Like stars on Earth: Witness the best of Fireflies Festival with these 7 places
7 places to visit Firefly Festival this season
Updated: Jun 21st, 2023
Did you know that there is a Fireflies Festival that happens in India every year? For the uninitiated, this phenomena, when nature puts up its own light show, happens in a few regions of Maharashtra.
A firefly flickering on the grass. (Wikimedia commons, File)
Let your inner child smile this month when you spot jugnus or fireflies in millions. June is exquisite in Maharashtra thanks to these little glowing insects. Fireflies begin to come out in millions in the humid forests of Western Ghats just before the onset of monsoon for about two months, starting May.
Away from the city’s pollution in a tranquil environment with the least amount of light and noise, the Western Ghats witness a breathtaking glow-in-the-dark phenomenon from these bioluminescent beetles.
With over 2,000 different species worldwide, fireflies enjoy living in warm, moist and humid regions of Asia and America. The rhythmic flicker is their way of communicating, to attract females.
Those who are interested can see the pretty effect active till the end of June. The sightseers can get a two day/one night package with activities including camping, trekking, and firefly walks at night.
Below are the top seven hosting camps to spot fireflies in Maharashtra:
1. Purushwadi, Ahmednagar (till June 26):
180 km from Mumbai, 80 km from Nashik
It is a tribal village close to Pachnai, Maharashtra. The place is known for its fireflies population, natural surroundings, waterfalls, and wildlife. It is also the starting point for the Harishchandragad trek.
2. Bhandardara, Igatpuri (till June 30)
51 km from Igatpuri, 165 km from Mumbai
Bhandardara is a lesser-known hill station in Maharashtra set at an altitude of 3000 ft. Bhandardara has an additional beauty of the popular Arthur lake which offers mystical views from cosy tents during the sunset and a sky filled with million stars at night. It is a firefly paradise with serene landscapes.
3. Samrad, Kasara (till June 25)
90 km from Nashik, 184 km from Mumbai
Samrad is another location to witness glowing fireflies. It is located close to the Ratangad and Sandhan valleys and is a haven for adventure seekers as Ajoba fort and Kalsubai peak are located nearby, well-liked trekking destinations.
4. Rajmachi Fort, Lonavala (till June 17)
16 km from Lonavala, 81 km from Pune
A historical treasure, Rajmachi is cuddled by the Sahyadri mountains. It looks surreal when surrounded by thousands of fireflies. Rajmachi camping is famous for its peaceful fireflies treks and star gazing at night.
5. Kothaligad Fort, Peth (till June 30)
26 km from Karjat, 89 km from Mumbai
Kothaligad is known as the fort of Peth and is famous for its night trek during winters and summers. As night falls, Kothaligad fort becomes a playground for fireflies.
6. Malshej Ghat, Thane (till June 26)
86 km from Kalyan, 129 km from Pune
It is a mountain pass nestled in the hills of the Western Ghats with numerous waterfalls, lakes, and lush flora & fauna. Malshej Ghat campsite offers the most picturesque views around the lakeside below the starlit sky.
7. Prabalmachi village, Machiprabal (till June 30)
47 km from Mumbai
Prabalmachi is located between Panvel and Matheran. The fireflies trek at Prabalmachi which can’t be missed this firefly season! This popular weekend trekking and camping destination come alive just before the monsoon.
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