All You Need To Know About the Purushwadi Fireflies Festival 2025 In Bhandardara
The Fireflies Festival is not your average weekend plan; it’s nature’s very own light show, and trust us, it beats any disco ball. Picture this: you’re standing in a forest that seems ordinary by day, but as dusk falls, thousands of tiny living lights begin to dance around you. The Purushwadi Fireflies Festival transforms the quiet village landscape of Bhandardara into nature’s own light show that puts even the fanciest nightclubs to shame! Let’s be honest. We’ve all seen those Instagram reels of magical firefly gatherings, but nothing compares to witnessing this phenomenon in person. The synchronous flashing of these little beetles creates patterns so mesmerizing you’ll forget to check your phone notifications (and that’s saying something in 2025!).
What makes the Bhandardara fireflies season so special? For starters, it only happens for a few weeks during May-June when these romantic insects are looking for love. Yes, those flashes are actually their version of dating apps! If you’re tired of the usual weekend getaways to crowded hill stations in Maharashtra, Purushwadi camping offers a refreshing alternative. The locals have mastered the art of sustainable tourism, letting you experience their way of life while respecting these glowing creatures. The Bhandardara weather in May is perfect too – warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities during the day and cool enough in the evening for firefly spotting.
So, are you ready to trade your LED screens for nature’s bioluminescent wonders this summer? Trust me, this light show doesn’t need batteries!
Picture Credits: phanchutoan via Unsplash
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What is the Purushwadi Fireflies Festival?
The Fireflies Festival, or as locals call it, “Kajwa Mahotsav Bhandardara” (Kajwa meaning firefly in Marathi), is Mother Nature’s most dazzling light show that happens every pre-monsoon season. Hosted every year in Purushwadi, this glowing phenomenon draws curious travellers, adventure seekers, and hopeless romantics from all over. Right before the monsoon, around late May and early June, the forests around Bhandardara in May come alive with tiny blinking bugs doing their pre-monsoon dance. And no, this isn’t sci-fi, it’s the real deal.
So what exactly happens during this magical event? As mating season begins in late May and early June, male fireflies light up the dark countryside with their synchronous flashing patterns to attract females. The result? Entire forests around Purushwadi transform into a living constellation that would make even the stars jealous. The Bhandardara fireflies season coincides perfectly with the time when city folks are desperately seeking refuge from the scorching summer heat. And at just about 220 km (Mumbai to Bhandardara distance), it makes for an ideal weekend getaway from Mumbai. Bhandardara in May offers the perfect backdrop – warm days for exploring the countryside and pleasantly cool evenings for firefly watching.
What makes the Purushwadi fireflies phenomenon truly special is how the local villagers have transformed this natural wonder into a sustainable tourism initiative. They welcome visitors with traditional meals, cultural performances, and guided nighttime walks through the illuminated forests. The fireflies festival dates typically span from late May through early June, with the exact timing dependent on monsoon predictions. But here’s the catch – unlike your favorite Netflix show, this natural spectacle won’t be available for streaming year-round! You’ve got roughly 2-3 weekends to witness this bioluminescent ballet before the rains arrive and the fireflies complete their lifecycle.
Curious about where exactly to stay during the Purushwadi Fireflies Festival and how to make the most of your visit? Keep reading – we’ve got all the glowing details coming right up!
What are the dates for the fireflies festival in Bhandardara, and how to get there?
Festival Dates
From 17th May to 15th June
How to Reach Purushwadi
| Transportation | Route & Details |
|---|---|
| By Car | • Route: Mumbai → Ghoti → Bhandardara → Purushwadi • Distance: 220 km • Time: 4-5 hours • Road Condition: Good highways until Bhandardara, the last 15 km are rural roads • Recommended: Leave Mumbai before noon to reach before sunset • Parking is available at the village entrance |
| By Bus | • Route: Mumbai → Ghoti → Bhandardara → Purushwadi • Distance: 220 km • Time: 4-5 hours • Road Condition: Good highways until Bhandardara, the last 15 km are rural roads • Recommended: Leave Mumbai before noon to reach before sunset • Parking is available at village entrance |
| By Train | • Take ST bus from Dadar/Mumbai Central to Bhandardara • Transfer to local bus/shared taxi to Purushwadi • Total journey time: 6-7 hours • Multiple buses are available from Mumbai throughout the day • Book return tickets in advance for weekend travel |
Travel Tips
- Google Maps Location: Search for “Purushwadi Village, Maharashtra” (coordinates: 19.9214° N, 73.9301° E)
- Fuel Stations: The last reliable fuel station at Bhandardara – tank up before proceeding
- Mobile Network: Spotty in Purushwadi village – download offline maps
- Local Transport: Shared jeeps available from Bhandardara to Purushwadi (Rs. 100-150 per person)
- Weather: Check the forecast before travel; early June may see pre-monsoon showers
Note: For the most comfortable experience, we recommend driving or hiring a private vehicle, especially for families with children or groups.
Places To Visit Near Bhandardara
While the Fireflies Festival is undoubtedly the star attraction, Bhandardara’s charm extends well beyond these twinkling insects. Once you’ve had your fill of nature’s light show, why not explore the surrounding treasures? This region is packed with hidden gems that make it one of the most enchanting places to visit in Maharashtra, perfect for extending your weekend getaway from Mumbai.
Wilson Dam
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Standing majestically at 150 feet, Wilson Dam isn’t just another concrete structure – it’s Maharashtra’s oldest dam with stories to tell! Built in 1910, this engineering marvel creates the picturesque Arthur Lake that reflects the surrounding Sahyadri mountains like nature’s own Instagram filter. Visit during the Bhandardara monsoon season and you’ll witness thundering waterfalls cascading down its walls. The best part? After marveling at the fireflies in Purushwadi by night, you can enjoy the misty morning views here, just a short 20-minute drive from most campsites.
Randha Falls
Just when you thought your road trip in Maharashtra couldn’t get more scenic, Randha Falls enters the chat! As the Pravara River plunges 170 feet into a volcanic crater, it creates one of Maharashtra’s most spectacular waterfalls. During your Bhandardara fireflies season visit in May, you’ll catch these falls in their gentler mood, perfect for safely enjoying their beauty. Wait until Bhandardara in monsoon, though, and these falls transform into a thundering beast that’ll make your smartphone videos rumble! Located just 10 km from Purushwadi camping sites, it’s the perfect daytime adventure before your evening firefly-watching sessions.
Trek to Ratangad Fort
A trek to this 400-year-old fort promises panoramic views and just the right amount of leg day. Perfect for adding some adventure to your weekend getaways from Mumbai.
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Trek to Kalsubai Peak
Lace up those hiking boots and conquer Maharashtra’s highest peak! Standing proud at 5,400 feet, Kalsubai offers the ultimate bragging rights for weekend warriors. The 3-hour trek might leave you questioning your fitness routine, but the panoramic views of the entire region will make every drop of sweat worthwhile. The iron ladders along the route add a touch of adrenaline, while the ancient temple at the summit offers spiritual satisfaction.
Pro tip: The weather in May is perfect for an early morning hike – start before 6 AM to avoid the heat and catch the magical morning light!
Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Amruteshwar Temple
History buffs, rejoice! While others flock to the fireflies festival, you can sneak in some time-travel at this ancient Hemadpanti-style temple. Built in the 11th century, its intricate stone carvings have somehow survived the Instagram era without getting the recognition they deserve! The temple’s serene location makes it a perfect spiritual counterbalance. As you run your fingers over stone carvings that have witnessed centuries of history, you’ll feel properly humbled. Located just 13 km from the main Purushwadi camping areas, it’s easily accessible by car or local transport.
There’s something wildly magical about seeing nature light up, and the Fireflies Festival in Purushwadi does exactly that. From camping under twinkling trees to exploring the breathtaking places around Bhandardara, this is the kind of road trip that stories (and viral reels) are made of. Whether you’re planning weekend getaways from Mumbai or looking to chase the Bhandardara fireflies season, 2025 is the year to go glow-getting. Trust us, this isn’t just another item on your travel checklist – it’s the one that’ll keep you glowing long after the trip ends.
FAQs About the Purushwadi Fireflies Festival
The best time to witness the Purushwadi fireflies festival is between late May and mid-June, just before the monsoons arrive in Maharashtra.
For an optimal Fireflies Festival experience, pack light-colored, full-sleeved clothing (fireflies are attracted to dark colors), comfortable walking shoes, a small flashlight with red cellophane (less disruptive to fireflies), insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. Given the Bhandardara weather in May, light cotton clothes are ideal for daytime, but carry a light jacket for evenings as temperatures can drop after sunset. Leave behind perfumes or scented products, as these can repel our glowing friends!
Here’s the thing about photographing the Purushwadi fireflies – it’s technically allowed but practically challenging. Flash photography is strictly prohibited as it disrupts the fireflies’ mating patterns. And without flash, you’ll need professional equipment to capture these tiny lights effectively.
It’s when thousands of fireflies gather for their glowing mating ritual, creating a surreal natural light show that’s hard to believe until you see it.
Yes! The festival is family-friendly and solo-traveler-approved. Just book in advance and bring your sense of wonder.
The Fireflies Festival is a family-friendly natural wonder that will enchant children and adults alike! Kids are generally mesmerized by the magical light display of the Purushwadi fireflies. However, do note that the observation walks require silence and patience, so it may be challenging for very young children.
Banner Image Credits: Ryan Atkins via Flickr
