Adventure Geek invites you to the Prabalmachi Fireflies trek.
About Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival 2026
Prabalmachi is located between Matheran and Panvel and comes under the Raigad District in the state of Maharashtra, India. This is a very small and remote village on the base of Fort Prabalgad. The beauty of this place is due to its rustic location, where you find lots of nature and no pollution at all. The trek to Prabalmachi is about 1.5 to 2 hours from its base. The height of the Prabalmachi village is 390 metres above sea level.
The village of Prabalmachi is the ‘base camp’ for a trek up the Prabalgad Fort (766 m) and Kalavantin is a 500 m. It is located near the Machi and Vajepur villages. The Prabalgad Fort stands at an elevation of 2,300 feet in the Western Ghats. The fort was previously known as Muranjan until it was taken over and renamed by the Maratha forces under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s rule. The fort has a Ganesh temple and some unidentified stone ruins. Its sister fort is Irshalgad. Right next to Prabalgad, to its north, lies the steep Kalavantin fort.
Check out our Fireflies events
Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival Camping Cost
- Child (3 to 9 yrs) : Rs. 999/- per person without transport
- Adult (10 yrs and above): Rs. 1199/- per person without transport
With Travel from Panvel Station
- Child (3 to 9 yrs): Rs. 1399/- per person
(Travel from Panvel Station to Prabalmachi Fireflies base village and Back) - Adult (10 yrs and above): Rs. 1399/- per person
(Travel from Panvel Station to Prabalmachi Fireflies base village and Back)
- Scenic view of city from Prabalmachi / plateau and the cool breeze
- Enjoy a panoramic view of the Surrounding and the city
- Amazing hike in the woods
- Wonderful climbs
- Camping at the top of the plateau
- Games with lots of fun
Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival Trek 2026
Fireflies Festival Trek and Camping 2026
Meeting Point: Panvel Station by 6.00 pm.
For those reaching Directly at the base directly, the village will send the location on WhatsApp
Catch Panvel Slow Local from CSMT Station
04:51 pm : CSMT
05:09 pm : Vadala Road
05:20 pm : Kurla
05:40 pm : Vashi
05:49 pm : Nerul
06:11 pm : Panvel
Catch Thane Slow Local
05:23 pm : Thane
05:40 pm : Koparkhairne
05:52 pm : Nerul
06:04 pm : Kharghar
06:15 pm : Panvel
Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival Detailed Itinerary :
Day 1:
06:30 pm : Meet the Adventure Geek Team at Panvel station and move towards Thakurwadi by local transport for the Prabalmachi Fireflies Trek
07:30 pm : Reach Base village, freshen up, gear up for Prabalmachi fireflies trek
07:45 pm : Introduction round and brief on rules and regulations to be followed by everyone at the event
09.30 pm : Reach the plateau. Relax for a while, Dinner time freshen up, and enjoy local cuisines specially cooked for us.
10.00 am : Night walk to spot Fireflies around us enjoy watching them
back to the campsite, and If tired, you can retire and rest in the tent.
11:30 pm : Rest people can enjoy the night let the Sonu Nigam in you come out, play a few games, share stories (especially ghost stories), make new friends, and enjoy the campfire.
12:00 am : Off to the tents for sound sleep (For those who are very sleepy :P). Good Night
Day 2:
07:00 am : Wake up call, freshen up.Enjoy Morning View from the Tent
08:00 am : Breakfast with a morning view from the top of the Mountain
09:00 am : Start descending post-breakfast along with the beautiful memories from the event
10:30 am : Reach Thakurwadi base village of Fireflies event and start return journey towards Mumbai by local transport
11:00 am : Reach Mumbai and bid adieu with a promise to meet again.
Booking Procedure :
- Select the Number of TIckets. (If you have a coupon code, apply at this stage)
- Fill in our personal details and proceed.
- Select your payment type (UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card) and proceed.
- Once your tickets are booked, you will receive a confirmation email and WhatsApp on your Number
- WhatsApp group will Make and will add you in the Group one day prior to the Departure
- Further details about the trip will be shared on that WhatsApp group 1 day before the trip.
Step 1: - Send your money to the following account ---
√ Payment details:
NOTE:
- While online transfer, please provide your name in the notes section.
- Once payment is done, please send an email to adventuregeekk@gmail.com with the transaction id, name, and Mobile No.
You can make payments using any of the following modes
- UPI – vinaykg05@okaxis
- Google Pay – 9004675388
- PhonePay - 9004675388
NEFT – Deposit the Amount into the Following Account:
- Name: Adventure Geek
- A/c type: Current account
- Bank: Saraswat Bank
* Branch: Mahavir Nagar - A/C no.: 610000000013647(8 times 0)
- IFSC: Srcb0000146
Step 2: After payment, you will be requested to fill up the Mandatory disclaimer form online where you have to fill in relevant details including your complete address.
Step 3: Now your participation is confirmed the organizer will create a WhatsApp group on the event day for coordination, We will coordinate through SMS/ Call if the participant is not available in WhatsApp.
For Details/Bookings Drop Whatsapp
FAQ for Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival :
1) Where are fireflies found around Prabalmachi?
- Fireflies can be spotted at the Prabalmachi plateau in Sahyadris Base of Kalavanting Durg in May and June just before the beginning of the monsoon. The perfect time to visit is during the premonsoon These play around in large numbers at night, however, Please ensure you don't make much noise or light any torch.
2) Is the Prabalmachi trek difficult?
- The Prabalmachi trek is easy and can be done by beginners as well.
3) Would I get connectivity on my cell phone?
- Yes, You will get limited connectivity during the trek. Also, in a few areas, there might be no connectivity. In case of an emergency contact Number please provide leaders or Adventure Geek Number to your parents
4) What type of food will I get?
- You will be served local hygienic cooked meals. Full meal will be provided to all the participants
5) How much time is required to ascend Kalavantin Durg?
- You can complete the ascend in 3 hours, depending on person-to-person speed. We recommend it only to regular trekkers. if you are first timer please avoid Kalavantin Durg
6) When is the best time to visit Kalavantin Durg and Prabalmachi trek?
- The best time to visit Kalavantin Durg is from November to March. Monsoons are pleasant too, however, rains can make the trail much more dangerous and difficult and for the Prabalmachi trek you can visit in Monsoon too.
One of the best treks for beginners only up to Machi Plateau
7) Can we stay in our tents?
- We will provide tents only for overnight stays on the Prabalmachi plateau, you can set up your tents if you want , Also Please avoid Noise and Loud Speaker which disturb the environment and Fireflies too
8) What if I have a medical emergency?
- Adventure Geek Leaders always carry a first aid kit with them. The guides and volunteers are first-aid certified. If the problem increases, we will quickly get you to the closest medical attention possible.
9) Are toilets available on the trek route?
- Proper toilets are not available on the route. Toilets will be available in the Thakurwadi village and Prabalmachi Fireflies festival village where you can freshen up on top of the mountain. In case if it is urgent in the middle of the trek then you need to do in open areas
10) Is Prabalmachi Camping safe for solo female travelers?
- Yes, it is safe for Female and solo travelers at Prabalmachi Fireflies Trek and Camping from Mumbai
11) Can we Share your event with our friends and relatives?
- It will be a proud moment for us if you share our event with your friends and relatives. Bring them along with you to the event and let them enjoy the experience of the Fireflies Festival
Some instructions:
- Consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited at the event. Anyone identified as having possession of or consuming it will be barred from the event. NO REFUND WILL BE PROVIDED.
- As you are aware, fireflies can only be seen in isolated locations with low levels of light and pollution, so we too live in villages.
- Please be prepared to embrace rusticity; tented/local homes/dormitory accommodations with basic bedding will be supplied.(In the event of rain, homestay or dormitory accommodations will be provided.
- The road conditions aren't ideal, so bear with the bumps for a while as we go on local transport. Rusticity, as we have stated.
- Be prepared with rain clothing and a jacket as the temperature lowers at night and rains are unpredictable.
- There are plenty of fireflies in our campsite, so enjoy watching them blink and photographing them.
- Don't touch or collect fireflies; let them live in their natural habitat; no one loves unwanted visitors.
- No smoking or drinking (anyone discovered engaging in these activities will be removed from the group, and Adventure Geek will accept no responsibility for such a person).
- Adventure Geek believes in a no-trace policy, thus no littering, please. Collect all waste and bring it back to the city; we will dispose of it there.
- We're heading to a distant location, so don't expect luxurious facilities, but basic requirements will be met...
Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival 2026 – A Magical Night Under the Stars
Experience nature like never before at the Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival 2026, one of the most enchanting pre-monsoon events near Mumbai and Pune. Nestled in the lush Sahyadri ranges, Prabalmachi transforms into a glowing paradise during summer, where thousands of fireflies illuminate the forest like a sky full of stars.
This natural phenomenon occurs for a short period just before the monsoon, making it a must-visit experience for nature lovers, trekkers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Why Visit Prabalmachi for Fireflies?
Prabalmachi is a small village located between the iconic forts of Kalavantin Durg and Prabalgad. Away from city lights and pollution, this region provides the perfect environment for fireflies to thrive. As night falls, the forest comes alive with synchronized blinking lights, creating a surreal and magical atmosphere.
It’s not just a visual treat—it’s an unforgettable connection with nature.
What Makes the Fireflies Festival Special?
- Nature’s Light Show: Witness thousands of fireflies glowing in the dark, creating a mesmerizing bioluminescent display.
- Night Trek Experience: Enjoy a scenic trek through dense forest trails under the moonlight.
- Camping Under the Stars: Stay overnight in tents and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the Sahyadris.
- Perfect Weekend Getaway: Located just a few hours from Mumbai and Pune, ideal for a quick escape.
- Photography Opportunity: Capture stunning long-exposure shots of fireflies and starry skies.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to experience the Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival is from mid-May to early June, just before the arrival of the monsoon. This is when fireflies gather in large numbers for mating season, creating the brightest displays.
Trek Details
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Trek Duration: 2–3 hours from base village
- Starting Point: Thakurwadi village
- Altitude: Approx. 2,300 ft
The trail is beginner-friendly and passes through scenic forest paths, making it suitable even for first-time trekkers.
Things to Carry
- Comfortable trekking shoes
- Torch or headlamp (mandatory)
- Water bottle
- Light snacks
- Mosquito repellent
- Warm layer (it can get cool at night)
Important Guidelines
- Avoid using flashlights directly on fireflies
- Do not make loud noises or disturb the ecosystem
- Do not litter—carry back your waste
- Respect local villagers and nature
How to Reach
Prabalmachi can be reached via Panvel. From there, travel to Thakurwadi village, which serves as the base for the trek. It is well connected by road and rail from Mumbai and Pune.
Conclusion
The Prabalmachi Fireflies Festival is not just a trek—it’s a once-a-year magical experience where nature puts on its own light show. Whether you're an adventure enthusiast or someone looking to unwind in nature, this festival offers the perfect blend of thrill and serenity.
Don’t miss your chance to witness this breathtaking spectacle before the monsoon arrives!
What is included in the tour
- Travel from Panvel to Prabalamachi Fireflies Festival and Return
- Unlimited Dinner, breakfast in the morning
- Tent Camping
- Local guidance
- First aid
- Adventure Geek Expertise
What is NOT included in the tour
- All kinds of extra meals / soft drinks ordered.
- Insurance, tips, porters, bottled mineral water, aerated drinks etc.
- Any kind of personal expenses.
- Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above.
- All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like road blocks, bad weather.
- Id Proof
- 2 Litres of water (Must
- Some ready to eat food like- plum cakes, fruits, chocolates, biscuits, etc.
- Good trekking shoes
- Power bank
- Carry Blanket/jacket
- Torch with new batteries
- Extra pair of clothes, socks (Optional)
- Cap, Camera as (Optional)
- 1 packet of electoral, enerzal, glucon-D
- Medications if required for individual
- Avoid wearing precious ornaments on an event, if possible.
- And a haversack or backpack to put all the above things to be carried, so hands are free to help each other while trekking. Sling bags / jholas / trolley bags etc not allowed on the event. Please pack accordingly.
- Expect sluggish conditions at places around because you would be visiting it soon after the rainfall (most probably!). Mind your surroundings.
- Don’t flash a torch at a tree full of fireflies. They go mad upon seeing the light.
- The worms are not warm, they emit light because of the phenomenon called bioluminescence. So when they sit on you, allow them to walk. Don’t get scared.
- Since it is not a luxury trip, do not expect any luxury.
- All food is hygienic and authentic local delicacy.
- You are joining an outdoor activity where any incident, reasons beyond control like Natural calamities, landslides, bad road conditions, riots, political uncertainty, public transport failure etc.; Man-Made calamities, Vehicle breakdown, vehicle dysfunction can happen & you agree that the organizer/leader shall not be held responsible for any accident, mishap (including death) caused by any circumstances.
- Adventure Geek is not responsible for any loss of illegal substances or items being carried by the participant.
Advance amount will not be refunded.



