When Maharashtra Blooms: Kas Pathar Satara, Deccan Indiaโs Valley of Flowers
โHey, so what are you planning as your next destination?โ asked our friend.
โDid you say plan? Oh I am a great planner. But, the universe seems to dislike the planned version of me,โ I replied.
In 2013 I was trying to plan a hiking trip to the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. Two months prior to its execution, India saw one of its worst natural calamities. Multiday cloudbursts in Uttarakhand killed thousands of people, animals, and destroyed roads and trails.
In 2016, from the Facebook group Globetrotting Girls India, I got to know about Kas Pathar, another valley, or more accurately, plateau, of flowers near Satara city of Maharashtra. It is also a UNESCO world natural heritage site. The photos of the pink flowers fluttering in the air were bookmarked in my mind forever.
I opened the bookmark and made this trip, one year later in the September of 2017.
Where is Kas Pathar and whatโs so special about it?
Kas Pathar is around 28 kms from the city of Satara. Satara is 253 kms away from the Indian city of Mumbai and 110 kms away from Pune. When monsoon recedes, wildflowers bloom in Kas plateau. The bloom season starts from August and continues up to October. Historically, the best bloom is encountered in the month of September.
Visitors need to register themselves and pay a certain fee to attain entry into the protected area. No more than 3000 visitors are allowed per day. The timing slots are 7AMโ10AM, 10AM-1PM , 1PM-4PM and 4PM-7PM. In each slot a maximum of 750 visitors are allowed, though we are unsure how strictly this is enforced. To avoid any risk, tourists should register themselves well in advance. It is illegal to stay or camp in Kas Pathar Satara.
Tales from the road
We boarded the sleeper bus to Satara at midnight from Navi Mumbai. We had no accommodation booking in Satara as all the hotels were full. To make matters worse, the scheduled dropping time of the bus was way before the break of dawn.
Fortunately, a couple of auto rickshaws were parked at the dropping point of the bus on the highway. It was dark and drizzling. The dozen people who got off were too confused to react.
Their faces screamed: Hey, we are stranded on a highway in a rainy night!
One of those auto rickshaws brought us to the MRSTC bus stand of Satara. Surprisingly, even at that time of the day, the bus stand was bustling.
โThe first bus to Kaas leaves at 8 AM,โ said the guy at the counter.
We had tickets for the 7-10 AM slot. As usual we had chosen the earliest slot to avoid crowd and heat; though we were perturbed at the thought of early morning mist ruining visibility.
With no choice left, we hired the nearest autorickshaw waiting at the bus stand. He was waiting to catch his prey, helpless visitors like us, whom he aimed to take advantage of.
The breathtaking drive from Satara to Kas
We were tossed inside the three wheeler vehicle when it passed the zigzag village paths. The sky was lit up in the dawn colours. We left the village and entered the misty Kas Road. The road was filled with joggers and health enthusiasts stretching out. The auto rickshaw whooshed past the fitness freaks.
The way was engulfed in thick fog and visibility was almost zero. Weekenders who are planning to self drive should keep the fog in mind while deciding.
After a quick โwalk through the mistโ break, we were back in the auto. The mist cleared as we ascended up, only to settle over the valleys below. Standing on the cliffside of the road, I (Tania) relived the experience I had in Shimla eight years back.
We hadnโt yet reached the protected area but the bloom was already visible on the prairies on both sides of the road. When the mist cleared, we saw that beyond the cliffs of the Kas Road on each side were blue lakes formed by the Kanher and Urmodi dams respectively.
The colours were playing a game. Each wanted attention. We, the victims of this beautiful game of nature, were too astounded by all the beauty. Mumbaikars are extremely lucky to get such a heavenly backyard.
Natureโs colour gallery at Kas Pathar Satara
โThe Almightyโs colour palette must look this,โ we wondered. We were walking towards the three blades of the windmill visible to us from the entry point. In between us and the windmill stood a vast land of pink. We were carefully placing our feet on the scarce exposed stone surfaces in between the bushes.
Soon, a woman came yelling and running toward us. From her we got to know that going near the windmill zone is prohibited. Broken hearted, we and the few others who were imagining Bollywood poses in their mind started walking back.
The myriad colours blossoming on the lush green was a treat to the eyes. They say these flowers change colour every week during the blossoming season. When we visited, pink was definitely ruling the crowd.
Occasionally, we also found a little pop of blue among the green.
The right side of the entry point was comparatively quieter. We were advised to stay on the dirt path without meandering much. The restriction was to save the flowers from getting trampled. Following the dirt path, we came to a stretch where the flowers were already dead. The Kas Road and the exit gate of this trail were visible from this point.
We entered the trail on the opposite side of the road. This trail was fenced with iron mesh on both sides to prevent anyone from entering and stepping on the blossoms. White wildflowers grew here in abundance.
A little later, the iron mesh went missing and the fence was barely a demarcation of the trail. A few metres ahead the fence was only on one side. Farther along the trail, we could see the green of the grass morphed into pink. There was a sea of pink on both sides. The bloom of pink was denser in this stretch. We walked till we reached the end of the fence. The morning air was caressing the blossoms. We could hardly believe we are living this typical Bollywood scenario.
Our thoughts on Kas Lake
A little away from the shore of the Kas lake is the parking point of private vehicles which come for the three hours excursion to Kas Pathar Satara. There are buses which shuttle visitors to and fro from the parking point to the entry gate of Kas Pathar flower valley for a nominal fee of INR 10. The distance is barely 2 kilometres.
Just a month ago, our experience at Bhandardara lake was incredible. Fuelled by high expectations, when we reached the Kas lake, we found broken pieces of glass everywhere. It was clearly a picnic and drinking point.
As the ripples of water formed waves and hit the coast, we wondered how the lake water was still clean.
See you, Kas, next year
Yes we intend to travel to Kas again next year in hopes of finding the plateau tinged in some other colour of the rainbow. This time we will go prepared, with the right clothes, right make up, and who knows, maybe we, the real life couple will pose a nice challenge to the reel life couples of Bollywood! ๐
Tips on Kas Pathar Travel
- Kas Pathar comes to life in the months of August, September and October. Mid to end September is the best time to capture the bloom.
- After deciding the exact time and date, the first thing a visitor need to do is register his/her visit with the official website of Kas by paying a fee of INR 100 for Fridays and weekends, INR 50/80 otherwise. Get done with Kas Pathar booking.
- The first bus to Kas from Satara leaves at 8 AM.
- Try to book a private vehicle from Satara to Kas because the stretch is incredibly beautiful and you will definitely want to stop on the way multiple number of times.
- Try not to book an autorickshaw because they are mostly touts. They overcharge and ask for more money once the trip is over.
- While approaching Kas from Satara, there will be two entry points to the Kas Pathar trail. The one on the left side is the one which you should prioritise.
- Several state transport buses leave for Mumbai and Pune from Satara bus terminus. The charge for Mumbai is INR 340 (till Navi Mumbai).
- While walking on the flower trail be careful never to step on the flowers.
Have you been to Kas Pathar? Do you intend to travel to it anytime soon? Do you have any questions? Comment below and let me know!
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Tania Banerjee
Tania is a freelance writer based in India who tinkers with words here and there but mostly focused on travel, food, arts and crafts. She writes for several Indian dailies and magazines.
68 Comments
Untraveled Routes
Looks absolutely refreshing!! Awesome pictures ???
Tania Mukherjee
Thank you! ๐
Deepika
Love this one. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to make this trip yet. So happy that you are exploring Mumbai and surroundings more than me ๐
Tania Mukherjee
You will make it to Kaas next year! Mumbai and surroundings has lovely people like you, no wonder I am in love with this state! <3
Sudhir Chauhan
Kaas looks so amazing with that bloom……
Tania Mukherjee
It was amazing indeed!
SANDEEP PANWAR
เคธเคฌเคธเฅ เคชเคนเคฒเฅ เคซเฅเคฒเฅเค เคเฅ เคตเคพเคฆเฅ เคฎเฅเค เคฌเฅเค เฅ เคงเฅเคฏเคพเคจ เคฎเคเฅเคจ เคชเคฐเฅ เคเคพ เคงเคจเฅเคฏเคตเคพเคฆ,
เคเคชเคจเฅ เคเคคเคจเฅ เคธเฅเคจเฅเคฆเคฐ เคธเฅเคฅเคฒ เคเคพ เคชเคฐเคฟเคเคฏ เคธเคฐเคฒ เคถเคฌเฅเคฆเฅเค เคฎเฅเค เคธเคฎเคเคพเคฏเคพเฅค
เค เคเคฒเฅ เคธเคพเคฒ เค เคชเฅเคจ เคเคพ เคกเคจ เคกเคจเคพ เคกเคจเฅค
Tania Mukherjee
Thank you so much! ๐ I am happy you got to know of a new place from my blog!
Styligent
This looks amazing. Would love to visit sometime. ๐ ๐
Tania Mukherjee
It was amazing indeed. Plan your visit in the blooming period of 2018!
sheebakaul
I missed on the valley of flowers this year.. but this seems so beautiful n is close-by.. u hv put it beautiful n the pics are so appealing!
Tania Mukherjee
Thank you so much for checking out. Catch the blooming Kaas Pathar next year! ๐
sheebakaul
Sure, will do!
Meg Jerrard
I think itโs a good thing that they have time slots and limit tourism โ because too many people could negatively impact the area. The auto rickshaw up a mountainous zig sagging route sounds like quite the morning adventure! Would have definitely preferred that over making the journey with the fitness freaks lol! Good note on keeping the mist in mind if driving up, so glad that it cleared for you. Such a stunning view out over the mist.
Glad the flowers were in bloom – so beautiful!
Tania Mukherjee
You are right. I think the limit should be curtailed down from 3000 to 1000. That’s the only way to save the natural heritage that we have!
Sandy N Vyjay
Kaas Pathar is a place I have heard for the first time, really a shame. Never realized we had a valley of flowers in Maharasthra. The place really looks divine. Move over Amsterdam, I am heading to Kaas Pathar next.
Tania Mukherjee
It is really strange how Kaas Pathar is so less popular in India! I am sure 80% of Mumbaikars haven’t heard of it, leave alone the rest of the country. Yet it is so crazily close to the city!!
Candy & Crystal
The tip about registering is so helpful since the number of entrants is limited per day. I would hate to travel all that way and find out I wouldn’t be allowed entry. Lake Kaas looks so beautiful and calm. It’s unfortunate that there were broken pieces of glass everywhere. I wish everyone knew how to pick up after themselves!
Tania Mukherjee
Everyone know how to pick up, but they just don’t care! Unfortunately, people are selfish . ๐
Laura
I always love reading your writing. It’s so eloquent and whimsical – perfect match to these gorgeous photos of the blooms! I would love to visit this part of the country someday. SOME DAY I MUST GET TO INDIA!
Tania Mukherjee
Thank you so much Laura! ๐
usathroughoureyes
Great photos.
Tania Mukherjee
Thank you! ๐
asoulwindow
It is such a wonderful place. I have been here twice and can go again. In fact on my last trip, I walked back 11 kilometers so absorb. I hope they introduce more guard to protect it from the miscreants. It is an environmentally sensitive zone.
Tania Mukherjee
I ditto your thoughts. The number of guards vs visitors is an appalling ratio. I intend to visit again next year, because, one visit is just not enough!
asoulwindow
True that
quirkywanderer
You have clicked some fabulous snaps Tania! I loved Kaas! It is a highly underrated place in Maharashtra and visiting it is a tricky thing( you can never predict the weather!) I visited last year and it was pouring and pouring and I had to walk in the slush :/ I want to visit again Preferably when the weather is a little clear. I had the same thoughts about the lake. Tourists should be a little more responsible!
Tania Mukherjee
I was so worried that rain may stab all my plans and good photos. Yes, we were lucky that finally Sun shone. In which month did you visit Kaas?
Tarannum
This is amazingly amazing โค๏ธ?
Johann Kuruvilla
I never knew about this place until recently I came across someone who shared a picture. And it suddenly sparked my curiosity. It’s so nice to read that the government is doing something to protect this natural beauty. I could imagine what it would have been like walking through those colorful fields. Being flooded by emotions. And of course the stunning view en route. Hopefully I get a chance to visit here next year. Thanks for sharing those great tips. ?
Tania Mukherjee
Yes, this place is actually less known compared to its popular cousin. I hope you do make it to Kaas next year.
neha
Your green pictures are so soothing to the eyes. I love the beautiful blossoms. Didn’t know really that there is this hidden valley of flowers so close to home in Maharashtra..come next monsoon and I am definitely going to head here
Tania Mukherjee
Yes, it is very “hidden” sort of destination! You must go!
Maggie Alexander
What gorgeous flower fields! We have some near me but all the flowers look the same. I love all the colors you posted. Must have been great to see in person!
Tania Mukherjee
Yes, sure it was a great experience! ๐
Marcie
This looks really beautiful! I’m glad you were finally able to experience it for yourself! It’s funny when life doesn’t go according to plan ๐
Doreen Pendgracs
Thx so much for this beautiful post about Kaas Pathar, Tania. It looks like such a wonderfully serene place!
Tania Mukherjee
Thank you Doreen for stopping by. ๐
Lisa
Iโve never heard of this place before, and know nothing about India. Your photos are wonderful and show the true nature of the place. Great tips on when to visit, and to book ahead if you want to camp here.
Tania Mukherjee
Actually camping in Kaas is illegal.
Rachelle Gordon
Kaas Pathar looks like an amazingly beautiful place! The pops of blue flowers amongst all the green and pink are a treat to see. I also like going to visit popular places super early in the morning or in the middle of the night, also to avoid the crowds. I think your pictures turned out really awesome, even though you were afraid of the mist.
Tania Mukherjee
Thanks Rachelle for reading my post. Middle of the night seems an incredible idea. I have never tried it but I may just as well try that now!
Mayuri Patel
I am trying to visit Kass plateu since 2 years but my plans fail everytime,
you have beautifully described the place and shared information with awsome pics.hoping to visit it soon
Tania Mukherjee
Take my advice, don’t plan! On a friday night just take your backpack, camera and leave!! There are several buses which go to Satara from Mumbai, getting tickets is easy-peasy!
latsircus
It sounds like a beautiful place and definitely worth another visit. I’d never heard of it before but it’s great to learn there are so many lovely places to visit in India.
Tania Mukherjee
Surely there are so many places to travel in India that one lifetime is not enough.
Christie Sultemeier
It looks beautiful indeed! Kind of like the India version of the lavender fields in France, yah? I have been stumbling upon so many India blogposts lately – making me want to visit! I am going to pin this for later, too ๐
Tania Mukherjee
Yes, you can compare it to those beautiful lavender fields! You must visit India sometimes soon! ๐
Jaypee
I’ve been to Pune and I loved it. During the monsoon we did a motorbike trip to Taminih Ghat and it has been amazing! I’m thrilled to see the blooms are beautiful post the monsoon season. ๐
Tania Mukherjee
Yes, someday you must visit Kaas.
Kate Storm
So glad that the clouds cleared for you and that the flowers were in bloom–what absolutely beautiful views! Definitely worth the effort to get there. Seasonal natural attractions can be so hard to time right (cherry blossoms in Japan, lavendar in France, northern lights in general, etc), but when it all comes together–wow!
Tania Mukherjee
You are so right Kate. Its very hard to catch seasonal stuffs. We need a solid luck to catch them live!
thesutraway
I live in Satara and had visited Kaas once. But the way you described and photographed it is really awesome. I simply missed the details and beauty of Kaas during my visit there. Now I would visit this place again. Thanks
Tania Mukherjee
I am so excited someone who is a local of Satara read and liked my post! I am so happy to connect with you. Satara is no less beautiful. You live in a beautiful place!
MariellaMNoboa
Wow! This place looks stunning. Perfect for a getaway to be at one with nature. I’ve never been, but look something I definitely want to research more about. Great post! Thanks for sharing. – Mariella
Tania Mukherjee
Thanks Mariella for your kind words! ๐
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Pooja Thapliyal
Blooming and so refreshing. I loved all the pictures and thanks for the detailed information . It will be helpful in future.?
Tania Mukherjee
Thanks! Hope the information helps you!
theraspberrysorbet
It’s so beautiful! Well captured.
Tania Banerjee
Thank you. ๐
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Raghu
Hey Tania, 3 yrs after you keyed it in, I just read your post in full, and saw your pics. That’s post-facto to visiting Kaas yesterday !! The rains, the mist and the clouds made sure that the full view of nature’s beauty did not reveal itself to my lenses; COVID ensured that the site was closed – so, all I could do was to drive, stop for road-side pics, drive further & repeat. So, in my first trip, Kaas chose to tease me and my camera; what it did though, and beautifully at that, was to give me a glimpse of what’s in store for me on a clearer day ! Planning again, in the end of Sep, especially after reading your post ! Thanks a ton ! Timeless masterpieces – both, Kaas, and your writing style !!
Tania Banerjee
So glad to know you enjoyed the piece and Kas itself and many thanks for your kind words. I have been there twice. I actually went back in 2018 again. I had plans of going this year too with a couple of friends but…dduh covid ๐ . Wish you happy travels, take care! ๐