As Mahua flowers change colours with the onset of a new season, Pahmarhi Biosphere Reserve in Madhya Pradesh also goes through summer, winter and monsoon seasonal cycles. Each season has something to offer.
Summers
As the mercury rises and heat pans across the dry deciduous forests of Pachmarhi, many big cats come out to drink water at the river banks. Early summers (or spring) are also the best time to spot budding flowers. Apart from flowers, you will also get a chance to spot butterflies. Streams, dense foliage, wildflowers, woodland edges, and damp areas attract various colourful butterflies, such as the orange oak leaf, black Rajah, great egg fly, and blue pansy. With over 50 species of butterflies, you’re sure to spot a flutter.
Monsoon
Monsoon is considered the mating season for fireflies. Post rainfall, a night safari will reveal the glimmering world of these luminescent insects. Often in a great multitude, the dance of fireflies in the months of July and August is an experience of a lifetime. Monsoons are also a great time for a safari in the buffer zones. The forest becomes lush with life, while many famous waterfalls, such as the Bee Falls, roar with replenished waters.
Winters
Winters are the best time to camp and experience the forest. While Pachmarhi is a hill station, it is nowhere as cold as the Himalayan states. If campfire tales in a jungle sound like your cup of tea, winters in Pachmarhi might be the perfect opportunity for you. If you enjoy cycling, you can also rent a bicycle from a local and explore permitted trails, preferably with the help of a forest guide. While cycling, be sure to carry your binoculars—you might just be able to spot the Great Indian squirrel hopping across the trees. Winters are also a great time to participate in the Pachmarhi Utsav, a local festival, since it is celebrated in December.