Fireflies Festival Camping and Trek

Myths v/s Facts about Fireflies and Rain correlation

Debunking Misconceptions: Fireflies and Rain Relationship 

In recent years, we've noticed many people relying on unreliable websites that simply copy and paste incorrect information, especially when it comes to the connection between Rain and Fireflies.

Fireflies are not at all visible during summer season. Once it Rains and marks end of summer season, only then after it rains the fireflies season begins.
No Rain  = No Fireflies !
Therefore, we want to share our experience and insights gained over the past 12 years. Rain can impact fireflies in India in various ways, both positively and negatively.. 

Positive effects of rain on Fireflies sighting 

• Increased Firefly Activity: Fireflies are known to be more active during and after rain showers. The moisture in the air and on the ground can stimulate firefly mating behaviors, leading to more visible displays of their bioluminescent flashes. Unless it has rained and made the weather change, fireflies sighting does not begin. Fireflies like to mate in wet/humid conditions only.
• Enhanced Glowing: Rainfall can make the environment more humid, which can enhance the visibility of firefly light displays. The moisture in the air can scatter and amplify their bioluminescent glow, making it more captivating to observe.

Negative effects of rain of Fireflies sighting

• Storm Risk: Heavy rainfall that starts generally in month of July can wash away firefly eggs, larvae, and pupae, impacting their population size. It can also disrupt their breeding habitats and lead to the loss of suitable breeding grounds.
• Human Eye Limitations: During heavy rain or thick fog, the visibility of firefly flashes may decrease significantly. The raindrops or fog can scatter or block the light, making it harder to spot fireflies.

Remember:
As we are currently in transition phase of moving from Summer to Monsoon the weather is completely unpredictable and can change within hours. Its not possible to predict the weather in advance. Natural phenomenon like Rain, Wind, Flowers, Fireflies, Clouds, Heat wave, Cool breeze, Humidity, etc. are not in our control and we do not assure occurrence of any natural phenomenon. During Fireflies Festival, on some occasions, we will be able to spot thousands of fireflies, and sometimes we may barely get to see a few. The first and the last batches will have lesser number of fireflies.

Join Mumbai's renowned trekking team "Mischief Treks" for an amazing experience at Fireflies Festival 2025. Whether you prefer trekking, camping, or a combination of both, we've got you covered. You can opt for a Fireflies location base on your comfort preference, each location has a different terrain. Some offer trekking, while others have camping, and a few locations have a combination of trek and camping.

As per past few years of experience we have compiled a list of "TOP 5 locations" for sighting fireflies near Mumbai.

1. Bhandardara Fireflies Camping 
   If you are looking for a place with maximum number of fireflies sighting, Bhandardara takes up the top position in the list. The camping location is right next to the great Bhandardara Lake and Dam. Distance from Mumbai is 161 Km, from Pune its 168 Km, and from Nashik its 70 Km
2. AquaNest Igatpuri Fireflies Camping
   If you wish to be at a non-crowded exclusive location wherein general public crowd is not hindering your experience, Igatpuri should definitely be considered for its serenity. Distance from Mumbai is 126 Km, from Pune its 262 Km, and from Nashik its 68 Km
3. Kothaligad Fireflies Festival
   If you are looking for a combination of night trek and fireflies sighting, Kothaligad is the right answer for you. It takes a short easy grade trek to reach the fireflies sighting location at Kothaligad. Distance from Mumbai is 90 Km, from Pune its 129 Km, and from Nashik its 170 Km
4. Rajmachi Fireflies Festival 
   If you are looking for Camping/Home-Stay combined with optional trek, Rajmachi offers the said flexibility to opt for the trek only if you wish to have a little adventure. Distance from Mumbai is 84 Km, from Pune its 95 Km, and from Nashik its 215 Km
5. Karjat Fireflies Camping
   If you are looking for Fireflies Camping experience at a location nearest among all other locations, Karjat Fireflies campsite by Mischief Treks is the best suited option for people living in Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. Distance from Mumbai is 91 Km, from Pune its 130 Km, and from Nashik its 150 Km

⚠️ Eligibility Condition:

• If you wish to apply for being part of our group during Fireflies Festival, you need to "Read" and "Understand" the Details, FAQ's, Inclusions, Important Note, About-us, etc. on the event details page of the respective event. 
• Do not book this event if the details mentioned are not agreeable to you, OR if you do not have time to read and be AWARE of what you are signing up for.

Wondering which location has maximum Fireflies?

According to Trek-Leader Kuldip Rathore, AquaNest Fireflies Festival in Igatpuri and Bhandardara Fireflies Festival are best for sighting maximum number of fireflies during the festival. Both locations are almost similar when it comes to fireflies sighting. At these two locations you get exclusive non-crowded campsite accessible only for registered participants of Mischief Treks. Fourth weekend of may is expected to have lesser fireflies sighting as compared to third weekend of May and first two weekends of June. Last batch of Fireflies Festival is scheduled for June 22, 2025

But, if you are considering proximity to your city as primary parameter for location selection you can consider Rajmachi, Karjat, and Kothaligad based on distance from Mumbai, Pune, Thane, Kalyan, and Navi Mumbai. On the other hand, If you are based in Nashik, you are lucky to have the two best locations i.e. AquaNest Igatpuri and Bhandardara easily accessible by road with close proximity. 

Also its important to note that Rajmachi is one of the most over-crowded fireflies location and the road from Lonavla to Rajmachi is in extremely bad condition. The driver needs to be expert in Off-roading skills to successfully reach Rajmachi. Please be aware of all aspects of the Fireflies event before signing up, none of the fireflies locations are suitable for luxury seekers. The road to other fireflies locations is good till the time you are on highway or express way, further its like usual Indian roads of villages.

Apart from the top 5 locations mentioned above, there are few other locations where you can spot fireflies 

• Purushwadi Fireflies Festival 
• Samrad - Sandhan Fireflies Festival 
• Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival
• Ghatghar Fireflies Festival 

Imagine, you're out in the middle of the wilderness, surrounded by the sounds of crickets and frogs. The only light comes from the stars above and... wait, is that a flashing light over there? Oh yeah, it's a Firefly. And another one. And another one. Before you know it, you're in the middle of thousands of fireflies dancing around you, flashing their lights like they are putting on a show just for you. 

And the best part? You get to experience all of this with a bunch of other adventurous and humble people who are just as excited as you are. So if you're looking for a truly unforgettable experience, pack your bags join Mischief Treks in this memorable event called Fireflies Festival. Most importantly don't forget to check About-Us page and the eligibility condition to apply for being part of our group. 

About Fireflies

Lets put this in simple words.. Ever wondered why fireflies mate and glow in certain weather conditions? Well, science has a proper explanation for it. Fireflies have a unique way of attracting mates, they use their flashing lights to communicate and find the right partner. Each firefly species have their own special flashing pattern, like a secret code for romance.

When it comes to the weather, fireflies have their preferences too. They like it warm and a bit humid. So, you'll see them getting all flirty during the warmer days when the temperature is just right and the air is a bit moist. But that's not all, the length of daylight and darkness also plays a vital role. Fireflies have their own schedule for getting busy and they time their flashes to match. The mating season help fireflies find the perfect mate and ensure their species survives and thrives. It's all about passing on those good genes and keeping the firefly population alive on this planet.

So, next time you see those magical glowing bugs flashing, remember that they're not just putting on a light show for fun. They are on a mission to find love and continue the firefly legacy....

If you live here in Mumbai where Mischief Treks can take you to witness this magical phenomenon, this is your best chance. 

Commitment towards Fireflies and our Pledge: The Fireflies are very sensitive to changes in their environment, and smoke can be particularly harmful to them. We do not indulge or support unnecessary activities that cause smoke, eg. Campfire, Bonfire, Barbeque (BBQ) and any other activity related to smoke. By being responsible and respectful, we can help protect these amazing insects and ensure that they continue to thrive for generations to come. We pledge to continue protecting the interests of fireflies.

Appeal to Public:  Please take a step forward and spread the awareness about being responsible and help us eradicate activities related to pollutants like Fire, Smoke, and Lights causing harm to Fireflies.  
Please do not support campsites, organisers or people who are involved in Campfire, Bonfire, barbeque and music during fireflies mating season. These things are harmful to fireflies. 

Fireflies Festival Camping/Trek near Mumbai - FAQ's 

Q. When does Fireflies Festival start?

Ans. The Fireflies Festival is scheduled to start from 17-May-2025 and will be ending around 22-June-2025. The best time to spot Fireflies is between 31-May-2025 to 14-Jun-2025. During this period the weather is perfectly suitable for mating of Fireflies. The Festival will be hosted at multiple location in Maharashtra by Mischief Treks. Campsite The locations of Mischief Treks are non-crowded and provide better experience. The trekking and camping events will be conducted every Friday night and Saturday night. If you choose to opt for a weekday sighting, Mischief Treks helps you get a customized experience on any day from Monday to Friday.

Q. What are the dates for Bhandardara Fireflies Festival camping and trek?

Ans. The Fireflies Festival camping at Bhandardara is scheduled to start from May 17, 2025 and will be conducted every Friday night and Saturday night until June 22, 2025. The timing will be 05:00PM to 10:00AM for each camping event. For travel and transport Mischief Treks has Pickup and Drop option available. Official online booking link for Bhandardara Fireflies festival: https://www.mischieftreks.com/tours/fireflies-festival-bhandardara

Q. What are the dates for Rajmachi Fireflies Festival camping and trek?

Ans. The Fireflies Festival camping at Rajmachi is scheduled to start from May 17, 2025 and will be conducted every Friday night and Saturday night until June 22, 2025. The timing will be 05:00PM to 10:00AM for each camping event. For travel and transport Mischief Treks has Pickup and Drop option available. Official online booking link for Rajmachi Fireflies festival: https://www.mischieftreks.com/tours/fireflies-festival-rajmachi

Q. What are the dates for Igatpuri Fireflies Festival camping and trek?

Ans. The Fireflies Festival camping at Igatpuri is scheduled to start from May 17, 2025 and will be conducted every Friday night and Saturday night until June 22, 2025. The timing will be 05:00PM to 10:00AM for each camping event. For travel and transport Mischief Treks has Pickup and Drop option available. Official online booking link for Igatpuri Fireflies festival: https://www.mischieftreks.com/tours/fireflies-festival-igatpuri

Q. What are the dates for Kothaligad Fireflies Festival camping and trek?

Ans. The Fireflies Festival camping at Kothaligad is scheduled to start from May 17, 2025 and will be conducted every Friday night and Saturday night until June 22, 2025. The timing will be 05:00PM to 10:00AM for each camping event. For travel and transport Mischief Treks has Pickup and Drop option available. Official online booking link for Kothaligad Fireflies festival: https://www.mischieftreks.com/tours/fireflies-festival-kothaligad

Q. What are the dates for Secret Location Fireflies Festival camping and trek?

Ans. The Fireflies Festival camping at Secret Location by Mischief Treks, is scheduled to start from May 17, 2025 and will be conducted every Friday night and Saturday night until June 223, 2025. The timing will be 05:00PM to 10:00AM for each camping event. For travel and transport Mischief Treks has Pickup and Drop option available. Official online booking link for Secret Location Fireflies festival: https://www.mischieftreks.com/tours/fireflies-festival-secret-location

Q. What are the dates for Karjat Fireflies Festival camping and trek?

Ans. The Fireflies Festival camping at Karjat is scheduled to start from May 17, 2025 and will be conducted every Friday night and Saturday night until June 22, 2025. The timing will be 05:00PM to 10:00AM for each camping event. For travel and transport Mischief Treks has Pickup and Drop option available. Official online booking link for Secret Location Fireflies festival: https://www.mischieftreks.com/tours/fireflies-festival-karjat

Q. What are the dates for Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival camping and trek?

Ans. The Fireflies Festival camping at Prabalmachi is scheduled to start from May 17, 2025 and will be conducted every Friday night and Saturday night until June 22, 2025. The timing will be 05:00PM to 10:00AM for each camping event. For travel and transport Mischief Treks has Pickup and Drop option available. Official online booking link for Prabalmachi Fireflies festival: https://www.mischieftreks.com/tours/fireflies-festival-prabalmachi

Q. Is Fireflies Festival available on Weekdays (Monday-Friday)? 

Ans. Yes, Fireflies Festival can be booked for weekdays on any day from Monday to Friday. The customized Fireflies Festival camping option is done by Mischief  Treks for Bhandardara, Igatpuri, Rajmachi, Kothaligad, and Karjat near Mumbai.

Q. Do fireflies bite? 

Ans. Nah, fireflies don't have a biting habit. These little buddies are pretty chill. They don't go around attacking people or spreading diseases like some other insects. Plus, they're not poisonous at all. You don't have to worry about them zooming around and nipping at you. Just keep in mind, it's best not to consume them. Let's leave the firefly snacking to the birds.  

Q. What are Fireflies? 

Ans. Let Mischief Treks 'enlighten' you! Fireflies are actually part of the beetle family, not flies as their name suggests. These fascinating creatures are nocturnal winged beetles that have a magical trick up their sleeves. They possess a superpower called bioluminescence. It's a fancy term for a chemical reaction that happens when oxygen mixes with a substance called Luciferin, found in their lower abdomen. The result? Boom! They produce their own shimmering light, creating a mesmerizing glow that's truly enchanting to behold.

Q. What time of year do fireflies appear?   

Ans. Fireflies make their grand entrance during the pre-monsoon period in western India, usually towards the end of May. They put on a spectacular show with their twinkling lights that can be witnessed until mid-June. Apart from this period the fireflies are rarely seen glowing due to lack of required weather conditions. So, if you're eager to experience the enchantment of fireflies in Maharashtra, you're in luck! Mischief Treks has got you covered with their awesome Fireflies Festival. It's a fantastic opportunity for all you nature lovers out there to immerse yourselves in the magical world of fireflies.

Q. When can we get to see fireflies near Mumbai?   

Ans. The fireflies put on their dazzling show typically from the end of May through June. Now, keep in mind, Mother Nature can be a bit unpredictable. If there's excessive rain or an early monsoon arrival, the timing might shift a bit. But hey, for the year 2025, we at Mischief Treks are tentatively expecting the firefly sightings to kick off in the second half of May. So get ready to witness their mesmerizing glow in the Mumbai vicinity! 

Q. Can fireflies hurt/harm humans?  

Ans. Well, let's get this straight. Fireflies do have some toxins in their system, but don't worry, they won't cause you any harm unless you decide to devour a massive amount of them (which, let's be real, doesn't sound like a delightful idea). So, as long as you're not chowing down on fireflies like they're a fancy gourmet meal, you're totally safe, my friend. Ha ha, unless you've got a secret appetite for toxin-filled insects, of course. 

Q. Are fireflies considered safe insects?    

Ans. Well, here's the scoop. Fireflies have a defense mechanism up their tiny sleeves. When they come face-to-face with predators, they go all out and start reflex bleeding. Yep, they release drops of blood filled with chemicals that are actually toxic to lizards and birds. Now, here's a word of caution for humans as well: it's best to steer clear of eating them. Fireflies aren't exactly a gourmet treat for us either. So, let's appreciate these glowing beauties from a safe distance and leave the dining to less luminous options!       

Q. Why do Fireflies glow at night or in the dark?  

Ans. The glow you see is actually the result of a clever chemical reaction happening inside a firefly's abdomen. They've got a special organic compound called luciferin that's responsible for the magic. When air rushes into their abdomen, it mingles with luciferin, triggering a chemical reaction that creates their enchanting glow. It's like their very own natural light show! And hey, just a fun fact: they definitely don't rely on any beauty products like "Fair and Lovely" or "Glow and Lovely" to achieve their radiant shine. They've got their glow game on point, no cosmetics needed! 

Q. Where can we find a lot of Fireflies?    

Ans. Fireflies are quite the globetrotters! You can spot these glowing wonders in temperate and tropical regions across the globe. From Asia to the Americas, Europe to Africa, and even Down Under, fireflies make their presence known. If you're eager to witness their magical display, keep an eye out during the pre-monsoon season when they tend to light up the night. So, get ready to embark on a firefly adventure wherever your wanderlust takes you!

Q. When do Fireflies come out at night?

Ans. Fireflies know how to keep the night alive! They're active and visible throughout the night, but they tend to be most lively between midnight and 1:00 am. Just remember, if it's raining, they might decide to take cover and shy away. But fear not, even when the sun rises, they're still there, hiding in the tall grasses, patiently waiting for their next glowing adventure.  

Q. Do fireflies make noise?  

Ans. No, the fireflies don't make noise, they produce a sound by moving their wings, and the fireflies themselves can't hear this frequency.     

Q. Can we see fireflies in rain?

Ans. Yes, absolutely! You can still catch glimpses of these illuminating creatures during rain showers. However, do keep in mind that the firefly party may not be as vibrant during heavy downpours. Factors like air temperature and rainfall play a big role in their glow. And here's a secret: fireflies love indulging in snails, slugs, and pillbugs, which are aplenty during the moist pre-monsoon weather. But if the rain gets too heavy, don't be disappointed if you can't spot a single firefly. They might be taking cover until the storm subsides.

Q. Where can I spot fireflies near Mumbai?

Ans. If you're itching to witness the enchanting glow of fireflies near Mumbai,  These mesmerizing creatures can be found in various locations around Maharashtra. Some popular spots include Lonavala, Igatpuri Village, Bhandardara Village, Rajmachi, Prabalmachi, and Purushwadi Village. So, if you're a resident of Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan, or Navi-Mumbai, you can hop in for an exciting journey to these destinations with Mischief Treks. Don't foreget, the Fireflies Festival 2025 in Maharashtra is a seasonal event, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. If you're feeling adventurous, don't hesitate to explore lesser-known gems like Siddhagad Wadi, Ghatghar, Kothaligad, Kondane Caves, and Panshet. The magic of fireflies awaits you!

Discover the Best Fireflies Festival Camping Locations in Maharashtra:

• Bhandardara Fireflies Festival
• Igatpuri Fireflies Festival
• Rajmachi Fireflies Festival
• Kothaligad Fireflies Festival
• Secret Location Fireflies Festival
• Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival

Click Here Official Online booking link for Fireflies Festival 2025:

https://www.mischieftreks.com 

Q. List of Locations to see Fireflies in Maharashtra? 

Ans. Fireflies can be spotted at several forest regions and remote village areas in Maharashtra. The following lists contain top popular locations and some upcoming new locations to spot fireflies.

Top 5 popular locations to see fireflies in Maharashtra:

• Bhandardara Fireflies Festival
• Igatpuri Fireflies Festival
• Rajmachi Fireflies Festival
• Kothaligad Fireflies Festival
• Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival 

List of Locations to see fireflies in Maharashtra:

• Naneghat Fireflies Festival
• Harishchandragad Fireflies Festival
• Kalsubai Fireflies Festival
• Panshet Fireflies Festival
• Samrad Fireflies Festival
• Ghatghar Fireflies Festival
• Siddhagad Fireflies Festival
• Khodane Fireflies Festival
• Ganpati Gadad Fireflies Festival
• Purushwadi Fireflies Festival
• Devkund Fireflies Festival

Click Here Official Online booking link for Fireflies Festival 2025:
https://www.mischieftreks.com 

Q. Will the Fireflies event be canceled if it rains?

Ans. As you are already aware that June is a month of rainy-season, and the fireflies events are organized in this month with a clear understanding that it may rain. So the participants need to be ready to withstand the difficulties arising out of rains and unpredictable weather. The Fireflies event will not be canceled. A detailed explanation has be provided on each event details page for further clarification on www.mischieftreks.com 

Q. Can we have bonfire/BBQ during Fireflies Festival 2025? 

Ans. No, During Fireflies mating season any kind of fire or smoke is to be strictly avoided. Bonfire/Campfire causes smoke which is harmful for fireflies, hence its banned in all the locations of Fireflies festival. If you happen to see any such activity please inform Mischief Treks team.

Q. How to Book/Register online for Fireflies Festival 2025? 

Ans. You have to select your preferred Fireflies Festival location on the official booking website www.mischieftreks.com and press the 'Book-Now' button to proceed with online booking for Fireflies Festival 2025. The step-by-step guided booking process needs to be followed to confirm your booking. Please make sure you have read and understood event details and notes mentioned on the event page. Once you click the date Book Now button on the fireflies festival details page, system will provide list of dates to select from. Select the date by clicking on the Book now button in front of the date. Select number of participants and enter your details and proceed to make payment via UPI/Net-Banking/Credit card.
After payment, you will receive and email "Booking Request Received". Our team will get in touch with you on WhatsApp for KYC form submission. We will be creating WhatsApp group for pick-up coordination 03 Hrs prior to event date and time. Meeting point and other coordination details will be shared in the group. Apart from the pickup coordination, rest all details are available on event details page.

Events by Mischief Treks 

• Group Tours and Trips starting from Mumbai
  Tours include option to book train tickets from Mumbai to the desired destination. 
  Link:  https://www.mischieftreks.com/collections/tours-from-mumbai
• One Day Treks in/near Mumbai
  Morning to evening treks and Night Treks are scheduled every weekend based on weather conditions and on the basis of Best-Time to Visit.
  Link:  https://www.mischieftreks.com/collections/one-day-trek
• Customised Tour Packages from Mumbai
  If you are looking to get a tour package customised as per your dates and budget this option provides you an opportunity to get the entire plan made as per your need. 
  Link: https://www.mischieftreks.com/collections/customised-tour-package-and-trip-itinerary
• Night Cycling in Mumbai
  Explore nightlife of South Mumbai, also referred as SOBO on cycle. We also have an option to provide cycles on rent for the event.
  Link:  https://www.mischieftreks.com/cycling
• Camping and Stargazing
  If you are looking for Bhandardara lakeside camping or wish to experience watersports like Rafting, Kayaking and lot more, Check out our camping options on this link.
  Link:  https://www.mischieftreks.com/collections/camping-near-mumbai
• Manali Tour Packages
  Join us for a group tour to Manali this season. Options include places like Kasol, Kheerganga, Tosh, Solang Valley, Kullu and Old-Manali. 
  Link:  https://www.mischieftreks.com/collections/manali-tour-packages-for-solo-group-family
• Fireflies Festival 2025 Trek and Camping 
  Witness the magical wonder of nature with your family and kids. Fireflies mating season provides you opportunity to experience the mating dance of fireflies glowing at night. 
  Link: https://www.mischieftreks.com/collections/top-5-locations-for-fireflies-festival-camping-and-trek

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