Varandha Ghat

Varandha Ghat

There are many popular monsoon destinations around Pune due to Ghats and waterfalls. Malshej ghat, Lonavla-Khandala, Mulshi-Tahmini ghat, Madheghat etc.
Varandhaghat is one of the most scenic and adventruous and less rush destination in all season.

How to Reach : 

Its located on Pune-Bhor-Mahad road. The Varandha ghat starts about 10km after Bhor and ends at Varandha villahe on the other side of the ghat.

Total length  of ghat section is about 40 km. The ghat goes along with Neera Devghar dam back water at one side and hilly side on the other side.
Pune-Bhor- Ambeghar-Pisavre -Nandgaon-Apti-Venupuri water fall-Hirdoshi-Shirgaon-Umbarde-Mahad

The ghat road is spiral.Lots of turns on the road.Many waterfalls in the ghat in Monsoon season.The ghat looks colorful in Sept n October.

 

Pune to Varandha

Bhor to Varandha

Food and Stay: 
Small restaurants are situated on ghat, many on opened werkends.

Veg n non veg food is very tasty prepared in homemade Maharashtra style. The non-veg food is very popular among travelers.

Kandabhaji, chilly bhaji, Vadapaw, pohe, tea, water bottle etc. are available. 

Full meal is availble at Bhor then at Vaghjai point Varandha ghat. From Waghjai point the descend towards Mahad starts.

The stay facility unavailable in ghat section. But available on the both end of ghat i.e. Bhor and Mahad.

What to see :

You can have wider view of Neera Devghar dam, Rohida fort, Raireshwar Fort, Torna fort, Rajgad, Kavlya fort, Shivthar ghal, Madheghat etc. Can be enjoyed in a drive of one and half of hour of journey.

Waterfalls and flowers increases the scenic beauty of Varandha ghat !

 

Neera Devghar Dam 

 

Kaas Platuea of Flowers कास पुष्प पठार

Kaas Plateau (कास पुष्प पठार) is the Plateau of Flowers in Maharashtra state of India.
It is famous for bio diversity in flowers. The some flowers are unique and can be found only at Kaas in the World. The Kaas plateau is in the process of recognition of World Heritage site by UNESCO.

How to Reach from Pune : It is about 140 km from Pune and 25km from Satara. The road is in good condition. Its situated on Satara - Bamnoli road.

Online Booking : Better to go by doing online booking on the Maharashtra Tourism dept's site. 3000 tourists maximum are allowed everyday. The site get hang usually,during the season.If you go on weekdays, less crowd you found, so no need to booking. 
https://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/treasures/heritage/kaas-pathar

Food n Water : The road from Satara to Kaas is full of all types of Hotels. Some are closed on weekdays. There all type of hotels on Kaas lake.Consuming food is not allowed on the plateau.

Best Time to Visit : The best time to visit in August to September depends on blossom. The period of blossom remains only for two/three weeks. Best time to visit is in the morning session up to 9 o' clock ! Then flowers become pale to sunlight and increasing Temperature.
In the season thousands of people visit it. So it is too much crowd on weekends so even you can miss the opportunity to visit. Soon the online booking facility would be available. For photography go on weekdays only !

Parking : Vehicle parking is 4 km before or 2 km after(near Kaas lake) and take a walk to the beautiful plateau. Place is not enough for weekends but sufficient for weekdays. On weekends you must park vehicle before 4 km. at the forest check post. There mini buses takes you on the plateau.

Stay : You cannot stay at Kaas plateau. But you will get many options in 5 km radius.


What to see : The biodiversity is amazing. Some plant species found only at Kaas in the world. So its better to purchase a book, then you will enjoy the tiny followers with their identity. Observe the complete eco system i.e. plants, flowers, leaves and insects etc. You will get many photo shots, which will you remember for life time.

Nearby Tourist Places : Satara, Ajinkytara fort, Bamnoli lake, Sajjangad fort, Thoseghar waterfall, Chalkewadi Wind energy plant etc.

                                                                 Map by Google

It is very useful book to be familiar with different species of flowers. the book available on Kaas plateau location and in Satara city. Keep the book with you at the time of visit , it will help you to identify the flowers. 

My Friend Prof Dr Dhondge Vinay help in Kaas Tour Plan.. My Special Thanks to Him !