The total flower species count from our last year trips was approx. 190 species
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Have a look at these images from some of the participants
http://picasaweb.google.co.in/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/
And some trip reports
http://natureindiatours.blogspot.com/2008/09/trip-to-remember-kaas.html
http://natureindiatours.blogspot.com/2008/09/kaas-29th-to-31st-aug08.html
The lateritic plateau of Kass has becomes home to millions of tiny flowers in late monsoons. The whole spectacle is beyond words. More than 300 varieties of wild flowers, herbs, orchids, shrubs, insectivorous plants etc. can be seen here in Aug and Sep (Best time is 15th Aug to 15th Oct)….. This plateau overlooks the lush evergreen forests that serves as a water catchment area of Koyna Dam and which is recently declared as “Sahyadri Tiger reserve” ……….
In monsoon the whole area transforms into an unbelievable carpets of flowers like yellow carpets of Smithia and Sonki flowers, Pink carpets of Balsam, Purple carpets of Karvi etc….
Click here to view some images from this amazing place…….
Thoseghar Waterfalls:
From the parking space, the waterfalls are a few minutes walk, through well wooded countryside. The falls are situated in a steep U shaped valley, with the main falls at the apex of the 'U' and smaller falls on one side of the 'U'. On the other side, a viewing platform has been created for observers to enjoy this wonderful display of nature.
You can see a video clip of this marvelous waterfall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgffYyf7UTA
Bird Life: Kass plateau and the surrounding area has a very good birdlife with good sightings of Crested Buntings, Malabar Crested Larks, Oriental White-eyes, Bonelli’s Eagle. It is a heaven for Macro photography too.
Trip Details
Resource person: Will be announced later
Assistant resource persons: Mr.Adesh Shivkar & Mr.Mandar Khadilkar
Rough Iterinary:
1) Friday 25th Sep, 2009 : Depart to Kass (20 kms from Satara) from Bandra (E) at 6.30 am…..reach by around 1.00 pm- Check in Hotel – Lunch – proceed to the Plateau and the Ghat to watch the species that grow on the slopes – return back at 7 pm
2) Saturday 26th Sep, 2009: Start early morning to the plateau to experience the grandeur of floral carpets on the plateau– return for lunch and proceed to Thoseghar Waterfalls to enjoy the grandeur of monsoon.
3) Sunday 27th Sep, 2009: Start early for a visit to 'Ghatai Devi sacred groves" on the way to Kaas Plateau….Flora watch at Kass Plateau.....Return to Hotel at 12 pm – Lunch – Checkout and depart for Mumbai – reach Bandra(E) by 8.00 pm.
Trip Charges : Rs./-
Includes Stay at Hotel Cinderella Inn in Satara on a twin sharing basis, Travel by minibus , Park entry charges if any, veg / Non- veg meals, Articles on Kass and Wild flowers, expert guidance charges & on board snacks and Mineral water…….
This does not include any charges other then the above.
Payment: You can either
Name: Mr.Mandar Khadilkar
Address: B-702, Neha Apartments, Ashish Complex, Dahisar (East), Mumbai -400068.
Please Note:
1) The seats will be confirmed only against the advance amount on first come basis.
2) Once registered, the advance amount of Rs. 2500/- is strictly non-refunadable
3) Alcohol & Smoking is strictly prohibited on Nature India Tours
Please reply to us, in case you need any clarifications …..
For any other queries we are available on 9820455713 / 9321463362 (Adesh) or 9967518665 (Mandar) or natureindiatours@gmail.com or
Hope to see you for this wonderful trip
Thanks for your patience.
Warm Regards,
Adesh Shivkar & Mandar Khadilkar
Nature India
Appreciate, Respect & Care for Nature