Nature is filled with never-ending surprises. We hear scientists discovering something new every day; a myriad of new elements are recognized every year. However, one such mesmerizing factor about nature that has been recognized and might not have been heard of is the existence of bioluminescent forests. In simple terms, glowing forests.
Maharashtra’s Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve which is situated approximately 100 km to the east of Mumbai has a rare yet beautiful occurrence — after sunset when the whole forest is dark, it actually glows and lights up. The bioluminescence phenomenon doesn't happen every day. There are chances you might have a wonderful stroke of luck and get to catch the view after an evening of heavy rains in the monsoon months of July, August and September. The fireflies, on the other hand, can be spotted easily in the pre-monsoon months of May and June.
Spread over an area of 131 km square, the Bhimashankar Wildlife Reserve is located in the Khed and Ambegaon area of Pune District (Western Ghats). The reserve was created in 1984 for the purpose to save and protect the endangered species of Indian Giant Squirrel. A total of 9 tribal villages are part of this reserve.
