Kaas Pathar and Bhambavli-Vajrai waterfalls: monsoon getaways from Pune

One morning in early June, I woke up with a start! The loud sound of thunder and lightning ⚡ accompanied by heavy rains made me panic. I could hardly see out of the window because of the raindrops running down the pane. A slight feeling of sadness came over me; I sat up in bed rubbing my eyes wondering how I would spend the next couple of months. Rani who was asleep also woke up and walked up to the door. 

Despite my apprehensions, the heavy monsoon months [June and July] in Pune were spent in leisure. I spent the days after breakfast reading books from my favourite crime authors, writing some of my own blog posts, watching a good movie or spending the evening hours in the balcony chatting with Rani over a hot cup of tea.  

Previous blog-  Tikona fort trek from Pune  

Valley of rare seasonal flowers 

Mid-Aug is the ideal time to venture out. Besides a multitude of waterfalls gushing out from the Sahyadris, there is greenery all around. Kaas Pather is a plateau of rare seasonal flowers that bloom around mid-Aug.

Waxweed (Cuphea) rare seasonal flowers at Kaas

So pack a few things and don't forget a rain jacket for possible light showers plus a good camera for some delightful memories of nature in all its glory. 

Basic info about Kaas Pathar 

Getting there- Kaas Pathar is 133 km/ 3 hrs from Pune by road via Satara. Incase you plan on using public transport, S.T. buses towards Satara and Kolhapur are a convenient option. You will need to alight at Satara and find other conveyances; like an auto for Kaas Pathar. But the best way to do this trip is with the help of a group tour operator. There are many group tours that leave Pune for Kaas (can be found on facebook) from mid-Aug onwards. The good thing is they arrange pick-up and drop by private vehicle and organise the online booking. Expected tour cost: 1200 rs per person 

Entry & ticket- The plateau is a carpet of rare and endangered wild flowers. Hence, keeping in mind the threat to this delicate ecosystem, the Kaas tourism dept have restricted the number of visitors. You need to ph# 9405830941,9595954661 for more info. Taking a guide is a must, they don't charge much. 

A carpet of rare seasonal and some endangered wild flowers at Kaas Pathar, Satara

When to visit- Kaas plateau covers an area of approx 10 sq metres (3.9 sq mi). Naturalists have identified some 850 specimens of wildflowers that bloom and fade at their own time. The more common orchids last 3-4 weeks while others bloom slightly late. But all in all the best time to visit Kaas pathar is mid-Aug until end-Sept. 

What makes Kaas Pathar unique?

Kaas is a biodiversity hotspot that has earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage site since 2012. It is largely formed of volcanic basalt rocks covered by thin soil; when directly exposed to the atmosphere is what provides a favorable environment for this unique phenomenon. 

Barren volcanic rocks plateau of Bhambavli, located a few kms from Kaas

A barren plateau of volcanic rocks (above pic) is transformed into a beautiful carpet of wild flowers from mid-Aug to Sept at Kaas Pathar Satara

Bhambavli Vajrai: the gushing sound of waterfalls

Kaas plateau is just a small part; it is contiguous to the greater Koyna biosphere Nature reserve. If you love nature and enjoy short hikes in the woods, I suggest taking up suitable lodgings for an overnight stay at Kaas. There are many resorts in the 1000rs upward price range on the hill overlooking the valley below. 

Bhambavli Vajrai is said to be the second highest plunge waterfall after Nohkalikai falls in Meghalaya. This 3-tiered waterfall looks raw and wild from afar. As part of a tour group we were privileged to venture a bit into the forest; which of course was possible only with the help of experienced guides. Even then we were forced to abandon the hike midway due to the treacherous trail.

💡In case you plan on visiting Bhambavli waterfalls and laterite plateau on your own and need guidance, get in touch with a local expert. His name is Mr. Ravindra More ph# 9821967717, Bhambavli village_ It's a small village, just ask for Ravindra More (More pronounced 'mo-ray') 

Where to eat- there are a few eateries around Kaas. Other than that most resorts have their own in-house restaurants. If your tour is organised with the help of Ravindra More, you will most likely be served a simple traditional Maharashtrian meal at his home, though I'm quite sure the cost of the meal is part of the deal. 

A Splendid view: Vasota fort & Koyna dam

Bhambavli's laterite plateau also blossoms with a similar variety of vegetation and wild flowers, but a few weeks earlier and for a shorter time before fading away. Towards the far end of the plateau is the hill ridge where we sat there while taking in the views of Koyna dam and Vasota fort in the background. 

View of Koyna dam and Vasota fort from Bhambavli laterite plateau 

A slight drizzle roused us from our moment of bliss. A couple from Mumbai it seemed had gotten rather anxious to wind up well before the day's end. So we made a quick sprint to the tour bus and headed onwards to our final destination for the day.

Bara motichi vihir- literal meaning 'a well of 12 moats', is a step well located 15 km from Satara enroute Pune. It was built by Virubai Bhonsale, the 2nd wife of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj between 1719 and 1724. 

Bara motyanichi vihir, Limb Satara

 

It's octogonal shape, and 12 moat outlets improvisation was designed for the purpose of irrigation. Bullocks were used (they walked in circular direction) to draw out the water into leather buckets before being channelled into the fields.

Time to bid adieu! 

After an interesting orientation on Maratha history et al, it was time to say goodbye to our friends from Mumbai and get on with our return journey to Pune. Hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Your comments will be appreciated. BYE 🙏