Kaas Pathar, situated on the high hills of Sahyadri range in the Western Ghats, is a plateau located in the Satara district of Maharashtra. This archaic plateau made of volcanic rocks is far-famed as Maharashtra's Valley of Flowers. With over-whelming carpets of flowers spread across a mammoth 1,000 hectares, Kaas Plateau comes alive at the beginning of the monsoon season, i.e., in September and October. It is mostly visited by flora researchers, photographers and nature lovers. More than 850 species of flowers, including orchids and carnivorous plants are found here. And for its fascinating display of colourful yet diverse flowers, the United Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has declared Kaas Pathar as a Biodiversity World Heritage site.
Spread over 1000 acres, Kaas is a protected bio diversity reserve and has been designated as World Heritage Nature Site by UNESCO. The ecosystem of the plateau is very fragile, the layer of soil over the volcanic rocks is at times just a few cm thick, and many of the plant species endemic to this area are already in the endangered list.
The usual callousness of the average Indian tourist only ends up making things worst. Since we had reached just a day after a crowded Sunday, the ravages of human activity were all the more visible in the form of trampled flower beds and destroyed plants. We were disgusted to see one middle aged fool who plucked a few flower plants by their roots, just for fun. It is appalling to note how selfish and insensitive we are in our attitude towards nature, we do not think for a moment that this planet is not just what we have inherited from our ancestors, but also what we have borrowed from the future generations
From carpet of multicoloured hues to misty hills, the Kaas Plateau is a stunning place that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Here is a complete travel guide for Kaas Pathar tour.
How To Reach Kaas Pathar
By air: The nearest Airport is Pune Airport and is 140 km away from Kaas Pathar. Frequent flights fly to Pune Airport from other cities in India.
From Pune, you can avail a bus or cab to Satara.
By train: Satara Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Kaas Plateau. Railways are well connected to other major cities in India.
By road: Roadways are well-maintained and are well connected to other major cities in India. Places To Visit In And Around Kaas Pathar
1. Kaas Pathar - Kaas Pathar was built in 1918, as a perennial source of water supply for the Western part of Satara city. However, over its long span of exposure to climate of Maharashtra, Kaas Plateau has given birth to more than 850 species of flowers. Thus, transforming it into multi-hue fairyland. Exhibiting rich biodiversity, Kaas Plateau is a mystic paradise that changes its colour every 20-25 days due to flowers' cyclic progress.
2. Kaas Lake - Known for green meadows, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque backdrop of Sahyadris, Kaas Lake is gaining traction as a tourist destination with provisions for bird watching, boating and kayaking etc. It is located about 4 km away from Kaas plateau and is a must-visit in Satara.
3. Thoseghar Waterfalls - Located about 40 km away from Kaas plateau, this stunning array of cascades attracts tens and thousands of people from in and around Maharashtra. Many waterfalls fall in this region fall from 15-20 meters. However, there is one famous cascade that falls from a height of 200 meters. Thoseghar Waterfalls is surrounded by rolling hills, panoramic landscapes and beautiful lakes, making it another popular tourist attractions near Kaas Plateau.
4. Sajjangad - Located about 18 km away from Satara city, Sajjangad is the resting place of a famous philosopher of India, Sant Ramdas. It was built in the 17th century and is also known as ‘Fort of Good People'. Sajjangad is a famous Hindu pilgrimage, which is visited by thousands of people every week. Sajjangad pilgrimage also offers free accommodation for devotees who wish to stay overnight on the fort.
5. Vasota Fort - If you are travelling to Kaas Plateau from Pune, you can make a pit stop at Satara to visit Vasota Fort. It is hemmed in breathtaking Sahyadri range, lakes and stunning cascades. It is one of the popular trekking hotspots among college students and thrill-seekers. There are many trekking packages to choose from. You will be taken via a boat to the base point of the trek. And once you are at the base, you can start a beautiful one day trek to this fantastic fort, through a dense forest which is a Tiger Reserve now.
Kaas Valley, Satara, Maharashtra Editor’s suggestion
Consider visiting the beautiful valley in September month. The valley is also known as Valley of flowers of the south. It will take 1 hr to reach Kaas Valley from Satara by public transport such as a bus. There are buses every one 1 hr from Satara bus stand. Catch the bus to Tetli (PF no.8) which stops at the Valley. The first bus starts at 7 AM. There are shuttles too. You can completely rely on public transport for to and fro.
From Kaas Valley, you can reach Kas lake which is 2 km from the valley by walk. Carry a bottle of water, there is only 2-4 food joint near Kaas lake. Advance registration is not needed. Entry fee is 100Rs.Suggest you visit on weekdays or early on weekends. Very easy to do solo trip also.
Charges & Permit- The entry Fee charge is Rs. 100/- for weekends and Govt. Holidays per person for 3 hours. Weekday’s charge is Rs. 50/- per person
Restrictions- Please do not litter, Only 3000 visitors per day will be allowed to visit.Parking and other charges are to be paid on entry gate.
Permit Info- Recommended taking prior permission from official Kaas official site (https://www.kas.ind.in/)
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