Nature India announces
the much awaited and the most popular trip to Kaas Plateau, Satara- The
Plateau of Flowers.....There will be 2 batches to start with...... 1st
batch from 9th to 11th Sep'16 & 2nd batch from 23rd to 25th Sep'16 .... 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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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 in Sept. 2012, to know how we
conduct the tour (This was also published in the English daily newspaper
"Mumbai Mirror").
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 Karvi 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, Vigna vexillata, Impatiens, Buckwheat, Glory Lilies, Chlorophytum and several interesting herbs and shrubs which should not me missed. However, most flowers in Kaas are 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 a 3 day trip to Kaas and try to change the perspective of looking at the amazing world on wild flowers.
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 a 3 day trip to Kaas and try to change the perspective of looking at the amazing world on 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.
The
place is also unique forming a typical "table top" landscape where 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.
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 passionate resource persons 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
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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 in plenty there….
Dates:
Batch 1: 9th Sep, 2016 morning 6.30 am to 11th Sep, 2016 eve 10.00 pm (Friday to Sunday)
Batch 2: 23rd Sep, 2016 morning 6.30 am to 25th Sep, 2016 eve 10.00 pm (Friday to Sunday)
Resource persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar, Mr.Mandar Khadilkar & Mrs.Sweedle Cerejo-Shivkar
Mode of Travel : By AC Minibus (27 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) Friday (Day 1) : Depart
for Kaas, Satara from Bandra (E) at 6.30 am…..Breakfast on the
way (In Vashi @ 07:30 hrs).....reach by around 1.30 pm- Check in Hotel – Lunch – Proceed to experience the grandeur of floral carpets on the plateau.... return by 7 pm...Stay in Hotel Suruban
2) Saturday (Day 2) : Start early morning to the plateau to experience the grandeur of floral carpets on the plateau .... lunch .... proceed to the Ghat to watch the species that grow on the slopes – return back at 7 pm.... Stay in Hotel Suruban
3) Sunday (Day 3) : Check-out from hotel and start early for a visit to Thoseghar Waterfalls to enjoy the grandeur of monsoon and Chalkewadi Plateau......Lunch on the way and depart for Mumbai – reach Bandra (E) by 10.00 pm (No Dinner).
Trip Charges (for both batches): Rs.7200/-
Includes Stay at Hotel Suruban in Satara on a twin sharing basis
in Non AC rooms, Travel by AC minibus (27 seater), Entry fees, parking
charges, veg meals, Articles on Kaas and Wild flowers, on board snacks
and Mineral water…….
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.
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.
This
does not include any charges other then the above... the camera charges
(As per the equipment) have to be borne by the respective participants.
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.4500/- 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: Hotel "Suruban"….. an absolute basic hotel with simple touch, located away from the hustle & bustle of city. The Stay arrangement is on a twin sharing basis in non AC rooms. The cottages are very simple but spacious & clean with lovely Garden and as per our budget.
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.4500/- to the following address
Name: Mr.Mandar Khadilkar
Address: Flat No.2, Ground Floor, Blossom CHSL, Below Shantighan Hospital, LM Road, Kandarpada, Dahisar-West, 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. 4500/- 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) Kindly register on this trip only if you agree with Nature India's rules and policies
Please reply to us, in case you need any clarifications …..
For any other queries we are available on 9820455713 / 9869071091 (Adesh) or 9930318665 / 9967518665 (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/
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
Appreciate, Respect & Conserve
Some Memories of Nature India tours
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