Experience the rugged beauty of Harishchandragad, where fireflies light up the misty trails and the night sky. The trek to the Harishchandragad fort is challenging yet rewarding, offering some of the best firefly sightings in Maharashtra. The festival runs from May 17 to June 22, so be sure to plan ahead for this unforgettable trek!
The trek offers stunning views, rugged hills, and an opportunity to witness the glow of thousands of fireflies in the wild. Whether you are a history lover, an adventure seeker, or a nature enthusiast, Harishchandragad offers something for everyone.
Who Is This Suitable For?
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ง Family Friendly โ๏ธ๐ง๐ฝ Senior Citizens โ๏ธ๐ซ๐ป Couples - Kids โ๏ธ๐งโโ๏ธ Solo Travellers โ๏ธ๐ญ๐ป๐ฉ๐ผโ๐คโ๐ฉ๐ป Group โ๏ธ
Note: Harishchandragad is a more challenging trek, suitable for experienced trekkers or those with moderate fitness. The trails are steeper and more demanding compared to other locations.
Maximum number of fireflies visibility at Harishchandragad
The Fireflies Festival is starting from May 17,2025 and will end on June 22,2025. The firefly sighting starts around May 10,2025, but barely few fireflies are visible during that time. Proper glow begins only when it drizzles slightly. If it stays dry, sightings remain low. Smoke, Light-Pollution, and noise pollution impact a lot on the glow of fireflies. Avoid campsites that promote Bonfire, BBQ and Music.
The glow is more prominent near the plateau and base village areas during the peak season, especially in the valleys surrounding the fort.
Phase Dates
Firefly Sighting
Experience
๐ฑ Early Glow May 10โ17
๐ Low
Glow is faint near base areas and lower forest edges.
๐ Peak Glow May 18โJune 8
๐ฎ HIGH
Full glow visible across the fort base, plateau, and surrounding areas.
๐ง๏ธ Fading Glow June 9โ20
๐ Medium
Rain may reduce visibility, but glow is still visible in certain areas.
๐ก Tip: For optimal glow experience, plan your visit during the peak glow period with no-moon weekends!
Expectation vs Reality at Harishchandragad
Expectation
Reality
Fireflies glowing all around
Glow is mostly concentrated near base and plateau areas.
Easy trek through flat trails
Moderate to difficult trek with steep, rocky sections near the summit.
Fully illuminated trails
Glow is mostly near certain patches and is less visible during dry spells.
No crowd, peaceful experience
Weekends may be crowded. Weekdays provide a quieter, peaceful trek.
โ ๏ธ Before YOU book a Fireflies Festival Camp or Organiser...
Donโt fall for cheap Instagram ads or fake reviews. Every year, hundreds get scammed by โ unverified organisers who use BBQs, Bonfires, loud music, and unsafe zones. Thatโs ANIMAL ABUSE not tourism.
๐งก We've listed โ๏ธ Verified vs โ Hostile organisers based on real field checks.
๐ Learn how to spot RED flags, protect your money, avoid disasters, and Save Fireflies from greedy Travel-Companies.
This guide could save YOU and make you a โ๏ธ Fireflies Savior..
โ DO NOT BOOK Blindly.
What You'll Actually Experience at Harishchandragad
Expect a challenging yet rewarding trek to the top of Harishchandragad Fort, where fireflies light up the dark forest trails. The trek is known for its scenic views of the surrounding valleys, misty trails, and an occasional glimpse of the fortress itself.
In the evening, fireflies emerge around the fort base, adding a magical touch to the surroundings. As you trek, the misty air adds to the mysticism of the glow, and the silence of the forest provides a peaceful atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Be prepared for the steep climbs, wear proper trekking shoes, and carry a good headlamp (red-filter mode for better glow visibility). Also, pack some dry snacks and water for the trek.
Activities You Can Try at Harishchandragad
Along with the firefly glow spotting, here are other activities you can enjoy during your visit:
โ Firefly Glow Walks around the Forest Trails
โ Trek to Harishchandragad Fort for Stunning Views
โ Misty Photography during the Glow Period
โ Sunrise Trek for Panoramic Valley Views
โ Bird Watching in the Early Mornings
๐ก Tip: Make sure you bring a red-filter headlamp for optimal firefly visibility.
Stay and Food Setup at Harishchandragad
Stay options around Harishchandragad include simple camps near the base or homestays in nearby villages. Most campsites provide dry toilets, basic facilities, and some offer outdoor showers. For a more comfortable experience, consider staying at local resorts or homestays in Khopoli and Murbad.
Food at campsites generally includes simple Maharashtrian fare like poha, bhakri, sabzi, and rice. Carry your own high-energy snacks like protein bars and fruits for the trek.
Important: Avoid bonfires or loud music at campsites during the firefly season to preserve the natural glow.
Verified Organisers For Harishchandragad Fireflies
Below are the Organisers and Campsites where the firefly is not harmed for greed. You can pick the one that matches your vibe.
Mischief Treks
A community of nature enthusiasts.
Charges: โน1400 Onwards
๐๏ธ Tent๐ฝ๏ธ Foodโฐ๏ธFirefly Trail๐ Kasara Pickup๐ AC Bus from Mumbai
If you prefer staying in hotels or homestays near Harishchandragad, here are some good options:
Name
Approx Charges
Category
Khopoli Resort
โน3,000 โ โน5,500
Mid-Range Resort
Sai Valley Homestay
โน2,000 โ โน3,500
Farmstay
Natureโs Retreat, Murbad
โน3,500 โ โน5,000
Eco-Resort
Shivneri Fort Resort
โน2,500 โ โน4,000
Budget Resort
MTDC Resort
โน2,000 โ โน3,500
Government Resort
Leisure Valley Resort
โน4,000 โ โน6,000
Luxury Resort
๐ก Tip: Book your stay in advance as weekends can be crowded with trekkers and festival-goers.
How to Reach Harishchandragad
๐ By Car (Own Vehicle / Rental)
From Mumbai: ~140 km โ 3.5 hours via Mumbai-Pune Expressway, then Murbad-Khopoli Road.
From Pune: ~150 km โ 4 hours via Pune-Mumbai highway and then Khopoli Road.
๐ By Train
Nearest station: Karjat (Central Line). From Karjat, take a taxi to the base village (approx 1 hour).
๐ By Bus (MSRTC)
MSRTC buses to Khopoli. From there, take a taxi or local transport to reach the base village.
โ๏ธ By Flight
Nearest airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (~100 km).
Take a taxi or bus from the airport to Khopoli, then proceed to the base village.
Reviews and Experiences
SM
Sachin More
Booking Category: Family
My kids and wife just sat outside tent in dark watching glow it was like full forest turned into Diwali lights full paisa vasool
PR
Pallavi Raut
Booking Category: Couple
we had come for anniversary and ended up watching stars n fireflies no phone no distraction just glowing trees and breeze
MR
Manoj Rane
Booking Category: Solo
was my solo break from work went on weekday less crowd and full trail blinking left right up everywhere i sat for 2 hours alone
KS
Kalpana Shinde
Booking Category: Senior Citizens
i was scared first due to forest area but staff was with us glow was so nice even near dining area food was homely
AS
Anuja Sawant
Booking Category: Group
we came with college group 12 friends campfire was not allowed but the silent night and blinking trees gave different kind of fun
YD
Yogita Dhole
Booking Category: Family
clean washrooms proper tents safe for kids also we saw many fireflies near washbasin too it was wild and funny
RB
Rupesh Borkar
Booking Category: Solo
i just kept walking alone on trail with torch off fireflies guiding path this will stay in memory for long time
โ ๏ธ Firefly Season Scam Alert (Must Read!)
โ Donโt fall for Instagram offers.
โ Always book through verified websites with payment gateway, get email confirmation.
โ Scammers on Instagram usually take money via UPI or QR in personal account and then vanish.
โ If theyโre offering BBQ, Bonfire or Disco lights, or Music, report such posts as "harmful" on Instagram or to us. Such activities cause harm to Fireflies.
โ Check official website that has proper booking system backed by a bank or payment gateway and provides email confirmation.
โ Some LOW-COST operators sell your booking further to cheapest organiser. This new person takes zero responsibility and backs-off from commitment made to you earlier
โ ๏ธ Low Price = High Risk.
โ Book only with trusted organizers who display transparency, correct pricing, and give proper email confirmation.
Fireflies Festival Reference Articles
Explore important articles to help you plan better, travel safer, and enjoy the real glow of fireflies:
Please avoid bringing your pets to Fireflies Locations. There have been past incidents where local forest dogs have attacked visiting pet dogs and brutally injured the pets. For their safety and the safety of others, pets are strictly not recommended at any firefly location or forest zone.
This is a natural "Wildlife zone" not a pet-friendly tourist location.
Harishchandragad Fireflies FAQs
Is Harishchandragad trek safe for beginners?
Moderate to difficult trek. Not ideal for first-time trekkers unless well-guided.
Where is the best firefly glow seen at Harishchandragad?
Near Pachnai base, Konkankada trail and forest edges after sunset.
Is camping allowed at the summit?
No. Camping is only allowed near the base village or official forest camp zones.
Is bonfire allowed during firefly season?
โ Strictly no. Bonfires disturb and damage firefly habitats.
Things That Might Annoy You (But Are Normal)
โ Limited mobile network after entering the forest trails.
โ Some sections of the trek are quite steep and rocky.
โ Basic facilities at campsites (dry toilets, limited facilities).
โ Crowds during weekends, best to visit on weekdays for a quieter experience.
๐ก Tip: Be prepared for steep climbs, pack light, and carry extra power for your devices!
