Main Info
Kaas Plateau Panchgani Overview
A magical place with beautiful landscapes full of flowers, lakes, and butterflies everywhere, Kaas Plateau of Panchgani was declared as one of the World Natural Heritage Sites in India by UNESCO in 2012. Located at an altitude of 1200 meters, this prime biodiversity hotspot hosts a variety of endemical butterflies and flowers that can be found here, rightly so. In addition to that, there are almost 850 beautiful species of wildflowers and a 1000 hectare part of the plateau is now declared to be a reserved forest, popular for its natural flora, Kaas Lake, and the scenic beauty when the plateau turns into a valley of flowers at the time of monsoon.
Between the months of August and October, you can witness the valley transform to a beautiful bloom of endemic collection of flowers including Sonki, Kondal, Deepkadee, Anjani, Paner, and Kaasa. The simple variety of size, shape, and color proves to be a breathtaking sight and undeniably a hit among the adventure lovers, naturalists, and scientists alike.
The blooming flowers of the valley provide a startling contrast to the calm spread of the deep blue sky with many delicate birds and butterflies making way through this beautiful maze. The place has recently gained some popularity among tourists for its natural and beautiful treasures. However, the per day visitors to the place is restricted to 3000 to preserve the natural charms from the ruins of overcrowding.
More on Kaas Plateau
Kaas Lake
The Kaas lake, located near the valley, adds another sparkling dimension to the mesmerizing beauty of the Kaas Plateau. It is interesting that some flowers present on the lake are not there in the valley itself. Both amateurs as well as professional botanists find something of delight in the abundance of the flora present underwater. The lake also acts as a perennial water source of the Satara city’s western region.
Timings and Entry Tickets
The important information to visit Kaas Valley is summarised as given below:-
Weekdays: INR 50 (for people above the age of 12 years)
Weekends or any Government Holidays: INR 100 (for people above the age of 12 years)
Entry for Senior Citizens: Free with any Government ID for proof of age
Free parking, and per day entry limit to 3,000 visitors
Best Time To Visit Kaas Plateau
The most ideal time to visit this place is exactly after the end of monsoons in the months of September and October. That is the time when the flowers are blooming with full force and are at their best right after a couple of weeks from when the rain stops and there is sunshine in the weather.
It is surprising to note that the administration that manages the tourism there has an updated website where they keep uploading recent pictures- do read the information there before you leave for the place.
The weather is also pleasant around these months and the temperature is between 20 and 25 degrees, making it the perfectly convenient weather to sit in the middle of flowers and bask in the beauty.
Traveling Around Kaas Plateau
Most of the traveling here happens on foot. The visitors should be careful not to step on the flowers while walking anywhere in the Kaas Plateau.
Activities At Kaas Plateau
Owing to the beauty of the place and the scenic landscapes, Kaas plateau is known to a favorite photography spot among tourists. Also, it has doubled up as a quiet picnic spot where the tourists enjoy spending quality time with their family and friends.
Sample Itinerary For Kaas Plateau
You can stay in Satara and take a day trip from there to the plateau. In the early evening, you can travel to Kaas Lake.
Tips For Visiting Kaas Plateau
- The best time to visit the place to watch the perfectly blooming flowers is at the end of the rainy season.
- It is advisable to carry a water bottle, raincoat, cap, socks, goggles, sweater, sports shoes, umbrella and a change of clothes.
- There are no washrooms available near the plateau.
- The mobile network is weak in the area.
- Free parking is at quite a distance from the actual Plateau site.
- Don’t make the place dirty by littering.
How to Reach
Kaas Plateau is located at a distance of 22 km from the Satara city on NH4 and can be accessed by public buses, cabs or hired taxis. Some state buses also ply on this route. If you plan to take your own car and drive, you may have to park ahead of the main area and take a 1km walk to reach.