Kaas Plateau: Flowers, Lakes & Waterfalls
- Nutan K Toppo
- Jan 17, 2018
- 5 min read
My Road Trip To The Valley Of Flowers
Kaas Plateau (Satara), Maharashtra, India
Kaas plateau also known as Kas is an abode of wild orchids, picturesque mountain views and outstretched lakes. But what caught my eye was not the mountains or lakes, but the colorful valley. So many types of flowers!
No doubt it’s called the valley of flowers, hosting multi-colored and varied flowers. It appeared like a beautiful carpet stretching to the horizon.
There is no doubt about it: Kaas is a natural scenic beauty.
Windmill Farm On the Way
NH 48
We took highway NH 48, one of the my best drives through the wide and smooth roads, the windmill farms, passing the hills that side bordered the road every now and then.
The Changing Weather - Clear to Cloudy
The scenic beauty of Kaas comes to life just after the monsoon, between mid August till October. We started our 5 days trip in the first week of September. We had to be prepared for the unpredictable but expected mild showers. Thank god two of us had tossed our rain resistant jackets and a folding umbrella into the car.
Rain jacket, poncho or umbrella is a must-have for such trip to the rainy destinations.
Suvarna Vidhana Soudha
We drove down to Kaas, starting at Midnight from Bangalore - a distance of 762 Km which we covered in 12 hours. Early start helped us to escape the peak traffic rush of the day, we were able to take multiple tea and coffee breaks and also stop at few overlooks.
In and Around Kaas - A Self Planned Tour
We wanted to deviate from the typically suggested 1 day trip to this beautiful place. Our motive was to explore and relax hence we planned for a 5 day trip, which I may confess seemed less at the end.
While some aspects of this trip had to be planned and researched (pet friendly accommodation and few activities) we basically kept ourselves free to move at our own pace taking side-excursions whenever we saw something fun along the way.
If you want to truly enjoy and relax, go along with friends who share the same wanderlust.
Nature Plateau Paradise
Mesmerizing View from the Lounge
Being the peak season and the only time of the year when the valley comes to life, it is prudent to do a homestay or lodge reservation in advance.
Nature Plateau Paradise was an accidental find during our research. It was a pocket and dog friendly accommodation, with lots of open space for Cooper (my dog) to run around in the so called garden, a shared lounge (on the elevated floor) and also had a provision of on-site dining.
Friends & Cooper - Partners in the Explore
Our undercover adventure: Cooper was allowed inside the premise but not inside the room.
But how could we leave her alone outside or in the car. We use to sneak her in while one kept a lookout for the gatekeeper. There were times when we had to push her out of the window when someone came knocking at our door.
It was a collaborative effort : a hushed call-out to the friends staying next door and there was always someone standing outside the window to hold her.
Exploring Kaas Pathar
Our first day at Kaas went by exploring the Kaas Pathar and the surroundings. The walk along the Kaas lakeside and the foot-way leading towards the natural outlet of lake water was rejuvenating. A perfect walk to remember.
The time just came to a halt as we sat next to the natural outlet dipping our feet for a water massage.
The walk had left us famished so we headed straight towards the plastic clad shed housing the food stalls on the old kaas lake road which was set up by local inhabitants. The locals did made us realize how lucky we were, as these temporary shops are usually open on weekends or when the scene is beaming with crowd.
Gavati chaha (lemon glass tea) and misal pav or omelette pav was incredible, must try.
The weather was not in our favor, as it started to pour causing poor visibility. We were forced to cut-short our explore and head back to our shelter.
The Valley Awaken To The Morning Light
Lost! No ways ...Just awestruck
Thoseghar Road
Route to Thoseghar Waterfall
Our night prayers for a clearer sky was heard. The next day the sun god came out seining along with the first light and we ventured out to explore the Thoseghar waterfalls.
Thoseghar waterfall is one of the most frequented tourist spots. If it is the first spot on your checklist, take the branched out road before starting the climb for Kaas from Satara.
Parali and Sajjangad are other explores, though they require slight detour from the Thoseghar route.
Short Climb To Get An Aerial View of Urmodi Dam
Urmodi Dam
If you want to get a closer view of the Urmodi Dam as well as explore the Mahadeva temple sculptures and stone carving follow the Parali road.
Sajjangad is the next detour route which one can explore, a portmanteau of two words "Sajjan" meaning good people and "Gad" meaning fort. The good people fort is a pilgrimage site, a place of interment of the spiritual guru, poet, and a well known Hindu religious saint Samarth Ramdas. The saying goes back to the 17th century, when the fort was handed over as a gift from Shivaji Maharaj to Saint Ramdas, and it was Maharaj's request to him to transformed the fort as his monastery.
Thoseghar Waterfalls
Thoseghar Waterfalls
Lying at the edge of Konkan region of Western Ghats is the Thoseghar village, which hosts the most spectacular view of polymorphic waterfalls cascading through the valley.
If you go further up the road you will encounter giant windmill farms and green pastures of cultivated land, an eye relaxing view, worth the trip if you have the time!
There are loads of mesmerizing scenery to take in on the winding hilly terrains. If I had more myself, I would have loved to do some more hikes in the area.
Do carry walking shoes for such trails.
Khas - Dwelling of 850 Species of Flowering Plants
Scintillating Colors of Flowers
My eye started to blur out as we walked through the plateau, it appeared like the rainbow of scintillating flowers. It was just the start of the blooming season, I couldn't stop myself from imagining how it would be in full blossom. 'Wow' is the only word that I can think of.
There's no doubt why Kaas plateau is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. It is said that Kaas is the dwelling for 850 species of seasonal flowering plant. One can also see many species of butterflies flying over the flowers during the season.
Water Thrills
You can't visit Kaas and not go swimming! The clean flowing water allures you to take a dip, and this is very likely if you have great sporty companions. Flowers and water thrills, it is like two tours in one.
It was the best way to spend the last day of the tour, soaking and relaxing in the flowing water and enjoying an epic view.
If you are looking for a relaxing weekend, open enthralling landscapes and pleasant weather , head to Kaas after the monsoon. Enjoy the Explore :)
Handy Tips:
1. If you want to truly enjoy and relax, go along with friends who share the same wanderlust.
2. If you enjoy tranquility and like to explore, the best days to visit is during the weekdays.
3. If you are going for a longer duration, it is advised to pre-book the place to stay.
4. Mid August till October is usually the season to visit and see the wildflower blossom, however it is always advised to check the government of Maharashtra forest department website (www.kas.ind.in) to know the expected full bloom month for that respective year.
5. Carry plenty of drinking water when you venture out to explore Kaas plateau or go hiking, as there are very limited options to shop.
6. Do carry an extra set of clothes while you go exploring.
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