Overview

Bhandardara fireflies camping offers an immersive experience in nature, specifically designed to witness the bioluminescent fireflies before the monsoon. The festival, which runs from May 17, 2025, to June 22, 2025, features camping near a lake in the Western Ghats, providing a unique opportunity to see the fireflies. Beyond the fireflies, the experience often includes activities like stargazing, bonfire gatherings, and exploring nearby attractions. 

Key aspects of Bhandardara fireflies camping:

  • Firefly Sighting:

    The primary focus is witnessing the fireflies, which are most active during the pre-monsoon season, typically from 15-20 days before the monsoon. 

  • Camping Experience:

    Tents are typically provided, offering a comfortable stay in a natural setting, often near a lake. 

  • Additional Activities:

    The experience often includes activities like stargazing with a telescope, bonfire gatherings, and exploring nearby attractions like forts, temples, and waterfalls. 

  • Location:

    Bhandardara, located near Igatpuri in the Western Ghats, is a popular camping destination in Maharashtra. 

  • Duration:

    Most tours are 2 days and 1 night. 

  • Inclusions:

    Camping packages often include transportation, food (snacks, dinner, breakfast), and sometimes activities like boat rides. 

  • Nearby Attractions:

    Visitors can explore nearby attractions like Ratanwadi Fort, Amruteshwar Temple, and Randha Falls. 

  • Best Time:

    The pre-monsoon period is ideal for firefly sightings, offering fewer tourists and better visibility. 

1 Night 2 Days Available on request
Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Pune to Pune Transportation By Private Bus
  • Tented Stay
  • Breakfast & Tea
  • Forest Entry Charges.
  • Experienced Trek leaders and Trek Expertise Charges. 
  • First Aid Charges
  • 1 Veg Dinner

What is NOT included in the tour

  • 5% Gst
  • Travel till pickup points
  • Lunch for the second day
  • Pillow and sleeping bag (however you can carry a shawl or chaddar as per your requirement)
  • Mineral water or Lime water or purchased for personal consumption
  • All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered 
  • Any kind of personal expenses
  • Any kind of cost that is not mentioned in the cost including the above
  • All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
  • Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
  • Any kind of Health/ Medical Insurance 

 

 

Highlights
What makes this tour special

Fireflies:

  • Bioluminescent spectacle:

    The main attraction is observing fireflies glowing brightly in the evenings, a natural light show. 

  • Timing:

    Fireflies are most active in the weeks leading up to the monsoon season, usually from mid to late May. 

  • Photography:

    The fireflies provide a unique and magical backdrop for night-time photography. 

Nearby Attractions:

  • Scenic beauty: Bhandardara boasts stunning landscapes, including lakes, waterfalls (like Randha Waterfall), and forts (like Ratangad Fort).
  • Arthur Lake: A highlight for boating and enjoying the serene atmosphere.
  • Other attractions: Sandhan Valley, Ghatghar Kokankada, Amruteshwar Temple, and Kalsubai Peak are nearby. 

Other Highlights:

  • Stargazing: Clear skies offer opportunities for stargazing.
  • Night-time photography: The combination of fireflies and the starry night sky provides excellent photographic opportunities.
  • Rustic village experience: Immerse yourself in the local culture and experience village life. 

 

Itinerary

Day 01 :

11:00 AM : Depart from Pune to Bhandardhara via private vehicle
Pick   up   : 1st Pick up point Sb road JW Marriot hotel / 2nd Nashik Phata
02.00 PM : On the way Ozar Ganapati darshan and Lunch
04.30 PM : Reach the campsite and enjoy delicious snacks
06.00 PM : Check in into your camps and chill around the lake
08.00 PM : Dinner will be served 
10.00 PM : We will go for a fireflies walk to spot the bioluminescent birds
Later night enjoy your time with the newly made friends

 

Day 02 :

08.00 AM  : Wake up and enjoy your home made breakfast
09.30 AM  : Check out and depart towards Pune
01.00 PM  : Lunch on the way

04.00 PM  : Arrival in Pune by Evening

Things to carry:

Identity Card 2 ltrs water Torch with new cells (compulsory) Enerzyl powder or Glucon D powder Snacks & biscuits Extra pair of clothes Clean napkin or towel Cap, sunglasses, scarf Haversack or backpack (No sling bags) Camera (optional) Please carry personal medicines if any Hand Sanitize

Cost