Kas Pathar in Satara
There are innumerable hill stations in Maharashtra frequently visited by tourists from all over India and especially during monsoons when the areas are covered in dense greenery offering a soothing panoramic view. Kas Pathar or Kas Plateau located in Satara district of Maharashtra can surely take the prize from hill stations like Mahabaleshwar, Panchgani and Khandala in scenic beauty.
Housed in the Kas Valley region 25 kilometers away from Satara city in Maharashtra, Kas Pathar transforms into a paradise during the months of July and August in the monsoon season with 150 varieties of flowers blooming in the valley during this time.
Normally a hinterland through the year Kas is a huge tableland enroute Tapola, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar. Situated at an elevation of 2000 meters above sea level and spans 1000 hectares Kas derives its name from Kasa Tree (Eleaocarpus Glandulosus) which grows in the region and thereby declared as a UNESCO Biodiversity World Heritage Site.
Almost 850 varieties of plants, shrubs, grasses, flowers like Karvy, Deepkadee, Abolima, Vaytura, Smitia, Balsam, Sonki, Nisurdi, Kumudini, Kondal, Musali, Orchid and a carnivorous plant called Drosera Indica grows here. The Orchids are marvelous in color and variety and grows in the valley for a time period of 3-4 weeks during the monsoon season and the ‘valley of flowers’ looks like Garden of Eden in the months of August.
The valley looks like a floor with flowers blossoming in the region depicting a carpet painted with bright colors. Apart from the Kas Pathar or Valley of Flowers, Kas Lake is situated on the southern fringes of the plateau and it looks like a round vessel of water amidst the vibrant flowers with the Sahyadri Mountains covered in lush greenery and forests in the backdrop.
Avian species like Bonelli’s Eagle, Oriental White, etc. Koyana Dam and the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve are located just below the plateau. While visiting Kas Valley, do visit Thoseghar Waterfalls and Chalkewadi Waterfalls located very close to the place in Satara city. Vasota Fort and Vajrai Fort are also situated very close to Kas Pathar/ Valley in Maharashtra. Visit to this valley for nature lovers is mandatory during the monsoons.