Nature India announces the much awaited and the most popular trip to Kaas Plateau, Satara- The Plateau of Flowers…..from 13th to 14th Sep’19 … the bookings are on (To knowing complete details, like Itinerary, Charges, Logistics etc… you will have to see the details at the end.)
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Important Notice: The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has recently included Kaas Plateau of flowers (near Satara, in Maharashtra) in the list of World Natural Heritage sites. However, In recent years the Popularity of Kaas has increased many folds and the increase in numbers of tourists have resulted in a direct or indirect impact on its bio-diversity. The lack of proper guidelines and limited patrolling by the forest department is causing a tremendous stress to this fragile ecosystem. Without any proper regulation and control, Kaas has unfortunately turned into a picnic spot, with rowdy tourists plucking and trampling flowers, parking vehicles on the plateau, littering garbage and creating a mess. …. Hence we propose the following guidelines to be followed when visiting Kaas. Please take a note that, those of you who are interested to travel with Nature India to Kaas Plateau, these guidelines will be implemented and binding on all of us. Kindly register, only if you agree on these guidelines.
http://natureindiapolicies.blogspot.in/2012/08/naturte-india-policies-for-kaas-plateau.html
Have a look at this blog by our participants, to know how we conduct the tour (This was also published in the English daily newspaper “Mumbai Mirror”).
http://www.travelwithacouple.com/the-ethereal-kaas
There are some places in Maharashtra, where you will feel blessed. One such place is Kaas Plateau, Satara. This “Out of the world” place deserves to be visited every year in the month of September to witness not only the amazing carpets & diversity of wild flowers, but also the serene atmosphere that mesmerizes one’s soul…..
Sure, you all must have heard about “Valley of flowers” in Himalayas where hundreds of varieties of wild flowers of all colours bloom in August – September every year….where the valley transforms into no less than a “Heaven” ……hundreds of visitors toil several kms to reach this valley and to experience the bliss.
However, not many know that a similar (though, probably not as majestic as the Himalayan site) place exists in Maharashtra…..its a “Plateau of flowers”….. famously known as “Kaas plateau” situated approx. 25 kms from Satara city and is now also declared by UNESCO as one of the World’s Natural heritage site.
The lateritic plateau of Kaas becomes home to millions of tiny flowers in late monsoons. The whole spectacle is beyond words. More than 500 varieties of wild flowers, herbs, orchids, shrubs, insectivorous plants etc. can be seen here in Aug and Sep (Best time is 1st to 30th September)…..depending on monsoon. This plateau overlooks the lush evergreen forests that serves as a water catchment area of Koyna Dam and which is recently declared as “Sahyadri Tiger reserve” ……….
In monsoon the whole area transforms into an unbelievable carpets of (Tiny) flowers like yellow carpets of Smithia and Sonki flowers, Pink carpets of Balsam, Purple carpets of Utricularia etc….apart from a wide variety of different species of wild flowers. While the top plateau is adorned with these carpets, the Ghat road that leads to the Plateau are full of flower diversity which includes Ipomeas, Ground Orchids, Eriocaulon, Drosera, Pogostemon, Smithia’s, Vigna vexillata, Impatiens, Buckwheat, Glory Lilies, Chlorophytum and several interesting herbs and shrubs which should not me missed. However, most flowers in Kaas are very small (minute).
There are flowers which have fascinating pollination methods, while some have unique shapes……some are Rare and endangered, while some have magnificent colours…… Anyone going to Kaas, should not just see the carpets, but also not leave an opportunity to see this diversity…… This is the reason why Nature India organizes an educative trip to Kaas and try to change the perspective of looking at the amazing world of wild flowers.
It is a dream destination not only for avid botanists but also for those who appreciate nature. These carpets change colours almost every week depending on the dominant flowers during that time.
Thoseghar Waterfalls
Thoseghar is situated in Satara District with most enchanting natural surroundings, along with beautiful views of windmills at nearby Chalkewadi. During the Monsoon season Thoseghar is always a prime attraction for the people. Thoseghar is famous for its high Waterfalls that are attractive and create a loud noise in the calm nature. These waterfalls are also accompanied by a clean lake, dark woods and massive hilly terrain. The main waterfall is about 115 mts in height, however, one can only get a glimpse from a distance.
From the parking space, the waterfalls are a few minutes walk, through well wooded countryside. The falls are situated in a steep U shaped valley, with the main falls at the apex of the ‘U’ and smaller falls on one side of the ‘U’. On the other side, a viewing platform has been created for observers to enjoy this wonderful display of nature.
You can see a video clip of this marvelous waterfall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgffYyf7UTA
Bird Life: Though our focus is always on the flowers of Kaas plateau, we wont be missing out on the birdlife which abounds here with some good sightings expected of Crested Buntings, Malabar Crested Larks, Oriental White-eyes, Bonelli’s Eagle. It is a heaven for Macro photography too.
Nature India once again brings you their signature tour of Kaas Plateau, Satara that is meticulously planned and combines learning, sensitivity and also loads of fun. Our years of experience will make your visit to this amazing place a trip to remember. Please find the details below.
For trip reports by other Nature India participants, click here.
http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.in/2009/07/final-trip-reports.html#kaas
http://natureindia-tours.blogspot.in/2009/07/trip-experiences-by-nature-india-tours.html
http://wanderlust-avi.blogspot.in/2011/09/monsoon-is-just-one-of-those-times-when.html
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Complete Trip Details
Though the trip will be focused on watching the flora and to learn more about them, we would also not miss the other fauna such as birds, butterflies and amphibians that are found there….
Dates:
13th Sep, 2019 morning 6.00 am to 14th Sep, 2019 eve 10.00 pm (Friday to Saturday)
Resource persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar & Mr.Mandar Khadilkar
Mode of Travel : By AC Minibus (17 Seater) from Mumbai (considering the extensive travel to cover the area and also the to and fro travel from Hotel to the Plateau everyday)
Rough Itinerary:
1) 13th Sept. 19 – Day 1 : Depart for Kaas, Satara from Bandra (E) at 6.00 am…..Breakfast on the way (In Vashi @ 07:30 hrs)…..reach by around 1.30 pm- Check in Hotel – Lunch – Proceed to Thoseghar Waterfalls to enjoy the grandeur of monsoon and Chalkewadi Plateau…. return by 8 pm…Stay in Nivant Hill Resort
2) 14th Sept.19 – Day 2 : Check-out & Start early morning to the plateau to experience the grandeur of floral carpets on the plateau …. Lunch on the way and depart for Mumbai – reach Bandra (E) by 10.00 pm (No Dinner).
Trip Charges : Rs.7800/-
Includes Stay at Nivant Resort, near Kaas, Satara on a twin sharing basis in Non AC rooms, Travel by AC minibus (17 seater), Entry fees, parking charges, veg meals, Articles on Kaas and Wild flowers checklist, on board snacks and Mineral water…….
This does not include any charges other then the above… also, the camera charges (As per the equipment) have to be borne by the respective participants on the spot.
Age limit: 10 to 65 years….this trip involves extensive travel time (6 hrs from Mumbai to Satara) and also getting in and out of bus several times….apart from long walking trail on the plateau.
Please be prepared for long walks to reach the plateau…
Important Note: Due to huge influx of tourists in Kaas, the forest dept. have imposed certain regulations and restrictions from last year and these will be intensified this year. Hence request all to be prepared for any sudden restrictions and hike in fees…. and co-operate with us.
Mode of Payment
Registration: You can register by sending a non-refundable advance of Rs.5000/- and a mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com. Your seats will be confirmed only after our registration confirmation by return email only….. the remaining amount will be collected in the bus on the day of travel.
Stay Arrangement:
Nivant Hill Resort, located away from the hustle & bustle of city. The Stay arrangement is on a twin sharing basis in non AC rooms.
Payment:
You can either
1) Transfer the advance money directly to our HDFC A/c : (Will be provided in our registration mail) …. please mention your name, date and other details….
OR
2) Courier a cheque of Rs.5000/- to the following address
Name: (Will be provided in our registration mail)
Address: (Will be provided in our registration mail)
Please Note:
1) The seats will be confirmed only against the advance amount on first come basis.
2) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 5000/- is strictly non-refundable
3) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited during all Nature India Tours
4) Plucking flowers or collecting specimens is strictly not allowed in any of our tours
5) Kindly register on this trip only if you agree with Nature India‘s rules and policies
http://natureindiapolicies.blogspot.in/2012/08/nature-india-policies.html
Please reply to us, in case you need any clarifications …..
For any other queries we are available on 9820455713 (Adesh) or 8369427283 / 9930318665 (Mandar) or natureindiatours@gmail.com
Click here to view some images from this amazing place…….
http://picasaweb.google.com/adesh.shivkar/KassSataraThePlateauOfFlowers15th16thSep07
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ritbphotos/sets/72157594289655216/
Hope to see you for this wonderful trip
Thanks for your patience.
Warm Regards,
Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India 