Kaas Plateau, Biodiversity hotspot in Satara district, India
Kaas Plateau is a geographical formation in the Western Ghats mountains of Maharashtra that rises to about 1,200 meters elevation. The terrain consists of thin soil covering volcanic rocks and supports more than 850 plant species, including rare orchids and carnivorous plants.
The area was originally developed as a water supply system for the city of Satara before natural processes transformed it into a flowering ecosystem. This transformation created a site of significant natural value that is now protected as a World Heritage site.
The plateau draws scientists and nature enthusiasts who come to study its remarkable plant diversity. Seasonal flowering events shape how locals and visitors experience and value this landscape throughout the year.
Plan your visit during the monsoon season when flowers are at their peak. The plateau has entry restrictions, so check conditions in advance and arrive with proper footwear for the rocky terrain.
The thin soil layer over volcanic rock enables plant species to flourish that are found nowhere else in Maharashtra. This unusual geological condition creates an ecosystem that attracts researchers and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
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