Every time we think about travelling, we search for destinations according to our likes, interests, and of course the popular cuisines of a particular destination. But, how will you feel if we tell you there is a place that attracts those in search of some good, old-world charm, for it has swarms of fireflies coming in? Yes, a tiny village in Maharashtra, called Purushwadi, is a place that all good dreams are made of. When we say fireflies, we do not mean few; we mean a flock of them. So much so that Purushwadi also plays host to a Fireflies Festival every year, right when the monsoons are about to hit India.

Now, who wouldn’t want to dive into the myriad of lights dissipated by these sparkling fireflies? Let us give you some more insight about this gleaming land.

If you are one of those who dreams and lives in the surreal world, Purushwadi is an ideal getaway from both Pune and Mumbai. The place attracts fireflies to its lush green areas, especially before the monsoon when the mating season for the species is on. This very reason makes May-June the perfect time to visit this illuminating village. But let us warn you, if you choose to visit the village in monsoon, also be prepared to get drenched in sudden bursts of rains. Do remember that a heavier rain burst ends up in killing the species and you might miss on the extravaganza; so yes, go before the actual Maharashtra monsoons hit. There are more than 2000 species of fireflies that put on their mating lights in May-June! Yes, you heard that right, there are actually that many fireflies.

Purushwadi is the perfect weekend getaway from Pune and Mumbai, offering a serene and quiet retreat. The place is also an ideal escape for camping in the woods, by the lakeside. You can also plan a stay in a home-stay in the village.

So, what these creatures are really? Flies? Bugs? Roaches? Well, they are actually beetles. The fireflies are a soft-bodied beetle related to the glow-worm, the winged male and flightless female of which both have luminescent organs. The light is chiefly produced in flashes and typically functions as a signal between the sexes.

The Fireflies Festival of Purushwadi is a wonderful miracle of nature. The fireflies are alive only for 2 months of the year in India – May and June. So, during these two months, these beautiful illuminating creatures hatch from their eggs, flicker and attract a mate, lay eggs and then die. The eggs they lay hatch the next May. Isn’t it so cool that nature exactly knows when the little larvae need to step out and see the daylight?

Another interesting fact about these fireflies is that you can let them walk on your hand; it doesn’t hurt, pain, or tingle. You might just feel a little squeamish, given that they look really similar to roaches from a non-scientific eye. When in Purushwadi, you have to walk in the dark, through village roads and fields. So expect mud, lots of pitter-patter, and footwear getting stuck in the mud moments.

While you are in the village, you can also binge on some amazing delectable Marathi cuisine. There is nothing fresher and more delicious than a fresh serving of puran poli, and a plate of hot pav bhaji.

This concealed village of Maharashtra deserves to get explored for its unique attraction.

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Every time we think about travelling, we search for destinations according to our likes, interests, and of course the popular cuisines of a particular destination. But, how will you feel if we tell you there is a place that attracts those in search of some good, old-world charm, for...