. Regular strength training exercises such as squats, lunges, and leg press can help to build leg and core strength.
Flexibility: Trekking at high altitude for long periods of time can be hard on the body, so flexibility is important to reduce the risk of injury. Stretching and yoga can help to improve your flexibility.
Training: It’s important to train for this level of activity by gradually increasing the distance and altitude of your training over time.
Acclimatization: As you will be trekking at high altitude, you will need to allow yourself sufficient time to acclimatize before starting the trek.
Altitude sickness: Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness and know how to prevent and treat it.
It’s essential to consult with your doctor before attempting this level of activity, particularly if you have any health concerns or haven’t been physically active in a while. A medical clearance is required as part of the application.
It’s also important to note that, as you will be trekking at high altitude, it’s essential to be well-prepared and to have a plan in case of an emergency, including knowing how to prevent and treat altitude sickness.
In addition to physical fitness, it is also important to have a positive attitude and good mental preparation for the trek. The trek will be challenging, and it’s important to be prepared for this, both physically and mentally. The 12 weeks of Wellness will help you to prepare. With proper preparation and training, you can increase your chances of having a successful and enjoyable trek in the mountains of Bhutan.
What will be the weather during our journey?
The weather in Pune, India in February is very pleasant.
Pune, India is located in the western part of the country and has a tropical wet and dry climate. February falls in the post-monsoon season, which is considered the winter season. In general, the weather in Pune in February is relatively cool and pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging around 25-28°C (77-82°F) and nighttime temperatures around 12-15°C (54-59°F).
Rainfall is relatively low in February, but there may be occasional light rain or drizzle. Humidity is also relatively low during this time of year. The sky is usually clear, and the sun is usually shining, with occasional clouds.
It’s a good time to visit Pune as the temperature is mild and the weather is not too hot or too cold, making it perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What should I bring, how should I pack for such a journey?
Here is a list of essentials that you should bring and how to pack for a journey in Bhutan in October:
Pack comfortable and breathable clothing that can be layered, including a waterproof jacket, a sun hat. In keeping with cultural standards, please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. Dress modestly.
Footwear: Pack a sturdy and comfortable pair of hiking boots or shoes with good grip and support. Also, pack a pair of lightweight sandals or shoes.
Food: Pack high-energy snacks such as nuts, dried fruits, and protein bars
First-Aid Kit: Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit, including bandages, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic ointment. Hand carry any medications
Personal Hygiene Items: Pack personal hygiene items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer.
Sun Protection: Pack a wide brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm.
Copies of Your Passport and Visa.
Journal: Don’t forget it!
A Resilient and Kind Attitude!
What is the food like? Will it be vegetarian or non-vegetarian?
Meals will include traditional cuisine from the Pune region which will accommodate most varied preferences.
Pune, India is known for its diverse and delicious food culture. Here are some classic dishes from the Pune region that you should try:
Misal Pav: This is a popular breakfast dish made with a spicy mixture of sprouted lentils, known as “misal,” served with pav (a type of bread roll) and topped with a variety of chutneys, yogurt, and farsan (a type of fried snack).
Vada Pav: A popular street food dish that consists of a deep-fried potato patty called vada served in a pav (bread roll) with a variety of chutneys and spices.
Kothimbir Vadi: A traditional Maharashtrian snack made from gram flour and coriander leaves. It is steamed, cut into small squares, and fried.
Pithla Bhakri: A staple dish from the region made of a thick chickpea flour-based curry, known as “pithla,” served with bhakri (a type of bread made from jowar, bajra, or ragi flour).
Sabudana Khichadi: A popular dish made with sabudana (tapioca pearls), peanuts, and spices, usually consumed during fasting days.
Kande Pohe: A traditional breakfast dish made from flattened rice, known as “pohe,” cooked with onions and potatoes.
Shrikhand: A sweet dish made from hung yogurt and flavored with saffron, cardamom, and nuts.
Kala Vatana Amti: A traditional Maharashtrian dish made from black peas and a variety of spices.
Bharli Vangi: A traditional dish made from stuffed brinjal cooked in a tomato-based gravy
Modak: A sweet dumpling made from rice flour and filled with sweet coconut, jaggery and nut filling, it is a traditional sweet from Maharashtra
I hope it surprises and delights you!
What type of accommodation will be provided during the trek?
You will return every night to a 4 a very comfortable tar hotel.
Please note you are responsible for any travel and health insurance, and this should include emergency evacuation, cancelation protection, add on excursion, Cancellation protection, Airfare to and from Paro airport
Meet The In-country Cultural Expert
Manjiri Khandekar loves learning and has a degree in Ancient Indian Culture and History from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Mass Communications from the Sophia Polytechnic, Mumbai, and a Master of Philosophy in French from the University of Pune.
A collaboration with the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, started her career at the University of Pune after authoring a textbook in French language acquisition. Her professional trajectory culminated two decades later with a project at the Montpellier University in France, where she presented two Marathi films subtitled into French with a team of students and teachers. She recently retired after twenty years of teaching French at the Master’s level.
In May of 2007, Manjiri launched her own company: Heritage India Communications Pvt. Ltd. The focus is to create a heightened awareness of India’s rich and vast heritage. In addition to scholarly publications, Heritage India organizes teacher and student workshops, quiz competitions, heritage tours, and multiple online courses on various aspects of Indian heritage for a global audience.
Punyakatha – Pune’s Story of a Million Years, published by Manjiri in October 2021, is a children’s book but serves as a family encyclopedia of the treasures of the region of Pune. As an Army wife, Manjiri has lived and traveled across different parts of India and became involved with the Women’s Heritage Walk in July 2022 and is proud and excited to showcase her country in this unique Walk with women from across the globe.
Anuradha is the Admin and Accounts Head at Heritage India Communications Private Limited. She has been associated with the organization for over a decade and is very closely involved in the day-to-day activities of the organization.
She has completed a bachelor’s degree in science and a bachelor’s in journalism from Pune University.
Alongside her career, she has a keen interest and is involved in various philanthropic activities, as demonstrated by her association with the Rotary International Club Pune. Projects related to generating electricity in tribal areas and creating awareness about women’s health, to name a few. She also helmed the position of the President of the Rotary Club of Pune, Sinhagad Road, during 2021 – 2022.
Namrata has been an integral part of Heritage India Communications Pvt. Ltd. from its inception, handling the marketing and distribution in the early years to handling the website and other digital aspects of the company, even as she moved to Canada.
Namrata has a Bachelor’s from Fergusson College Pune in Economics and Université de Paris 2 in Mass Communications. She also has a Master’s from École Supérieur de Publicité with Certification as a Manager of Communications agencies. She enjoys working with children and being an active part of the community. Alongside Heritage India, she enthusiastically volunteers at her children’s school and is a part-time substitute teacher.
A mother of two active boys, in her free time, she tries to stay fit through dance and sports and explores places and cultures through books.
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SPONSORSHIP:
We are forever grateful to the individuals, companies, and businesses that believed in the strength and tenacity of women and supported this challenge. Click here to see what sponsors have blessed us since 2016.
Pictures from our Journey
About Us
