Everywhere on our planet, nature has surprises for every season. There are no exceptions. Kaas plateau of Maharashtra, India is one such surprise that springs in every monsoon. From a barren, flat and reasonably uninteresting plateau on top of a hill near Satara, it transforms itself into a breathtaking colourful carpet of seasonal grass flowers. From crimson to red to yellow to violet, white, almost every colour makes its presence felt. This festival of colours is very short lived. Lasting just about 3 to 4 weeks, the plateau starts turning back to its “flatness”.
The above photograph was taken using a Canon 5D Mark II camera.
Kaas plateau exhibits several strikingly beautiful species of flowers. It also shows some rare as well as unusual species. One such species called Karwi in local language, botanically Carvia callosa. This plant blooms once in every seven years! And when it does, it floods the area with its violate-blue colour. Of course, it does not mean that there is not a single flower for the next seven years. One can find a flower here and a flower there, almost every season, but the full blast happens only once in seven years. It is indeed a spectacle to see.
Adjacent photo is a Karwi flower.
Nymphoides indicum, locally called Kumud is a floating herb found at Kaas plateau.
Cyanotis tuberosa, locally called Abhali is a seasonal herb found at Kaas plateau.
Pogostemon deccanensis, locally called Jambhli Manjiri found at Kaas plateau.
The typical time of blossoming of this plateau is from around the last week of August to last week of September. Kaas has started attracting tourists from everywhere. During the flowering season, the place is flooded with tourists and photographers. The tiny flowers with the colours and fragrance, attract lot of beatles, butterflies and other insects. And not the plateau alone, even the road to this place is decorated with yellows and whites all along. This entire ecosystem presents tremendous opportunities for macro photography.
If you like exploring the tiny world, this is one place you should not miss.
Smithia setulosa, or Motha Kawla are referred to as Micky Mouse flowers. These little yellow beauties are widespread on Kaas plateau. Their rich yellow colour adds certain vibrance to the entire landscape.
