Kaas Plateau

The Kaas Plateau also known as the "Kaas Pathar" is a plateau situated in the Western Ghat Sahyadri range, 22 kilometers from Satara and 136 km from Pune. It  is known for various types of wild flowers which bloom during August-September every year.

Within this span of a month the entire plateau is colored in different shades depending on the flowers that are blooming during that time. 
It is a beautiful sight and a perfect spot for people who love photography.
While at Kaas, you may also like to visit Bamnoli, which is approx 5-7kms from Kaas. You can go boating in the Bamnoli lake.
If you are of adventurous nature, you can consider taking the route back from Kaas via Bamnoli - Tapola - Mahabaleshawar which is flooding with natural beauty from the month of July to Feb.

Mulshi

Today I am going to share with you an all season must visit place just 60 kms from Pune - Mulshi.

This is the perfect choice when you just want a quick and reachable break from the hectic Pune life (Non- Puneits can also enjoy when they are on a short trip to Pune and want to see the beauty Pune is known to be surrounded with).

In summers you can go there to eat the 'Karvandas' and picnic by the lakeside and also get a nice treat of seeing jackfruit trees laden with the huge fruits hanging from the main stem. 

During rains it is very crowded because there are so many waterfalls and people chilling out in the rains eating Bhuttas and Bhajiyas and sipping warm tea at one of the many stalls which come up only during this season as this is earning time for the villagers around.

If you are planing to go to Diveagar, Dapoli or Tamhini Ghat, you can go through Mulshi to add to your refreshing plan. I have visited this place with my family and friends so many times that I have lost count. 

I have at least 8-10 albums dedicated to the memories of this place. I cannot post all of them but I am posting the selected best all season pics for you so that you get an idea of what you are missing - just in case you haven't been there. 

If you are going for a picnic- either you eat at one of the many restaurants that have come up for the urban crowd - Specially one called 'Tasty Bites' which offers everything hot right from 'Wada Pav' to 'Pithla Bhakri' or you can carry your picnic food basket and eat by the lakeside (as we often do) - both ways it is fun and enjoyment. 

I am sure your coming weekend may turn into a trip to Mulshi, if it is not already booked - Have a great trip!!!

Click here for Mulshi Photo Album 

Dajipur

If you are a die-hard nature lover and keep looking out for destinations which give your eyes a truly soothing and refereshing treat,then dont miss Dajipur. Believe me the photographs I am sharing with you of this wonderful and awesome place have been taken in the month of May.Well they are not most recent but not very old too.

I am not sure whether the MTDC Resort still exists as at that time itself it needed renovation but surely you can check out other options if you are planning to stay there.One thing I can vouch for is that the jungle itself is soooo beautiful with its immense and abundant variety of wild fruits,herbs and trees besides being known for the Bison population it houses.I live in Pune,which is surrounded by the Sahyadri's and along with it the most beautiful flora and fauna rarely found in other parts of the country besides having the most pleasent weather nearly all round the year.This gives me ample opportunity to explore all such retreats at least once,although I would definitely not miss any chance to go there again.

Everytime I go to any such place my conviction about existence of God becomes stronger still.What beauty,what colors,what hues,what trees, what flowers,what fruits,what insects and birds, what animals,what mountains, what valleys,what clouds,what waterfalls.....definitely God exists in them.

I insist you must experience what I have felt and then share it with more and more people this will make the world a happier place to live because no feeling can be soooo special and nice.Well about the exact directions of this place it is advised you refer google maps if you are traveling by road from the place you choose to travel from.It is approx 293 kms from Pune Once it starts raining all jungles close till October you can choose the time to go there other than this time.I will leave the rest to be told to you by the pics I have clicked because it is rightly said," A picture can speak 1000 words", so I will allow the pics to do the rest....Wish you Happy Moments....Take Care...!!!!!

Click here for Dajipur Photo Album 

Malshej Ghat

Puneits have a lot of choice to enjoy rains amidst natural and beautiful surroundings because they are lucky to live in a city that is surrounded by so many places where abundant scenic beauty is available for enjoyment, photography and relaxation. Earlier I have mentioned about places nearer to the sea on the Pune - Kolhapur - Goa - Ratnagiri (konkan) route in my blog. This place is off the Pune - Nashik road. It is approx 116 km from Pune. You can click here for the Google Map and exact directions.


On way, you may stop at the "Awsari Ghat Van Udyan", which is a must see. It is on Awsari Ghat about 62 km from Pune. 

Malshej is a beautiful place. Rains bring clouds, fog, waterfalls, greenery, chill in the air on one side and on the other creatures like crabs and scorpions crawling on the road in case you are not careful enough  to see them.
But all said and done "Barish mein Malshej ka ek Trip toh banta hai".
Malshej not only gives you plenty of enjoyment in monsoons, its also worth seeing in the winters. If you are lucky enough, you might spot a few Flamingos (the migratory birds) in the month of October.

While at Malshej, you may stop at the MTDC Resort. A cup of hot tea in the rains just adds to the fun.
Don't wait to just plan plan and plan. But instead plan plan and plan to just go go and go. Have fun!!!


Click here for Malshej Album

Chiplun

Chiplun-"A Monsoon Retreat"

Come Monsoons and if you are a nature lover who loves to feel the rains and enjoy the "rain feel" around you - on the roads, on the trees, on the mountains, under the waterfalls, on your windscreen, on your raincoats and on your face, hands and feet then don't miss a trip to the "Monsoon Heaven" - Chiplun via Koyna Dam (approx. 231km from Pune) to get the best of enjoyment. I am sharing all my clicks (Click here for Chiplun Album) of this wonderful place abundant with God's blessings which come to us free of cost.

During monsoons you will find so many waterfalls on the way that you will be tempted to stop by each one if not to get drenched, just to get a nice click and capture the memory forever, like we did. I am blessed to be born in a family which does not miss any chance or occasion to live life to the fullest. Believe me, the trees, plants, shrubs, roads look so clean and fresh and the environment is so refreshing that any amount of stress one has, I am sure it will be forgotten.

You can literally feel the clouds around you when you stop on the "Ghat" or look down in the valley. I can go on describing and still not be able to tell you how I had felt. You have to be there during monsoons to know what I mean. So, let the monsoons arrive - pack your rainwear and raingear and head straight towards this retreat. Do not forget to visit all the places around like the Marleshwar Temple, Guhagar, Hedvi, Darwan and many more when you are there. You can purchase a booklet on Chiplun Darshan which is available in the local market for better directions.

And most important don't forget to post your comments when you come back. Enjoy!!!