This Village Near Mumbai Has Just 6 Hours of Daylight – People Still Live in Caves

Hidden in the heart of Maharashtra’s Ahilyanagar district, surrounded by the majestic Sahyadri mountain ranges, lies a village that exists in a world all its own — Fofsandi. Far from the pace of urban life, this quaint settlement stands out not only for its untouched natural beauty but also for a fascinating geographical oddity: its days are unusually short.

Thanks to the towering hills encircling it on all sides, sunlight reaches Fofsandi nearly two hours later than normal, and disappears just as early — giving locals only 6 to 7 hours of daylight. This rare alignment of terrain and sun path makes it the least sunlit village in all of Maharashtra.

Yet, there’s more to Fofsandi than its fleeting daylight. Its story unfolds through its land, people, and traditions — offering a rare glimpse into a life shaped by nature’s quiet extremes.

A Glimpse Into the Past: How Fofsandi Got Its Name

Fofsandi’s name carries an intriguing colonial-era story. During British rule, a British officer named Pop often visited this tranquil village to unwind on Sundays. The local people began referring to the place as “Pop’s Sunday”, and over time, through the natural distortion of language and memory, the name evolved into the one we know today — Fofsandi.

Nature’s Lap: Life in Fofsandi

This secluded village is a haven for nature lovers. With lush green forests, sparkling rivers, misty waterfalls, and majestic hills, Fofsandi feels like a landscape pulled straight from a painting. The Mandavi River, which flows from the heart of the village, is believed to have originated from a cave where the sage Mandavya once meditated. The river, named after him, continues to nourish the region’s flora and fauna to this day.

Fofsandi is home to a close-knit community of around 1,200 people, spread across 12 hamlets. Interestingly, each hamlet is associated with a different family name, preserving a unique micro-culture within the village. The primary occupation here is farming, but due to the hilly terrain and erratic sunlight, cultivation is limited to the monsoon months. During this season, residents grow rice, finger millet (nagli), and barnyard millet (vari) — crops well-suited to the region’s climate and soil.

Caves as Homes: A Living Tradition

One of the most fascinating aspects of Fofsandi is that some villagers still reside in caves. While it might sound unusual in today’s modern world, this practice is rooted in tradition and necessity. These caves, nestled safely within the hills, offer natural insulation from extreme weather and have been used for generations. They serve not only as shelters but also as a symbol of the community’s deep connection with the earth.

As the rains arrive, Fofsandi transforms into a verdant paradise. Tourists seeking tranquility and natural beauty are drawn here, especially to the famous Fofsandi Waterfall, which becomes a roaring cascade during the monsoon. The waterfall, surrounded by dense forest, is a favorite spot for nature enthusiasts, trekkers, and photographers. Despite its rustic simplicity, the village leaves a deep impression on visitors, many of whom return year after year.

Fofsandi is not just a place — it’s an experience. In a world that’s constantly racing forward, this village offers a refreshing pause. Life here moves to the rhythm of nature, guided not by clocks but by the early dusk and late dawn. The caves, the hills, the ancestral farms, and the gentle river together create a sense of harmony that modern life often misses.

While the challenges of limited sunlight and geographic isolation are real, the resilience and simplicity of Fofsandi’s people are inspiring. In embracing the rhythm of the land, they’ve preserved a lifestyle that is not only sustainable but deeply meaningful.

Note: This article is based on general information compiled from various publicly available sources and local insights.