Travel
The city of Pune is about 170 km south-east of Mumbai (Bombay) along the Mumbai-Pune expressway. IUCAA (aa-yoo-kaa, आयुका) is located at the north end of the campus of the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU). It is located between the neighbourhoods of Aundh and Khadki. NCRA-TIFR is located just next door.
For local travel in the city, you can hail an Autorickshaw or book Uber/Ola Rides to most places in Pune. You may use “Chandrasekhar Auditorium” as a location.
If you arrive in Pune by bus / train:
You can take a Taxi/Auto from the "Pune Station" to your place of stay. An Auto ride to IUCAA takes about 30 - 45 minutes depending on traffic.
The important intercity Bus stops are Bremen Chowk, Shivajinagar/Sangamwadi, or Swargate in order of increasing distance. You can take an Auto or App based rides from your bus stand. Be mindful of the meter readings if you are taking a direct ride. A fare more than ~INR 300/- to IUCAA, is quite on the higher side.
If you arrive in Pune by air:
You can take a prepaid taxi or auto-rickshaw (~INR 300-400/-) from the Lohegaon Airport (PNQ), Pune, which is about 13 kms from IUCAA. You can also book Uber/Ola Rides from Lohegaon Airport.
The larger international airport closest to Pune is in Mumbai.
If you are arriving in Mumbai, you may opt for one of the following:
- By taxi - On an average the taxi-ride takes ~3 hours, the distance is ~170 km and the cost is around INR 3,000/-. A taxi may be shared with another traveler headed for the same destination for the same total cost.
- By train - You can take a train to Pune Railway Station.
- By bus - You can take a bus from Dadar bus stand, from where air-conditioned “Shivneri” buses leave frequently for Pune. Travelling by bus will cost around INR 750.
Weather
Pune lies on the leeward side of the Western Ghats. At an altitude of ~560m the climate is mostly pleasant. Since it is still winter, please carry a jacket or sweater for the mornings and evenings, as minimum temperatures are dropping below 10 degrees Celsius and it's chilly on the university campus. The campus around IUCAA is very good for morning/night walks.
Important Notes
- Please make your own arrangements to reach your place of stay, if you do not have accommodation at IUCAA.
- The gate between IUCAA and SPPU closes for vehicles at 10.00pm and opens at 5.30am. The gate on Aundh Road stays open till 12.00am.
Please call the IUCAA Security at 020-25604650 if you are arriving outside these times and/or in case you find any gate closed. They will help you out.
