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A Carpet of Wildflowers - Kaas Plateau, Maharashtra

By Anusha

Situated in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Kaas Plateau or Kaas Pathar is located in the western ghats of the Sahyadri. The plateau spanning an area of over 2,471 acres, comes alive with the onset of monsoons. It is among the best places to visit in India during the months of August-September. The scenic location that is similar to the Valley of Flowers National Park in Uttarakhand, attracts travellers from all over the country. It is the ideal haven for nature lovers, photographers and those involved in botanical science.

The delicate region formed from a mixture of lava, erosion and water stagnation has given rise to the amazing valley of flowers, that start blooming from the onset of monsoons. The valley changes colours as different flowers bloom at different time periods between the months of August-October. The place provides travellers with an opportunity to observe rare flora, some of them that are only found in the Kaas Plateau. This paradise on earth is sure to leave you with lasting memories. Here is our travel guide to Kaas Plateau.

The Valley of Flowers

The Valley of Flowers

The Kaas Plateau is rivalled only by the Valley of Flowers National Park situated in Uttarakhand. The months of August-September sees the plateau turn into a carpet of wildflowers for as far as the eye can see. The multi-hued blooms can bring a smile to the face of even the most tired traveller.

Photo Courtesy: Ankur P

World Heritage Site for Biodiversity

World Heritage Site for Biodiversity

The Kaas plateau which is a great place to visit in August-September has been conferred the status of a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO for its biodiversity. Surrounded by dense forests, lakes and mountains, the Kaas Plateau is a nature hotspot in the country.

Photo Courtesy: Ankur P

Variety of Flowers

Variety of Flowers

The Kaas Plateau is said to be the home for over 850 varities of flowers. The vegetation is typically grassy, and the unique flowers such as Aponogetan Saterenis, Begonia, Drosera Indica, etc are a sight to behold. Many of these flowers are so rare that they are considered endangered. 39 such flower varities are found only in the Kaas Plateau.

Photo Courtesy: Travelling Slacker

Kaas Plateau Fauna

Kaas Plateau Fauna

The plateau is also home to many rare lizards, frogs and even snakes. Small mammals like the Barking deer, flying fox, stripped hyena, Indian wolf, etc are also found here.

Photo Courtesy: Travelling Slacker

Kaas Lake

Kaas Lake

Attractions around the Kaas Plateau include the Kaas lake, which is like a bowl of water, carved out of the rocks. The lake offers picturesque sunrises and sunsets. It also offers boating facilities.

Photo Courtesy: Ankur P

A Long Walk

A Long Walk

The Kaas Plateau offers travellers the best walk of their lives. The long walk may be tiring but the natural beauty is truly rejuvenating. If you are interested in observing the flowers very closely and would also like to take photos, travel on weekdays. Weekends are very crowded. Travel to Kaas early in the morning if you are eager to experience the picturesque solitude, scenic views, and of course parking space!

Photo Courtesy: Sebastian Joseph

Kaas Plateau Conservation

Kaas Plateau Conservation

Intitially Kaas Plateau was not known as a commercial tourist place. However, over the past few years, the place has been receiving much larger crowds. It is thus very important to understand the delicate biodiversity here and travellers must ensure not to pluck or trample the flowers. Also refrain from polluting the plateau with plastics and other waste.

Photo Courtesy: Ankur P

Registration for Kass Plateau Visit

Registration for Kass Plateau Visit

Due to the large influx of tourist crowd and the urgent need for conservation at Kaas Plateau, the government requires travellers to register for a visit on their website here. You can pay the entry fees directly at the enterance of Kaas Plateau.

Photo Courtesy: Travelling Slacker

How to Reach Kaas Plateau

How to Reach Kaas Plateau

By Road: At a distance of around 22 km from Satara city in Maharashtra, you can drive down or take available buses and taxis.

By Rail: Satara railway station is the nearest and it is well connected by trains to major destinations.

By Air: Pune is the nearest airport, located at a distance of 120 km from Kaas Plateau.

Photo Courtesy: UrbanWanderer

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