Fireflies Special: Samrad Camping

In this exciting trip, we will be embarking on an unforgettable journey to the interiors of Kalsubai Harishchandragad wildlife Sanctuary near Samrad, which is renowned as the base village for two popular treks nestled in the breathtaking Sahyadri mountain range.

As the sun begins to set, we will spend the evening hours at the picturesque Samrad Kokankada, a vantage point that offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and hills. The breathtaking scenery here is perfect for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, providing ample opportunities to capture the beauty of the Sahyadris. After soaking in the views, we will hike to our serene campsite located at the foothills of the majestic Ratangad fort. Camping in such a scenic spot allows you to connect deeply with nature, as the sounds of the forest and the fresh mountain air create a tranquil atmosphere that is hard to replicate elsewhere.

Relishing homemade food during our camping experience adds to the authenticity and enjoyment of the trip. If the weather is favorable, we might even be treated to the enchanting sight of fireflies illuminating the jungle around us, creating a mesmerizing natural light show that adds to the charm of our camping experience.

The following day promises to be equally enriching as we set out to visit the ancient Amruteshwar temple, a significant historical site that showcases exquisite architecture and spiritual significance. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is steeped in history and is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era in which it was built. As we explore the temple grounds, we will learn about its rich heritage and the legends associated with it, deepening our appreciation for the cultural tapestry of the region.

After our visit to the temple, we will make our way to the Bhandardara Dam, a stunning reservoir that is a popular spot for nature enthusiasts. The dam is surrounded by lush hills and offers opportunities for photography, leisure walks, and simply soaking in the beauty of the water body. We will enjoy a homemade lunch at our regular stop near Bari village, where the flavors of the local cuisine will provide a satisfying appetite to our trip.

Facts

• Difficulty: Easy

• Trail type: flat path

Highlights:

• Fireflies sighting

• Serene camping location

• Ancient 1200 years old Amrutheshwar Temple

• Bhandardara backwaters

• Samrad Kokankada

• Homemade Local Cuisine

• Sandhan Valley View Point

Itinerary:

DAY 1:

• Travel by AC Bus from Borivali at 10:00 AM with pickup points at Goregaon, JVLR, Bhandup, Thane Teenhath Naka. (Exact pickup points willl be share to the registered participants)

• Lunch Break on the Highway - 30 min.

• Event Briefing & introduction – 15 min.

• Hike to the Samrad Kokankada – 1 hour.

• Reach the campsite and set up tents.

• Take a short hike to the forest to observe the fireflies.

• Dinner at the campsite.

• Behold the fireflies near the campsite.

• Bedtime in tents (bring your own bedding).

DAY 2:

• Wake-up call – 06:30 AM.

• Fresh up and breakfast – 45 min.

• Travel to Ancient Amruteshwar temple - 30 min

• Expllore Amruteshwar temple - 30 min

• Travel to Bhandardara - 45 min

• Relax at Bhandardara Dam view point - 20 min

• Travel to Bari village via Bhandardara - 45 min.

• Lunch Break at Bari village – 1 hour.

• Resume the Road Journey to Mumbai – 5 hours.

Price: ₹2500

Included

• Transport by hired AC Vehicle from Mumbai.

• Veg Dinner on DAY 1, Breakfast, Veg Lunch on DAY 2

• Camping in Tents on Triple/ Quad sharing basis

• Forest Entry fee & our expertise

Excluded

• Snacks break on the highway or any personal expenses

  
  

Registration Process:

Step 1: Book Your Seat  

• Scroll below and select your ticket. Click on Checkout, fill in your details, and choose your preferred mode of payment. (Refer to the Manual Payment option if you wish to pay via UPI/NEFT.)

• Once completed, you will receive an email containing your ticket and the mandatory disclaimer form.

Step 2: Fill Mandatory Disclaimer Form  

• After payment confirmation, participants must complete the participation disclaimer form accurately to provide necessary information.

• Compliance with the disclaimer is mandatory for participation in the event.

Step 3: WhatsApp Group Creation 

• One day before the departure, a WhatsApp group will be created in the evening.

• All registered participants will be added to the group, which will serve as the official platform for communication, updates, and coordination during the event.

Checklist

Clothing and Footwear:

• Sandals/ Sport Shoes: With a strong grip, suitable for the terrain.

• Quick Dry Shirt/T-shirt: Quick-dry fabric helps keep you dry and comfortable.

• Full-Length Trousers: Protects your legs from scratches and insect bites.

Things to carry in Rucksack:

• Water: Minimum 2 litres to stay well-hydrated during the event (Please carry water bottle from home).

• Cap/Hat: Protects your head and face from the sun.

• Food Items: Fruits, dry fruits, energy bars, and healthy snacks provide sustenance.

• Sunglasses/ Shades.

• Toiletry Kit: Basic hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, and sunscreen lotion.

• Bedding: Carry a sleeping bag/ blanket.

• Extra Set of Clothes.

• Rain Gear: Umbrella or rain jacket or poncho to stay dry in case of unexpected showers.

• Personal Medicines: Carry necessary medications and a basic first aid kit.

• Identity Proof: Carry a valid Government ID proof.

Fireflies Observation Guidelines:

• No Bright Lights: Avoid using flashlights, camera flashes, or any other bright lights while watching fireflies. This can disrupt their natural behavior and make it difficult for you to see them.

• Keep Noise Low: Fireflies are sensitive to sound, so try to keep noise to a minimum while observing them. Avoid talking loudly, playing music, or making sudden movements that could startle them.

• Respect Their Space: While it's tempting to get a closer look, try to maintain a respectful distance from the fireflies. Getting too close can disrupt their natural behavior and cause them unnecessary stress.

• No Catching: Resist the temptation to catch fireflies or disturb them in any way. They play a vital role in their ecosystem, and interfering with them can disrupt their mating patterns and overall population.

• Avoid Chemicals: Refrain from using insect repellents, perfumes, deodrants or other chemicals that could harm fireflies or their habitat. These substances can have unintended consequences on the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

• Protect Their Habitat: Be careful not to trample vegetation or disturb the soil in areas where fireflies are active. Respect their habitat by staying on designated paths or observation areas.

• No campfires: Firefly habitats are sensitive; avoid lighting fires nearby.

Event Disclaimer:

• Disclaimer Form: Every participant must complete the online disclaimer form with accurate details. Incorrect or incomplete information will require resubmission. This ensures safety and accountability for all.

• ID Card Requirement: Carrying a valid government‑issued ID card is mandatory for verification and safety purposes.

• Punctuality: Timely reporting is essential to respect the schedule and fellow participants. Late arrivals may cause delays and disrupt the group experience.

• Water Safety: Non‑swimmers are strictly prohibited from entering the pond/ river.

• Parental Consent: Participants under 18 years of age must provide parental consent to join.

• Itinerary Changes: Any modifications or cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances will be communicated in advance.

• Weather & Authority: Organizers reserve the right to cancel or reschedule events due to weather or local authority restrictions. Ramblers India, trek leaders, or local guides cannot be held responsible if entry is denied by governing bodies.

• Facility Information: Camping will take place on open ground without washroom facilities. Participants should bring a sleeping bag or bedsheet. Basic washroom facilities can be accessed at a villager's home during breakfast and dinner on the first day, and lunch on the second day. In the event of rain, camping in tents might not be possible, and accommodations may be arranged in a villager's house instead.

• Equipment Care: Participants must handle provided equipment responsibly to avoid damage.

• Damages/Loss: Charges apply for damage, loss, or theft of equipment.

• Extra Expenses: If any additional expenses are incurred during the event (for example, due to changes in location, unforeseen circumstances, or services not included in the event fee), each participant will be responsible for bearing their share of the extra cost. Our team will notify participants immediately if such expenses arise.

• Misconduct: Alcohol, smoking, intoxication, loud music, and teasing animals are strictly prohibited.

• Respect Local Customs: Participants must honor local traditions and follow site rules.

• Personal Hygiene: Avoid deodorants/perfumes; strictly follow Leave No Trace principles.

• Trail & Wildlife Caution: Stay on marked routes, avoid solo night treks, and exercise caution in forested areas.

• Group Coordination: Discipline, cooperation, and teamwork are expected at all times.

• Safety Disclaimer: While safety is prioritized, Ramblers India, trek leaders, and guides are not liable for severe injuries or fatalities.

• Eligibility: Registration confirms participants meet required physical and mental fitness levels.

• Withdrawal: Participants are liable for emergency evacuation costs and legal proceedings arising from accidents.

• Independent Exit: If a participant withdraws mid‑event, they must arrange their own transport and lodging.

• Personal Belongings: Ramblers India is not responsible for theft or damage to personal items.

• Payment and Registration: Participant is responsible for bearing convenience fees charged by payment gateways.

• Acknowledgement: Registration confirms acceptance of the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy.

• Minimum Strength: A minimum of 12 participants is required for the event to proceed.

Payment Policy:

• Third‑Party Gateways: Registration fees include a convenience fee charged by payment gateways, borne by the participant.

• Manual Payment Option: UPI/NEFT transfers are available for one hour after a ticket is marked unpaid. Failure to complete payment within this time cancels the order.

• Full Payment: Partial payments are not accepted.

• Transaction Confirmation: Manual payments must be confirmed via WhatsApp/email with transaction reference.

• Service Availability: No refunds or discounts for unused services.

• Withdrawal: Fees cannot be carried forward to future events. Refunds follow the refund policy.

Refund Policy:

• Refunds are initiated on the event date or the next working day.

• Standard processing time is 3–10 working days, depending on the payment gateway.

• Weekend/Trail Policy: If our team is not reachable on weekends, do not worry — we may be on the trails. Refunds will be processed on the next working day. Ramblers India is a customer‑oriented organization, and participant interests are always prioritized.

• Manual Refunds: In certain cases, if the payment gateway has already refunded the amount to our bank account, we may process the refund manually. In such situations, our team will reach out to you requesting your UPI ID or bank account details to complete the transfer, and the refund will be made directly from one of our authorized team member’s accounts.

• Refunds will not be issued in cash or coupons unless explicitly agreed upon with the participant.

• Refunds exclude the convenience fee charged by third‑party payment gateways.

  • Example: If the event fee is ₹1000 and the convenience fee is ₹50, only ₹1000 will be refunded.

• Refund Percentages:

  • 50% refund: cancellations ≥ 5 days before departure

  • 40% refund: 4 days before departure

  • 30% refund: 3 days before departure

  • 20% refund: 2 days before departure till departure day

  • No refund: no‑shows

• If the event is canceled by Ramblers India:

  • The full event fee will be refunded (excluding convenience fee).

  • Personal travel expenses (train, bus, flight, cab, hotel) are not refundable.

• If the event is forwarded to another organizer:

  • Participants must pay any difference if the new organizer’s fee is higher.

• If minimum attendance is not met:

  • For morning events, cancellation decisions are announced the evening before.

  • For night events, cancellation decisions are announced the same evening.

• If the event is canceled midway due to unforeseen circumstances:

  • No refunds will be issued, and no amount will be transferred to other events.