Kondana Caves Fireflies Trek 2024

What is the distance from Mumbai to Kondhane?

Kondhane is approximately 80 km away from Mumbai, which is a two-hour drive.

How far is Kondhane from Pune?

Kondhane is approximately 125 km away from Pune, which is a three-hour drive.

How many days are required for this event?

This event requires one night and one day.

Where can we park our cars?

You can park your cars at the base village, but please note that parking is at your own risk.

Is there a parking charge?

Yes, there is a parking charge.

Do you provide sleeping bags?

No, we don't provide sleeping bags for hygiene reasons.

Are there toilets available at Kondana caves?

No, there are no toilets available during the trek.

Can solo female travelers sign up for these events?

Yes, many solo female travelers join our events. We have a ratio of 60-40% or more male to female participants.

Are kids allowed on treks?

Kids below 15 years old are allowed on treks only under parental supervision.

What type of food will be provided?

We provide only vegetarian local home-cooked food.

Is there phone connectivity?

There is limited phone connectivity available for most cellular services.

Where will we stay?

You will stay at a homestay in the village.

Is cash payment accepted?

No, cash payment is not accepted. You must register and make 100% upfront payment via Paytm, UPI, NEFT, IMPS, or Payment Gateway. Spot payment is not accepted as we need to book transportation and make other arrangements in advance.

Will we get bottled water?

We provide normal well water.

Can we charge our phones?

No, there is no electricity available. Please bring a power bank if you need to charge your phone.

What is the weather like now?

In summer, the temperature at night is around 17°C and during the day, it is around 39°C. During the monsoon season, it rains heavily, so please double-pack your expensive phones and gadgets.

Can we smoke or drink alcohol?

No, smoking or drinking alcohol is not allowed. People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to leave the event immediately.

Can we listen to music on a Bluetooth speaker?

No, listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking. Bluetooth speakers are not allowed inside the homestay.

How do we make payment?

You can make payment online on our website under the "How to Register" tab.

Fun Facts about fireflies

What is the lifespan of a firefly?

In the wild, the life expectancy of a firefly is approximately one year on average. Adult fireflies typically only live for about two months, but their entire life cycle can span anywhere from a few months to a year. Given that there are over 2,000 different species of fireflies on the planet, their life spans will inevitably differ to some degree.

What causes fireflies to blink?

Fireflies use blinking to communicate with one another. The lights that flash are part of a way for male fireflies to attract females when they are trying to mate.

Each species of firefly has its own distinctive flash pattern, and the males and females belonging to the same species are able to recognise one another's patterns. Males use flashing to seek possible mates, and females use flashing to reply and signal their interest.

Why do fireflies glow in unison?

Fireflies produce a synchronised glow to attract potential mates. When the population reaches a specific density, all of the fireflies begin to blink at the same time. The firefly can find a mate more quickly through synchrony than any other method. The males will fly around and flash, and the females will mimic their behavior by flashing. After that, the males will fly toward the females, and the process will start again.

What is the best time to see fireflies?

When you have the best chance of seeing fireflies depends on the species, as well as the location. Generally, the most active time of year for fireflies is during the summer, from May to August. The months leading up to the monsoon season, specifically May and June, are the best months to view these fireflies in their natural habitat. Because they are only active at night, fireflies spend most of their days on the ground among tall grasses. Because they like to hide in the tall grass, fireflies are difficult to spot unless you get down on your hands and knees to look for them.

What do fireflies eat?

They feed on other insects and prefer to live in damp areas, but fireflies are nocturnal. Carnivorous when they are in their larval stage, fireflies feed on soft-bodied insects that live on or in the ground, such as snails, slugs, worms, or even

other larvae of other insects. There are species of adult fireflies that do consume the nectar and pollen that they find on plants. They will go to various plants to obtain sufficient amounts of nectar and pollen. Some adult fireflies continue to feed on the larval invertebrates and soft-bodied insects they consumed when they were younger.r them.

Where to see them?

Fireflies Festival Mumbai, we have got you covered with the best destination where you can spot them in thousands. We will have to travel into the countryside away from light pollution. Around Mumbai, there are many destinations to spot Fireflies in Rajmachi Village, Siddhagad Wadi, Prabalmachi village, Bhandardara, Ghatghar, Kothaligad, Kondane Caves and Purushwadi many more.

Best months to see fireflies?

May and June, right before the monsoon season, are the best times to see these fireflies in their natural habitat. 

How to see fireflies without using a torch?

To see fireflies without disturbing them, avoid using a flashlight or other artificial light. Here are some ways to watch fireflies without trying to hurt them:

• Pick a dark location: Fireflies are most active at night, so avoid artificial lights and light pollution.

• Let your eyes 15-20 minutes to acclimate to the darkness. This improves firefly visibility.

• Be patient: because fireflies are unpredictable, seeing them may take some time. Wait quietly for them.

• Watch for firefly patterns: Fireflies blink in patterns.

• A red light is preferable over a white light if you need to use a light source. Red light doesn't effect fireflies compared to white light.

• Respect their environment: Because fireflies are sensitive to their surroundings, avoid disturbing them while they are active.

• Don't touch fireflies or use insect repellant or other pesticides.

Are fireflies endangered?

There are different species of firefly, and some of them are on the endangered species list while others are not. Some places have seen a drop in the number of fireflies because of things like habitat degradation, pollution, and the use of chemicals such as pesticides.

In India, the Western Ghats are home to fireflies that are now considered "vulnerable" because their habitat is being lost and broken up by things like deforestation and development. Fireflies in other parts of India are not on the list of endangered species right now, but their populations may need to be protected in the future through conservation efforts.

How to conserve them

Conservation activities for fireflies can help safeguard their populations and preserve their survival in the wild. Here are some things you can do to help save fireflies:

• Protect their habitat. Fireflies can only live in certain places, like damp, humid places with little light pollution. People can help save fireflies by keeping these habitats safe from deforestation, urbanisation, and other human activities.

• Reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals. Chemicals and pesticides can hurt fireflies and their homes. Lessening how much they are used can help to lessen these bad effects.

• Educate the public: letting people know how important fireflies are and what dangers they face can help to get more people involved in conservation. Programs that teach schools, communities, and tourists about fireflies can help with conservation and support for them.

• Support organisations that work to protect fireflies and their habitats. There are many groups that do this kind of work. You can help these groups' efforts by giving money or time to them or by volunteering.

• Responsible tourism means that when you go to places where fireflies live, you should respect their homes and try not to bother them. Don't use bright lights, don't catch or touch the fireflies, and follow any rules or guidelines set by the local government.

In case your question is not listed above you can email us highfive@treksandtrails.org

Whatsapp 8828004949 ( Monday to Saturday 11.30 am to 7.00 pm only )