This is a travel newsletter where every week I help you discover two offbeat weekend getaways across India. So, you can escape the crowds and create unforgettable experiences.

Whenever we think about spending a lovely weekend, our minds usually go straight to places like Manali, Kasol, Gokarna, or Ooty.

But how about I show you some crowd-free alternatives instead, so you can truly relax and enjoy? 🙂

Too much screen time? Need a break?

And want to spend some time with several rare and endemic species that are not found anywhere else in India?

The Kaas plateau is your destination.

Kaas Plateau is offbeat because very few travellers actually know how magical it becomes during the flowering season.

The place is a UNESCO biodiversity site, so tourism is tightly controlled, which keeps the crowds low. The landscape changes completely for only a few weeks each year when thousands of wildflowers bloom together, so it never feels like a regular tourist spot. The location is slightly remote, and people need to book entry slots in advance, which means only serious nature lovers visit.

The experience feels more like walking through a living painting than visiting a popular hill station, which is exactly why Kaas Plateau stays quiet, rare and truly offbeat.

The full bloom lasts only around 3 to 4 weeks each year. This tiny window makes it feel very special and rare.

It is known as ‘The Valley of Flowers of Maharashtra.’

As usual, pack your bags the day before Friday, and once you’re done with your work on Friday, reach Pune or Kolhapur and travel to Satara since the Kaas Plateau has no stays on the plateau itself. Check into a hotel near Satara bus stand or Sajjangad Road.

For dinner, eat local Maharashtrian food like veg thali, misal pav, tambda rassa, pandhra rassa, chicken thali, bhakri and zunka. These dishes are easy to find at local dhabas and small family-run restaurants.

On Saturday morning, leave early for the Kaas Plateau because the flowers look their best under morning sunlight. Walk through the designated paths, where you will see wildflowers such as Smithia, Karvy, and Sonki, as well as many tiny endemic species. After spending time at The plateau, stop at a roadside eatery on the return route for breakfast. Local breakfast options include poha, upma, sabudana khichdi, idlis and fresh chai.

After breakfast, visit Kaas Lake, which is located near the plateau and remains peaceful. Sit near the edge, click pictures and enjoy the calm surroundings. Then return to Satara for lunch. Satara has great local meals like zunka bhakri, pithla bhakri, tambda rassa, pandhra rassa, mutton thali, varan bhaat and simple home-style thalis.

On Saturday evening, explore the Satara market area. The older lanes near Powai Naka and Rajwada Road have local snacks like vada pav, bhel, pakoras, corn on the cob and fresh juices. This is also where you can buy local sweets like Kandi peda, which is very famous in Satara. End your day with a simple dinner of pav bhaji, dosa, thali or chicken curry, depending on your preference.

On Saturday night, rest early because the next morning involves more sightseeing. Charge your devices and pack water since some nature spots have limited facilities.

On Sunday morning, visit Thoseghar Waterfall, which is known for its deep valley view and green surroundings. Spend time at the viewing points before heading to Chalkewadi Windmill Plateau. This area has long stretches of windmills, open land and strong winds, which make it perfect for photos and slow walks. After exploring, have breakfast or brunch at a small eatery on the way back, serving poha, pav bhaji, omelette pav or simple Maharashtrian meals.

On Sunday evening, start your return journey to Pune or Kolhapur. You can stop at any dhaba for early dinner with options like thali, pav bhaji, bhakri, dal rice or chicken curry. After reaching the city, catch your flight or train back home.

Reach Kaas early so you avoid parking issues and heavy crowds.

Save your routes offline so you do not get stuck when the mobile network drops.

Carry a light jacket or raincoat so sudden weather changes do not trouble you.

Follow the marked paths so you protect yourself and the delicate flowers.

Keep enough water and snacks so you do not depend on shops that are not available on the plateau.

Wear shoes with a good grip so you can walk safely on wet or uneven ground.

Pre-book your ride back so you don’t suffer with transportation.

Travel

Flights to Pune usually cost between ₹4,000 and ₹8,000 one way if booked early. A return trip normally costs between ₹8,000 to ₹15,000. From Pune to Satara, a cab costs around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 one way. If you prefer a bus, it costs ₹300 to ₹600.

Local travel

Auto rickshaws and small cabs inside Satara cost around ₹500 to ₹1,000 per day. The round trip from Satara to Kaas Plateau usually costs ₹1,000 to ₹1,500.

Stay

Hotels and homestays in Satara cost ₹2,000 to ₹4,000 per night for a comfortable room. Two nights come to around ₹4,000 to ₹8,000.

Food

Local Maharashtrian meals are affordable. Expect ₹300 to ₹500 per meal for dhaba-style food. The total food cost for two days normally stays within ₹1,500 to ₹2,500.

Entry and activities

The Kaas Plateau entry fee is usually around ₹100 per person, with small parking fees added. Thoseghar and Chalkewadi also have small charges. Keep a total of ₹200 to ₹500 for all spots.

Miscellaneous

Snacks, water, local sweets and small shopping can add ₹300 to ₹800 to your trip.

Total estimate
A realistic budget for a two-day Kaas Plateau trip ranges from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000.

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I hope I sorted out your plan for this weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Well, do let me know if you'd like me to find any particular state’s offbeat weekend travel spots.

I’ll see you on Wednesday with another great spot.

See ya till then,

Anirban ‘helping you enjoy Kass Plateau’ Das.