Fast facts

State Maharashtra
Location in the Sahyadri range, 22 km from Satara
Distance 280 km SE of Mumbai Travel Time By rail 71/2 hrs road 11/2 hrs by road 41/2 hrs
When to go Best time to visit Kaas Plateau is after the rains till October end. Many people visit Kaas during the rains. However, the flowers bloom only in late August to September
Forest Office Dy Conservator Of Forests (Satara Division)
Old Treasury Office Compound, Powai Naka , Satara
Tel 02162-220059
website &nbspkas.ind.in
STD code 02162

Getting there
Road Route from Mumbai Drive down the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and NH4 upto Satara. Ask for directions for Kaas Road. The distance is about 22 km from Satara and the drive up to the valley is quite picturesque.

This little-known gem, which has been increasingly attracting visitors since being declared a bio-diversity site by UNESCO in 2012, is Maharashtra&rsquos very own Valley of Flowers. The Kaas Plateau (kaasplateau.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. Post monsoon, from August to October, the 1,000-hectare region undergoes a most outlandish phenomenon and turns into a riot of colour, with wildflowers carpeting the land as far as you can see. The earth actually seems to change its hues every few weeks, as the cycle of the flowering plants progresses. More than 850 species of flowering plants are found on the plateau. To protect this fragile eco-system, it is forbidden to walk amid the flowers. You can walk/hike around the plateau, though, to admire the flowers from different vantage points. 

During the months of August, September and October, the climate is amazing with light drizzles and overcast skies, which makes long walks on the plateau not just easy but also quite pleasurable.

Since the declaration of the Kaas plateau as a UNESCO bio-diversity heritage site, hundreds of thousands of tourists throng this tourist spot. 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.

Things to see and do

Hiking
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. At that magical time, it is a beautiful place to spend a few hours unwinding from the hectic city life.Walking around is the best way to explore the delights of this plateau.

Exploring the Verdant Area
The Kaas 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 plateau.

Kaas Plateau&rsquos 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. Amateur biologists can often be seen hunched over a rare insectivorous plant, such as the Venus Flytrap. They spend hours together observing the plant, in the hope of witnessing it in action.

Rest and Rejuvenation

A little downhill from the plateau is the moss green Kaas Talav, which usually has a lovely waterfall flowing into it during the peak of monsoon. The shore of the lake is flat and sandy making it a great place to hang out or even pitch a tent for the evening.

Where to stay and eat

There are not many choices here. Kaas Holiday Resort (Cell 09822046163, 09921095875 Tariff INR 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 INR 2,000-2,500), about 15 km from Kaas. The resort has an amazing location with valley-facing rooms. Its observatory deck offers awesome views of Satara city at night.

There are a few homestays in the nearby villages set up by the Joint Forest Management Committee along with MTDC. They charge about INR 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. Don&rsquot expect anything fancy here.