Fireflies Festival Kothaligad by Mischief Treks near Mumbai - 2025

Experience the magical glow of thousands of fireflies lighting up the night at Kothaligad Fort. Located in the Sahyadri mountain range, this trek offers a unique opportunity to witness fireflies in their natural habitat. The event is couple and family-friendly, providing a memorable experience for all. ​

Organized by: Mischief Treks

Location: Kothaligad Fort, Maharashtra

Suitable for: All age groups fit to trek

Highlights

What makes this event special

The thrill of walking through a forest watching Fireflies 

View the early morning bliss from the top.  

Rock-cut water storage tanks 

Visiting Ancient Caves

Cannons on top of the fort

Mesmerizing view from the top

Witnessing one of the most beautiful Sunrise from the top.

Photography - be ready to get clicked.

All the "Masti" which is a USP of Mischief Treks.  

So, unleash your wild side and get going.

Timeline of the event.

Coordination: Three hours prior to the event date and time, we will be creating a WhatsApp group for coordination purposes; the coordinator contact, GPS links, etc., will be shared in the group. 

Option 1: Those coming by their own vehicle need to reach the base village before 07:30 pm and tag along with the group. 

Option 2: Those who have opted for pick up and drop off from Neral Local train station need to board the Karjat Local Train at these timings from a station nearest to you.

Train For Kothaligad Fireflies Festival Camping

Catch the Karjat Local train from the station nearest to you. Once the train reaches Neral station, the trek leader will help you board the local jeeps and proceed to the base village. 

Train timings:

CSMT: 16:30 pm

Byculla: 16:37 pm

Dadar: 16:43 pm

Kurla: 16:50 pm

Ghatkopar: 16:54 pm

Mulund: 17:06 pm

Thane: 17:10 pm

Dombivali: 17:25 pm

Kalyan: 17:34 pm

Neral: 18:08 pm

Schedule for Kothaligad Fireflies Festival

The train is expected to reach Neral station at 18:08 hrs. Once the Train reaches the Trek Leader from Mischief Treks will meet you at the station and the group will move out and take the transport vehicle by 18:20 pm.

Once we reach the ''Ambivali" base of Kothaligad fort by 19:30 pm we shall have a short safety and introduction round and start the trek by 20.00 pm. 

We will be walking through the dense forest region and to reach Pethwadi around 21:00 pm where we shall stay for the night. During this forest walk, we will spend ample time watching fireflies. We'll be staying in a Homestay for the night. 

Then we'll have dinner around 22:00 pm, post-dinner we will be going for a night walk here once again we get a chance to spot fireflies.

People can opt to stay back and rest or join us for a round of Antakshari and other exciting games

5:00 am wake-up call for ones who have slept ;). 

We will start our trek toward the pinnacle by 5:30 am

Our next stop will be the peak of the fort, which offers the best vantage point to view the breathtaking views. We are expected to reach here by 6:30 am.

We will rest at the peak for a while and enjoy the surroundings, and start descending by 8:00 am so that we can avoid day heat. 

We will reach the second base, i.e. Pethwadi and have breakfast. Post breakfast, we continue walking down. 

The group is expected to return to Ambivali by 11:00 am.

Once we reach base, we head to Neral station and back to Mumbai.

What is included in the tour

Pickup and drop from Neral station

(if opted for)

Group Homestay

Dinner (pure veg)

Breakfast and Tea

Govt / Local Body Charges as applicable

Trek expertise charges

Basic First Aid

What is NOT included in the tour

Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption and any kind of personal expenses.

Any kind of cost that is not mentioned in the cost included above.

All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather.

Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required.

Things to Carry

Identity proof.

Good and reliable trekking shoes and an extra pair of floaters.

Water (minimum 2 Ltrs) Compulsory.

Torch with extra batteries - do not depend on the phone. 

Keep your phone fully charged.

Mosquito repellent (optional)

A bedsheet or Turkish towel to lie down and rest, or you may carry a sleeping bag.

Some ready-to-eat food like biscuits, plum cake, et,c to keep your tummy happy.

Medicines (if you need any), Glucon D / Electrol / Enerzyl Powder (We will have a basic first aid kit with us).

A haversack to put all your things. Your hands need to be free while trekking.