Fireflies Festival Kothaligad Trek 2023

Album link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/D8hhxUcTWx9ViUHg9

Kothaligad Fireflies Festival Trek 2023 from Mumbai is a Non-Crowded location that provides safe and best available trek to experience fireflies in abundance. It's Couple and Family friendly. Online Booking available. Other locations are Rajmachi, Bhandardara, Purushwadi, Karjat, and Igatpuri..

• Identity proof.
• Good and reliable trekking shoes and extra pair of floaters.
• Water (minimum 2 Ltrs) Compulsory.
• Torch with extra batteries - do not depend on the phone. 
• Keep your phone fully charged.
• Mosquito repellent (optional)
• A bedsheet or Turkish towel to lay down and rest or you may carry a sleeping bag.
• Some ready-to-eat food like biscuits, plum cake, etc to keep your tummy happy.
• Medicines (if you need any), Glucon D / Electrol / Enerzyl Powder (We will have a basic first aid kit with us).
• A haversack to put all your things. Your hands need to be free while trekking.

Important Points to note regarding Fireflies Festival 2023

Transport: If you have opted for the transportation the local vehicles from the Karjat station to the base will be provided.

The main focus of this event is watching "Fireflies" and this is not a Camping focused event. Village home stay is just a medium to provide shelter for the night. 

Accommodation: The stay for this event will be at village homestay. This group homestay at a village house comprises of a large hall for the group to rest at night. Each participant needs to carry a mat/sleeping-bag to rest upon. Please remember this is a extremely basic shelter in village home. 

TREK- The uphill ascend from base village to pethmachi, will take 01hr 30 mins.
The (optional) morning trek ascend from pethmachi to peak will take approx 30 mins.

This is the Monsoon season and camping is best suited in winter and summers when it's not too windy or rainy. Please do not book this event if your focus is on luxury/comfort camping only. This is specifically a Fireflies-focused event and due to weather conditions, all other things need to be handled as per the best-suited option basis. The event schedule, itinerary, group composition, and all operational aspects are subject to change without prior notice. In these uncertain times, we will try to do our best to get things rolling but unavoidable circumstances may impact the operations.

Last Batch: Officially Mischief Treks will have last batch of the season on Sat-Sun(17-18 June). We also have an extended batch on Sat-Sun (24-25 June) scheduled for those who missed the festival's peak time and want to catch up.

Extended Batch: The extended batch is being conducted on 23&24 June for those who missed the last official batch of Fireflies Season 2023 on 17th June. This Extended batch offers an opportunity to witness last few fireflies which can still be spotted. Almost 70% of fireflies are gone and we still can get to experience the remaining ones.

IMPORTANT: Please do not book this event without reading and understanding the details mentioned on this page including inclusions, exclusions, FAQ's, Itinerary, Important note, and cancellation/rescheduling policy.  

Fireflies Festival is based on natural phenomena, just like rain/clouds, etc... as per the past few years` patterns, the events have been lined up from 21st May to mid of June 2023. During this period 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 batch will have lesser number of fireflies. We recommend opting for batches starting 28th May. Make sure you have gone through the FAQ section.

How to reach Kothaligad Fireflies Festival

• Open Google search tab
• Type the following words in the search window 'My location to Kothaligad'.
• You shall get the exact time required to travel, modes of travel, and distance (kilometers) from your location
• Click on the Get-Directions button on your screen or Start Navigation button(depending on your phone OS, and follow the directions on your phone to reach the destination.

Points to Note and FAQ's regarding Fireflies Festival Kothaligad 2023

Following are the frequently asked questions regarding Kothaligad Fireflies Festival Trek

Q: Can someone call me and read out the details on this page?

Ans. We at Mischief Treks have a strict condition, each participant who wishes to join our group needs to be aware of all the aspects of the event. Hence we have mentioned the details with utmost clarity and transparency on this page. We will not make phone calls to read out information that is readily available this page. We strongly urge you to refer to the provided resources before requesting redundant assistance. We do not verbally provide details on phone as it usually creates a lot of "Misunderstanding" and "Miscommunication". If something mentioned on this page is confusing, you can get clarity on chat by clicking on WhatsApp icon on your screen, we shall revert with written clarification to all the queries. To discuss things that are "Not" mentioned on this page we can arrange a callback from one of our Trek Leaders.

Q: Is the event suitable for Females?

Ans. We at Mischief Treks do not consider females as lesser humans and any female/male who is physically fit can participate in our events and enjoy nature just like Men. 

Q: How much do we have to walk from the campsite to see the Fireflies?

Ans. Once we start walking to watch the fireflies we may have to walk for 5-15 min (approx 20 meters to 400 meters) to to be able to spot the fireflies. 

Q: Do we have to trek uphill to spot the fireflies?

Ans. The walk in forest to spot fireflies is generally on forest ground level and no rock climbing or trekking is involved. 

Q: How much time will we spend watching the fireflies?

Ans. Generally we spend enough time till most of the people are done watching. If a person has specific requirement for watching the fireflies for extended period he/she can stay back at the fireflies spot as long as he/she likes.

Q: Can we leave early from the campsite?

Ans. If you have your own vehicle you may choose to leave early. You can skip the dinner and stay and return pretty early as per your comfort. We do not have any compulsions regarding staying back at campsite. 

Q: Is there a different charge if we leave early after watching fireflies?

Ans. No, the charges are same for all participants. You are free to skip any of the aspects of the event at your will. 

Q: Is mobile phone network coverage available at the campsite?

Ans. The network is poor and you may get intermittent network on Jio phones. Vodafone and Airtel networks are pretty bad in entire region. 

Q: Is mobile phone charging facility available at the campsite?

Ans. No, as this campsite is in remote forest location mobile phone charging facility is currently not available. We advise you to carry a portable powerbank with you along with torches to be used at night. 

Q: How far is the campsite from Karjat Station?

Ans. The campsite is roughly 28km from Karjat station. The village road is average condition and if you plan to reach the campsite on your own please ensure you are not an amateur driver. 

Q: When is the best time to visit the Kothaligad Fireflies Festival?

Ans. The Fireflies Festival in Kothaligad takes place from 15-May-2023 to 30-June-2023. For optimal fireflies sightings, the best time to visit Kothaligad is from 27-May-2023 to 18-June-2023. After this period, the visibility of fireflies may start to decrease due to weather conditions. As heavy rainfall begins in the third week of June, camping at the Kothaligad Fireflies Festival becomes tricky and tough.

Q: How can I book tickets for the Kothaligad Fireflies Festival 2023?

Ans. Booking tickets for the Kothaligad Fireflies Festival 2023 can be done online through the official website of Mischief Treks at www.mischieftreks.com It is important to note that advance booking is mandatory for participating in the Fireflies Festival in Maharashtra.

Q: I have booked/paid for the event, is my booking confirmed for Kothaligad Fireflies Festival? 

Ans. No !, your booking can become invalid if you do not submit the "Most Important Details" required for emergency situations. This form needs to be submitted within 3 hours of making the payment. We do not allow anyone to the campsite until we have complete and authentic details of the person. This info is crucial in case of an emergency and is a mandatory KYC parameter. The link for the "personal details form" will be sent after you complete the booking instructions mentioned on the website. Submitting incomplete/incorrect/fake details in the form or not submitting the form will make your booking invalid and no refund will be provided in such case.

Q. Why is submitting emergency contact details and KYC information mandatory?

Ans. Its a standard protocol and also a guideline by Govt of India. We are accountable for every "Human-Body" present at our campsite or trek is our responsibility and in case of any unfortunate event we will be asked by authorities to provide all relevant information about you. In order to comply with the authorities we have to take authentic information from you. Fake/Incomplete information or non-submission of the details will make your ticket (paid amount) invalid and no refund will be provided in such case. You will not be allowed to participate in the event.      

Q. Does the cancellation policy/rescheduling policy apply to me if I book on event day or last day?

Ans:  Yes, the policy is applicable irrespective of the booking date. The cancellation / reschedule policy is applicable to everyone with immediate effect from the date and time of booking. The refunds/rescheduling requests will be processed based on the date and time of cancellation/reschedule request sent to us and the date and time of booking the event are irrelevant. 

Q. What is the basis of cancellation/reschedule policy in case of medical or personal emergency of participant or organizing team?

Ans:  The cancellation policy is based on fairness towards the participant and the organizing team. In case of medical/personal emergency, the loss arising out of cancellation/reschedule will be borne by the respective person. i.e. if the organizing team faces an emergency situation and the event gets canceled, the participant will not have to suffer financial loss. Similarly, if the participant faces an emergency situation, the organizing team will not have to suffer financial loss. The cancellation policy is designed with a completely unbiased approach towards the participant and organizing team and is aimed at fairness towards both.

Q. We are coming by our own vehicle for the event, where should we reach?

Ans. You need to reach Karjat at the scheduled meeting time. This is where we will be meeting, from here you can follow our vehicles. You will be given exact coordinates after you finish booking formalities. We will be creating a WhatsApp group for coordination, you will be provided all relevant details in the group. Please do not be late, we cannot keep other participants waiting. If you are not able to reach on time you will be considered a Drop-Out and no refund will be provided in such case. 

Q. How do we get in touch after reaching the meeting point for Kothaligad Fireflies Festival? 

Ans. We will be creating a WhatsApp group for coordination where you will be provided all the necessary information regarding the contact person, exact point to meet, etc..

Q. What is provided in meals at Kothaligad Fireflies Festival? 

Ans. The meal will consist of veg and Jain food options. Rice, Chapati, Daal, seasonal veg, salad.  For breakfast poha and tea will be available. This basic home cooked food is prepared by local villagers. Restaurant and Hotel food is not available at Kothaligad Fireflies Festival. 

Q. Is drinking water provided?  

Ans. Yes, normal tap water for drinking is provided free of cost to all participants.

Q. Does the campsite have a Washroom Facility?

Ans. We will be using the washrooms at the village people's home, and we need to be grateful to them to allow us to use it. There are no public washrooms in this region. Each participant is responsible for using the washroom with decency and we need to make sure it's clean and not messed up by us. 

Q. How many people will be at the coming for Kothaligad Fireflies Festival Trekking?

Ans. Depends on the number of people booking the event. Generally, the batch size is approximately 25-35 participants. Kothaligad is a Public place and we have no access to data on other organizers' bookings hence we cannot comment on the exact number of people planning to visit this place on a given date. 

Q. Is Kothaligad Fireflies Festival safe for solo participants? 

Ans. Yes Kothaligad Fireflies Festival is safe and comfortable. Mostly 40% of the participants come solo and blend in with the trek leaders and the rest of the group.  

Q. Is Kothaligad Fireflies Festival safe for girls? 

Ans. Yes Kothaligad Fireflies Festival is safe for girls, Mischief Treks has a track record of making our trekking and camping events extremely safe for girls. Normally 60 – 75 % of our participants are females.

Q. How should I book the Kothaligad Fireflies Festival event?

Ans. All you have to do is press the book now button on this page and follow the instructions.

Q. Will we be returning at the exact time mentioned in the itinerary?

Ans. The Itinerary is for reference purpose only, it is based on average time taken during our previous events. Actual timeline for a particular date depends on Weather conditions, Traffic Conditions, Participant's speed and endurance.  

Q. What are the batch dates for the fireflies festival in Kothaligad, Maharashtra? 

Ans. The best dates for Fireflies Festival Trek in Kothaligad is from 15-May-2023 to 30-June-2023. We at Mischief Treks have Fireflies Festival Trek scheduled at Kothaligad Fort on 20-May-2023, 27-May-2023, 03-June-2023, 10-June-2023, 17-June-2023, 25-June-2023.

Q. Do fireflies bite? 

Ans. Unlike many other insects, fireflies give off a friendly vibe. They don't bite, they have no pincers, they don't attack, they don't carry disease, they are not poisonous, and they don't even fly very fast.  

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

Ans. As you are already aware that June is a rainy-season month and the fireflies events are organized in this month with a clear understanding that it may rain. The Fireflies event will not be canceled. Refer Points to Note section above for further clarification 

Q. Does the Kothaligad Trek have a washroom facility?

Ans. We have washroom available at base village. This is a basic workable washroom in a forest area of the village, it's clean and usable until people reach, beyond that, it purely depends on the participants on how they use it. It won't be like the ones you find in hotels or restaurants. This is a village and the village washroom is in line with the village people. 

Q. Can I bring my Kid along? 

Ans. Age does not matter, Fitness and adaptability is extremely important. Once we had a 4-year-old girl who completed the entire event easily, and sometimes even 22-25 year old people cant complete 10% of the event. It purely depends on how fit the kids are and how they have been raised. One of our 3-year-old nieces can do all the fireflies locations easily, but my 16-year-old cousin can't even dare to think of going to any of the events listed on our website. His parents have raised him in such a way that now he is incapable of being in nature.

Q. Is Parking available at Kothaligad Fireflies location?

Ans. No, Official parking lot is not available at the Kothaligad Fireflies location. There is a open space where people park their vehicles. You may choose to park your vehicle at the given location at your own risk. Till date we have not encountered any issues related to parking. 

Q. What time of year do fireflies appear?   

Ans. In India, Fireflies start appearing during May-end and are visible till June.

Q. Can fireflies hurt me?  

Ans. Fireflies do contain toxins, But they are harmless to humans unless eaten in massive quantities. 

Q. Are fireflies safe?    

Ans. Fireflies can be poisonous. When predators attack, they start “reflex bleeding,” and produce drops of blood filled with nasty chemicals that are poisonous to lizards and birds. They're not great for humans, either, so don't try eating them!       

Q. Why do Fireflies glow?  

Ans. The light that the firefly produces is a chemical reaction caused by an organic compound in their abdomens. The compound is called luciferin. As air rushes into a firefly's abdomen, it reacts with luciferin. It causes a chemical reaction that gives off the firefly its glow. They don't use 'Fair and lovely' or 'Glow and lovely'. 

Q. Where are fireflies found?    

Ans. Fireflies are found in temperate and tropical regions on every continent. They are most commonly seen on summer evenings.    

Q. Are Fireflies decreasing in India?  

Ans.  In India, there are only about 7-8 species of fireflies left; there are more than 2,000 species across the world. So you can say that fireflies are decreasing in India.   

Q. What time do Fireflies come out at night?

Ans. Fireflies are visible all night, they are most numerous between the hours of midnight and 1 a.m. If it is pouring, they will not appear. Even if you don't see fireflies after the sun rises, they're still lurking in the tall grasses.  

Q. Do fireflies make noise?  

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

Q. Can fireflies be in rain?

Ans. Yes, Fireflies can be in rain, the air temperature and rainfall play a huge role when they emerge. Since they feed on snails, slugs, and pillbugs, which are brought out by the rain and moist environment, fireflies like the muggy weather.      

Q. Why do fireflies glow at only at night?

Ans. Fireflies mostly only glow at night because that's when the males are trying to get the attention of female fireflies.

Q. Are there fireflies in India?

Ans. There are eight firefly species in India, and they are the most abundant in the humid forests of the Sahyadri area, part of the Western Ghats mountain range. 

Q. When can we see fireflies in India?

Ans. Ideally, the best time to watch these fireflies in India is during the pre-monsoon months of May and June. Particularly during the first two weeks of June because it is the peak mating season for fireflies.

Q. Why are fireflies disappearing in India?

Ans. Habitat loss, light pollution from artificial night lights, and pesticides are considered to be the biggest threats to the firefly population in India and around the world.   

Q. Are fireflies extinct in India?

Ans. In India, there are only about 7-8 species of fireflies left; there are more than 2,000 species across the world. So you can say that fireflies are decreasing in India. They aren't extinct yet but if we don't take care of our environment one day they surely will go extinct.

Q. Which locations are available for booking Fireflies Festival 2023?

Ans. Out of the several locations for fireflies festival we have handpicked few best ones as mentioned below.
Best Fireflies Festival Camping Locations in Maharashtra

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

Q. Where can I see fireflies near Mumbai?

Ans. Around Mumbai, there are many destinations to spot Fireflies in Rajmachi Village, Siddhagad Wadi, Prabalmachi village, Bhandardara, Ghatghar, Kothaligad, Kondane Caves and Purushwadi, etc. We at Mischief Treks organize Firefly Festival at multiple locations like Rajmachi, Prabalmachi, Bhandardhara, Igatpuri, Kothaligad, and Mischief Treks Special Location.

Q: What is meaning of word Camping?

Ans. According to wikipedia and general understanding, Camping is not limited to staying in a tent. It can actually mean temporarily staying anywhere outdoors or in nature. It's all about immersing yourself in the great outdoors and enjoying the experience. So, whether you're sleeping in a tent, a camper van, a village home, a hammock, or even under the stars under open sky, it's all part of the camping adventure. It's about embracing nature and creating lasting memories wherever you choose to set up camp. 

Q. Are any discounts or coupon codes available?

Ans. To be honest, Discounts and coupon codes are just a marketing trick. No one offers something below the pre-decided rate slab. The charges on website haven't yet been adjusted (inflated) to provide for discounts. Mentioned amount is the lowest actual charges and hence discounts are currently not possible. We will soon be revising the charges in next few weeks to make buffer for discounts.

Q. Where can I watch fireflies in India?

Ans. The Western Ghats are probably one of the best places to see these fireflies in action and here are our top 7 destinations. Rajmachi, Karjat, Bhandardhara, Igatpuri, Kothaligad, Prabalmachi, and Mischief Treks Special Location.

Q. Where can we see fireflies in Maharashtra?

Ans. The Western Ghats are probably one of the best places to see these fireflies in action and here are our top 7 destinations. Rajmachi, Karjat, Bhandardhara, Igatpuri, Kothaligad, Prabalmachi and Mischief Treks Special Location.

Q. Which is the Official website for online booking Kothaligad Fireflies Festival 2023?

Ans. The official website for Online-Booking of Fireflies Festival 2023 at Bhandardara, Karjat, Rajmachi, Igatpuri, Kothaligad, Secret Location and Prabamachi is https://www.mischieftreks.com 
Online registration is available for Groups, couples, Family and kids. These campsites are couple friendly and kids friendly too.

Q. Do fireflies glow to mate?

Ans. The glowing light of fireflies is used by the insects to signal mates, and also it warns predators that the bugs will leave a bad taste in the mouth.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Aggregate Rating: 4.85 out of 5

Rating count: 2431

Kothaligad Fireflies - Information Update as on June 11, 2023

This is the 'Best-Time' to experience sighting Fireflies in 2023. The sighting has already started in 4th week of May, and currently we are almost at peak of season at all fireflies festival locations. According to observations soon the visibility count will start decreasing and  by the time we reach 4th week of June 2023 it will be time to wait for Fireflies Festival 2024.

Weather Conditions: 

Rains have started and wind has started gaining speed, nights are pretty comfortable as compared to day heat.. But the chances of rains will increase as each day of June passes by. Please read the 'Important Points to Note' section on this page to understand things related to rains. Generally during the day time, its Hot with hazy sun, nights are comfortable and cold. Wind gusts are 22 km/h, and Probability of Precipitation is 22%. Sunrise Rise time is 5:56 AM.

• On Friday 16th June, the night sky is expected to be mildly clear. Probability of Precipitation is 48% 
• On Saturday 17th June, Expecting a couple of showers in the evening, considerable cloudiness. Probability of Precipitation 67%

Myths and Facts about Fireflies and Rain correlation

Since June 14, 2023 we observed that lot of people are believing lot of Copy-Paste based websites spreading incorrect information about the correlation between rains and Fireflies, hence we would like to take this opportunity to express our experience and things we practically learn in past 12 years. Rain can have both positive and negative effects on fireflies in India. 

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.
• 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.

Ever wondered why fireflies mate and glow in certain weather conditions? Well, science has some cool explanations for that! First off, fireflies have a unique way of attracting mates. They use their flashing lights to communicate and find the right partner. Each firefly species has its 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 months 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 role. Fireflies have their own schedule for getting busy, and they time their flashes to match. It's like they have their own disco party in sync with the day and night.. All these mating behaviors and weather preferences have important reasons. They 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.

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

So if you live here in Mumbai where Mischief Treks can take you to witness this magical phenomenon, But we at Mischief Treks wont take you along if you are not capable to understand what's written on this page.

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 eradicate activities related to pollutants like Fire, Smoke, and Lights causing harm to Fireflies.  

• 90% will be refunded if canceled 15 days (360+ hrs) in advance.
• 75% will be refunded if canceled 10 days (240+ hrs) in advance.
• 50% will be refunded if canceled 05 days (120+ hrs) in advance.
• 0% refund if canceled in less than 05 days (120 hours) of the event date and time.
• 0% refund if the participant drops out, misses bus pickup, or does not reach the meeting point on the scheduled date and time. 
• Rescheduling can be done free of cost if the rescheduling request is sent to us 120 hours prior to event date and time. If the request is sent in less than 120hrs, 50 percent of event charges need to be paid for cancelling the current booking and rescheduling it to next available date. 

If the event itself gets canceled, you will be given the option to switch to any other event or any other date, Or you can opt for a 100% refund. If you need to reschedule your booking to any other available date, it can be done free of cost if the rescheduling request is sent 120 hours prior to the trek. From 0hrs - 120 hours prior to the trek date and time free rescheduling is not permitted. It will be counted as cancellation done in less than 120hours of the event date and time. It's a humble request, please do not give medical reasons, crib, argue or try to blackmail us if you drop out or cancel/reschedule the trek in the last 5 days.

​The basis of the cancelation policy is to protect the participant and the organizers from undue financial losses arising out of unforeseen situations. If the event gets canceled due to the medical/personal emergency of the organising team member, the participants will not have to suffer financial loss. Similarly, if there is a medical/personal emergency at the participant's end, the organizing team will not have to suffer financial loss.