A bit about Kaas Plateau:: The Kas plateau, a part of Western Ghats, in Satara is known for its rich biodiversity especially flowers and butterflies. It is also known as the Plateau of Flowers. Kaas Plateau or Kas Pathar, largely formed of Basalt rock, became a part of UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2012.
Did you know? There are around 850+ species of flowering plants in Kaas Plateau.
Story from August 2009: Monsoon was over trailing behind the pleasant showers and gorgeous sunsets. How could we resist not to plan a weekend road trip to the most suitable post monsoons location? We could not think of any place other than Kaas Plateau or Kas Pathar located in the Satara district of Maharashtra.
Back then, we only had a motor-bike! Again an impromptu plan, this time to Satara (a distance of 135 Kms) was on cards. We were not aware of the terrain and road conditions but we had to go and explore. We decided to go on the coming Sunday. Got up early in the morning; packed some sandwiches, dry snacks, water, and the camera. Donned the raincoat and we were good to go.
It was still dark when we started our drive to Kaas Plateau. Our first-ever trip to Kaas and I could only imagine how beautiful it would be. The Pune-Bangalore highway passing through Satara is very good, sometimes overcrowded though. Winding roads on scenic ghats, lush green landscapes, the hazy climate made it a super fun ride. After passing the Satara city, once you enter the forest area, you feel in the lap of nature. What wonderful sights! Beautiful Mountains, mini waterfalls, small plateaus with so many flowers. You can witness this sight even before you reach the Kaas Plateau.
We stopped by at so many places including the 100 years old Kaas Lake to devour the beauty of nature. It started drizzling but we continued to drive uptil Kaas. There was neither an entry point nor anyone to ask for the entrance! We had no idea where we were heading but by chance, we saw a plateau with some flowering plants here and there. There was just a notice board by forest department about the types of species on the plateau. I was a bit disheartened about the place as it did not turn out as expected. We assumed it to be the Kaas Pathar/Plateau. Took some photographs and it started raining heavily.
We quickly packed our bags and were looking for shelter but in vain. Nevertheless, we continued our drive and the rains also slowed down. We saw a villager passing by and asked him about the flowers, the timing, the location, and the best season to visit. We were a bit early that year! It has to be the month just after rains stop completely i.e somewhere from August to September/October.
Headed back with the heavy heart but promised ourselves to come back soon and witness the magic. So, this was my first visit to Kaas Plateau or Kas Pathar and in the next post, you will read and see the photographs of the stunning place after my second visit. I was stunned and could not believe my eyes!! I am damn sure you all will love it too. More details in the upcoming post. Stay connected! ❤
Happy Travelling!
Nanchi.blog 
Beautiful 💖 This place has been on my wish list for long. Shall do it soon / God willing 🙏
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Thank you so much! You must visit Kaas. It is so beautiful. Await my next post for more details…:)
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My pleasure Nanchi and thank you for the reminder.
Do you live somewhere close ?
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We live in Pune. 🙂
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Really 😊
We live here too. In Kharari
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That’s nice. Good to know. 😃
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Beautiful images!
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Thank you so much Ishaan. 😊
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You’re welcome.
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Such beautiful views. Thank you for sharing. I loved the virtual trip.
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Thank you so much Shweta! I am glad you liked it! ❤ How have you been?
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Very green.
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Yes, absolutely lavish green! 😀
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Incredibly beautiful is all that I can say
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Thank you so much, Arv! 😊
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Awesome place…lovely pictures and description!
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Thank you so much Indira! 😊
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Stunning photos! The colours are so vivid. I need to get to Maharashtra in the monsoon time someday. Thanks for sharing these photos. Nice to see you back!
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Thank you Todd! I am glad you liked the photos…😊 Post Monsoon is the best time to explore India. I too am glad to be back. Good to read from you…:)
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Heard about this place and been in Maharashtra for 6 years but couldn’t get chance to explore this
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Really! Wow…Where were you based in Maharashtra? Do try to visit it whenever you get a chance. 😊
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Yes I worked in Mumbai for 6 years and covered lots of tracks like kalusbai, Visapur, rajmachchi to name few. This one is still on my list 😊
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Wildflowers are so fickle, but beautiful photos nonetheless. I love the deep green shades!
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I will never be able to travel here, but the photos are a good virtual journey! Thank you Nanchi! ❤ Have a great weekend! Cheryl
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What a fabulous place! Thanks for sharing your photos, the views are awesome!
Your link at ‘My Corner of the World’ is greatly appreciated!! I’m glad to see you this week!
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What a beautiful place!
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My goodness, Nanchi, that is like heaven on earth! What an absolutely awe-inspiring place! These photos are breathtaking. Thanks so much for sharing and linking up.
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
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You are adventurous! Monsoon does wonders to nature and you have captured their beauty so well. The drive though early was surely refreshing. Looking forward to the floral beauties and needless to say your fun penning!
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