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4.7.15

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 !















1.7.15

Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi fort is about 20 km from Khandala- Lonvla.
Acually Rajmachi fort is the pair of two forts i.e. Shrivardhan and Manoranjan !

How to Reach- There are two ways to reach the Rajmachi forts
1. Lonaval- from bus stand to Tungarli Udhewadi is base village 
2. Khnadala - Kunegaon- Delas adventure- Tungarli dam- Rajmachi
3. Karjat-Kondhiwane-Rajmachi

(https://www.google.co.in/maps/dir/Udhewadi,+Maharashtra/Khandala,+Lonavala,+Maharashtra/@18.8203748,73.3899898,15z/data=!4m13!4m12!1m5!1m1!1s0x3be7fe3e8367cdab:0x86720ebe61392bc!2m2!1d73.3942625!2d18.8260071!1m5!1m1!1s0x3be8012af5c2dcbd:0x4e9a732d604a9bd9!2m2!1d73.372!2d18.758)

I have went by Lonavla city. Trail from both side is beautiful.
The road is rough and dusty. Very difficult for car. even no easy on bike. lots of stones and layers of wet or dry soil. Very difficult to manage to control on vehicle. Road will test your driving skills.
better to walk on trail.
Prefer to go via Khandala instead of Lonavala even on bike.

Udhewadi is the base village where water n snack food available on order. 
It is very good Camp site !
Stay facility is available !

Both forts can be done in one day visit ! 
Both requires 30/40 mins each for beginners!

To reach the base is difficult but actual trekking is very easy. It can be done with Family !

From Top you can see Khadala Ghat, Waterfalls, Shirota dam backwater and Karajat area !


Road to Rajmachi fort

Rough and tough road to Rajmachi fort




Manoranjan Fort (Rajmachi)Udhewadi from shrivardhan fort

26.6.15

Kundlika Valley

Kundlika Valley is very beautiful and mind blowing place. The Valley is created by erosion of the river Kundalika !

Location - Near Tahmini Ghat.
Distance from Pune - 60-70 km approx.

How to Reach -
1. Pune - Mulshi-Tahmini-Nive- right turn to Bhamburde - next to MCKS        Ashram.
2. Pune-Lonawla-Bhamburde-to MCKS ashram raod, near Pimpri Dam 

 Follow the link for Google Map :
https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Kundalika+Valley/@18.5100178,73.4162313,1588m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m15!1m12!4m11!1m3!2m2!1d73.4099442!2d18.4588868!1m6!1m2!1s0x3be81f0cd81e4719:0xaa4fbdb366cfdba3!2sKundalika+Valley,+Patnus,+Maharashtra+412108!2m2!1d73.409258!2d18.468005!3m1!1s0x0000000000000000:0xaa4fbdb366cfdba3!6m1!1e1 )

Best season - Anytime, but best in Monsoon.

Food n Water - Nothing available.

Nearby Hotels at Mulshi-Tahmini ghat, and Lonawla

The place is quiet and isolated. So go in groups.

Edges of the Valley are very risky, so take care of hyper personalities.

Great photographic and scenic location.


















Ghangad

Ghangad (घनगड)is not a popular trek. trekkers who wish to visit off beat trek, Ghangad is one of the best option.

Distance -  From Pune 100 km. Lonawla 40 kms approx. up to Ekole(एकोले ), the base village.

How to reach -1. Pune-Lonawla-Amby valley road-Bhamburde-Ekole-Ghangad
                              2. Pune Mulshi-Tahmini-Nive- right turn-Bhamburde-Ekole-Ghangad

Food-Water-Stay - Food n water is available with local villagers. They are very cooperative. Local home made food is available on request. Mr.Lahu & Sumit (Mob No.- 7741808547, 9765611447) the villagers arrange veg-nonveg food and stay for family and group too at Ekole the base village.

Endurance level - Easy, can go with family

Time to trek - from Ekole base village to top of the fort- 1 hour.

Nearby petrol pump - Mulshi & Lonawala approx. 30km away.

View from Top - Konkan, Sudhagad, Mulshee backwater, Tailbaila Rocks, Tailbaila Valley, Ekole Valley etc.. 

Can plan lonawla, Tailbaila and Ghangad in oneday !




















Click the following link of Google map to know the route :

( https://www.google.co.in/maps/place/Ghangad,+Ekole+Village+Rd,+Tail+Baila,+Maharashtra+412108/@18.5455979,73.3520409,15z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x3be81bf02cff175f:0x2d443bbdc8fb1ae2)