Kaas Plateau & Thoseghar Waterfall

If you happen to be in Pune, India, between mid August and early October, I would urge you to take a day off for a colorful trip to Kaas Plateau & Thoseghar - home to a bloom of wild flowers & mighty waterfalls. It will be an amazing walking holiday which entrails much more than just healthy trekking. Hit the road and walk through Kaas Plateau – A best place for nature lover and photographers.

Just about 140 kms from Pune, these locations would rank amongst the best day trips that I have had. To roam freely and shoot pictures without hindrances, I suggest you to avoid weekends.

Satara is indeed a picturesque District in the State of Maharashtra. The town, nestled in a valley, is 120 kms from Pune on the national highway number 4. We touched Satara in about 90 minutes and took a right turn from Powai Naka (a roundabout in the heart of Satara City). Just 20 kms away commences the Kaas Plateau.

The Kaas Plateau also known as the "Kaas Pathar" which is situated in the Western Ghats Sahyadri range in Maharashtra state of India. The name Kaas originates from Kaasa tree (Elaeocarpus glandulosus). Leaves of this tree turns green to red as they mature. It gets white flowers only for 15 days in the month of March. 1,000 hectares of heavenly beauty filled with more than 850 species of flowers and other plants. These flowers bloom on their own and stay for about 2–3 weeks (depending on the monsoon and other weather factors). Recently it has been declared as Biodiversity World heritage site by The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

You can spend hours together at this picturesque location with family and friends or makes it a romantic rendezvous while staring at the pink, purple, yellow, red and blue carpets in full bloom. Magic of nature and peace are guaranteed with the lush green Sahyadris and the Plateau.

Since I am not so good writer, I will let the pictures do the talking.

After spending couple of hours on the plateau we returned back. At the outskirts of Kaas Plateau, we took a right turn and headed for Thoseghar Waterfalls, that's about 25 kms from the valley. Moving ahead, you will see hundreds of wind mills. The region is very windy. After parking; you need to climb down about 100 steps to reach the viewing gallery. Once there, you will be mesmerized by waterfalls.

 We were at the falls for about an hour. It was 5pm. A bite of piping hot sweet corn gave us the energy to be home for dinner. And sadly, to work thereafter. 

Getting There:  Satara is well-connected by rail as well as roadway. From Pune its distance is 140Kms (approx. travel time 2hrs 50 mins). From Mumbai its distance is 284 Kms (approx. travel time 4hrs 20 mins).

Best Time To Visit: This place is best for photographers though sunlight can be an issue, best time to visit is September to October. 

Things to carry for the day are as follows:
1.Dry set of Clothes
2.Rain wear
3.Cap/umbrella
4.Minimum 1.5 liter water bottle
5.Shoes Compulsory

Point To Note: If anyone want to visit Kaas plateau, have to register through website www.kas.ind.in