Kaas Plateau: Where the Wildflowers Are

This little-known gem, which has been increasingly attracting visitors since being declared a bio-diversity site by UNESCO in 2012, is Maharastra’s very own Valley of Flowers. The Kaas Plateau (Tel: 02162-220058; W kas.ind.in) is located in the Sahyadri Range, 22 km away from Satara. It abuts the northern part of Koyana Sanctuary, and a major portion of the plateau is reserve forest. After the monsoon, from August to October, the 1,000-hectare region undergoes a fascinating phenomenon and turns into a riot of colour, with wildflowers carpeting the land as far as you can see. More than 850 species of flowering plants are found on the plateau. To protect this fragile ecosystem, it is forbidden to walk amid the flowers. You can walk/hike around the plateau, though, to admire the flowers from different vantage points.

Tropical sundew, Kaas Plateau

Kedar Bhat

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Since the declaration of the Kaas plateau as a UNESCO bio-diversity heritage site, tourists have started making a beeline for it. Naturally, this increase is number of visitors has put this secluded spot in danger of being polluted. For this reason there are a few guards standing around at most entry points onto the plateau while most other areas are barricaded.

Hiking and Exploring the Area

During September and October, this entire flat land seems like a lush green carpet on which beautiful pink, purple, yellow and white flowers have been embroidered. Walking around is one of the best ways to explore the delights of Kaas.

The plateau is home to around 850 known species of plants of which about 600 are of the flowering variety. In addition, many endemic species of plants have also flourished here. They can only survive in this region, owing to the volcanic rock soil of the region.

Kaas Plateau’s unique ecosystem also allows around 33 endangered species of plants to thrive here. These species are only found in rocky lands and are on the brink of extinction due to the changes in climatic and geological conditions.

Stunning colours of the Kaas Plateau

Courtesy MTDC

Things to Remember

On weekends, parking on the plateau is not permitted and you have to park a couple of kilometres away where parking space is provided. From there you have an option of taking a State Transport bus to go to the plateau or you can walk. Take care not to litter the area since it is a unique biodiversity site. Do not trample the flowerbeds and do not pluck the flowers. A few kilometres away is the village of Bamnoli on the bank of the Koyna lake, where you can take boat rides. There are a few shacks selling tea and the like.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

Kaas Holiday Resort (Cell: 09822046163, 09921095875; Tariff: ₹1,800-2,200) in Atali on Satara-Kaas Road, about 4 km from Kaas Plateau, offers breathtaking views of the Sahyadris and the Kaas valley. Their kitchen churns out delicious meals. Further ahead lies Nivant Hill Resort (Cell: 07719820820; Tariff: ₹2,000-2,500), about 15 km from Kaas. The resort has an amazing location with valley-facing rooms.

Wildflower at the Kaas Plateau

There are a few homestays in the nearby villages set up by the Joint Forest Management Committee along with MTDC. They charge about ₹600 per person including meals. Or else, stay at Satara, the base town for visiting Kaas.

A few small eateries offering Maharashtrian cuisine can be found in Kaas. There is nothing fancy.

When to go After the rains, till October end. Many people visit Kaas during the rains. The plants bloom only in late August to September Location In the Sahyadri Range, 22 km from Satara Air Nearest airport: Pune Rail Nearest rail: Satara