Known as Maharashtra's Grand Canyon, Sandhan Valley is raw, rugged, and wild. But before the rains hit hard, these deep gorges light up with tiny blinking fireflies between May 17 and June 22. No disco camps, no noise — just tough trails, old trees, and lakhs of natural firefly blinkers making the valley come alive silently.
Sandhan Valley is a little raw compared to other firefly locations. Best for nature lovers, trekkers, groups seeking a real offbeat glow experience. Not recommended for very senior citizens who can't trek or walk muddy trails.
Note: Wheelchair access impossible. Rocky trails, forest mud, and stones everywhere.
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.
Between May 24 and June 22. Aim for no-moon nights, and go on weekdays if possible — less crowd means more glow.
| Phase Dates | Firefly Sighting | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 🌱 Early Glow May 10–15 | 😔 Low to Medium | Some patchy glow seen near rocky trail edges and forest trees. |
| 🌟 Peak Glow May 17 – June 22 | 😮 HIGH | Valley glows up around trees, walls, and farm sections beautifully. |
| 🌧️ Fading Glow June 24 – 30 | 😐 Medium to Low | Glow drops after heavy rain but dry patches may still blink faintly. |
❌ BBQ & Bonfire = Air Pollution = Fireflies Die.
❌ Live DJ Music = Sound Pollution = Low firefly sighting.
✔ Choose wisely. ❗ Save Fireflies ❤️
Unlike normal campsites, Sandhan Valley is raw and open. You trek into the valley, camp near simple setups, and if lucky, you walk into a glow trail that feels like magic trapped between rocky walls. No resorts, no DJs. Just raw ground, starry skies, and blinking forests if you’re patient.
| Expectation | Reality |
|---|---|
| Walk 5 mins and reach glow | Real glow zones are 20–30 min trek inside valley or forests. |
| Luxury tent stay with attached toilets | Pure village camps. Basic tents. Dry toilets. No concrete setups. |
| Photos easily clicked like Instagram posts | Long exposure photography needed. Glow looks better to naked eye. |
| Continuous glow whole night | Peak blinking happens 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Glow fades after rains or noise. |
Sandhan Valley camping is rustic and raw. Camps are basic, eco-friendly and kept simple to protect the valley glow habitat. No fake party camps here.
Closest to trail start. Short walk to reach inner glow zones. Best for families.
Charges: ₹899 per person
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Near small seasonal stream. Good silent zone for patient glow watchers.
Charges: ₹950 per person
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Located on edge of deep forest trail. Best for hardcore nature lovers.
Charges: ₹899 per person
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Little elevated. Early morning sunrise visible. Quiet and peaceful at night.
Charges: ₹950 per person
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Near small rocky caves section. Fireflies blink on both sides during season.
Charges: ₹999 per person
View Event & BookSandhan Valley itself has no hotels. If you want hotel stays before/after your camping trip, options are available around Bhandardara and Samrad:
| Hotel/Resort Name | Approx Charges | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Anandvan Resort, Bhandardara | ₹6000 – ₹11000 | Luxury Stay |
| MTDC Resort, Bhandardara | ₹2500 – ₹4500 | Government Resort |
| Yash Resort, Bhandardara | ₹3500 – ₹6000 | Private Resort |
| Nature Leap Resort, Bhandardara | ₹4000 – ₹7500 | Nature Resort |
| Wild Camp Resort, Upper Bhandardara | ₹3000 – ₹5000 | Nature and Adventure Resort |
❌ Don’t fall for Instagram offers.
✔ Always book through verified websites with payment gateway, get email confirmation.
⚠️ Low Price = High Risk.
✔ Book only with trusted organizers who display transparency, correct pricing, reviews, and give proper email/SMS confirmation.
We strongly advise against bringing pets to Sandhan Valley Fireflies event. The rocky terrain, free-roaming dogs, and night trek conditions are not safe for pets. Barking or leash tugs can disturb firefly trails badly.
Best to let them stay safely at home. 🧡
Blows your mind when fireflies blink across valley walls. Trek was slightly tiring, but the glow was 100% worth it.
Silent nature. No disco tents or fake glow shows. Real fireflies blinking on trees and cliff walls. Just follow the guide rules.
Tough walk, but absolutely surreal glow experience. Bring good shoes, torch, and patience. No regrets!
My 10 year old kept gasping seeing the natural glow. Trek guide was helpful. Carry light bag and follow silent walk rule.
Answer: Yes. Need to walk 20–25 mins minimum on rocky trails to reach glow zones. No direct vehicle access.
Answer: Yes. Basic dry pit toilets arranged near camping areas. No luxury toilets.
Answer: Strictly no. Silence is essential for firefly blinking. Music or noise will cancel out glow experience.
Answer: Yes! With good silence and darkness, fireflies blink along valley cliffs, forest paths and trees.
| Service | Contact |
|---|---|
| 👮 Rajur Police Station | +91-2424-240033 |
| 🏥 Rajur Rural Hospital | +91-2424-240225 |
| 🌲 Forest Office – Akole Range | +91-2424-240155 |