So this was the very first time I visited Velas for the festival of turtles. The release of hundreds of turtles into the ocean is one of the most delightful sights to be hold an event that attracts Nature lovers and first time visitors. The releasing of turtles tameez place twice a day under the gleaming rays in morning and evening.

Our journey

It was about 5 AM on a Sunday morning. We had woken up. We freshened up and got ready. The loud sound of our motorbike engine revving up broke the silence of the night as we started towards our destination. We wanted to reach earlier than anyone else while it was still dark. As we got closer to our destination, we were surprised by hushed voices coming from groups of people walking in the same direction.

We realized we were not going to be only ones trying to reach early. By the time we reached the parking area, it was clear we were not the first ones there. Few bikes, cars and a bus had already beaten us. Quickly parking our motorbike we began walking using the mobile torches to light up the narrow path. All people trekking was super fun. The sky was gradually turning blue as dawn signaled its arrival. We could see many torch lights ahead of us as we picked up speed to complete the 600 meters tapering trail that ended on a beach. As we reached close to our destination, we could not believe our eyes.

Two rows of people were already sitting near the barricaded fence reserving the best spots. As per our pre-decided strategy, we split. One of us reserved a decent spot with next best available views near the barricade while the other walked ahead about 100 meters towards the seashore. We then waited for more than an hour as people kept coming in trying to catch some action. 7 AM is what everyone was waiting for.

We were in Velas for 4 sessions – 2 morning and 2 evening sessions but managed to see Turtles only once. The hatching of eggs and sightings are purely based on luck. Despite volunteer’s best efforts to estimate maximum hatchings before finalizing dates of turtle festival, nature does not bend to science and no one can answer if you will be able to see turtles on the dates you visit. Also the crowd left us wanting for more as we could see turtles only from a distance and given how tiny they are, we felt coming on a weekday would be far more enriching. Still visiting Velas itself was an experience in itself. People travelling from far off distances in hope to catch a glimpse of baby turtles take their first step was bordering crazy – THE GOOD CRAZY.

It was heart-warming and filled us with hope in general. Though sighting turtles was our primary motive, it ended up being cherry on top compared to what we learnt and experienced in the whole trip.  The sights of tiny baby turtles who have never seen their parents, who have never been told where their homes are yet instinctively start walking towards the sea was definitely the highlight of the trip. The cheer and applause given by crowds as the first one reached the waters felt like a rock star arriving on stage. We left Velas with much more empathy and hope in our lives.

Added to this unique spectacle is the unforgettable Eco village experience, where we went and stayed. The coastal people were really very helpful and helped us reach the destination and enjoy the view and had really awesome sea food.

So the journey started from Mumbai to Satara. Roadtrips hhave always been fun with family and friends.

“Take Only Memories, Leave Only Footprints.”

It is Located in the Satara district of Maharashtra, Kaas Plateau (or Kaas Patthar, as it’s locally known) is a hotspot for biodiversity in India’s Western Ghats. Also known as at the Valley of Flowers of Maharashtra, the small plateau is so rich and unique in it’s flora that almost 70% of the flowers of Maharashtra are found only here. Not just this, Kaas has one of the largest concentration of endemic flowering plants and that has also given it the status of UNSECO Natural World Heritage Site. As much as it is famed, the biodiversity of the region is also extremely fragile and conversation is often a race against time.

My visit to Kaas Plateau

I visited Kaas in early October with my family, but as part of a large group of people organised by a bunch of passionate local guys. The fee was Rs 1400 per head, but the visit was truly memorable. I traveled with a local Pune based group called ProEdge Adventures and you can also check out their Facebook page to check out their trips to Kaas Plateau.

We started early in the morning from Pune and the picked us at the gate of Ferguson College, though the departure was delayed as some of the travellers came late. After a journey of about 5 hours, with a pit-stop for tea and breakfast, we were at the entrance of Kaas. However that’s when I realized how terribly the place was maintained. The narrow mountain road leading up to the parking lot, and then to small hike to the plateau, was completely clogged with vehicles and we were stuck for about an hour just trying to navigate our way to the parking spot.

Eventually we decided to simply get down from the bus and walk an extra kilometre to the plateau. From then on, the trip was fabulous! We were not just a bunch of wide-eyed city travelers, we also had a naturalist who had extensive knowledge about the plateau, the flowers, the ecology, and the history of the place. Fortunately for me, not many were interested in what he had to say and they ran off to take selfies with flowers, so I had all the time to ask him all sorts of questions and learn more about the place. Seeing my enthusiasm, he got even more excited and made efforts to show some of the most unique and rare plants at the plateau, including the carnivorous plants like Drosera Indica, which was really tiny and I would have certainly missed it!

Visit to kaas lake

It was already getting a little late when we decided to head back to the plateau, but go visit the lake close-by, quite predictably named Kaas lake. Many more rare plants were waiting to be discovered as we walked from the bus parking to the lake and I was simply mesmerised by it all! I have never been as interested in plants before and I can give all the credits to our fantastic naturalist. He was good with knowledge as as well as with sharing as well, a gift indeed.

We were hoping to find more rare plants at the lake, but unfortunately the water level was a bit high and the plant had submerged. Each plant had such unique story, that I just wanted to see them all and hear all of their stories. In fact I was even willing to swim a bit to reach our hidden plant, but our naturalist wasn’t sure if I would be able to see it even then.

Vairaj waterfalls

Vajrai waterfall is accredited to be one amongst the tallest waterfalls in India. Located at a distance of 7 kms from Kaas Plateau and 27 kms from Satara, Vajrai Falls is a picturesque waterfall. This is a perennial waterfall but it is amazingly delightful in the monsoon season. With a short trek, you can see the side view of the falls. However, to see the whole three layers of the falls, you would need to trek till the base. The trek was really amazing!

Tips for kaas plateau

Do online booking: This year onwards it’s essential to do online booking and then go. The fee is Rs 100 for Saturday, Sunday and all government holidays and Rs 50 for other days. Kaas is opening from 10th August, and online bookings will start a day in advance, 26th August. Bookmark this link for updates and reservations – Kaas Plateau.
Reach early in the morning as there is so much to see and there is also quite a bit of walking. Plus reaching early will also ensure that you will get a good parking spot. I believe it opens at 9am for visitors.
Do online booking: This year onwards it’s essential to do online booking and then go. The fee is Rs 100 for Saturday, Sunday and all government holidays and Rs 50 for other days. Kaas is opening from 10th August, and online bookings will start a day in advance, 26th August. Bookmark this link for updates and reservations – Kaas Plateau.
Carry lots of water as you will get tired, and there are no shops within the viewing areas.
Go with a naturalist who knows the place well, if possible. Else, at least buy a book at the ticket counter to know more about the place.
Good walking shoes are essential as there is quite a lot of walking to be done. Make sure these are not your favourite shoes as they are likely to get quite dirty there 🙂

Food speciality

We visited the restaurant during our visit to Kaas, the restaurant which was recommended by a lot of locals for its quality . named Manas, The food served is excellent and total value for money. Their Chicken and Mutton thalis are fabulous and filling. There is generous amount of meat , mince, biryani rice, boiled eggs and choice of bread.The tandoori chicken was also fantastic.

The few dishes that I would suggest to try if you are in Satara are:

• Kabadi Pav Bhaji , Powai Naka
• Patil Wada, near Satara main police station
• Mahadev Misal Pav, near RTO office
• Kandi Pedha from Ashok Modi Kandi Phedewale