Delve into Maharashtra's firefly season with this trek guide

Take it easyThe undisputed winners for me are the Bhandardara and Igatpuri sites separated by an hourlong drive They require no trekking and you can reach the campsite conveniently owing to good road connectivity This makes them the ideal choice for kids couples and families Both sites have offered some of the best firefly sightings historically Igatpuri stands out as the only firefly campsite that also offers water sports during the day like kayaking and raftingDifficulty BeginnerHow to reach Board a local train from Mumbai to Kasara Hail a local jeep or join the group transportation vehicle Alternatively make the 120 km drive to the base camp via Bhandardara Phata and KalsubaiKuldip Rathore trek leader Mischief Treks ON 17 May onwardsMEETING POINT Kasara Railway Station Dogra Food Mall Kasara for private vehiclesCALL 7719800777COST Rs 1800 includes food transportation from Kasara and accommodationViews from the valleyFor those who wish to take a detour from the hubbub of the city life to spot the fireflies with a short yet enjoyable trek Sandhan valley offers the right balance between adventure and leisureThis valley is also known as the Valley of Shadows because the sunrsquos rays donrsquot reach the ravines The firefly trail at the base camp on the first day can be followed by a twohourlong trek For those looking for a memorable adventure we also offer guided rappelling activities under our supervision down the valleyDifficulty IntermediateHow to reach Board a local train from Mumbai to Kasara Avail of jeep services run by locals or your trek organiser to reachSamrad village the base camp through a twohourlong drive Vinayak Mahadik trek coordinator Trek PandaON 18 May onwardsMEETING POINT Kasara Railway StationCALL 8888771773COST Rs 1799 includes food transportation from Kasara and rappellingOn a high noteThe Harishchandragad Fort is known for its challenging trek that concludes with a panoramic view from 4650 ft above sea level However not many realise that one of the base villages Paachnai offers some great views as well Boasting dense foliage the village becomes home to wildlife sightings including fireflies from midMay to June During monsoons the village is surrounded by scenic waterfalls I recommend this trek to seasoned trekkers or those with adequate endurance trainingDifficulty IntermediateexpertHow to reach Board a local train from Mumbai to Kasara Make the twohour drive to Pachnai via Igatpuri and Bhandardara Phata in a private or group vehicle Alternatively board a State Transport bus from Kasara to Rajur followed by Rajur to Pachnai Public transport can be erraticNeel Sheth trek organiser Treks and TrailsON May 18 onwardsMEETING POINT KasaraRailway StationCALL 8591064044COST R1399 includes food transportation from Kasara and accommodationThe Harishchandragad Fort trek features rocky terrain and scenic viewsKnow before the glowgtgt Do not expect luxury all firefly sighting camps are nestled in remote tribal settlementsgtgt Give the bonfire a break Although a camping essential continued exposure to smoke can harm and potentially kill firefliesgtgt Avoid playing loud music on your phones It can disturb the firefliesgtgt Carry a rainproof jacket quickdrying clothing an extra pair of socks and trekking shoes with good gripgtgt While photography and videography is usually allowed doublecheck if your flash is engaged Flashes can instantly drive away firefliesThe Bhandardara firefly spotting campgtgt Fireflies glow to attract mating partners Do not attempt to touch or handle the fireflies during this vital phase of their life cyclesgtgt Research about the group yoursquore joining and enquire about the ethical measures in place Responsible organisers must not overcrowd the sites and allow the fireflies their space Kuldip RathoreAlso check outgtgt RajmachiThis site provides direct access to firefly sightings without a trek However situated only84 km from the citythe site is prone to overcrowded campsON May 24 onwardsLOG ON TO treksandtrailsorgCOST Rs 1199 includes food accommodation and travelgtgtKothaligad Fort TrekThis trail in Ambivali is one of the closest spots to Mumbai for firefly spotting A twohourlong uphill trek featuring ancient stone steps ends with clear firefly sightings under the night skyON May 18 onwardsLOG ON TO mischieftrekscomCOST Rs 850 onwards includes food and accommodationA participant engages in kayaking in IgatpurigtgtPurushwadiTucked away from the usual tourist spots Purushwadi provides an unexplored quaint and tranquil experience under clear skies during the firefly mating seasonON May 24 onwardsLOG ON TO mischieftrekscomCOST Rs 1600 onwards includes food and accommodation