India, May 29 -- As Maharashtra waits for the monsoon to arrive, sweltering in the pre-rain summer heat, its forests are beginning to light up with one of the season's most magical spectacles - firefly season. Since the pre-monsoon humidity creates an ideal environment for large groups of fireflies to gather and blink in synchronised patterns, every year, the forests of Sahyadris, Bhandardara, Rajmachi and other parts of the Western Ghats draw campers and trekkers into these hills. As these camps become a seasonal favourite, we take a closer look at this fragile phenomenon and speak to trek leaders and tour organisers to discover the places to witness the spectacle. The most suitable time of the year lasts up to three to four weeks, from mid-May to mid-June. This year, most organisers have listed dates between May 16 and June 21 for firefly spotting. However, excessive rain or early monsoon can affect visibility and slightly shift the season timeline. According to tour operator Mischief Treks, the insects remain active through the night, but sightings are usually at their peak between midnight and 1am. Firefly camping experiences in Maharashtra are designed as weekend overnight trips and usually include stay, meals and basic camping activities. Packages range from Rs.900 to Rs.2,500 per person, depending on whether transport from Mumbai or Pune is included, the campsite setup and the difficulty level of the trek. Mumbai-based researcher Ravi Kumar, who attended a firefly camp in Bhandardara forest last year, says, "I went with friends after the monsoon had already started, so we spotted only a handful of fireflies. But still, the experience was worth it. I'm planning to return this season before the rains begin." Government officer Sanjay Aruk, too, recalls his experience as "memorable". "It felt very different from the usual trips, slightly adventurous and close to nature. It's definitely something people in Maharashtra should experience at least once," he shares....