Every year, as summer gives way to monsoon, the serene valleys of Bhandardara in Maharashtra light up—not with electricity, but with the enchanting glow of thousands of fireflies. This natural wonder is celebrated through the Fireflies Festival, an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, campers, and photographers alike.
Nestled in the Western Ghats, Bhandardara becomes a glowing paradise in the months of May and June, just before the monsoon rains arrive. During this time, fireflies—locally called Jugnu—come out in large numbers to perform their mesmerizing mating dance, lighting up the trees, bushes, and entire forest paths with their rhythmic glow.
🌿 Nature doesn’t speak, but it says everything to those who are willing to listen.
🌄 Shivam Camping – Randha Fall, Bhandardara
Where Nature Meets Peace, and Every Moment Glows with Adventure!
Escape the hustle of the city and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Shivam Camping at Randha Fall, nestled in the heart of Bhandardara. Surrounded by lush greenery, the soothing sounds of Randha Waterfall, and the sparkling night sky, our campsite offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty.
🌳 Every tree is a silent guardian, whispering stories of time and peace.
🛖 Why Choose Shivam Camping?
✅ Prime Location beside the breathtaking Randha Waterfall
✅ Comfortable tents with cozy bedding
✅ Hygienic local meals & BBQ by the campfire
✅ Magical night walks to witness fireflies (seasonal)
✅ Guided treks and local sightseeing
🌿 Activities to Enjoy:
- Bonfire & Stargazing
- Sunrise by the Lake
- Village Walks
- Visit nearby attractions like Arthur Lake, Umbrella Falls, and Kalsubai Peak
🌺 In nature, even silence has a melody, and stillness feels alive.
Shivam Camping
🏕️ Safe & Comfortable Tenting Experience for Families
At our campsite, we understand that family outings are all about togetherness, joy, and most importantly — safety. Whether you’re bringing children, elders, or first-time campers, our family-friendly tenting experience ensures a worry-free stay in the heart of nature.
🎋 Cultural Charm & Local Life
- Shivam Camping reflects the warm hospitality of rural Maharashtra.
- Taste authentic home-cooked Maharashtrian meals, made with love and local ingredients.
- Take a village walk to experience local farming life, traditions, and folk stories.
- Interact with friendly villagers, learn about their customs, and even enjoy local music or dance on festive days.
- 🌌 Night Magic
- Witness millions of fireflies dancing in the dark during the pre-monsoon Fireflies Festival (May–June).
- Gaze at a clear starry sky by the campfire, away from city lights and pollution.
🌄 Harishchandragad – The Jewel of Sahyadris – 40 km Away from Camping Site
Harishchandragad is a majestic hill fort located in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, nestled in the rugged Sahyadri mountain range. Rich in history, mythology, and breathtaking natural beauty, it stands at an elevation of around 4,671 feet (1,424 meters).
🏞️ Highlights:
- Konkan Kada: A stunning cliff with a semicircular shape offering a mesmerizing view of the Konkan region — famous for its vertical drop and cloud-inversion phenomena.
- Kedareshwar Cave: Houses a large Shivling surrounded by four broken pillars, believed to represent the four yugas (ages). The last pillar standing is said to indicate the current Kali Yuga.
- Taramati Peak: The second highest peak in Maharashtra, offering panoramic views.
- Ancient Caves & Temples: Including 11th-century carvings from the Kalchuri era, and a temple dedicated to Lord Harishchandra.
🏕️ Trekking Experience:
Harishchandragad is a popular trekking destination, especially from routes like Nalichi Vaat, Pachnai, Khireshwar, and Tolar Khind. Each route offers a unique experience — from easy paths to technical climbs.
🏕️ Ideal For:
- Nature lovers 🌿
- Trekkers and adventurers 🥾
- History and mythology enthusiasts 📜
- Photographers and stargazers 📸✨
🌄 Bhandardara – A Hidden Paradise in the Sahyadris – 06 KM AWAY FROM CAMPING SITE
Bhandardara, nestled in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, is a serene hill station and a perfect escape for nature lovers. Tucked beside the Pravara River, this lush green destination is known for its tranquil atmosphere, majestic waterfalls, clear blue skies, and beautiful landscapes surrounded by the Western Ghats.
✨ Highlights of Bhandardara:
- Arthur Lake: A crystal-clear lake formed by the damming of the Pravara River, ideal for boating and peaceful lakeside relaxation.
- Wilson Dam: Built in 1910, this is one of the oldest dams in India and offers a majestic view during the monsoon when water gushes down the overflow point.
- Randha Falls: A breathtaking waterfall where the Pravara River plunges 170 feet into a deep gorge — a must-see during the rainy season.
- Mount Kalsubai: The highest peak of Maharashtra (5,400 ft) is nearby, attracting avid trekkers from across the country.
- Fireflies Festival (May-June): A magical night-time experience in the forests near Bhandardara when thousands of fireflies illuminate the woods like stars on Earth.
- Agasti Rishi Ashram & Amruteshwar Temple: Ancient sites with historical and spiritual significance.
🏕️ Camping & Adventure:
Bhandardara is a popular camping destination, especially near Arthur Lake and Randha Falls. The region offers peaceful lakeside tents, barbecue nights under the stars, and scenic sunrise views. It’s perfect for family picnics, romantic getaways, or solo nature retreats.
🏔️ Kalsubai – The Everest of Maharashtra – 14 KM AWAY FROM CAMPING SITE
Kalsubai, proudly known as the “Everest of Maharashtra”, is the highest peak in the state, standing tall at 5,400 feet (1,646 meters) above sea level. It is located in the Western Ghats within the Ahmednagar district, near the famous hill station Bhandardara.
🌄 A Trekker’s Delight
The Kalsubai trek is one of the most popular and thrilling treks in Maharashtra. Starting from the base village Bari, the trail takes you through scenic forests, lush green fields, rocky patches, and iron ladders built to assist climbers in steep sections. The entire trek offers stunning views of the Sahyadri ranges, including forts like Alang, Madan, Kulang, Ratangad, and Harishchandragad.
🌟 Top Highlights:
- Panoramic View: At the summit, one can witness a 360-degree view of the surrounding valleys, forts, and backwaters — especially magical at sunrise.
- Kalsubai Temple: At the top of the peak lies a small temple dedicated to Kalsubai Devi, revered by locals. It’s a major pilgrimage site, especially during the Navratri festival.
- Ideal for Beginners & Adventurers: While the climb is moderately challenging, it is suitable for beginners with a basic fitness level, thanks to the well-marked paths and ladders.
🏕️ Perfect for:
- Trekking Enthusiasts 🥾
- Nature Photographers 📸
- Adventure Groups & Campers ⛺
- Spiritual Seekers 🛕
🏞️ Sandhan Valley – The Valley of Shadows – 30 KM AWAY FROM CAMPING SITE
🏞️ What is Sandhan Valley?
Sandhan Valley, also known as the Valley of Shadows, is a stunning natural canyon nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, near the quaint village of Samrad in the Ahmednagar district. With towering cliffs, narrow rock paths, and deep natural gorges, it is one of India’s most unique trekking and camping destinations.
📍 Location and How to Reach Sandhan Valley
- Nearest Railway Station: Igatpuri or Kasara
- From Mumbai/Pune: Around 180–200 km
- Route: Mumbai → Kasara → Samrad (via shared jeep)
- GPS Coordinates: Samrad Village, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
You can drive or take a local train to Kasara/Igatpuri and hire a jeep to reach the base village, Samrad.
🧗 Sandhan Valley Trek – An Adventure Like No Other
The Sandhan Valley trek is a descent trek through a narrow gorge carved by water between two steep rock walls. At places, the valley is so narrow that sunlight barely reaches the bottom, giving it the name Valley of Shadows.
Highlights:
- Trek distance: ~2 km through the gorge
- Duration: 4 to 6 hours (day trek), or overnight with camping
- Difficulty: Moderate (includes rappelling and rock patches)
- Best for: Adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, photographers
🧳 What to Carry for Sandhan Valley Trek
- Trekking shoes with good grip
- Water bottles (2-3 liters)
- Dry snacks, energy bars
- Torch/headlamp with batteries
- Light backpack, warm clothes (for night)
- First-aid kit, raincoat (post-monsoon)
🌊 Randha Falls: A Majestic Waterfall – NEAR CAMPING SITE
🏞️ About Randha Falls
Randha Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Maharashtra, located in Bhandardara, a serene hill station in the Ahmednagar district. Formed by the Pravara River, the waterfall plunges from a height of about 170 feet into a deep gorge, creating a mesmerizing natural scene especially during monsoon.
📍 Location and How to Reach Randha Falls
- Location: Near Bhandardara Dam, Akole Taluka, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra
- Distance from Mumbai: ~180 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Igatpuri (~45 km)
- By Road: Accessible by car or bus via Igatpuri–Ghoti road
📸 Why Visit Randha Falls?
- 🌀 Stunning Waterfall View: The sheer drop and misty spray create a breathtaking visual treat.
- 📷 Photography Spot: Ideal for nature and landscape photographers.
- 🧘♂️ Peaceful Surroundings: A calm and uncrowded location (on weekdays) perfect for nature lovers.
- 🧗 Adventure Nearby: Close to popular trekking points like Sandhan Valley, Kalsubai, and Ratangad.
🏰 Ratangad Fort Trek – A Timeless Hill Fort in the Sahyadris – 20 KM AWAY FROM CAMPING SITE
🗻 What is Ratangad Fort?
Ratangad, also known as Ratan Gad, is a 2,000-year-old hill fort located in the Western Ghats near Bhandardara in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Surrounded by the scenic beauty of the Sahyadri ranges, this ancient fort stands proudly at 4,250 feet above sea level, offering panoramic views of peaks like Kalsubai, Alang-Madan-Kulang, and Harishchandragad.
📍 Location & How to Reach
- Base Village: Ratanwadi
- Nearest City: Bhandardara (~25 km)
- From Mumbai/Pune: ~180–200 km
- Nearest Rail Station: Igatpuri (~50 km)
Travel Options:
- From Mumbai → Igatpuri → Ghoti → Bhandardara → Ratanwadi
- Boat option available from Bhandardara to Ratanwadi during monsoon/post-monsoon
- Jeeps available from Bhandardara to Ratanwadi (off-season)
🧗 Ratangad Trek Details
Ratangad Fort is one of the most scenic and historic treks in Maharashtra, blending adventure, history, and nature.
Trek Info:
- Trek Duration: 2–3 hours (one way)
- Trek Level: Moderate (rock steps, ladders)
- Best Season: October to February (Post-monsoon and winter)
- Height: 4,250 ft (1,295 m)
🌄 Attractions at Ratangad Fort
1. Nedhe (Eye of the Needle):
A natural rock cavity formed by wind erosion—also called “Rat Hole”—offering breathtaking valley views.
2. Ancient Caves:
You’ll find cave shelters at the top which can house around 20-25 people—used by trekkers for overnight stays.
3. Fort Walls & Bastions:
Ruins of the fortifications tell tales of its historic past.
4. Temple of Amruteshwar (Ratanwadi):
A beautiful 1,200-year-old Hemadpanti-style temple at the base—must visit before starting your tre
SHIVAM NIGHT CAMPING
🌟 Owner – Govinda Patekar
The Vision Behind Shivam Camping Randha Fall
Meet the visionary behind Shivam Camping Randha Fall—a passionate nature lover, dedicated host, and true son of the Sahyadri hills. With a heart rooted in rural hospitality and a dream to connect people with nature, he transformed a simple scenic spot near Randha Falls into one of the region’s most cherished camping destinations.
His mission?
“To give every guest the real experience of peace, purity, and the magic of Maharashtra’s untouched wilderness.”
💬 “We don’t just pitch tents—we create memories beneath the stars, around bonfires, and in the lap of waterfalls,” he says with a smile.
He personally welcomes every camper, ensures their safety, and shares local stories, culture, and hidden trails only the locals know. From home-cooked meals to night treks, he makes sure every moment is unforgettable.
