Nomad Saikat
Tranquility and serenity of nature is the most heartwarming thing that anybody can observe. There are many gifts of nature that we as humans are not exactly aware of. The rich biodiversity, extensive flora and fauna along with the beauty of nature, surely calls for some exploration. If the explorer in you is in search of one such place that will stand up to its beauty it can be Kaas Plateau. Kaas Plateau Maharashtra is a destination that has already made a name for itself. Once a hidden gem, this location is right now one of the popular tourist destinations. Travel enthusiasts are very keen on exploring this beautiful location. If you are also one of them, then this article is going to be a really helpful one for you. Keep on reading as I have mentioned almost everything that you need to know about the Kaas Plateau.
Location: Satara district, Maharashtra
Entry fee: On Weekdays the ticket price is Rs. 50 per person. On Weekends and national holidays the entry fee is Rs. 100 per person. For guided tours the fee is Rs. 100 for one hour.
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Best time to visit Kaas Plateau:
August to October is the ideal time to visit this plateau. Monsoon time is the peak time to visit here. But mostly the flowers here bloom after the monsoon that is from August to September. That’s the best time to explore the beauty of this location to the fullest.
How to reach Kaas Plateau:
By Flight:
Phaltan Airport in Satara is the closest Airport which is 88 km away.
By Train:
The Satara Railway Station is 30 km away.
By Road:
You can also hire a cab or drive your own vehicle to reach the location. Satara to Kaas Pathar is 24 km distance. This is the more direct way to reach Kaas Plateau. Another way is via Link road from Tapola. This way connects Kaas Plateau to Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar.
Distance of Kaas Plateau from other areas:
Mahabaleshwar is 37 km away
Panchgani is 50 km away
Karad is 72 km away
Pune is 125 km away
Sangli is 147 km away
Kolhapur is 150 km away
Mumbai is 278 km away
About the Kaas Plateau
Kaas Plateau or Kaas Pathar Satara is lovingly known as Maharashtra’s Valley of Flowers. For the people who seek tranquility amidst nature, this place is a must visit for them. This beautiful location is also a name in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site list. The Kaas Plateau falls under the Western Ghats region. It is made of volcanic rocks. Majority of the area of Kaas Plateau comes under the Kaas Plateau Reserved Forest. What makes the sight most unique is the natural growth of flora here.
A part of the Sahyadri Cub Cluster of the Western Ghats region, this area is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots. Located on an altitude of 1200 metres you can find more than 850 varieties of plant species here. The name Kaas Plateau came from the Kaasa Trees. Furthermore, the place is also known for the seasonal flowers that bloom here. Many endemic species of butterflies are also found here. Another specialty of this area is that the flowering plants and other plant species that are found here are only restricted in this particular area. The reason is that the plateau is mostly formed of basalt. These basalt rocks are further covered with a very thin layer of soil which is formed due to soil erosion.
Furthermore, the soil cover of this region is not suitable for vegetation because it is very thin. The unique topography results in the formation of unique plant species here. Kaas Plateau also leads to the dense forests of the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary and the Koyna Dam. The area is also a perfect place for bird watching as many migratory birds are spotted here. Kaas Lake is another major attraction here which is a perennial lake that is responsible for the water supply in the Western Ghats.
Weather, Climate and Temperature of Kaas Plateau
The location of Kaas Plateau experiences extreme weather conditions. This region has a semi arid hot climate and the temperature remains around 19 to 33 degrees. The summer months are very hot here with temperature rising up to 42 degrees. Winters are also too chilly and dry here with temperatures below 10 degrees. The most pleasant time here is the monsoon and post monsoon season. Even though the region receives a lot of rainfall, that is in turn favourable for the variety of plant species found here. The average rainfall in this area is around 763 mm.
Biodiversity of Kaas Plateau
This unique biosphere of Kaas Plateau is the home to almost 1500 plant species, 850 different species of flowering plants, 450 wildflower species. It has been recorded that out of the 850 species of plants 624 are listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, which is a list of endangered and almost at risk of extinction species. Out of these 624 species, 39 species are exclusively found in the Kaas Plateau region only. Most of the plants found here are herbaceous in nature. Small shrubs and trees are found on the periphery of Kaas Plateau.
To explore the place at its best you must visit during the Kas Pathar season that is the blooming season after the monsoon that starts from mid September. And by the end of October mostly the flowering is complete. Then you will have to wait for another year to again observe the beautiful flowers.
Kaas Plateau Conservation
In recent times the plateau region has become extremely popular. A lot of tourists are visiting this place in huge numbers. To save as many natural resources as possible the government has taken a step. It has been decided that the daily footfall here should be restricted to only 3000 people per day. The Joint Forest Management Committee has controlled the influx of more tourists here so that the indigenous flora and the land-use can be protected as much as possible.
Places to visit nearby:
- Kumudini Lake
- Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km)
- Ghatai Devrai
- Elphinstone Point (47 km)
- Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall (3.7 km)
- Boat Club
- Sri Kshetra Yewateshwar
- Vasota Fort
- Kas Lake
- Ekiv Waterfall
- Ajinkyatara Fort (26 km)
- Sajjangad Fort (33 km)
- Table Point (51 km)
- Lingamala Falls (38 km)
Things to remember before visiting the Kaas Plateau
Kas Pathar booking should always be done in advance as there is a restriction of 3000 entries per day.
It is advisable to start your journey a little early in the morning so that you can explore this place more.
Do carry your medicines handy.
Separate parking areas are available for vehicles.
Kaas Pathar Satara is one of the richest spots where the biodiversity is very unique. For people who love nature and the gifts of nature, this is an ideal spot to visit. The flowering plants and the variety here would keep you mesmerized. There is a lot to observe and explore at a place like this. So definitely keep this place in the list of your must visit places. Kaas Plateau Maharashtra will leave you astonished at how diverse the diversity of a single region can be. Do let me know when you are planning your visit to this beautiful region. Also do not forget to let me know if this particular article is helpful for you.
