Welcome to the 2nd All India Homeschoolers Conference, 2014.
Please click on the tabs above for the Registration Form and other information.

FAQ


GENERAL

What should I pack in my bags?

Request all attendees to try and get as many things as possible to enable fun sessions. IHC will arrange for many things required for the conference but difficult to carry some of these and will be easier if carried by each member
For Art Corner – 
Old paints, reusable papers, newspapers, any left over art supplies, items that can be used to make best out of waste products like CDs, cans, jars, paper bags, bottles, pots, pans, old magazines, etc
For inauguration (21st evening) and Stage night (24th night) – 
Colorful, traditional, theatrical, fancy wardrobe
For stage night get the songs, costume, accessory you need for your performance.
For pond visit – 
Swim wear/gear, Sun block, towel, water, snacks
For Drum circle and other musical nights – 
drums, instrument, old pans and pots to make drums
For IHC 14 Mela(Sun : Post Lunch) 
your creations and collections to display, demonstrate, share or sell at the MELA
There are no tables and only a few benches, so bring a mat, dhurrie or sheet to spread down. 
You may also decorate your stall.
Curriculum Show and tell 
– your books, curriculum, lap books, software on CDs, presentation, etc
For Grow your own food session - (Sat 2.30 - 4.30)
your creations and collections to display, demonstrate, share or sell at the MELA


Library and Toys corner 
– old books you might want to share
- games you can play indoor
- skipping ropes, hula-hoop, modelling clay etc
And More 
– Lip balms, mosquito repellent, medicines  
- warm clothes, extra sheets / blankets
- water bottles, dry snacks
- sturdy walking shoes, binoculars (bird watching), camera, video camera for recording the sessions


TRANSPORT

What is the address of the venue?

The address is 
ST MARY'S VILLA, NEXT TO SHOOTING POINT, KHANDALA, MAHARASHTRA.



How do I reach there? 

BY TRAIN

Lonavala, Khandala are the nearest railway stations.

If they are not falling in the route that you take you may get down at Mumbai or Pune and then take a bus/ taxi from there. 

BY ROAD

Mumbai - Khandala (110 kms) - 2 - 3 hours
Pune - Khandala (70 kms) - 1 - 1.30 hours


When coming from Mumbai:
1 After crossing Nerul, Kalamboli & reaching the Khalapur Toll Plaza continue & cross under the old Bombay Pune highway .
2 Pass from the Khandala tunnel & about 2 & half kms further ahead you come to a fork with the left side road a bit narrow & going downslope. 
3 TAKE THIS LEFT ROAD. The moment you reach down immediate first LEFT turn is the road to St Mary's also known as the Shooting point.

: (022) 44820000 Pune : (020) 448
BY BUS

All type of buses from ordinary to express from non-AC to AC-Volvo operate between Mumbai / Pune and Lonavala / Khandala. 

A number of private buses ply on these routes regularly (every 10/ 15 minutes) and getting tickets is not a problem. Perhaps you may also contact these bus operators directly if you want the details in advance.

Maharashtra Road Transport : http://www.msrtc.gov.in/msrtc_live/index-eng.html 
Helpline 1800-22-1250

Private Operators (There are many more operators though)

www.travelyaari.com  

http://www.redbus.in/ Helpline 1860-300-10101


BY TAXI

You can hire a cab directly online or from Mumbai/ Pune Bus Terminus or Local Railway Stations. 

The prices are anywhere between Rs.1500 to Rs. 3000 for 4 persons. 


You may also contact the other Homeschooling families in Mumbai/ Pune who are attending Swashikshan IHC 14 to get any local information and may also pool with them if your arrival timings match.


The complete database of the attendees has already been shared with you so you may coordinate with them directly. 

Advanced online booking for the cabs:

http://www.getmecab.com/

http://www.olacabs.com/

http://www.bookcab.in/mumbai-to-lonavala-car-rental

http://www.bookcab.in/pune-to-lonavala-car-rental


From Archive
Last year Urmila had spoken to Simran taxi who does mostly Mumbai-Pune-Mumbai airport runs, but we also sometimes have to use him for other points in Mumbai. He charges Rs.1800/- one way for an AC Indica, tolls included.  He says he will charge the same for Mumbai - Khandala and Pune - Khandala.  If you do not get a better deal, or if you share,  here is his number: 9823054304

Is there any local transport available? 

Yes. Auto rickshaws are easily available. It is the best option for pick-ups/ drops to and fro railway stations. As on 2013 the charges were:
Lonavala Station - St. Mary's - Rs 100/-
From Khandala Station  - St. Mary's - Rs 50/-

Though you can always bargain for some discounts.


What if I reach at odd hours?  

Those who are arriving at odd hours like mid night or early hours of the morning, please note:
You may contact rickshaw driver Kalidas
Reference to be given : Supriya Joshi - (St. Mary's)
Mobile number - 9823929915

You may also use his number in case you want to pre-book your auto.

What if I have any other queries related to transport?

If you have any issues on arrival you may call Urmila Samson 9422330377,   Supriya Joshi 07666547040. 

It is also suggested that participants share arrival dates / times / modes of transport as a response to this page so that people can form car/cab pools on arrival.


FOOD

Is there any shop nearby where I can buy eatables?

The Tuck Shop in the premises of St Marys stocks chips, biscuits, local chikki, cold-drinks and mineral water.

St. Mary's is on the highway and is therefore very accessible to shops and restaurants to suit every palette and pocket!

Is there any facility to prepare baby food for my baby?

One gas range and cylinder will be available and one person from St. Mary's kitchen will help whoever needs to do very small cooking for preparing baby food. You need to inform us well in advance if you wish to use this facility. You also need to bring your own small utensils in such case.


FACILITIES

What are the meal timings? 

St Mary management is very strict on meal timings. The timings to the four meals offered to the participants are:  

Breakfast       8 am to 9 am
Lunch            1 pm to 2 pm
Tea               4 pm to 4.30 pm
Dinner           8 pm to 9 pm

Is there any open space in or around St Marys? Are we organizing any outings?

There are many open spaces where one can sit in groups or conduct sessions. There is a shaded garden, another space overlooking valley, much more, but playing outdoor games like football is not allowed in St Marys.

Perhaps St. Mary's has a huge play ground that is on the edge of a valley. Please bring footballs, cricket equipment , frisbee  or any other games equipment for the evening sports time.

We will be organizing at least one walk/trek, and more if possible. Those interested should bring appropriate shoes, caps, water bottles and carry a snack.

There is a pond that people may be able to swim in. So please do carry your swim wear, towels and soaps. 

Swashikshan Team IHC - 13.




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