Fireflies Festival 2023

 

Fireflies festival 2023 is about to begin! For those unaware of what this festival is about – every year just before monsoon, in the month of May and June, you can spot innumerable fireflies after sunset around Mumbai and various regions of Maharashtra. The sight of thousands of fireflies glowing in the dark is a sight to behold! 

Fireflies also called as Kajawa in Marathi and Jugnu in Hindi emit light in various patterns (up to 2000 designs!) to attract the opposite gender. 

Fireflies in Mumbai and most megacities are not much discussed and seen as the chaos and too much light of the city make it difficult to spot them. However, there are many places around Mumbai and Maharashtra where these gleaming bugs exist in the highest density. Various firefly events near Mumbai, away from noise and light pollution are organized each year to spot fireflies. A firefly trail is one of a kind experience and will truly excite you.

Gear up for the most unique natural trails that the firefly festival of Maharashtra has to offer. Choose from destinations such as Rajmachi, Prabalmachi, Kondane, Purushwadi, and Bhandhardhara to explore the expanse of the Western Ghats covered with twinkling small lights, this pre-monsoon!

 

Table of contents
  Introduction to fireflies
  List of destinations to witness fireflies
  Firefly festival FAQs
  Facts about fireflies

 

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Rajmachi Fireflies Special Trek - Tour
  • Lonavala, Maharashtra
  • 1 Night 2 Days

Rajmachi Fireflies Special Trek

₹ 1,999

Rajmachi Fireflies Special Trek Rajmachi trek base village: Udhewadi and Kondhane Rajmachi trek difficulty level: Easy Rajmachi trek distance from Udhewadi: 15 km Rajmachi trek duration from Udhewadi: 5-6 hours Rajmachi trek distance from Kondhane: 18 km  Rajmachi trek duration from Kondhane: 5-6 hours Rajmachi from Mumbai: 80 km Rajmachi from Pune: 75 km Rajmachi fireflies trek awaits you! Rajmachi Village situated near Lonavala, surrounded by Western Ghats is a perfect place to trek, camp and explore the twinkling fireflies during weekends. This firefly festival in Lonavala is the best option, especially if you are looking for a short getaway from the chaos of Mumbai and Pune city life!  The Rajmachi fort lying at the elevation of 2,750 feet offers majestic views of the Sahyadri Mountains. The fort is surrounded by beautiful flora and fauna, waterfalls, and green valleys. However, most people are oblivion to the fact that this place of natural beauty can be best explored before monsoon to experience the show of fireflies! The Rajmachi fireflies festival starts with an exciting night trekking experience. Fireflies also called as Kajawa in Marathi are bugs that illuminate after sunset during to attract the opposite mates with pre-monsoon being the mating period for them. Fireflies have become rare in cities and can be spotted in sparsely populated surroundings far away from the city buzz in natural vegetation. Escape into the wilderness and experience the magical sight of fireflies at Rajmachi trek.  About Rajmachi Rajmachi (Udhewadi) is a small village in the rugged mountains of Sahyadri in Maharashtra. The fortification at Rajmachi consists of two forts, namely Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort. Rajmachi Fort is a popular trekking destination. Rajmachi fort is a very famous fort located near famous hill stations of Maharashtra, Lonavala and Khandala. Historically, Rajmachi fort was a strategic fort to control Borghat (ghat between Khopoli and Khandala on Mumbai-Pune route) which was a historical trade route. The fort played a strategic role in the First Anglo-Maratha War. Rajmachi Fort has been declared as a protected monument. Some interesting facts about Rajmachi: Rajmachi is a small village located in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India. It is a popular trekking destination known for its scenic beauty and historic forts. Rajmachi is located at an altitude of around 2,710 feet above sea level. The trek to Rajmachi can be accessed from two base villages - Udhewadi and Kondhane The trek from Lonavala to Rajmachi is approximately 15 kilometers long and takes around 6-7 hours to complete. The trek from Karjat to Rajmachi is approximately 18 kilometers long and takes around 7-8 hours to complete. Rajmachi is home to two historic forts - Shrivardhan Fort and Manaranjan Fort. The forts were built by the Maratha Empire in the 17th century and were used to control the trade routes between Mumbai and Pune. The forts offer panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys and are popular among history buffs and photography enthusiasts. The village of Rajmachi is also home to a few local families who farm the nearby land and practice traditional methods of agriculture. Disclaimer: Sighting of fireflies is a natural phenomenon and is completely based on the rains, so if it rains heavily we may see less or no fireflies.

Prabalmachi Fireflies Special Trek - Tour
  • Panvel, Maharashtra
  • 1 Night 2 Days

Prabalmachi Fireflies Special Trek

₹ 1,699

Fireflies Special Trek to Prabalmachi Prabalmachi trek base village: Thakurwadi or Shedung Prabalmachi trek difficulty level:  Prabalmachi trek distance from Thakurwadi: 7 km Prabalmachi trek duration from Thakurwadi: 3-4 hours Prabalmachi trek distance from Shedung: 12 km Prabalmachi trek duration from Shedung: 5-6 hours Prabalmachi from Mumbai: 47 km Prabalmachi from Pune: 120 km Prabalmachi fireflies trek will be one of a kind of experience you shouldn’t miss this firefly season! Located between Panvel and Matheran, this popular weekend trekking and camping destination comes alive just before the monsoon. Situated atop the Kalavantin Durg, the site offers a panoramic view of the Panvel city, and the magnificent Prabalgad and Kalavantin Durg! What makes the experience unique is that in the pre-monsoon, you get to witness innumerable fireflies glowing around in the dark, lush, quiet terrains and meadows of Prabalmachi. Fireflies are insects which glow due to the chemical reaction occurring in their body. The phenomenon is called as a bioluminescence. Fireflies illuminate themselves to attract mates, prey or protect themselves from predators. The lush green scenic surroundings and cool breeze adds up to the Prabalmachi fireflies night trek experience. The Prabalmachi fireflies trek is a medium level trek with the journey starting from Mumbai and Pune. Gear up for a unique experience at Prabalmachi fireflies trek away from chaos that will enthrall you and leave you refreshed through the core. What else does one want in this utterly busy world?  About Prabalmachi Fireflies  Prabalmachi is a little hamlet hiding in the hills, so close to our megacity! It offers a picturesque backdrop of two gigantic Sahyadri peaks--Prabalgad and Kalavantin. Leave behind the city chaos and lose yourself to the mountains by spending some fun time.. Just walk along the dense forest and quietly observe these bio-luminescent bodies twinkling all around. Yes, it’s a moment to feel surprised and get awed by these little wonders. Spend some relaxing time at Prabalmachi base village. Simply indulge in never ending conversations and share stories. Wake up to mesmerizing views of the valley and check out the city lights that will make your weekend worthwhile. Located very close to Mumbai, Prabalmachi serves as the base village for famous treks of Prabalgad and Kalavantin forts. A highlighting feature is that it also plays host to numerous fireflies. It is a sight you would have never seen before! Some Interesting facts about Prabalmachi: Prabalmachi is a small plateau located between Matheran and Panvel in Maharashtra, India. It is a popular trekking destination known for its scenic beauty and breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The plateau is located at an altitude of around 2,300 feet above sea level. The trek to Prabalmachi is relatively easy and can be completed within a day. The plateau offers panoramic views of the nearby Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad forts. Prabalmachi is surrounded by dense forests that are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including many rare species of birds and butterflies. The area around Prabalmachi is also known for its diverse range of medicinal plants. The plateau has a small village settlement where local farmers grow crops such as paddy, onions, and potatoes. Camping is a popular activity at Prabalmachi, with many camping sites available for visitors to set up their tents and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.  

Bhandardara Fireflies Special Camping - Tour
  • Shendi, Maharashtra
  • 1 Night 2 Days

Bhandardara Fireflies Special Camping

₹ 1,999

Bhandardara Fireflies Special Camping   Get ready for an offbeat weekend experience at the Bhandardara Fireflies camping event. Starting from mid-May to June, Bhandardara and its lush green surroundings shimmer up after sunset! Would like to witness this grand spectacle? Then you must visit the Bhandardara Kajwa festival. Bhandardara’s proximity to Mumbai and Nashik makes it an ideal weekend destination for travelers of all kinds. Whether you are a nature lover, looking for respite from the busy routine or just a college student getting ready for the new academic year with a renewed spirit, Bhandardara fireflies’ season will make you feel refreshed. The experience will be something that you will cherish forever. Just before the monsoon arrives, the tiny bioluminescence beings sparkle and shine to emit a glow. It's nature’s own light show that amuses one and all. Fireflies typically shine at twilight to attract mates or prey. These fireflies bring magic to your summer night. Play with these little creatures while they keep amusing you all night long. Photographers be ready with your cameras, so as to capture the sight and save it forever. Add to this the fun of a camping-night in the folds of majestic Sahyadris. About Bhandardara Situated by the Pravara River, Bhandardara is blessed with peace and tranquility with a relaxing view. You can spot many famous landmarks including the Kalsubai peak and Ratangad, Harishchandragad forts. Deep and dark, the valley of shadows and adjacent Samrad Village at Bhandardara is a home to millions of fireflies.   Some interesting facts about Bhandardara:  Bhandardara is a small village located in the Sahyadri mountain range in Maharashtra, India. It is a popular weekend getaway and tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and natural attractions. Bhandardara is located at an altitude of around 2,400 feet above sea level. The village is surrounded by lush green hills, waterfalls, and lakes, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Bhandardara is situated on the banks of the Pravara River and is known for its picturesque Arthur Lake. The lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing, and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and forests. Bhandardara is home to several trekking trails that lead to nearby peaks and forts, including Mount Kalsubai - the highest peak in Maharashtra. The village is also known for its historic Wilson Dam, which was built in 1910 to provide hydroelectric power to the region. Bhandardara is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace and quiet in the midst of nature. The village is easily accessible by road from Mumbai, Pune, and Nashik, and has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. Disclaimer: Sighting of fireflies is a natural phenomenon and is completely based on the rains, so if it rains heavily we may see less or no fireflies. Reaching Base Village with own transport Cost - Rs.1999/-   Kasara to Kasara Transport Cost - Rs.2499/- 

Purushwadi Fireflies Festival 2023 - Tour
  • Dadar, Maharashtra
  • 1 Night 2 Days

Purushwadi Fireflies Festival 2023

₹ 3,499

Purushwadi Fireflies Festival  2023   Celebrate the myriad hues of nature at the Purushwadi fireflies camp happening this pre-monsoon. This fest of fireflies near Nashik attracts the campers from all over the country, who come to this village to witness this fascinating spectacle. A perfect getaway from Mumbai and Pune, Purushwadi is small hamlet located in Akole Taluka of Ahmednagar District in Maharashtra. During May and June, zillions of fireflies come out in open after sunset in the stark open meadows of Purushwadi. These fireflies dissipate light from their abdomen in distinct pattern to attract the mates. The vibrant spots of shimmering light along the backdrop of dark night are treat for the eyes that are only glued to screens for the major part of the day.  This vacation, gather your relatives or friends and join this delightful expedition at Jugnu festival at Purushwadi. The quaint village lifestyle, delicious home-cooked food and scenic natural beauty of Purushwadi kajwa festival will etch the memories of fireflies camping in your mind for a long time.  About Purushwadi Fireflies Festival Purushwadi is a tribal village situated 180/ 220 km from both Mumbai & Pune en route to Nasik, and is quickly gaining popularity as an eco-tourism destination. The village is home to many indigenous tribes including bails, kolismahadeos, thakars, kolidhors, takarekolis, paradhis, kokanas, warlis, kathodis and katkaris.. It is nestled in the forested Western Ghats, between river Kurkundi and river Mula, in the Akole district of Maharashtra. The village has been adopted by a well-known NGO, Grassroutes who are dedicated towards promoting eco-friendly tourism in villages across Maharashtra, also providing livelihood to the villagers in the process. The village is a haven for us city-dwellers looking for a quick refreshing getaway from Mumbai.  At Purushwadi, one gets to experience the quaint village lifestyle, traditional hospitality of the friendly locals at the home stays, and delicious home-cooked food. Adding a touch of magic, the nights at Purushwadi are lightened up by nature’s very own illumination- hundreds of fireflies! Though all attempts have been made to maintain the raw flavour of the traditional village life, Purushwadi home-stays are well equipped with all the necessary, basic amenities electricity, drinking water, toilets facilities and beddings. Some interesting facts about Purushwadi:  Purushwadi is a small village located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India. The village is known for its natural beauty and its traditional farming practices. Purushwadi is home to the famous Purushwadi Fireflies Festival, which takes place every year in May and June. During the festival, the village is lit up with thousands of fireflies that glow in the dark, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere. Purushwadi is also known for its eco-tourism initiatives, which aim to promote sustainable tourism and support the local community. The village is surrounded by lush green hills and forests, and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including rare bird species. The villagers of Purushwadi are primarily engaged in agriculture and practice traditional farming methods using organic techniques. The village is also known for its handicrafts, particularly the traditional Warli paintings created by local artists. Purushwadi is a great place to experience rural life in India and learn about the customs and traditions of the local community. The village is easily accessible by road from Mumbai and Pune, and has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, including eco-friendly homestays and campsites. Places to visit near Purushwadi: Purushwadi is a small village in Maharashtra, India known for its firefly sightings during the monsoon season. Here are some places to visit in Purushwadi: Firefly sightings: One of the main attractions in Purushwadi is the firefly sightings that happen during the monsoon season. You can witness the magical sight of thousands of fireflies lighting up the night sky. Village Walk: Take a village walk to explore the simple lifestyle of the locals and get to know their daily routine. You can visit the farms, interact with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions. Trekking: There are several trekking trails in and around Purushwadi that you can explore. Some of the popular trails include the trek to Kalsubai Peak, the highest peak in Maharashtra, and the Harishchandragad trek, which is known for its scenic beauty. Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary: The Kalsubai Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 40 km from Purushwadi and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. You can take a safari to explore the sanctuary and spot animals like leopards, barking deer, and hyenas. Harishchandragad Fort: The Harishchandragad Fort is located about 30 km from Purushwadi and is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance. You can go for a trek to the fort and explore the ancient temples, caves, and the Kedareshwar Cave, which is known for its natural shivling. Disclaimer: Sighting of fireflies is a natural phenomenon and is completely based on the rains, so if it rains heavily we may see less or no fireflies. Ex Purushwadi Cost - Rs.2499/-   Ex Mumbai Cost - Rs.3499/-  Please note that we are going to get close to nature. Hence all the facilities will be basic. Do not expect deal of comfort, even while we strive to make available better facilities. This is nature's trail. We are going to enjoy something incredible that nature is keeping hidden from us urban folks. The price for that is stepping out from our comforts. But believe us, it will be worth it...

Firefly Festival 2023 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do fireflies glow? 
Fireflies contain a specialized chemical called luciferin in their abdomen. This chemical when combined with oxygen and luciferase enzyme results in a chemical reaction causing their abdomen to glow. 

2. Where can I find fireflies near me?
Fireflies can be found in areas away from cities after sunset and mostly at the margins of forests, near ponds, rivers, lakes or streams. 

3. Where can I find fireflies near Mumbai? Where can I find fireflies in Maharashtra? 
The regions in Sahyadri or the Western Ghats in Maharashtra and some areas around Mumbai are the best places to see fireflies. This includes Rajmachi, Purushwadi, forests around Mulshi Lake, Bhandardara, Prabalmachi, Bhimashankar, Samrad, Ratanwadi, Harishchandragad, Dehne, Ghatghar Dam and Kondane.

4. When will the firefly festival start near Mumbai?
The firefly festival near Mumbai starts in May and June. Fireflies avoid light pollution and they die once the rain begins. Hence, firefly festivals start in the pre-monsoon months near Mumbai. 

5. Which month is the best to witness fireflies in Maharashtra?
Late May and June are the best months to witness fireflies in Maharashtra. Join TTrikon’s firefly festivals to explore fireflies gleaming at their best. 

6. What are all places to witness fireflies in Maharashtra?
There are various places in Maharashtra to witness fireflies. This includes Purushwadi, Rajmachi, Siddhagad, Samrad and Ratandwadi. 

7. Where to find the highest density of fireflies near Mumbai?
Purushwadi, Rajmachi, Bhandardara, Siddhagad, Samrad, and Dehne near Mumbai are where you can find the highest density of fireflies as these places have less light pollution. 


Some interesting facts about fireflies:

  • Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are a type of beetle belonging to the family Lampyridae.
  • There are more than 2,000 species of fireflies worldwide, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
  • Fireflies are most commonly found in humid and tropical regions, but they also inhabit temperate and arid regions.
  • Fireflies are known for their bioluminescence, which is the ability to produce light through a chemical reaction. This light is used for communication, mating, and defense.
  • Fireflies use a complex system of flashing patterns to communicate with each other. Different species of fireflies have different flashing patterns, and males and females of the same species use different patterns to find each other.
  • Fireflies are not actually flies, but are beetles. They have two pairs of wings, and their bodies are elongated and soft.
  • The lifespan of a firefly is typically only a few months, and they spend most of their life in the larval stage.
  • Fireflies are important to the ecosystem as both predators and prey. Firefly larvae feed on snails, slugs, and other small insects, while adult fireflies are often eaten by birds and spiders.
  • Fireflies are considered a bioindicator species, meaning their presence or absence can indicate the health of an ecosystem.
  • Fireflies are a popular cultural symbol, and have been featured in literature, art, and folklore around the world.

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