JOIN USPlanning a holiday during the monsoon may limit your choices, as any outing in the rain involves getting drenched. Nevertheless, this is also the time when reservoirs and dams are full and waterfalls come alive. Satara in Maharashtra, home to several forts and reservoirs, is worth a visit during the rains.
Arriving in Satara on a clear afternoon, I checked into a hotel, and soon got to the business of chalking out the excursions. Nestled in the lap of the Sahyadri Ranges, surrounded by seven unique mountains, which gives it the name Satara, the city serves as the convenient base for several beautiful forts and water bodies. On top of the list is of course, the Kaas Plateau, which is regarded as an alternative to the famed Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand. Driving steadily over the hilly roads, I took in the panoramic views of the valley, and arrived at a small shrine set amidst the greenery. The temple of Yawatheshwar is dedicated to Shiva and Kalabhairava. The unique feature here are the twin nandis placed in front of the shrine.
Enjoying the views of the valleys on either side, I drove further to reach the Kaas Plateau. Locally known as Kas Pathar, the plateau with its wide-ranging flora, especially exotic flowers, is a biodiversity hotspot. Spread over a 1,000 hectares at an altitude of 3,000 feet, the plateau was formed ages ago by a layer of basalt with a thin coating of soil suitable for herbaceous flowering plants. Just after the rains, the whole field blooms with colourful blossoms. With about 850 species of exotic flowers and orchids, Kaas is an open laboratory for the botanists and researchers. Walking carefully along the designated paths, I was impressed by the riot of colours that had painted the entire plateau. These days with increase in footfalls, a maximum of 3,000 visitors are allowed per day, in order to protect the sensitive environment.
Land of forts
An hour’s drive along the ghat roads brought me to Sajjangarh Fort. Although the fort has survived for centuries under many dynasties from Bahamanis to British, not much remains today except for a couple of shrines. The place is more famous as the abode of 17th-century saint Samarth Ramdas. Climbing up the steps to the fort, I saw several small images of different forms of Lord Hanuman lining the path. There are two huge entrances — the Shivaji mahadwar and Samarth mahadwar — which lead to the top. I make it just in time for the prasad, followed by visits to the temples and a museum. The latter has, among many other artefacts, a robe said to have been offered to the saint by Hanuman himself, apart from the cot and the sword gifted by Shivaji Maharaj. Walking by to the western edge of the hill, I caught a sweeping view of tabletop mountains and Urmodi reservoir.
My next stop was the waterfall of Thoseghar, another 20 km away. The drive through pristine unspoilt forests was pleasing. The deep gorge blanketed in verdant greenery, and the white streaks of the falls left me mesmerised. Dropping about 1,000 feet, this cascade is one of the tallest in the country. As the evening drew closer, I made it back to the city, but not before visiting another strong fortress, Ajinkyatara. Located strategically on a high hill at 3,300 feet, the fort built in 12th century by Raja Bhoj II of Shilahar dynasty, has witnessed many a historical event. Now, the fort is home to a couple of temples and a ruined palace. The view of the town from the top is indeed breathtaking.
The following day was dedicated to visit the Koyna dam. On reaching Koyna Nagar, I walked along a forested trail to Nehru Garden, a park rich in butterflies and flowers. Located just six km from here is the Shivaji Sagar, the blue expansive reservoir of Koyna. Another enchanting spot nearby was the Ozarde Falls. Dropping down some 300 feet from a mountain top, Ozarde is indeed stunning.
Fact file
Getting there: Nearest airport is Pune, which is 120 km away.Satara itself is well connected by road & rail.Food & Stay: Numerous options are available for different budgets.Season: Best time to visit is between July and October.