Kaas Plateau Tour from Mumbai

1. What is Kaas Pathar and Where is it?

Kaas Pathar is a plateau made from volcanic rocks in the Satara district of Maharashtra. It falls in the biosphere of the Western Ghats. The flowers, for which the place is known, bloom here after the July / August rains.

Kaas Plateau has more than 150 or more types of flowers, shrubs and grasses. The orchids bloom here for a period of 3–4 weeks during this season. Kaas plateau is a World Natural Heritage site, part of the Sahyadri Sub-cluster.

In the native language, Pathar denotes a plateau, while Kaas denotes flowers. As a result, the area is completely covered with a variety of little and large blooms, giving the impression that a purple, white, blue, pink spring carpet has been laid at your feet!

2. How to reach Kaas Pathar?

Kaas is located close to Satara City and is accessible by road from major metropolises like Mumbai and Pune at a distance of around 140 kilometres. Kaas is only around 25 kilometres away from Satara by car. It is also simple to take a private bus or rail from Mumbai or Pune to Satara, where one may then take an auto rickshaw (a three-wheeled vehicle) to Kaas Pathar. Starting at 6 am, State Transport buses depart from Satara Bus Depot for Bamnoli or Tetli, where you can align at Kaas Pathar.

Please keep in mind that we need a permission to visit Kaas Pathar, which is usually available at the site. The permission will only be accessible online on the weekends and public holidays, though. The permit is offered in 3-hour slots during the morning, afternoon, and evenings starting 7 am till 6 pm. They have also kept a cap of not exceeding 3000 visitors per day. This small procedure is meant to stop people from trampling all over the place.

3. What is the best time for Kaas?

The best time to visit Kaas is right when the monsoons are about to bid an adieu. Usually, it is between September to November of any year. Karvi Flowers blooms into mass flowering covering the entire Kaas Maharashtra Plateau in shades of Purple Blue and Pink.

4. Is there anything apart from Kaas to explore?

Yes, there are several places like Thoseghar Waterfalls, Sajangad, Chalkewadi Windmills, Satara city tour, Ajinkyatara Fort, Mahabaleshwar, Malshej Ghats, Matheran, etc. All of this can be scheduled over a weekend trip or a maximum of 4-5 days.

5. Is it safe to go there for a solo trip?

Absolutely. Kaas has been declared a National Heritage Site by UNESCO and attracts many tourists from several countries to visit Kaas during the immediate post monsoon season.

6. What are the special attractions?

Kaas has a record noting of around 850 different species of blooming plants every year. You can see a massive spread from pink Balsam flowers to carnivorous plants such as Gawati Davbindu also referred as Drosera Indica, flycatcher plant, or Indian Sundew that absorbs nutrients from insects for their growth. It is suggested to carry a magnifying glass to explore the real beauty of tiny Karvy flowers. The place makes it extremely attractive for macro photography.

One of the most beautiful serene and calm places around the Kaas Pathar is Thoseghar Waterfalls and Chalke Wadi Windmills. The special attraction about Chalke Wadi is that it homes a bountiful of towering Windmill setup for electricity generation. The windmill farms are & Thoseghar waterfall are located at a distance of one hour drive from Kaas

7. What sort of facilities are available and where?

Only Satara city or Bamnoli, which are almost 25 km away from the plateau, offer the majority of lodging, homestays, resorts, or dining options. Apparently, there aren't even some of the most basic hygienic amenities like urinals or toilets yet.

It's also crucial to keep in mind that there are occasions when light rain is forecast, so it's best to have an umbrella along with your bag of necessities.

8. Is it worth visiting Kaas?

Satara can be your biggest go-to destination if you have a strong love for waterfalls, springtime, flowers, and the natural world. Kaas is rich in biodiversity and has components of high universal value, very IMP for botanical research and study. On the plateau, several species that are currently undiscovered by botanical science can be found. In fact, the plateau offers so much endangered, unique flora that it might become a viable location for future botanical study. There are records of around 850 different species of blooming plants.

9. Are there any other activities I can pursue?

Yes, we can go for a Sajjan gad, Ajinkya Tara fort trek located nearby. Chalke Wadi farms are easily covered by a private vehicle; however, a long slow walk is very peaceful and enjoyable for nature lovers at the farms.

Now more and more people are flocking to enjoy the combination of camping and stargazing. For people deprived of a clear sky, Kaas has proved to be a welcome break

10. What can I shop from Kaas?

According to what it is known for, Satara market's street walks for leather goods, tribal artworks, slippers, and gorgeous hand-made wooden sticks are the only way to fill your shopping hunger.

11. Any special health related suggestion for this trip?

Ideal visitors to this tour would include persons of all ages, from young children to senior citizens. There aren't many seating options at the location, therefore we advise you to be in good health to withstand long walks on the plateau. Keep yourself adequately hydrated if you struggle with obesity or cardiac problems so that you can cherish the beauty of the grasslands, flora, and fauna.

Monsoon Safety Measures

• • Put clothes, money, camera, phone etc in polythenes while packing
  • Wear shoes with good grips
  • Use repellents to keep bugs away
  • Make note of nearest railway station, bus stop, taxi stand etc.
  • Do not stray away from your group during the trek
  • Keep family & friends informed about your whereabouts

• ID Card
• 2 ltrs water
• Camera (Optional)
• Enerzyl Powder or Glucon D powder
• Snacks & Biscuits
• Extra Pair of Clothes
• Clean napkin or small towel
• Rain coat/ Poncho/ Wind cheater (Avoid umbrella)
• Cap, sunglasses, scarf
• Haversack or Backpack (No sling bags)
• Please carry medicines if you need any