Night descends in the Western Ghats, and suddenly the air is flecked with sparks. Thousands of fireflies blink in chaos and order all at once, like tiny, erratic lanterns floating over the forest floor. It’s mesmerising, but unfortunately, it’s vanishing. Deforestation, pesticides, and the endless glare of streetlights are stealing this spectacle away. Seeing them isn’t a casual outing anymore, it’s a chance to witness something fragile before it disappears at these places to see fireflies in India.
10 Places To See Fireflies In India
1. Purushwadi, Maharashtra
Purushwadi feels like stepping into a different world. The village sits tucked in cloudy hills, almost entirely free from artificial lights. When the pre-monsoon rains soften the soil and the first droplets fall on leaves, the forest ignites with fireflies. Walking along the narrow trails under the glowing canopy, you feel as if the forest is breathing light.
Where: Purushwadi village, Western Ghats, Maharashtra
When: Late May to mid-June
Cost: ₹2,699 per person
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2. Rajmachi Fort, Maharashtra
The trek up Rajmachi is a slow climb through forests heavy with humidity. As night falls, the fort loses its ruggedness to flickering lights along the path. It’s a chaotic ballet: insects moving in waves, branches swaying, the distant city silent but present. New moon nights are best; the fireflies’ glow can’t compete with the moon.
Where: Rajmachi, near Lonavala/Khandala, Maharashtra
When: May to early June
Cost: ₹1,399–₹1,600 per person
3. Bhandardara, Maharashtra
At Bhandardara, Arthur Lake mirrors the forest canopy, interrupted only by the tiny sparks of fireflies. Campsites here are spartan, but you don’t notice that the spectacle pulls your gaze skyward and into the shadows. The hills hum quietly; the waterfalls whisper. You might lose track of time here, but it will be worth it.
Where: Bhandardara, Sahyadri, Maharashtra
When: Mid-May to early June
Cost: ₹1,199–₹1,399 per person
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4. Kamshet, Maharashtra
Kamshet is more approachable for weekend explorers. Lakes, forest patches, and rolling hills host the fireflies. It’s a softer display than Purushwadi or Rajmachi, but the charm is in the quiet and the proximity. You can sit on a rock and watch clusters of tiny lights blink in unison; it’s almost like the forest is winking at you.
Where: Kamshet, Maharashtra
When: Mid-May to June 22 (peak late May–early June)
Cost: ₹900–₹2,500 per person
5. Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
Malshej Ghat is dramatic, here waterfalls plunge, clouds roll low, and then the forest explodes with light. The fireflies here favour the dam areas; the combination of water reflection and gentle forest breeze amplifies their glow. Camping overnight is almost mandatory; if you leave early, you miss half the magic.
Where: Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
When: May to June
Cost: ₹1,399–₹1,599 per person
6. Panshet, Maharashtra
The lake at Panshet is deceptively calm. Nightfall reveals thousands of flickers hovering over the forest edge. It is ideal for families or anyone who wants the spectacle without trekking too far. Small trails like this one let you wander, sit, and stare without disruption.
Where: Panshet Dam, near Pune, Maharashtra
When: Mid-May to early June
Cost: ₹949–₹1,299 per person
7. Igatpuri, Maharashtra
Here, valleys and rivers create a stage for one of the densest firefly displays in the region. The fog and rolling hills amplify their glow, and walking trails lead you through clusters that blink like embedded stars. The effect is almost overwhelming, with every step feeling like stumbling into another universe.
Where: Igatpuri, Maharashtra
When: May 17 to June 22
Cost: ₹1,400 onwards per person
8. Prabalmachi, Maharashtra
Prabalmachi is a short trek, but don’t underestimate it. The plateau under Prabalgad Fort offers a cinematic backdrop. As fireflies blink along edges and low shrubs, the hill silhouette cuts the night sky. It’s raw, unpolished, and utterly unforgettable.
Where: Prabalmachi, near Panvel, Maharashtra
When: Mid-May to June 22
Cost: ₹1,400 onwards per person
9. Kothaligad (Peth Fort), Maharashtra
The trail to Kothaligad snakes through caves and thick undergrowth. After sunset, the fireflies take over, flickering erratically across the trail. Adventure meets magic here, the trek is a little rough, but the reward is worth every slippery step.
Where: Kothaligad, Maharashtra
When: Late May to early June
Cost: ₹800 onwards per person
10. Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
This sanctuary is more than fireflies. Ancient forests, hidden villages, and biodiversity make the backdrop intoxicating. Villages like Yelavali give access to glowing edges without disturbing the core protected areas. Walking here at night is like brushing against a living galaxy.
Where: Bhimashankar, Maharashtra
When: May to June
Cost: ₹1,800 onwards per person
At these places to see fireflies in India, these creatures aren’t just decoration, they’re more like ecological sentinels. Fewer fireflies means something is wrong with the forest. Each blink is a whisper from nature, fragile and fleeting. Visit responsibly: no flash photography, stick to trails, and support local guides. Don’t just see them, protect them.
Maharashtra’s Western Ghats currently host the richest displays, but that won’t last for very long. These nights are a fleeting glimpse of a natural wonder under siege. Watch, breathe, and carry that memory in places to see fireflies in India, because soon the forest may be silent, and the glow will vanish forever.
Cover Image Courtesy: matthewgibson/CanvaPro
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