Tag Archives: Kaas Plateau

Vajrai Waterfalls

The Vajrai Waterfalls is situated at a height of around 560 meters (1,840 feet), and is a pictorial waterfall located near the Sahyadri Mountains, close to Kass Plateau. The region is jam-packed with incredible natural beauty, along with a pleasant soothing climate throughout the year.

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Normally, when one see this waterfall from a distance then it doesn’t seem to be a great waterfall, but when they reach near the waterfall and just have a look at it, only then they understand the enormity of it. The height of the waterfall being 1,840 feet falls from a straight cliff. The water for waterfall comes from the river Urmodi. It is origin of river Urmodi. The waterfall is perennial in nature, and hence you will hardly find it flowing throughout the year.

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This waterfall is very famous and popular with tourists, and is one of tallest waterfalls in India. Its popularity has resulted in an immense fame for the Bhambavali village, and tourism has become a key business here for the local villagers.

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This waterfall is a hub of beauty, nature and wild life along with some ancient holy places. Normally this waterfall enjoys great flow of water around the year, but during rainy seasons it gets stunning, with heavy water flow of water and the natural scenic beauty all around the waterfall.

Vajrai waterfall

To experience this true heaven on earth, one should certainly visit the falls at least once in lifetime. Bhambavali village is also famous due to religious factors associated with the Vajrai Waterfall. According to a local legend, the Marathi Saint Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami climbed this entire mountain in just 3 footsteps and due to this miracle the Vajrai Waterfall got converted into a ‘3 Stair Waterfall Mountain’. From that time onwards, the place is considered holy by the local tribe of the Bhambavali village.

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The waterfall provides various other attractions like boating and trekking to the mesmerizing caves. There are also some ancient temples and religious places which are a major tourist attraction here.

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Timing: Sunrise to Sunset.
Duration: 1 day outing. / Overnight.
Height of the waterfall: 1,840 Feet (560 Meters).
Best time to visit: July to September.
Entry Fee: N.A.
Open days: All days of the week.
Visit Duration: 2 – 3 hours.
Photography: Allowed.

For Bookings for Vajrai Waterfall PLEASE CLICK HERE

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How to Reach

The Vajrai Waterfall is just 27 km from the city of Satara, Maharashtra, and is situated near the Sahyadri mountain ranges.

Satara Road Railway Station
Satara Road Railway Station

By Rail:

Satara Railway Station is just 30 km from Vajrai Waterfall and can be reached by local transport (taxi, bus and rickshaw).

By Road:

From Pune -> There are regular buses from Swargate bus stand to Satara. From Satara one can hire taxis or rickshaws and reach the falls.

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There is regular bus service from Satara to Vajrai and Satara is well connected to Mumbai, Pune and other major cities by national highway.

Activities

Youngsters enjoy nature walks near the falls and explore the surrounding.
Youngsters enjoy nature walks near the falls and explore the surrounding.
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the scenery and one of the tallest waterfalls in India.
  • Take a hike to the ancient caves nearby.
  • Enjoy boating in the Tapola region, near the falls.
  • Enjoy picturesque views of the Urmodi Dam nearby.
  • Enjoy a family picnic in the company of friends and family.
  • Enjoy Photography.
  • Enjoy Nature Walks.

For Bookings for Vajrai Waterfall PLEASE CLICK HERE

A picturesque view of Urmadi River and Dam area.
A picturesque view of Urmadi River and Dam area.

Precautions to be taken by Tourists

  • Non-vegetarian food is prohibited nearby one km circle from waterfall as this place is considered sacred.
  • Avoid visiting the place in heavy rains as the place can be dangerous.
  • Carry a first aid kit.
  • Swimming at waterfall is prohibited as deep ponds are formed at the base.
  • Alcohol consumption is also prohibited.
  • Avoid entering the dense forest without a local guide. Guides are available in the Bhambavali village at reasonable rate.

 

Places to see near the Waterfall

Nature Lyrics

The Caves: There are many small ancient caves near Vajrai Waterfalls, which are a chief attraction for tourists beside the waterfall.

Urmodi Dam: The dam is situated on the Urmodi River; enjoy the views of Urmodi Dam and its back water area.

Kaas Flower Valley: Kaas is the small plateau, which comes alive with beautiful flowers between the months of August to October. There are many rare species of flowers, wild flowers, shrubs and plants to explore at Kass Plateau.

Bamnoli and Tapoli region: Here tourist can enjoy boating.

Sajjangadh Fort: This is the fort near Satara city, and the place where Shree Samarth Ramadas Swami lived. Hence the fort is named as Sajjangadh.

Thoseghar Waterfalls: This is a scenic spot located near the small village Thoseghar, this water fall is just 20 km from Satara city.

Mahabaleshwar Hill Station: Mahabaleshwar is the famous hill stations in Maharashtra. It is the famous as the holiday resort and honeymoon spot and has several tourist attractions.

Pachgani Hill Station: This is another hill station near the Waterfall, which surrounded by five hills of Sahyadri and has many tourist attractions.

Wai Ganapati: Dholya Ganapati temple at Wai is one of the most popular temple in Maharashtra. The idol of Ganapati is located on the ghat of Krishna River and it is very big.

Gondavale: It is very famous pilgrimage place and the Samadhi place of Shri Gondavalekar Maharaj.

Explore the dense Forest of Bhambavli, ideal for nature lovers and trekkers.

For Bookings for Vajrai Waterfall PLEASE CLICK HERE

Where to Eat and Stay

Since the waterfalls are located in the wilderness there are no accommodations facilities in this area. Tourist planning an overnight stay will have to stay at hotels or guest houses in Satara.

Traditional home stays at the village
Traditional home stays at the village

The more adventurous can experience a stay Bhambavali village in traditional homes, this stay will give you a chance to live and experience a rural life.

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It is further advisable to carry your own snacks and water as there is one restaurant near the waterfalls, which serves Maharastrian food. For a wholesome meal, tourists are advised to enjoy the same at Satara.

For Bookings a stay in Satara PLEASE CLICK HERE

Camping

There is no official arrangement or infrastructure for camping at the water falls near Vajrai Waterfall.

Camping by Mulshi Lake

But adventure enthusiast seeking adventure can try their luck and seek permission from the local authorities and enjoy a camp near the falls.

For Bookings for Camping at Vajrai Waterfall PLEASE CLICK HERE

A Humble Request

While visiting Vajrai Waterfalls, please do not litter and help keep the nature and surroundings clean by carrying back your thrash and disposing it in a decent manner.

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Also do not pollute the water as it is an important source of water for the people living in the nearby villages. Kindly support nature as these small actions by each one of us will help preserve our beautiful waterfalls.

Kaas Plateau

Kaas Plateau, also known as Kaas Pathar is a volcanic plateau located near Satara. This 1000 hectare plateau has only recently gained popularity, since it was declared a bio-diversity site by UNESCO in June 2012.

The beautiful flower valley of Maharashtra
The beautiful flower valley of Maharashtra

Kaas Plateau is Maharashtra’s answer to the Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand and it comes alive after the rains when the entire region is carpeted with flowers. The plateau is full of wild flowers during the months of August and September and the blooms last for about two to three weeks.

Beautiful flowers blossom everywhere post monsoon
Beautiful flowers blossom everywhere post monsoon

During this time the whole plateau resembles a carpet with flowers of every hue from the color spectrum. There are more than 450 different species of flowers, orchids and carnivorous plants found in Kaas.

A tourist poses amidst numerous flowers in all shapes, sizes and scents.
A tourist poses amidst numerous flowers in all shapes, sizes and scents.

Due to its beauty, every year the Kaas plateau attracts many tourists, scientists and nature lovers from all over India. The major portion of the Kaas Plateau is a reserve forest and it has received a World Natural Heritage Site too.

Formation of the plateau

The Kaas Plateau was formed by volcanic activities, and is covered by a thin layer of soil; as a result there is no vegetation in this region.

Kaas Plateau is a natural wonder and photographers' paradise.
Kaas Plateau is a natural wonder and photographers’ paradise.

Every year during the monsoon season, the Kaas Plateau receives very heavy rainfall as a result, the flora and fauna of the region is unique and endemic. These unique ecological features make Kaas plateau one of the hotspots of biodiversity in Maharashtra.

Bio – diversity

Kaas Plateau is rich in its Bio-diversity and there are more than 850 species of flowering plants that can be found on the plateau.

Carpet of flowers ensconced above a clouded vale.
Carpet of flowers ensconced above a clouded vale.

It is believed that 624 species of plants have entered in the Red Data Book. Out of these 624 species, 39 are found only in Kaas Region. Since the plants here approximate 6% of the Red data species, it has become very important to take effective measures to protect this whole area in order to conserve the diverse, rare and endangered flora of Kaas plateau.

One of the  tiny beauties at the Kaas plateau
One of the tiny beauties at the Kaas plateau

The plateau changes its colors after every 15 – 20 days, with the monsoon starting from June till October the cycle of flowering plants progresses and changes during these months.

Things to do and see

 

Take a hike or leisurely walks

A child closely examines a beautiful flower as he explores the landscape
A child closely examines a beautiful flower as he explores the landscape

Starting from the end of August to October, this entire plateau seems like a lush green carpet on which beautiful flowers in all colors blossom. This is a magical time and is ideal to spend a few hours unwinding from the hectic city life and taking walks around the plateau and exploring its delights.

Explore the verdant landscape

The Kaas plateau is home to around 850 known species of plants, of which about 600 are of the flowering variety. In addition, many endemic species of plants have also flourished here.

A walk into the beautiful wilderness.
A walk into the beautiful wilderness.

They can only survive in this region, owing to the volcanic rock soil of the plateau. Kaas Plateau’s unique ecosystem also allows around 33 endangered species of plants to thrive here.

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These species are only found in rocky lands, and are on the brink of extinction due to the changes in climatic and geological conditions. Amateur biologists and plant lovers can often be seen spending hours, hunched over observing rare plants.

Rest and Rejuvenation by the Lake

Close to the plateau is a moss green Lake called the ‘Kaas Talav’, which usually has a lovely waterfall flowing into it during the peak of monsoon.

A view of the picturesque Kaas Talav
A view of the picturesque Kaas Talav

The shore of the lake is flat and sandy and is an ideal place to spend time with friends and family or even pitch a tent for the evening.

Please click here for bookings for Kass Plateau

Other Nearby Attractions

 

Nearby Waterfalls

  • Kass Talav
  • Sajjangad Fort
  • Kanher Dam
  • Vajrai Waterfall
  • Thoseghar Waterfall
  • Bamnoli

Entry Fee: There is a nominal entry fee plus extra charges for parking and camera.

At The Kaas Lake

Best time to visit: August and September. Weekends are generally crowded hence only a limited number of people are allowed entry into the Kass plateau and is mostly on first come first served basis.

Tip : Search for hashtag Kaas Plateau on Facebook you will see photos posted by tourist who recently visited Kaas Plateau , this is just to make sure that the flowers are blooming on plateau when you visit.

How to reach

From Mumbai 

Travelers can drive down the Mumbai – Pune Expressway and NH4 upto Satara.

How to reach

From Satara, Kass plateau is about 22 km and the drive up to the valley is quite picturesque.The total distance from Mumbai to Kass plateau is 280 and takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes.

From Pune 

A four- lane highway connects Pune and Satara. The 3 hour drive to Satara from Pune can be made easily in one’s own car or in a rented car. There are also buses that ply between Pune and Satara.

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From Satara, Kass plateau is about 22 km and drive is pleasant most of the way with the views getting remarkably spectacular near the Kass plateau. The total distance from Pune to Kass plateau is 150 km and takes about 3 hours.

Please click here for bookings for Kaas Plateau

Where to stay

There are no hotel facilities at Kaas Plateau. Some locals do provide home stay facilities in the nearby villages. For proper accommodation can be found in Satara or Mahabaleshwar.

Where to eat

On the Kass plateau, you’re not allowed to carry any food, but before you reach the top, there are a few small food and beverage stalls on the roadsides.

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These small eateries offer Maharashtrian fares like Misal Pav and Wada pav etc. Travelers coming from Mumbai and Pune can halt at Satara for a break where they will find restaurants serving all kinds of cuisines. Ideally tourist must carry their own snacks.