Credit: Swapnil Khade
Overview
One of the premier destinations in Satara, the Kaas Plateau, also known as the Kas Pathar, is a volcanic lateritic plateau within Maharashtra’s Satara district. The origin of the name is attributed to the Kaas tree.
Highlighting Maharashtra’s tourism landscape is the Kaas plateau, also known as the Plateau of Flowers. The remarkable site, during the latter stages of the monsoon season, becomes a perfect hangout for nature enthusiasts and travelers. The plateau is spread over an area of 1,000 hectares at an elevation of 1200 meters.
Geological origin of Kaas plateau
Kaas Plateau’s origins date back to volcanic activities that resulted in a shallow soil layer with lush vegetation. A high volume of rainfall contributes to distinctive flora and fauna.
Kaas plateau has 850 species of flowering plants, 624 of which are listed on the IUCN Red List. Such an ecological exception has transformed Kaas into a biodiversity hot spot.
Further from Kaas plateau, you get a breathtaking vista of the lustrous evergreen forest of the Koyna wildlife sanctuary. Kaas plateau serves as the catchment area of the Koyna dam. In the southern direction of the plateau lies a picturesque Kaas lake, where a diversity of avian species inhabit the region.
Kaas plateau allures scientists, tourists, and nature enthusiasts, especially when flowers blossom and blanket the plateau. So in order to Mitigate the potential impact of excessive tourism on the Kaas plateau, the government has imposed a daily cap of 2000 visitors.
Timing and Best Season
The best time to visit the Kaas Plateau is during the months of August and October. It truly comes alive in the month of September when flowers bloom.
Plan Your Visit
It’s located 37 km from Mahabaleshwar, 20 km from Satara, and 50 km from Panchgani.
Timings: 9 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: Rs. 50 per person on weekdays, Rs. 100 per person on weekends and public holidays.