Top Places In Maharashtra To Witness Magical Firefly Festival This Monsoon Season

The Fireflies Festival in Maharashtra is a magical experience that brings together nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and families. 

20 May 2024

By Ishika Kumar

Every year, a breathtaking spectacle unfolds as the monsoon descends upon Maharashtra. The night skies and dense forests come alive with the enchanting glow of fireflies, transforming the landscape into a wonderland of twinkling lights. This natural phenomenon is celebrated as the Fireflies Festival, a unique experience that draws visitors from near and far. 

Here’s a guide to some of the best places in Maharashtra to immerse yourself in the magic of fireflies this monsoon season.

Bhandardara, Ahmednagar: Nestled in the serene landscapes of Ahmednagar district, Bhandardara is a hill station that turns into a fairyland during the monsoon. The forests surrounding the Wilson Dam and Arthur Lake are lit by the soft glow of thousands of fireflies, creating an enchanting ambience. Ideal for a weekend getaway, Bhandardara offers guided night treks that provide a close encounter with these mystical insects.

Travel Details:

Dates: 26th May to 18th June

How to Reach:

–         By Air: Pune International Airport, 160 km away

–         By Train: Igatpuri Railway Station, 45 km away

–         By Road: 165 km from both Mumbai and Pune

Purushwadi: Purushwadi, a village located in the Western Ghats near Nashik, is a hidden gem known for its rich biodiversity and vibrant tribal culture. As the monsoon sets in, the dense forests around Purushwadi are illuminated by fireflies, creating a mesmerising sea of twinkling lights. Visitors can enjoy guided night treks to witness this breathtaking spectacle. They have many firefly festivals as well.

Travel Details:

Dates: 14th May to 30th June

How to Reach:

–         By Air: The nearest airports are Nashik (106 km) and Shirdi (80 km)

–         By Train: Igatpuri Railway Station, 66 km away

–         By Road: 160 km from Pune and 186 km from Mumbai

Rajmachi: Rajmachi, near Lonavala, is a popular trekking destination that becomes even more magical during the Fireflies Festival. The surrounding forests come alive with the soft glow of fireflies, offering trekkers a unique nighttime experience. The trek usually begins from Jambhulpada village, close to Lonavala Railway Station, and includes visits to Rajmachi Fort and Shrivardhan Fort.

Travel Details:

Dates: 15th May to 30th June

How to Reach:

–         By Air: Pune International Airport, 180 km away

–         By Train: Pune Railway Station, 167 km away

–         By Road: 167 km from Pune

Malshej Ghat: Malshej Ghat, a picturesque location in the Western Ghats, is a haven for nature lovers. The monsoon transforms the area into a lush green paradise with cascading waterfalls and valleys illuminated by fireflies. Visitors can enjoy camping and night treks in different packages organised and provided by various travel companies.

Travel Details:

Dates: 20th May to 25th June

How to Reach:

–         By Air: Mumbai International Airport, 127 km away

–         By Train: Kalyan Railway Station, 85 km away

–         By Road: 120 km from both Mumbai and Pune

Panshet: Located near Pune, Panshet is known for its serene backwaters, the panshet dam and lake, and scenic landscapes. During the monsoon, the forests around Panshet are illuminated by fireflies, offering a miraculous milieu. Visitors can enjoy boat rides on the backwaters and camp along the banks of the Panshet Dam.

Travel Details:

Dates: 10th May to 30th June

How to Reach:

–         By Air: Pune International Airport, 52 km away

–         By Train: Pune Junction, 44 km away

–         By Road: 40 km from Pune

Samrad: It is a village of wonders. Close to Arthur Lake, Samrad village is a prime spot for witnessing fireflies. Its proximity to tourist attractions like Ratangad, Ajoba Fort, and Kalsubai Peak makes it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Travel Details:

Dates: 14th May to 22nd June

How to Reach:

–         By Air: Nashik Airport, 102 km away

–         By Train: Kasara Railway Station, 80 km away

–         By Road: 180 km from Mumbai and Pune

Igatpuri: A natural haven, which is renowned for its lakeside camping and stunning landscapes, is another top spot for the Fireflies Festival. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil lake and the chirping of birds along with the spectacular display of fireflies.

Travel Details:

Dates: 20th May to 25th June

How to Reach:

–         By Air: Nashik Airport, 65 km away

–         By Train: Igatpuri Railway Station in Nashik district

–         By Road: 120 km from Mumbai

Kothaligad: Known as the Fort of Peth, Kothaligad is famous for its intriguing caves and water tanks. Night treks to the fort offer a chance to see fireflies in their natural habitat, along with exploring the majestic fort.

Travel Details:

Dates: 15th May to 30th June

How to Reach:

–         By Air: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, 100 km away

–         By Train: Karjat Junction, 28 km away

–         By Road: 90 km from Mumbai

The Fireflies Festival in Maharashtra is a magical experience that brings together nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and families. From the serene backwaters of Panshet to the rugged terrains of Rajmachi, these destinations offer a perfect blend of natural beauty and enchanting firefly displays. So, pack your bags and get ready to witness one of nature’s most captivating spectacles and our beautiful lighting creatures, this monsoon.