Kaas, also known as plateau of a million flowers, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is home to some rare endemic forms of flowers. It sees a riot of colours during the monsoon months  July, August and September, when the entire landscape is transmogrified into an artist's canvas. Every 15-20 days, the colours of the plateau change, as different species bloom and wither within a short span of time. More than 850 species of plants and flowers have been reported here, and the large diversity of flora has allowed for a significant research in botanical studies to take place. Another attraction is the beautiful Kaas Lake, which is also the source of River Urmodi. Set amidst peaceful and picturesque surroundings, the lake is a popular picnic spot. A stone's throw away lies a waterfall that also invites tourists. However, what makes Kaas mesmerising is a plethora of blooms that carpet the land.

From the golden-hued smithias (Mickey Mouse flowers) and sonkis to the pink-lavender-purple balsams, white blooms of Gend-eriocalulon that look like heads and peach murdania that has a sprinkling of gold dust on its petals, the flora family of the region is simply breathtaking. You can also keep an eye out for the beautiful Seeta's tears (Utricularia) that have small bladders around the roots to trap small insects, orchids like the greenish-yellow Habeneria digitata and the ceropegia that looks like a lantern and is also known as kandil kharchudi. The main attraction is the Pleocaulus ritchei, locally known as Topli Karvi or an upside down basket, which flowers once in eight years and then dies. The blooms look like baskets of purple flowers! And then there are bees, butterflies, insects and frogs and a variety of other fauna that leave tourists delighted.

Kaas was earlier part of the Deccan Plateau, which has had 29 volcanic lava flows over 20-crore years. As the newer layers of lava came, they continued to spread over the old lava and today there are several streams and rivers that eroded the layers to form pretty valleys and gorges. When the southwest monsoon arrives, the region receives approximately 2,500 mm of rain in three months. Kaas lies about 30 km from Satara.

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