Rajmachi Fireflies
EasyCamping

Rajmachi Fireflies

Lonavala · Sahyadri, Maharashtra

2 Days

Duration

826 m

Altitude

Max 20

Batch Size

4.9 (611)

Rating

The Expedition

Overview

For a few magical weeks before the monsoon breaks, the forests around Rajmachi fort light up with millions of fireflies — entire trees pulsing like slow-motion lightning. This easy forest walk and village campout is our most loved family experience: twin forts, firefly trails after dark, and a night in the 400-year-old Udhewadi village.

  • Millions of fireflies lighting up the night forest
  • Twin forts — Shrivardhan & Manaranjan
  • Homestay-style camping in Udhewadi village
  • Easy forest trail — perfect for beginners & families
  • Traditional Maharashtrian dinner by village hosts

Meeting point: Lonavala Railway Station, 03:00 PM

Know Your Mountain

The climb, graded

EasyModerateHardExtreme

350 m

Elevation gain

7 km

Trail distance

8 – 60 years

Age range

Max 20

Batch size

Fitness check: Anyone who can walk comfortably for 2–3 hours. Family friendly.

Hour by Hour

Your route plan

  1. Day 1 · 03:00 PM

    Meet at Lonavala

    Assemble, briefing, and jeep transfer to the trail head.

  2. Day 1 · 04:30 PM

    Forest walk to Udhewadi

    A gentle 7 km walk through dense monsoon forest as the light turns golden.

  3. Day 1 · 07:30 PM

    Village dinner

    Hot Maharashtrian thali cooked by our host family in Udhewadi.

  4. Day 1 · 09:00 PM

    The firefly trail

    Lights off. We walk in silence into the forest as the trees begin to pulse with light.

  5. Day 2 · 06:00 AM

    Twin fort sunrise

    Optional early climb to Shrivardhan fort for sunrise over the Ulhas valley.

  6. Day 2 · 09:00 AM

    Breakfast & descent

    Village breakfast, then an easy walk back with waterfall stops.

  7. Day 2 · 02:00 PM

    Departure

    Jeep transfer to Lonavala station. Home by evening.

Expedition Kit

Gear & provisions

What's included

  • Jeep transfers from Lonavala
  • Village homestay / tent stay
  • Day 1 dinner & Day 2 breakfast
  • Guided firefly trail walk
  • Trek leaders & local hosts
  • First-aid support

Not included

  • Train/bus travel to Lonavala
  • Day 2 lunch
  • Personal expenses
  • Camera fees at the fort (if any)

Pack your gear

Trekking shoes with good grip2 litres of waterRain jacket / ponchoEnergy bars & electrolytesPersonal medicinesTorch or headlampExtra pair of clothesCap & sunscreenValid ID proofSmall backpack (20–30L)

From the Trail

Moments captured

Rajmachi Fireflies — expedition photo 1
Rajmachi Fireflies — expedition photo 2
Rajmachi Fireflies — expedition photo 3
Rajmachi Fireflies — expedition photo 4
Rajmachi Fireflies — expedition photo 5
Rajmachi Fireflies — expedition photo 6

Meet Your Guide

Led by the best

NG

Your expedition leader

Neha Gaikwad

Nature Guide · Firefly Specialist

5y

Experience

160

Treks led

The first gasp when people see a whole tree light up — that sound is why I'll never stop leading this trail.

Trail Verdicts

What trekkers say

4.9

Based on 611 verified adventurers

SK

Sneha Kulkarni

Jun 2026 · Verified trekker

The forest literally glowed. Perfectly organised — transport, tents, bonfire, everything. My third trip with LTA and already planning the fourth.
FS

Farhan Shaikh

Jun 2026 · Verified trekker

Took my parents (58 & 55) and they managed comfortably. The village dinner alone is worth the price. Magical is an understatement.
DN

Divya Nair

May 2026 · Verified trekker

Went for the fireflies, stayed for the people. Neha's briefing on firefly behaviour made the experience ten times richer.

Before You Ask

Good to know

Late May to early July, peaking just before the monsoon fully sets in. We only run this trip during peak weeks.

From

1,899/ person

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