Kaas, Satara (The Plateau of Flowers) - September'11 (3 Batches)

Nature India announces the much awaited and the most popular trip to Kaas Plateau, Satara.....There will be 3 batches to start with...... 1st batch from 02nd to 04th Sep'11, 2nd batch from 09th to 11th Sep'11 and 3rd batch from 17th to 18th Sep'11 .... the bookings are on (For knowing complete details, like; Itinerary, Charges, Logistics etc... you will have to see the details at the end.)

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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 atleast once every year from 25th Aug to 10th Oct to witness not only the amazing array 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.

The lateritic plateau of Kaas becomes home to millions of tiny flowers in late monsoons. The whole spectacle is beyond words. More than 400 varieties of wild flowers, herbs, orchids, shrubs, insectivorous plants etc. can be seen here in Aug and Sep (Best time is 15^th Aug to 15^th Oct)….. 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 flowers like yellow carpets of Smithia and Sonki flowers, Pink carpets of Balsam, Purple carpets of Karvi etc….

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.

The place is also rich in minerals and you can see the red patches of laterite rocks typically called ‘Sadaa’ in Marathi.

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: Kaas plateau and the surrounding area has a very good birdlife with good sightings 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 both learning as well as loads of fun. Our passionate resource persons will make your visit to this amazing place a trip to remember. Please find the details below.

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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 in plenty there….

Dates:

Batch 1: 02^nd Sep, 2011 morning 6.30 am to 04^th Sep, 2011 eve 8.30 pm (Friday to Sunday)

Batch 2: 09^th Sep, 2011 morning 6.30 am to 11^th Sep, 2011 eve 8.30 pm (Friday to Sunday)

Batch 3: 17^th Sep, 2011 morning 6.30 am to 18^th Sep, 2011 eve 8.30 pm (Saturday & Sunday)

Resource persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar & Mr.Mandar Khadilkar

Mode of Travel : By Minibus (considering the extensive travel to cover the area and also the to and fro travel from Hotel to the Plateau everyday)

Rough Iterinary: (Batch 1 & 2)

1) Friday (Day 1) : Depart to Kaas (20 kms from Satara) from Bandra (E) at 6.30 am…..reach by around 1.00 pm- Check in Hotel – Lunch – proceed to the Plateau and the Ghat to watch the species that grow on the slopes – return back at 7 pm

2) Saturday (Day 2) : Start early morning to the plateau to experience the grandeur of floral carpets on the plateau– return for lunch and proceed to Thoseghar Waterfalls to enjoy the grandeur of monsoon.

3) Sunday (Day 3) : Start early for a visit to the plateau, watching flowers on the way….Flora watch at Kaas Plateau & Kaas Lake.....Return to Hotel at 12 pm – Lunch – Checkout and depart for Mumbai – reach Bandra(E) by 9.00 pm.

Trip Charges (Batch 1 & 2 ): Rs.4600/-

Includes Stay at Hotel Hem Executive in Satara on a twin sharing basis in Non AC rooms, Travel by minibus , Park entry charges if any, veg / Non- veg meals, Articles on Kass and Wild flowers, expert guidance charges & on board snacks and Mineral water…….

This does not include any charges other then the above.

Rough Iterinary: (Batch 3)

1) Saturday (17th Sep'11) : Depart to Kaas (20 kms from Satara) from Bandra (E) at 6.30 am…..reach by around 1.00 pm- Check in Hotel – Lunch – proceed to the Plateau and the Ghat to watch the species that grow on the slopes – return back at 7 pm

2) Sunday (18th Sep'11) : Start early morning to the plateau to experience the grandeur of floral carpets on the plateau– Flora watch at Kaas Plateau & Kaas Lake.....Lunch at 1 pm and depart for Mumbai – reach Bandra(E) by 9.00 pm.

Trip Charges (Batch 3): Rs.3500/-

Includes Stay at Hotel Hem Executive in Satara on a twin sharing basis, Travel by minibus , Park entry charges if any, veg / Non- veg meals, Articles on Kass and Wild flowers, expert guidance charges & on board snacks and Mineral water…….

This does not include any charges other then the above.

Note: Fortunately or Un-fortunately, Kaas is witnessing thousands of people coming here every season and hence we are anticipating some restrictions (by authorities) from this year. There is a proposal for a better tourism management by the Govt. agencies like ‘no parking’ on the plateau (which is a welcome move according to us). If this happens (we don’t know yet), then it is likely that we will have to walk a distance of approx. 3 kms from the parking lot to the plateau every time. We also anticipate a small fee from the authorities to manage the area and some other strict rules. We request you to please be prepared for this, especially long walks ….. a recent article in TOI also substantiates our guess.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-07-14/pune/29772623_1_kas-plateau-illegal-constructions

Mode of Payment

Registration: You can register by sending a non-refundable advance of Rs.2000/- and a confirmation mail to natureindiatours@gmail.com and only after our registration confirmation by return mail ..... the remaining amount will be collected in the bus on the day of travel.

Payment: You can either

1) Transfer the advance money directly to my HDFC A/c : (Please call Mandar@ 9930318665 for A/c no.) .... please mention your name, date and other details….

2) Courier a cheque of Rs.2000/- to the following address

Name: Mr.Mandar Khadilkar
Address: B-702, Neha Apartments, Ashish Complex, Dahisar (East), Mumbai -400068.

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. 2000/- is strictly non-refunadable

3) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours

4) Plucking flowers or collecting specimens is strictly not allowed in our tours

5) Visit http://natureindia.ning.com/notes/Nature_India_Policies to read Nature India Policies.

Please reply to us, in case you need any clarifications …..

For any other queries we are available on 9869071091 / 9820455713 (Adesh) or 9930318665 / 9967518665 (Mandar) or natureindiatours@gmail.com or visit our website

http://natureindia.ning.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/

And some trip reports

http://natureindiatours.blogspot.com/2008/09/trip-to-remember-kaas.html

http://natureindiatours.blogspot.com/2008/09/kaas-29th-to-31st-aug08.html

Hope to see you for this wonderful trip

Thanks for your patience.

Warm Regards,

Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
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