Deep in the jungles of Maharashtra, is the Bhimshankar Wildlife Reserve, which is roughly 100 km from East of Mumbai. Why are we telling you this? Because a very strange and alluring natural phenomenon occurs in this wildlife reserve. When the sun sets and the dark settles in on the forest, the entire forest glows in the dark and comes alight! Nope, we are not tripping, it really happens and here’s everything you need to know about it!
Why does this happen?
No guys, this is not some kind of strange mystery. This scientific phenomenon is known as bio-luminescent fungi and is witnessed only in tropical forests that have decaying wood. The phenomenon is otherwise also known as foxfire or fairy fire.
This glow is thanks to luciferase which is an oxidative enzyme that discharge light when it is in contact with a light-emitting substance on the rotting bark of trees. While it’s normal for this to happen in water bodies, (read: glowing marine organisms) but bio-luminescence on land is quite rare and only 70 out of 10,000 species of fungi are capable of it!
The best time to witness this phenomenon
The best time to visit the Western Ghats to witness this stunning phenomenon is during monsoons i.e. between June and October. However, we are waring you, don’t be disappointed because spotting this rare phenomenon is not always guaranteed. It all depends on the intensity of rains, the moisture present in these forests and some luck, of course! Apart from Bimashankar Wildlife Reserve, this phenomenon can also be observed in the Chorla Ghats in Goa..
Other Attractions
Image Source: Kesari Tours 
Image Source: The Independent
A paradise of nature with its lush greenery and sparkling waterfalls, this wildlife reserve has a number of other attractions to offer. Home to a species of the Indian Giant Squirrel and the Bhimshankar Temple to which it owes its name. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple is known to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas i.e., a self emerged Shiva temple and is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus all over the country.
In fact, did you know that the sanctuary has been identified as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International? This is because it is home globally threatened species, many restricted-range species, various vulnerable species, and near-threatened species of birds.
So if you’re looking for some thrill in the wild, head to the beautiful Western Ghats and wait till the sun sets. You never know, you could be one those lucky few to witness the Glowing Forest!
Featured Image Source: Tripoto
