Maharashtra: Kaas plateau ‘day’ safari to open for public from August 1

KOLHAPUR: The flower blooming season at the Kaas plateau, a world heritage site, is likely to start by August-end. However, the site will be open for public from August 1.
A day safari of around 50km, showcasing the beauty of Kaas plateau and its surroundings, will be arranged for visitors in association with Satara forest department and Kaas plateau executive committee.However, visitors would not be allowed in the flower beds as they may trample on the endemic flowers.
At a joint meeting of the Kaas plateau executive committee and Satara forest department held in the presence of Ranjan Sinh Pardeshi, range forest officer of Medha, and office-bearers of the committee, it has been decided that the Kaas Darshan Safari will be started from August 1.
Pardeshi said, “With the onset of monsoon, a large number of tourists visit Kaas plateau. This time, we have decided to offer Kaas Darshan to tourists and, accordingly, planning has been done with the Kaas plateau executive committee. Tourists should enjoy monsoon tourism without creating any nuisance.”
“The day safari will commence from Kaas plateau to Ghatai Devrai (sacred grove), followed by Vanjulwadi via Kaas lake, further from Kaas lake to Tambi towards Vajrai waterfalls and then to Andhari Sahyadri nagar windmills. From there, it will head towards Venna river, Ekiw falls, Navra Navari hill at Attali village and then back to Kaas plateau,” added Pardeshi.
The safari will cover a distance of 50 km and the ticket will cost Rs 4,000 for eight people. The booking for safari will be available directly at the spot from August 1. Advance booking is not required, said Pardeshi, adding that parking facility for tourists has been made available at the check post.
Meanwhile, a few unexplored locations in the Kaas plateau region would also be opened for tourists from August 1.
Maruti Chikane, a member of the Kaas plateau committee, said, “Rs 30 would be charged for each tourist to visit the less-explored places in the Kaas plateau. People will also get a chance to see Mandapghal, an ancient cave, Kumudini lake, Kaas lake from the wooden watch tower, Sajjangad point, natural lake, tiny waterfalls, etc. During the flower blooming season, these places would be closed for tourists.”