Overview/Itinerary

Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival Camping 2024

Behold the glimmering thrill of millions of fireflies through your naked eyes, and capture this gripping phenomenon with your lens. This trek will not only give you the ecstasy of hiking up a mountain, but it will also let you take capture images allowing you to re-live the magical experience all over again. The overnight trek takes place at Prabalmachi, a vast meadow, perched on Kalavantin Durg where you will be able to watch and capture gazillion fireflies.

It offers a breathtaking picturesque backdrop of both Prabalgad and Kalavantin Durg, with a scenic valley view of the outskirts of Panvel. Chasing fireflies, with hills giving a fantastic context, is something that you can cherish forever. Prabalmachi is hallowed with cliffs, rock-strewn terrain, and meadows. Camping at Prabalmachi is an exciting and fun-filled experience overflowing with unique stories, unexploited nature, under a blanket of the star-studded sky, and in the midst of a forest full of fireflies. 

Prabalmachi Camping is high on the list for trekkers places to visit near Mumbai, A relaxing weekend getaway from Mumbai. It is regularly featured by all magazines and websites as an excellent travel destination place near Mumbai. Prabalmachi Camping has grown into a popular tourist place near Mumbai in the summer. Join us Treks and Trails India a leading trekking group in Mumbai.

Kalavantin Durg was used as a watchtower and is located right next to Prabalgad Fort on the old Mumbai Pune route. The beauty of this trek is the amazing rock-cut steps that zig-zag their way up the mountain to take you to the top of the fort. One can get a panoramic view from the top, not to mention the thrill of an exposed climb via the stairs.

Fireflies Night Trek to Prabalmachi Event Details

  • Prabalmachi night trek difficulty level: Medium
  • Region Panvel near Shedung Phata
  • Total time required for climbing: Maximum 2.5 hrs from Thakurwadi
  • Duration: 1 day and 1 night

Prabalmachi Fireflies Cost:

  • Cost: Rs. 1499/- per person with transport 
  • Cost Rs 1199/- per person without transport

Fireflies Night Trek Event Itinerary

Train Timings

From CSMT to Panvel

  • 14:34 CST
  • 14:52 Vadala Road
  • 15:03 Kurla
  • 15:23 Vashi
  • 15:32 Nerul
  • 15:54 Panvel

From Thane to Panvel

  • 14:54 Thane
  • 15:11 Koparkhairne
  • 15:23 Nerul
  • 15:46 Panvel

Day One -Saturday 

16:00 Assemble outside of Panvel Railway Station near the ticket counter.

16:15 Move towards base village Thakurwadi by private vehicle.

17:00 Reach Thakurwadi and ascend to Prabalmachi village.

Enjoy fireflies on the way.

20:00 Reach Prabalgadmachi village.

21:00 Dinner (Veg or Non-Veg).

Day Two - Sunday

05:30 Wake up and freshen up.

06:00 Start ascending Kalavantin Durg. (Trek is optional)

07:00 Reach on top and explore.

08:00 Start descending to Prabalmachi.

09:30 Reach Prabalmachi and have breakfast.

10:30 Descend to Thakurwadi.

12:00 Reach Thakurwadi and move toward Panvel by Bus or private vehicle.

13:00 Reach Panvel railway station and disperse.

 

Note

  • Tent will be on triple sharing only
  • Kalavantin Trek is optional, if you don't want to do it, you relax at the campsite.
  • For Kalavantin Trek proper trek shoes and a torch are compulsory. Otherwise will not allow doing the trek.
  • People may board the same train from their respective stations of convenience.
  • Missing the train is missing Fireflies Night Trek to Prabalmachi, no refund will be provided.
Overnight 25 May, 25 May, 01 Jun, and more
Dates and Rates
date & duration price
  • Sorry no more departures available. You could get in touch with us at highfive@treksandtrails.org if you'd like to make a booking.
  • Inclusions/Exclusions
    What we'll give/What we won't

    What is included in the tour

    • Transportation from Panvel to Base village to Panvel by local vehicle (with transport option)
    • 1 Veg or Non-Veg Dinner and 1 veg Breakfast
    • Tent stay on sharing basis
    • Kalavantin Durg Trek
    • Basic First Aid
    • Guide & Expertise charges

    What is NOT included in the tour

    • Any transportation (without transport option)
    • Travel cost till Panvel and back (with transport option)
    • Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
    • All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered.
    • Any kind of personal expenses.
    • Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost included above.
    • All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, and bad weather.
    • Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required.
    Things to Carry
    Things to Carry
    • Mask and Sanitizer
    • 2/3 liters of water.
    • Sleeping material. (Sleeping bag or 2 bedsheets)
    • Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on the trek
    • Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars.
    • Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets.
    • Good Torch must with an extra battery.
    • Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on the trek.
    • One Day Backpack 20 to 30 liters.
    • Extra pair of clothes.
    • Sun Cap and Sunscreen.
    • Personal First aid and Personal Medicine.
    • Identity Proof.
    • Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pant this will protect you from Summer Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles.

    Cancellation Policy

    • 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days prior to the event date.
    • 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days prior to the event date.
    • No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date 
    • No show No Refund.
    • Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
    • Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
    • If Trek gets canceled we will refund "Trek Amount" only.
    • If the event is canceled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.

    Treks and Trails Event Rules

    • Kindly carry one Identity proof, at least for the trek with your address.
    • We all are going for an adventurous and exciting trekking expedition; please Do Not misinterpret it as a PICNIC or LEISURE TOUR.
    • The leader's decision will be final, and all the members should abide by it.
    • We do not destroy or dirty the archaeological, historical monuments, or natural habitats on the trek.
    • Swimming is not allowed in the lake or water tank on the forts. Locals use that water for drinking.
    • Putting your feet in water tanks or on the canon is not allowed on our treks.
    • Any addiction is strictly prohibited, e.g. drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco anyone caught doing it will have to exit the trek without a refund and travel back at their own expense.
    • People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to exit the event on an immediate basis.
    • Please do not carry or wear any valuables, ornaments, jewelry, etc. If carried, then we Do Not take any liability for the same.
    • Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Trekking, or any adventure activity is potentially risky. For all these events, you are at your own risk. Organizers are not responsible for any accident or compensation in whatsoever manner.
    • We should strictly follow the code of conduct to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.
    • Listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking.
    • Bluetooth speakers are not allowed inside the homestay or camping tents.
    • Drinking/smoking,/eating is not allowed inside the tents.
    • If you damage the tent or break the tent poles, you will have to pay us for the whole new tent on MRP.
    • If you are late for the bus pickup and are not reachable on the phone during your bus pickup, the trek leader will leave without you, and we will provide no refund.
    • Please check things to carry and wear trekking shoes on our treks. 

     

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    FAQ
    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the best time for Prabalmachi Camping ?

    The best time to visit Prabalmachi camping is during the winter and Prabalmachi fireflies season. Prabalmachi Camping is open throughout the year, but during the monsoon season, it receives heavy rainfall, and the jungle is covered by fog and lush green woods. After monsoon, till the Holi festival, the climate at Prabalmachi Camping is pleasant. Winters offer refreshing wind and grass wet with dew, making your hiking experience unforgettable. During the summer, the place holds a hidden surprise, with the peaks covered in a blanket of clouds.

     

    How can I reach Prabalmachi Camping from Pune?

    We will meet at Panvel Railway Station near the ticket counter. Please check the itinerary for train timings. Our trek leader will take you to our vehicle, and we will start our journey to Thakurwadi Village by car. It takes 30 to 40 minutes to reach Thakurwadi Village. You can reach Panvel via Volvo bus, train, or private car. Panvel is 116km away from Pune. The easiest and cheapest way to reach Panvel is by train, as there are multiple options available for the Panvel railway station from Pune. You can also drive down to Thakurwadi village via the Shedung Phata route, which is easily accessible on Google maps.

    prabalmachi camping

    How can I reach Prabalmachi Camping from Mumbai?

    Prabalmachi is located 54 kilometres from Mumbai. You can reach here by hiring an outstation taxi till the base village Thakurwadi. There are CSMT to Panvel trains every 20 minutes on the Harbour Railway Line. From Panvel, we provide a private vehicle to reach Thakurwadi village, which is the start point of the trek. State Transport buses are available for Thakurwadi village. Rickshaw and Tumtum are available from the bus stand to reach Thakurwadi village. Trekkers who have signed up with us will be allocated private vehicles to reach Thakurwadi Village.

     

    Is Prabalmachi Camping safe for solo travellers and female travellers?

    Prabalmachi camping is entirely safe for women travellers and solo travellers. Village locals check the baggage of all trekkers entering the forest for alcohol and drugs, which filters out most of the miscreants. Females and males are provided with different tents for ease and comfort. Couple campers are allocated the same tents. The female to male ratio is 40:60 on each trek.

    fireflies prabalmachi camping

    Firefly in Hindi or Fireflies in Marathi?

    Fireflies are called जुगनू or Jjugnu in Hindi, and काजवा or Kajwa is the Marathi word for fireflies.

     

    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.

    fireflies camping

    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.

    fireflies camping

    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 )

    Duration
    1 Day 1 Night
    Reviews