Overview/Itinerary

Kothaligad (Peth) 

Kothaligad is more commonly known as the fort of Peth because the village of Peth is situated at its base. The pinnacle of the Peth can be seen from the village. On reaching the top of the fort, we see caves carved in huge rocks. Along the Bhairoba cave, steps are carved leading the pinnacle. Small water tanks and some cannon balls are scattered on the fort. The first one is the cave of Goddess, besides which is a water cistern and the last one is the specious Bhairoba cave. A flat floor and well-sculpted pillars are specialties of the cave.

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Kothaligad (Peth) night trek event details

  • Kothaligad (Peth) night trek difficulty level: Medium
  • Base village for Kothaligad (Peth): Peth village/Ambivali village
  • Region: Karjat
  • Total time required for climbing Kothaligad (Peth) fort: Maximum 2.5 hrs from Ambivali
  • Kothaligad (Peth) fort height: 3100 ft. (approx.)
  • Cost: Rs. 999/- (per person)

Kothaligad (Peth) Fireflies Trek Itinerary

Day 0 – Saturday.

Catch Khopoli fast local from CST or nearest local station to your place

Get down at Karjat Station.

CSMT – Khopoli fast local time table.

  • 21:58 CSMT.
  • 22:05 Byculla.
  • 22:11 Dadar.
  • 22:19 Kurla.
  • 22:23 Ghatkopar
  • 22:31 Bhandup
  • 22:39 Thane.
  • 22:54 Dombivali.
  • 23:05 Kalyan.
  • 23:56 Karjat

Day 1

00:15 Meeting at Karjat railway station.

00:30 Journey towards Ambivali by local tumtum.

01:30 Reach Ambivali village.

02:00 Start ascending.

Watch fireflies on the way.

04:00 Reach at the top and rest till the sunrise

07:00 Watch sunrise and explore the fort.

08:00 Start descending

11:00 Reach at base village and have breakfast.

11:30 Start return journey towards Karjat Railway Station

12:30 Reach at Karjat station and disperse. 

 

Return Journey
Karjat-CSMT fast local train

  • 13:00 Karjat
  • 14:55 CSMT

Note

  • People may board the same train from their respective stations of convenience.
  • Missing the train is missing Fireflies Night Trek to Kothaligad (Peth), no refund will be provided.
  • The sighting of fireflies is a natural phenomenon that depends on weather conditions. We can hope to have a beautiful experience of exploring nature in their presence.
overnight 26 May, 02 Jun, 09 Jun, and more
Dates and Rates
date & duration price
  • Sorry no more departures available. You could get in touch with us at highfive@treksandtrails.org if you'd like to make a booking.
  • Inclusions/Exclusions
    What we'll give/What we won't

    What is included in the tour

    • 1 veg Breakfast
    • Travel Karjat to Karjat by local Jeep
    • Trek Leader Expertise Charges

    What is NOT included in the tour

    • Travel cost from Mumbai to Karjat and back
    • Travel from Pune to Karjat and back
    • Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
    • All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
    • 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 roadblocks, bad weather
    • Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
    Things to Carry
    Things to Carry
    • Mask and Sanitizer
    • 2/3 liters of water.
    • Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on the trek
    • Some Dry fruits / Dry Snacks / Energy Bars.
    • Glucon D / ORS / Tang / Gatorade sachets.
    • Good Torch must with an extra battery.
    • Trekking Shoes provide more grip and comfort on the trek.
    • Sleeping material. (Sleeping bag or 2 bedsheets).
    • One Day Backpack 20 to 30 liters.
    • Extra pair of clothes.
    • Sun Cap and Sunscreen.
    • Personal First aid and Personal Medicine.
    • Identity Proof.
    • Please wear Full sleeves and Full Track Pant this will protect you from Summer Sun / Thorns / Insects / Prickles.

    Cancellation Policy

    • 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days prior to the event date.
    • 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days prior to the event date.
    • No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date 
    • No show No Refund.
    • Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
    • Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
    • If Trek gets canceled we will refund "Trek Amount" only.
    • If the event is canceled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.

    Treks and Trails Event Rules

    • Kindly carry one Identity proof, at least for the trek with your address.
    • We all are going for an adventurous and exciting trekking expedition; please Do Not misinterpret it as a PICNIC or LEISURE TOUR.
    • The leader's decision will be final, and all the members should abide by it.
    • We do not destroy or dirty the archaeological, historical monuments, natural habitat on the trek.
    • Swimming is not allowed in the lake or water tank on the forts. Locals use that water for drinking.
    • Putting your feet in water tanks or on the canon is not allowed on our treks.
    • Any addiction is strictly prohibited, e.g. drinking, smoking, chewing tobacco anyone caught doing it will have to exit the trek without a refund and travel back on own expense.
    • People caught smoking or drinking alcohol will be asked to exit the event on an immediate basis.
    • Please do not carry or wear any valuables, ornaments, jewellery, etc. If carried, then we Do Not take any liability for the same.
    • Rock Climbing, Rappelling, Trekking, or any adventure activity is potentially risky. For all these events, you are at your own risk. Organizers are not responsible for any accident or compensation in whatsoever manner.
    • We should strictly follow the code of conduct to avoid troubling our fellow trekkers or other people from our group or outside.
    • Listening to music on earphones or Bluetooth speakers is not allowed while trekking.
    • Bluetooth speaker not allowed inside the homestay or camping tents.
    • Drinking/smoking,/eating is not allowed inside the tents.
    • If you damage the tent, break the tent poles, you will have to pay us for the whole new tent on MRP.
    • If you are late for the bus pickup and are not reachable on the phone during your bus pickup, the trek leader will leave without you, and we will provide no refund.
    • Please check things to carry and wear trekking shoes on our treks. 

     

    Event Updates

    Whatsapp Broadcast list regular update 

    Step 1: Save number in your phone book Treks and Trails India - 8828004949

    Step 2: Ping us your name and email 

    Congratulations you will receive regular event updates now 

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    FAQ
    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can we drive to Ambivali for Kothaligad Trekking?

    Yes, the location for Kothaligad Trekking is available on Google Maps. We will provide the meeting location after booking if you are coming by your own transport. Please arrive on time as per the itinerary. The trek leader won't be able to wait in case you arrive late, and no refund shall be provided if you miss the trek start timing. Since you have signed up for a group event, kindly cooperate.

     

    What is the distance between Mumbai and Ambivali? Mumbai to Kothaligad distance?

    The distance between Mumbai and Kothaligad for trekking is 90 kilometers, and it takes around two and a half hours to drive there. The height of the Kothaligad trek is 945 meters, and the trek distance is 6.5 kilometers both ways. The distance between Karjat and Kothaligad is 30 kilometers, and it takes one hour to cover this distance.

    kothaligad fireflies camping

    What is the distance between Pune and Ambivali? Pune to Kothaligad distance?

    The distance between Pune and Kothaligad for trekking is 135 km, and it takes around three hours to reach. The trek distance for Kothaligad is 3.5 kilometers one way, and the height of the trek is 945 meters.

     

    How many days are required for Kothaligad Trekking?

    For the Kothaligad Fort Night Trek, one night and one day are required, and for the monsoon Kothaligad Trek Karjat, one day is sufficient. You can read about our trek to the Kothaligad Fort blog for more information.

     

    Is there food available in Kothaligad - Peth Village?

    Yes, food is available at the base village during the day.

     

    How much time is required to climb the Kothaligad Trek route?

    It takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours to climb the Kothaligad Trek route, one way. The difficulty level of the Kothaligad trek is easy to medium, depending on the hiker's stamina, endurance, fitness, and previous experience in the Sahyadri Treks.

     

    Where can I park my car for the Karjat Kothaligad Trek?

    You can park your car at Peth Kothaligad Base Village, but please note that it is at your own risk.

    fireflies-trek-mumbai-kothaligad-fort

    Is there a parking charge at Kothaligad Karjat?

    Yes, there is a parking space available at Peth Kothaligad Base Village. However, locals may ask for parking fees.

     

    Are there toilets available at Kothaligad Fort?

    No, there are no toilets available during the trek. However, we will provide toilet tents at the Villagers House, where we will begin the trek.

     

    Can single female travelers sign up for these events?

    Yes, we have a 60-40% or more male-female ratio on our events, and single female travelers are welcome to join us. Children and senior citizens have also successfully completed the summit to Kothaligad Fort.

     

    Is cash payment or spot payment accepted?

    We do not accept cash payments. Registration is only possible with 100% upfront payment via Paytm, UPI, NEFT, IMPS, Payment Gateway, or Google Pay. On-the-spot payments are not accepted, as we need to make advance bookings for buses, jeeps, and other arrangements.

     

    About Fireflies

    What is the lifespan of a firefly?

    In the wild, the life expectancy of a firefly is approximately one year on average. Adult fireflies typically only live for about two months, but their entire life cycle can span anywhere from a few months to a year. Given that there are over 2,000 different species of fireflies on the planet, their life spans will inevitably differ to some degree.

     

    What causes fireflies to blink?

    Fireflies use blinking to communicate with one another. The lights that flash are part of a way for male fireflies to attract females when they are trying to mate.

    Each species of firefly has its own distinctive flash pattern, and the males and females belonging to the same species are able to recognize one another's patterns. Males use flashing to seek possible mates, and females use flashing to reply and signal their interest.

     

    Why do fireflies glow in unison?

    Fireflies produce a synchronized glow to attract potential mates. When the population reaches a specific density, all of the fireflies begin to blink at the same time. The firefly can find a mate more quickly through synchrony than any other method. The males will fly around and flash, and the females will mimic their behavior by flashing. After that, the males will fly toward the females, and the process will start again.

     

    What is the best time to see fireflies?

    When you have the best chance of seeing fireflies depends on the species, as well as the location. Generally, the most active time of year for fireflies is during the summer, from May to August. The months leading up to the monsoon season, specifically May and June, are the best months to view these fireflies in their natural habitat. Because they are only active at night, fireflies spend most of their days on the ground among tall grasses. Because they like to hide in the tall grass, fireflies are difficult to spot unless you get down on your hands and knees to look for them.

    fireflies camping

    What do fireflies eat?

    They feed on other insects and prefer to live in damp areas, but fireflies are nocturnal. Carnivorous when they are in their larval stage, fireflies feed on soft-bodied insects that live on or in the ground, such as snails, slugs, worms, or even other larvae of other insects. There are species of adult fireflies that do consume the nectar and pollen that they find on plants. They will go to various plants to obtain sufficient amounts of nectar and pollen. Some adult fireflies continue to feed on the larval invertebrates and soft-bodied insects they consumed when they were younger.r them.

     

    Where to see them?

    Fireflies Festival Mumbai, we have got you covered with the best destination where you can spot them in thousands. We will have to travel into the countryside away from light pollution. Around Mumbai, there are many destinations to spot Fireflies in Rajmachi Village, Siddhagad Wadi, Prabalmachi Village, Bhandardara, Ghatghar, Kothaligad, Kondane Caves and Purushwadi many more.

     

    Best months to see fireflies?

    May and June, right before the monsoon season, are the best times to see these fireflies in their natural habitat. 

     

    How to see fireflies without using a torch?

    To see fireflies without disturbing them, avoid using a flashlight or other artificial light. Here are some ways to watch fireflies without trying to hurt them:

    • Pick a dark location: Fireflies are most active at night, so avoid artificial lights and light pollution.

    • Let your eyes have 15-20 minutes to acclimate to the darkness. This improves firefly visibility.

    • Be patient: because fireflies are unpredictable, seeing them may take some time. Wait quietly for them.

    • Watch for firefly patterns: Fireflies blink in patterns.

    • A red light is preferable over a white light if you need to use a light source. Red light doesn't affect fireflies compared to white light.

    • Respect their environment: Because fireflies are sensitive to their surroundings, avoid disturbing them while they are active.

    • Don't touch fireflies or use insect repellant or other pesticides.

     

    Are fireflies endangered?

    There are different species of fireflies, and some of them are on the endangered species list while others are not. Some places have seen a drop in the number of fireflies because of things like habitat degradation, pollution, and the use of chemicals such as pesticides.

    In India, the Western Ghats are home to fireflies that are now considered "vulnerable" because their habitat is being lost and broken up by things like deforestation and development. Fireflies in other parts of India are not on the list of endangered species right now, but their populations may need to be protected in the future through conservation efforts.

    fireflies camping

     

    How to conserve them

    Conservation activities for fireflies can help safeguard their populations and preserve their survival in the wild. Here are some things you can do to help save fireflies:

    • Protect their habitat. Fireflies can only live in certain places, like damp, humid places with little light pollution. People can help save fireflies by keeping these habitats safe from deforestation, urbanization, and other human activities.

    • Reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals. Chemicals and pesticides can hurt fireflies and their homes. Lessening how much they are used can help to lessen these bad effects.

    • Educate the public: letting people know how important fireflies are and what dangers they face can help to get more people involved in conservation. Programs that teach schools, communities, and tourists about fireflies can help with conservation and support for them.

    • Support organizations that work to protect fireflies and their habitats. There are many groups that do this kind of work. You can help these groups' efforts by giving money or time to them or by volunteering.

    • Responsible tourism means that when you go to places where fireflies live, you should respect their homes and try not to bother them. Don't use bright lights, don't catch or touch the fireflies, and follow any rules or guidelines set by the local government.

     

    In case your question is not listed above you can email us at highfive@treksandtrails.org

    Office timings Monday to Saturday 11.30 am to 7.00 pm only 

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