Wonderful monsoon holiday. Review on Satara

Nestled in the foothills of the Western Ghats, approx. 120km south of Pune, the environs of Satara offers much to see and enjoy in the months of September and October.There are three scenic routes.  One passes a scenic valley to go to the Thoseghar waterfalls, truly spectacular in the monsoon and post monsoon months.   A short diversion leads to the Sajjangad Fort, another to the picturesque waters of the Urmodi reservoir.  The road leads further to the vast windmill plateaus of Chalkewadi, covered in pretty wildflowers in September and October.

The second scenic route goes to the now well known Kas Wildflower Plateau and on to Bamnoli on the shores of the Shivsagar i.e. the Koyna Lake.  The Kas Plateau is truly spectacular, carpeted in mass blooming wildflowers of every hue.  No photograph can ever do justice to such an overwhelming sight.  When we were there, the predominant shade was the deep magenta of the balsams, the blues of the tiny utricularias and the cheerful yellow of daisies and smithias.  Each week brings on a new species.  Beyond the wildflower plateau is the pretty Kas Lake, unfortunately this has become a Kaanch Lake due to the presence of broken beer bottle shards on the lakeside.   Bamnoli offers ferry rides to Tapola, the Triveni Sangam and to Vasota.

The third scenic route goes to Mahabaleshwar, skirting the Kanher Lake via rural Medha and the scenic Kelghar Ghat replete with waterfalls.On our first visit mid September, we went primarily to see the flowers of Kas, without realising how much else there was to see.  It was like an introduction.  Our second visit within two weeks was much more leisurely, taking in whatever we could.  We will surely return at the same time next year for there is still so much left to discover.

Getting there:

ST and private buses ply frequently from Mumbai and Pune.    The Koyna Express is another option.  The best way is by your own vehicle, leaving early enough in the morning to beat the traffic.  Approx. travel time from Mumbai by own car is just over 3 hours.

Lodges and medium budget hotels are easily available in Satara.