Fireflies Festival at Kamshet

• 15 to 18 yrs
• 4 to 6 yrs
• 7 to 14 yrs
• Adventure Weekends
• Family friendly
• Nature Trails
• Nature Walks
• Parent - Child Trips
• Weekend Trips

About Kamshet & its bio diversity

Kamshet is a region located in Pune district in the state of Maharashtra, India, 110 km from Mumbai City, and 45 km from Pune in Pune district. It is 16 km from the twin hill stations of Khandala and Lonavala^[1]and is accessible by road and rail from Mumbai (Bombay) and Pune. Kamshet is home to small villages that are built in the traditional style – with mud, thatch and reeds.

Nestled in Maharashtra, Kamshet’s biodiversity is a tapestry woven from its diverse landscapes. Lush forests, ranging from tropical evergreens to deciduous varieties, harbor an array of flora, including towering teak trees and valuable medicinal plants. This verdant habitat sustains a thriving wildlife population, from elusive leopards and graceful deer to an avian symphony of hornbills, sunbirds, and migratory species.

Water bodies like rivers and lakes host a bustling aquatic community, with freshwater fish darting among submerged vegetation and crustaceans scuttling along the shores. Insects, from delicate butterflies to industrious ants, animate the air and ground, performing vital roles in pollination and decomposition.

Kamshet’s significance deepens as part of the Western Ghats, renowned for its endemism. Rare plant and animal species find sanctuary here, underscoring the region’s importance in global biodiversity conservation efforts. As guardians of this natural treasure trove, stewardship and sustainable practices are paramount to ensure Kamshet’s ecological wealth endures for generations to come.

The Fireflies phenomenon

There are about 2,000 firefly species. These insects live in a variety of warm environments, as well as in more temperate regions. They are a familiar sight on summer evenings. Fireflies love moisture and often live in humid regions of Asia and the Americas. In drier areas, they are found around wet or damp areas that retain moisture.

This phenomenon usually takes place just before the main monsoon arrives and after the first showers.

Light and chemical production

Light production in fireflies is due to a type of chemical reaction called bioluminescence. This process occurs in specialized light-emitting organs, usually on a firefly’s lower abdomen.  The enzyme luciferase acts on the luciferin, in the presence of magnesium ions, ATP, and oxygen to produce light.

Light in adult beetles was originally thought to be used for similar warning purposes. Now its primary purpose is thought to be used in mate selection. Fireflies are a classic example of an organism that uses bioluminescence for sexual selection.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TRIP :

– Witness the gleaming fireflies , curated by a naturist.
– 2,000 firefly species.
– Different variety of birds, animals & insects.
– a interesting trek to the local mountain.
– Nature trails.
– Stay in tents or  luxury rooms 

NOTE : ONLY 20 SEATS WOULD BE  AVAILABLE – ITS AN EXCLUSIVE TRIP 

Special discount for children.( only for tent stay) 

– Below 5 years is free.
– For 5 years to 10 yrs, 50% of the Adult Charge.*
– 10 yrs and above full charge

How to reach :

• Reaching Kamshet:
• By Air:
  Fly to Pune Airport (PNQ), then take a taxi or ride-sharing service for a 1.5 to 2-hour journey.
• By Road:
  Drive from Mumbai or Pune via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway or old Mumbai-Pune Highway, taking around 2.5 to 3.5 hours from Mumbai and 1.5 to 2 hours from Pune. Buses are also available.
• By Train:
  Take a train to Lonavala Railway Station, then a taxi or local bus for a 30-minute to 1-hour journey to Kamshet.

Disclaimer: Our firefly sighting trip offers an opportunity to witness the enchanting spectacle of these luminescent creatures. However, due to the inherent variability of natural conditions, we cannot guarantee the presence or visibility of fireflies during the trip. Our itinerary is crafted based on local knowledge and optimal conditions, but sightings are subject to factors beyond our control, such as weather and ecological fluctuations. While we strive to maximize the likelihood of sightings, participants should understand that nature’s whims may influence the experience.

Previous trips photo gallery.