Kaas Plateau – Maharashtra's Valley of Flowers
If you are wondering where to visit this weekend in Maharashtra, drive to the Kaas Plateau, very aptly the Valley of Flowers. Seasonal wildflowers bloom only for 2-3 weeks after monsoon. With the onset of winters, the fields are full of violet, red and green flowers, a treat to your eyes and soul. It is a lovely place for nature lovers and mainly secluded. The area is also unpolluted as vehicles are parked at a distance from the gardens. Kaas Plateau remains best accessible from Pune and Satara cities via National Highway 4. From Satara, Kaas Plateau is a drive of around 26 km.
The endless expanse of white, pink and violet colored flowers, the pleasant climate and sunny weather will make your weekend here a memorable one. However, during the monsoons the place has a different look. The mist on the mountains and wet grounds will only allow you to enjoy the beauty of the landscapes while winter is ideal to play around and have a picnic. The main flowering season at the plateau is September and October and crowds of tourists visit during this time. Most also see this plateau as a sought after locale for photography.
Kaas Talav is a small lake like water-body near the plateau region. It is surrounded by dense coniferous tress that looks mystical during the monsoon season. Two important attractions around the Kaas Lake are – Kanher Dam and Sajjangad Fort. Thoseghar waterfall also lies on the road to Kaas Plateau.
How To Reach Valley of Flower
From Pune - Head towards Katraj and catch the NH4 towards Satara.
Now you will come across the mahabaleshwar exit, cross that and keep driving for another 30-35 kms. After this you will see a junction on the right side with the exit to Satara. Go inside Satara by crossing the junction and keep moving left.
Ater a while you will start seeing the mountains ahead and you will reach to a fork. On your left is the tunnel. The road on your left side goes to Thoseghar waterfalls and Chalkewadi windmill farms through the tunnel.
Take the road to right to reach Kaas, the valley of flower in Maharastra. The main area of wildflower will come after driving for about 15-20 kms. Road is in pretty good road shape and your car can go till the end of the road at Bamnoli Village.
Excursion from Kaas Plateau
Bamnoli Village is around 20 km from the Kaas Lake and is located on the banks of Koyna Dam the water from which sources the Shivsagar Lake. The dense forest and the scenic stretch of placid waters make your journey to this village from Kaas Plateau an interesting one.
Tips to Tourists
If you are going to Kaas Plateau on weekend then it is advisable to park your vehicle at point close to nearest Bus stand. Then take bus to Bamnoli from there to visit Kaas Plateau as you are not allowed to park vehicle on road when flowers are in full bloom.
If not bus then you can walk about 3 km to reach there. On weekdays there is no problem of parking car.
