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.
Itinerary for Mumbai Participants
Train Time Table for Saturday
Catch CST-Khopoli Fast Local @12:20 pm
12.20 pm Mumbai CST
12.27 pm Byculla
12.33 pm Dadar
12.41 pm Kurla
12.45pm Ghatkopar
1.01 pm Thane
1.17 pm Dombivli
1.26 pm Kalyan
1.38 pm Ambernath
1.45 pm Badlapur
2.19 pm Karjat
2.44 pm Khopoli
Meet The Trikon Buddy at Khopoli Station And Head towards Rajmachi Via Lonavla
Itinerary for Pune Participants
Pune People can catch Pune to Lonavala Local
03:00 pm - Departure from Pune
04:26 pm - Arrival at Lonavala
Day 1: Saturday
03:00 pm Meet the Trikon Team Lead at Khopoli Station & proceed towards campsite in local transport
04:30 pm Meet the Trikon Team Pune Participants enroute & enjoy evening snacks
05:30 pm Resume journey towards campsite
06:30 pm Halt midway near Tungarli dam & resume rest of journey on foot to witness the fireflies
09:30 pm Reach base village, relax and have dinner
10:30 pm Take a walk around the village to witness more fireflies
11:30 pm Retire for the day with sweet memories
Day 2: Sunday
05:30 am Wake up call and freshen up
06:30 am Trek to Shrivardhan fort
08:00 am Come back to base village and enjoy breakfast
09:00 am Start our trek till the Tungarli Dam , from there take vehicle Back to Khopoli (for Mumbai Participants) & Lonavala (for Pune Participants)
12:00 pm Reach Khopoli
12:30 pm Catch Train / Bus Transport for Mumbai
02:00 pm Reach Mumbai
What is included in the tour
- Local Transport from Khopoli & Lonavala railway station to Rajmachi Fireflies Festival campsite and back
- Saturday evening snacks and dinner, sunday breakfast at Rajmachi Fireflies Festival
- Home Stay at Rajmachi
- Trikon Expertise Charges
- 5% GST Charges
What is NOT included in the tour
- Train Travelling: Mumbai to Khopoli & return, Pune to Lonavala & return
- Any personal expenses such as soft drinks etc.
- Anything other than above mentioned inclusions
- Twinkling Fireflies are a highlight of Rajmachi Fireflies Special Trek
- Experience rustic village stay at Rajmachi
- Night Strolls, mystery stories around Rajmachi will keep you hooked!
- A break from city chaos
- How do fireflies glow?
Fireflies are lightning bugs that make light within their bodies. This process called bioluminescence is also shared by many sea-living or marine plants. Fireflies illuminate to attract a mate. - What is the best season to witness fireflies?
The best season to witness fireflies is during pre-monsoon i.e. May to June. - How far is Rajmachi Fireflies Festival from Mumbai or Pune?
Rajmachi fireflies festival is 16km away from Lonavala. The distance from Pune is approximately 171 Km (2.2 hr.) via AH 47 and 314 Km (5.5 hr.) from Mumbai. - Can we reach Rajmachi base village using our own transport?
Yes, you can reach Rajmachi base village using your own transport - How to reach Lonavala from Mumbai for Rajmachi Fireflies trek?
You can reach Lonavala via buses which regularly ply from Dadar, Thane, Borivali and other major spots in Mumbai. You may also board a train from Dadar or Thane to reach Lonavala or take a cab or drive your vehicle to reach Lonavala from Mumbai for Rajmachi Fireflies trek. - How to reach Lonavala from Pune for Rajmachi Fireflies trek?
You can take a bus or a train from Pune to reach Rajmachi Fireflies trek. - What is difficulty level for Rajmachi fireflies festival trek?
Rajmachi fireflies festival trek is fairly easy. Any healthy person above the age of 10 can go for this trek. - How long is the Rajmachi trek to witness fireflies?
Rajmachi trek is a 16 km trekking distance from Lonavala Station. - Does Rajmachi Firefly Campsite have toilet facility?
Yes, it has. - What are the Rajmachi Fireflies Festival Event 2023 dates? Kajwa Mahotsav 2023 dates Rajmachi Lonavala?
Check the batch dates for the Rajmachi Fireflies Festival/Kajwa Mahotsav 2023.- Batch 1: 20th - 21st May 2023
- Batch 2: 27th - 28th May 2023
- Batch 3: 03rd - 04th June 2023
- Batch 4: 10th - 11th June 2023
- Batch 5: 17th - 18t June 2023
- When can I see fireflies in Rajmachi?
Just before monsoon hits, you will be able to witness fireflies. - Can kids join Rajmachi firefly event 2023?
An individual above 10 years of age can join Rajmachi firefly event 2023 - Can I join Rajmachi firefly festival as a solo traveller?
Yes, you can join the Rajmachi firefly festival as a solo traveler. - What type of food will is available at Rajmachi firefly campsite?
Home-made food comprising of veg, non-veg or Jain meals are available at Rajmachi firefly campsite. - Will there be phone connectivity at Rajmachi Firefly Festival?
The phone connectivity at Rajmachi Firefly Festival is poor. You may get a weak at the camping site. - Where will we stay at Rajmachi?
The accommodation will be provided in hilltop tents at Rajmachi camping site.
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Some instructions :
- Consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited in the event. Anyone found in possession of the same or consuming it will be expelled from the event. NO REFUND will be provided
- Like you know fireflies can be spotted only at the remotest destination, where there is less amount of light and pollution hence we also stay amidst the villages.
- Please be ready to embrace rusticity, local homes/dormitory with basic bedding facilities will be provided.
- Stay humble for home-made food Veg, Non Veg and Jain options available.
- Road conditions aren’t that great, hence bear with the bumps for a while as we travel in a local transport. Rusticity like we said.
- Be prepared with rain wear and a jacket as temperature drops at night and rains are always uncertain
- At our campsite there are plenty of fireflies, so enjoy blinking of these tiny bioluminescence friends and capture it in your memories and in camera.
- Don’t touch or capture fireflies let them be live in their own environment, nobody likes nuisance guest.
- No smoking and no drinking (if anyone found doing this activity will be separated from group and Trikon holds no responsibility for such a person.
- Trikon believes in No trace policy so No Littering please. Collect all garbage and carry back we will dispose it in city.
- We are going to one of the remote place so don't expect lavish facilities but yes basic needs will be taken care of...
Important:
- Avoid wearing precious Jewelry while trekking, as Trikon won’t be responsible for any losses for the same.
- Please take tickets till Lonavala
- Board the second Compartment from Karjat Side
- Missing the train means missing the trek, no refunds would be entertained by Trikon
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Consuming liquor or any kind of Alcoholic substance is prohibited. Carrying any kind of substance that’s illegal is not allowed. Smoking is strictly not allowed. Anybody found smoking or consuming alcoholic drinks will be expelled from the event without refund.
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Though trekking is a fun-filled activity, it demands good amount of physical fitness. If you are under medication, please carry your medicines. During the trek, leaders will have over the counter medication for temporary treatment, so do give a heads up to them if you need any medical assistance.
Mandatory instructions for fireflies festival:
1. Keep min 50 feet distance.
2. Don't touch the fireflies and trees/Branches as well.
3. Avoid torch or use it with green colour filter only for route.
4. Zero noise(no music/keep silent).
5. Smoking/Alcohol/Deo/Perfume all are strictly prohibited.
