Dance of the Fireflies – Batch 3

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Our ELEVENTH year for one of our flagship events – DANCE OF THE FIREFLIES. This season come and join us to experience a natural phenomena so unique that its almost magical, where millions of fireflies swarm the forests around Pune/ Mumbai, just before the monsoon when the warm temperature makes it perfect for these nocturnal beetles to come out and flash their light.
They are trying to communicate many things. One of them is to find the perfect mate responding with similar blinking light signals. Imagine thousands of them lighting up the forest with rice grain size bulbs blinking all around you.
Get to know –
What makes them glow?
What are they trying to communicate?
What is their significance towards the ecosystem?
What role do they play?
A lot more on this trip including a refreshing plunge to beat the summer heat into the plesant and safe backwaters of Mulshi Dam. Take a forest trail to pick ‘Karonda’ (Black Current fruit).
Our camping site is fenced 10 acre property with ample parking space, private location, western toilets for outdoors campers and attached toilets for rooms and dormitry. Distance – 55 kms and 2 hrs approximately from Pune.
Great opportunity for photographers, all nature lovers to experience blinking stars setting down in the forest. Also incredible moments between parents and their kids to not only enjoy but learn and help preserve the dwindling eco-system.

Cost for both Veg and Non veg meals.
Self Drive: INR 2625/-
Adult transport Inc: INR 3150/-
Kids between 5-9: INR 2625/-

Dates:

May 27-28 – B1
June 03-04 – B2
June 10-11 – B3

Itinerary:
02:00 pm Pick-up from Hotel Blue Nile, MG Road (Travel time approx. 1.5 to 2 hrs) traffic delays expected at 2-3 pm.
Arrive at campsite
04:30 – 05:00 pm Tea and snacks
05:00 – 06:00 pm Tents, rooms and dorms allocation and tent set-up.
08:45 – 09:30 pm Dinner
09:00 – 11:00 pm Hike into the forest to see the fireflies
11:20 pm Return to campsite.
Lights out
06:30 am Wake-up call and tea and biscuits
07:00 – 09:00 am Optional Hike to Mulshi Lake, enjoy swimming in the safe area and hike back to the campsite.
09:15 – 09:40 am Tea and breakfast
09:40 – 10:00 am Pack-up the tents and board the bus with all your belongings
10:00 am Depart for Pune

Stay:
Accommodation is on sharing basis (3 person per tent) or in the dorm which will accommodate 15 person (Dorm has 2 attached toilets).

We have 4 double bed rooms with attached toilet and bath showers, rooms are available on first come first serve at INR 2000 per room and INR 500 for every additional person (Max 4 per room – 2 adults and 2 kids)

Private tent for 2 will be additional INR 1000 per couple.

Campsite features:
Our campsite is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by forests, small villages and short hike to the lake.
Clean and hygienic western toilets, separate toilets for rooms, dorms and campsite.
Safe surroundings and experienced staff.
Camp leaders with precise knowledge of the fireflies favorable habitat.
We follow ethics of widlife and laws under wildlife (protection) act 1972.
Leave no trace policy and no plastic trails.
(Kindly opt for your meal pref at the time of booking, being an outdoor and far out location we arrange everything in advance; should you end up switching last min extra charges will apply)
How to experience the fireflies sightings:
Follow the instructions of the camp leaders for a memorable fireflies experience.
We will be hiking through the forest in the evening and night to find these magnificent little creatures, be prepared to walk. If the sightings are further than normal walking trail then we would take the bus.
Torch and flash lights are imp and must be carried by everyone, however we will try to avoid them once the fireflies are sighted.
Reminder: Fireflies are sensitive to temperature, noise and light. Adult fireflies have a notoriously short life span, living for three to five days (long enough to mate and lay eggs) depending on the species or up to two months in the wild.
Speaking to each other will be in low volume, bluetooth speakers must be completely avoided.

Trip Facilities:
• Travel and toll: Pick up and drop off from our selected pick up points.
• Evening tea and snacks and dinner on day 1 and 1 breakfast on day 2.
• Camping in comfortable waterproof tents on sharing basis
• Mineral water for drinking throughout the trip.
• Tour guides and camp leaders all along the trip.
• Medical assistance if required.
Trip excludes:
• Breakfast and Lunch on day one and any other meals besides the breakfast on day two.
• Personal expenses (beverages and snacks).
• Personal medication

Things to carry:
-Please wear non-bulky full body clothing preferably light colored
– One spare set of clothing.
-Umbrella or rain jacket
-Good hiking or sports shoes (Compulsary) NO Slippers or floaters!
-Caps and Hats
-Sunglasses and sunscreen
-Hand Towel
-Munchies and personal snacks
-Personal medication
-Camera (optional)
-Binoculars (optional)
-Shawl/Jacket
-One bedsheet (Compulsary)
-Personal Sanitation kit
-One liter water bottle (compulsary)
-Torch

IMPORTANT:
Remember: This insect behaviour is a complete natural phenomenon and one cannot promise how many fireflies can be witnessed. They have a very short lifespan and their behaviour can change with light, rain and wind, but this has been our experience since 10 years conducting fireflies sightings and they have never let us down. Additionally we speak to our local guides regularly to check the situation.
Please take care of all your belongings.
Notify us immediately in case of any medical emergency.
Anyone found under the influence of alcohol, drugs or narcotics will be requested to leave the trip immediately, without any refund.
Adventure camping and outdoor sports/ recreation is purely for nature lovers and not for party groups; we respect nature and do our best to spread the awareness about wilderness preservation.
Please observe silence between 11 pm and 6 am to have a pleasant camping experience.
Be sure that you are responsible for your own personal belongings.
We like to keep the wildlife wild, please do not litter the forest/ sanctuary and the campsite.

Please confirm your registration by making payments to the account number given below:
Our account details below:
Name: Rivers and Ridges
Bank Name: Punjab National Bank
Bank account Number: 6631002100001031
Branch: Kondhwa
City: Pune
IFSC Code: PUNB0663100
Account type: Current
or
UPI Id Transfer: riversnridges@okaxis
Availability is first come first serve basis. Last day of confirming is 2 days prior to the event date, but please book your seats as soon as possible to avoid any disappointment.

For any questions, call Rohan: 7350064961. Looking forward to seeing you all.
Thanks,
Team Rivers and Ridges.
FAQ
Can I bring my own tent?
Yes you can, you will be given a designated area for pitching your tent. This is where all other tents will be pitched with ample space. The cost will be 500 less per person.
Can we catch/ touch the fireflies?
No, You cannot you can only watch them.
Can we take home fireflies?
Obviously not

Thanks
Rohan
Rivers and Ridges

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