Kaas - Plateau of Flowers.

Date: 10-Sept-2011 to 11-Sept-2011.

Kaas: Kaas Plateau is a Valley of Flowers. The scene of widespread carpet of flowers, of different colours and variety, spread over plateau, definitely worth seeing.This plateau overlooks the lush evergreen forests that serves as a water catchment area of Koyna Dam. In monsoon the whole area transforms into an unbelievable carpets of flowers like yellow carpets of Smithia and Sonki flowers, Pink carpets of Balsam, Purple carpets of Karvi.

Ideal Time to Visit: Mid Sept to Oct End. Recommended to visit once the rains recedes, probably towards the end of Sept.

My Ride: Hyundai Accent.

Distance: Approx 350 KMS from Thane (One way).

Time: 5-6 Hrs from Thane.

Money: Get your pockets full, there is hardly any ATMs available once you exit MPEH. Credit Card is never heard of over there.

Road Conditions: Exceptionally Good, except for a few path in Ghat area but manageable, and a smooth drive through-out.

Fuel: Fill it at the start of Mumbai-Pune Express Highway(MPEH) as there are very few petrol pumps available once you hit the NH4 route.

Route MPEH -NH 4: From Thane,through Thane - Belapur route, I though opted for Thane-Mulund-Airoli Bridge, to escape the Vitava and Kalwa roads and traffic. Head towards the MPEH. Once you exit the MPEH continue with same straight road no turns, it will join the NH4 and continue on the Wai - Satara Road. Once you enter the Satara City take the Exterme right on Shivaji Circle and continue in the Ghat. After a 10 - 15 Kms. you can view the plateau with layers of colors (Green,Yellow,Pink).


Accomodation: Being a typical village locale, accommodation is a bit difficult. You need to hunt for it. But make your mind that you won't find any fancy hotels or star hotels, typically a room with attached bathroom thats it, no swimming pool, lounge, or spa etc. The prices are very reasonable for 4 us we paid 1000 bucks for a over night.


Option 1: Hotel Jalsagar, Tetli.
Option 2: Hotel Sahyadri Palace, Tapola. (We stayed here, with complimentary boat ride to the hotel.)


Food: Its awesome, typical Satara style, spicy and oily but definitely tasty.

Prelude: For me weekend is all about Long Drives, and my brother hardly experienced these so he had joined me along with Jayesh & Jatin. The place is always suggested by Jayesh and me "Chal Abhi Nikalte hai", with obvious discussion with Jatin for final approval. So total of 4 guys - 1 Vehicle and a Weekend, "Time to Roll"

Journey: We started around 5 AM from Thane, total of 4 people (Me,Brother,Jayesh,Jatin). Jatin did have a wish of traveling at 180 KMPH, which he experienced and the moment I hit 180 KMPH it was update on Facebook by him. Breakfast at Amruta Hotel on NH4. Though you have many options through out the highway.

Once you reach Satara the beauty starts. . . 

Oh Yeah, you can view couple of our ancestors ;) 

Everlasting Friendship . . 

Bed of Flowers and my Ride.

Felt like working out.

Valley.

Beautiful Bed of flowers..




































Back Water of Koyna, Friends for ever.

 Our ride to the cottage.

Our Ride. 

  

 Rainbow after a long time. Worth it.

 

 

Floral details of Kaas:

Ipomoea Barlerioides.

 Smithia

Vigna Vexillata Halunda. 

Smithia Bigemina Berki. 

 Strobilanthes Sessilis Bukra.

 Murdannia Simplex

Verdict: A  great place to be in for a weekend, and you will definitely fall in love with it.


Note: Not to pluck any flowers or run over the carpet of flowers, else other can't enjoy the beauty. Love the nature's beauty.


Until Next time . . . .


Rest of the pics on : https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150436688124972.454299.784189971&type=1