Exploring nature’s miracles is a whole different experience in itself – take fireflies for example! These dimly glowing creatures are some of nature’s most unique organisms. Trekkers, nature scientists, and curious explorers like you and me are fascinated by these creatures and many even flock to certain spots in Maharashtra to get the best views of them. In fact, there are dedicated firefly festivals aimed at increasing awareness about the conservation of these tiny creatures. If you too are curious about attending one such firefly festival, here’s all the information you need!
Firefly Festival 2025: Best Time, Hotspots, And More
Best Time To Spot Fireflies
Don’t assume that you can view fireflies any time – they are only visible to us during a certain time of the year. The best time to see fireflies is just before the beginning of the monsoon season.
This brief period of time is when summer is ending and monsoon is just about to begin – usually between May-end and early June.
Fireflies are the most active during this time as their mating season coincides with this period. During this season, male fireflies emit light – the phenomenon is called bioluminescence – to attract females for mating.
Fireflies use different light-emitting patterns to attract potential mates and this is what results in the unique natural phenomenon many of us flock to get a glimpse of.
They avoid mating in areas where light pollution is high – so you’ll find them in areas where light pollution is the lowest!
Places In Maharashtra To Spot Fireflies
Maharashtra is blessed with plenty of spots where you can spot fireflies and most of these are located in the Sahyadri ranges.
The mountain range becomes a hotspot for fireflies as it provides a conducive environment for their mating season.
Many trekking organizations conduct a ‘firefly festival’ wherein they organize special treks and hikes to spot fireflies.
Bhandardara Kajwa Festival is the most famous firefly festival in Maharashtra. Apart from it, there are plenty of other festivals organized in different places across the state. Here are a few of them:
Purushwadi, Pune
Purushwadi is one of the most underrated destinations in Maharashtra if you are keen on observing fireflies. This village is located close to the village of Pachnai in Maharashtra.
Purushwadi is known to be the starting point of the trek to the Harishchandragad Fort, one of the most famous treks in Maharashtra. Many trekking enthusiasts flock to Purushwadi to get a glimpse of fireflies.
Kothaligad, Karjat
Kothaligad is a majestic fort in Karjat near Mumbai that is known for its scenic beauty. The fort becomes a haven for trekkers and nature enthusiasts especially in the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.
While many prefer trekking to the top of the fort, many others also attend the Kothaligad Firefly Festival to observe glimmering fireflies.
A visit to Kothaligad makes for a great one-day trip from Mumbai and neighboring areas.
Rajmachi Fort, Pune
Rajmachi stands tall as one of the most significant forts in Maharashtra, as it served as a major fort in Maratha history.
The fort, situated near the hill station of Lonavala, is a frequented destination during the monsoon season. Many trekkers participate in the exhilarating
that is about 13 kilometers (km) long.
The trek is a journey in itself – the route is filled with views of lush green meadows, scenic valleys, and dense forests. However, this place is also a hotspot for fireflies, especially in the pre-monsoon period.
Bhandardara, Ahmednagar
If there is one destination in Maharashtra famous for fireflies, it has to be Bhandardara. The Bhandardara Fireflies Festival is a much-anticipated festival in the state – organized by several trekking organizations. Bhandardara is located about 165 km away from Mumbai and Pune, home to Mt. Kalsubai, Maharashtra’s highest peak.
In the pre-monsoon period, the place is where you have plenty of chances of spotting fireflies. Also, if you are exploring Maharashtra, Bhandardara must be on your bucket list.
Its proximity to other sites like Harishchandragad Fort, Sandhan Valley, and Ratangad makes it the perfect destination for setting out on day-long expeditions.
However, you must not miss out on the key attraction – the Bhandardara Kajwa Festival (kajwa = firefly in Marathi).
Samrad, Ahmednagar
Samrad is located close to Bhandardara and is a beloved destination for treks and hikes. If you are keen on exploring Ratangad and the gorgeous Sandhan Valley, you’ll be delighted to know that Samrad is located quite close to these places.
In the pre-monsoon period, hundreds of travelers gather here to catch a glimpse of these bioluminescent creatures. Overall, if you couldn’t observe fireflies at Bhandardara, you can do so at Samrad.
Camping During Firefly Festival
Many trekking organizations organize one-day day or night camps to these places and each of them offers a different camping package.
These packages usually are in the range of INR 800 to INR 2500 (per person) depending on the amenities provided and the duration of the stay.
However, basic amenities like transportation, sleeping bags, camping equipment, one/two meals, etc are common in all of them.
Here are organizations that offer interesting trekking packages in case you are keen on spotting fireflies!
- Weekend Feels
- TrekPanda
- Trekkers United
- Maharashtra Trekking Company
- Sahyadri Treks
Tips For Attending Firefly Festivals In Maharashtra
- Carry sufficient insect repellent to protect yourself from pests and insects.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes when trekking. Do not wear tight, uncomfortable clothes. Also, carry jackets and umbrellas to protect yourself from rain and cold respectively.
- Do not harm the environment in any way – do not litter, harm the flora or fauna, or interfere with any natural elements.
- Don’t capture the fireflies or harm them in any way.
- Do not flash bright lights when observing fireflies as they can flee if they sense light.
- Spotting fireflies is usually done in the evening or night, so make sure you carry a torch with you.
Summing Up
This is your chance to be a part of a unique firefly festival in Maharashtra. Be it Bhandardara, Rajmachi, Kothaligad, or any other place, we guarantee you that you’ll be amazed by the stunning views – and of course, fireflies!
So, when and where are you planning to go to spot fireflies?
FAQs
When Can We See Fireflies In Maharashtra?
Here are some of the places where you can see fireflies in Maharashtra:
- Prabalmachi
- Bhandardara
- Kothaligad
- Ghatghar
- Purushwadi
What Month Is Best To See Fireflies?
The pre-monsoon months of May-end and early June are the best to see fireflies. This is when the bioluminescent creatures are in their mating season, increasing the likelihood of their appearance.
What Time Are Fireflies Most Active?
Fireflies are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are the most active after dusk and just before dawn. This is why they are spotted usually after evening in the dark.
