This Firefly Festival in Maharashtra Is the Summer Adventure Your Kids Will Talk About for Years

“Mumma, do fireflies really exist?”

If you’ve ever been caught off guard by a question like this — asked mid-bedtime story or during a car ride — you’re not alone. As parents, we’re always looking for ways to bring wonder into our children’s lives. Something that goes beyond screen time and city parks. Something they’ll remember, not just for a weekend, but for years to come.

That’s exactly what the Fireflies Festival in Maharashtra offers — a short, simple getaway that feels like stepping into a storybook. Just before the monsoons, from 14 May to 21 June 2025, tiny glowing fireflies light up forests, fields, and valleys across the state. Sounds magical? But it’s real. And this summer break, you can experience it together as a family.

5 best spots to see fireflies with your kids

1. Bhandardara: Perfect for first-time campers

What to expect
Nestled beside Arthur Lake and surrounded by the Sahyadri hills, Bhandardara offers peaceful lakeside camping with minimal travel fuss. Many campsites here are family-friendly, offering proper tents, bathrooms, and guided night trails to spot fireflies. It’s ideal for younger children or families new to camping.

Getting there
Bhandardara is located approximately three and a half hours from Mumbai. You can either take a train to Igatpuri and hire a cab from there or drive directly via NH160. The roads are smooth, and most campsites provide secure parking for private vehicles.

Pro tip
If possible, visit on a weekday — weekends tend to be crowded. Some camps also offer quieter zones specifically for families with toddlers or older parents.

2. Purushwadi: For a village experience and learning

What to expect
Purushwadi, a small tribal village near Nashik, runs a community-led eco-tourism programme that welcomes families into a slower, more grounded way of living. You’ll stay in basic tents, enjoy fresh local food, and walk through firefly-lit trees in the evenings. It’s a great way for children to engage with rural life — from farming activities to open-air cooking and village games.

Getting there
Purushwadi is roughly four and a half hours by road from Mumbai. While the journey is mostly comfortable, the last stretch can be slightly bumpy, so it’s advisable to drive during daylight hours, especially if you're travelling with young children.

Pro tip
Ask for tents near the village playground — kids often bond quickly with local children, and the shared playtime becomes an unexpected highlight.

3. Panshet (Gypsy Soul Camp): Where adventure meets comfort

What to expect
Just a couple of hours from Pune, this campsite strikes the right balance between comfort and outdoor fun. Think open-air movie nights, short guided treks, and family karaoke sessions — it has all these to offer. In the evenings, children are given glow jars and taken on firefly walks led by naturalists. There’s even a shallow stream where kids can enjoy supervised splash time.

Getting there
Panshet is an easy two-hour drive from Pune. The roads are well-maintained and clearly signposted, making it a hassle-free trip for families in private vehicles.

Pro tip
Call ahead to ask about their “Kids’ Firefly Pack” — it includes red-filter torches (which don’t disturb fireflies), activity sheets, and even hot cocoa under the stars.

4. Rajmachi: For trek-loving families

What to expect
If your kids enjoy a bit of adventure, Rajmachi offers a satisfying trek combined with one of the best firefly displays in the state. A moderate 2.5-hour trail leads to Udhewadi village near Rajmachi Fort, with twinkling fireflies lighting the way in May and June. Stay options are rustic, but the experience is unforgettable.

Getting there
Start from Lonavala, which is easily accessible by road or train. From there, begin the trek to the village. Pack water and dry snacks as there are no shops on the trail.

Pro tip
This one’s best for children above 8 who are used to walking long distances. Turn the journey into a nature treasure hunt with binoculars or a bug-spotting checklist to keep them engaged.

5. Sandhan Valley: For the thrill-seekers

What to expect
Also known as the Valley of Shadows, this dramatic location is framed by steep cliffs and deep gorges. Fireflies are usually spotted in the open areas near the valley, and while the terrain is rugged, it’s a dream come true for families who enjoy exploring the outdoors together.

Getting there
Drive to Samrad village via Igatpuri — it’s about four hours from Mumbai. Campsites here typically offer jeeps to help you reach the valley.

Pro tip
Travel with an experienced group or organiser. Mobile signal is weak in this area, and the route is not ideal for very young children.

Read this before you set off

Here are a few things to keep in mind for a safe and respectful experience — both for your kids and the creatures you’re there to see:

• Leave no trace: Teach children not to touch fireflies or litter in the forest.
  
• Avoid artificial lights: Refrain from using flashlights or mobile phone screens during sightings — they can confuse the fireflies.
  
• Maintain silence: Loud noises can disturb both the insects and fellow campers.
  
• Stay on designated paths: This prevents trampling delicate undergrowth where fireflies nest.
  
• Pack smart: Bring mosquito repellent, extra clothes, reusable water bottles, and torches with red filters.
  
• Stay calm if it rains: Camps are generally well-prepared. Just make sure your tents are zipped and your belongings are kept dry.
  
• Join nature sessions: Many organisers hold evening storytelling or insect education sessions — they’re a wonderful way to enrich the trip.
  

Family holidays aren’t always picture-perfect. But they can be the kind of memory your child holds close for a long, long time. A shared tent, stars above, muddy shoes, and a forest that sparkles? That’s more than a holiday — it’s a page out of a fairytale.

And the best part? You don’t need a flight, a fancy resort, or a packed itinerary. Just a bit of curiosity, a free weekend, and the willingness to slow down and look up.

Maharashtra’s fireflies are waiting. Will you be there when they glow?