User:Ravindra Baliram More

Bhambavli Flower Plateau

Biggest Flower Plateau of the World

Bhambavli Flower Plateau (Pushp Pathar) is in the western part of Maharashtra. It is biggest Flower Plateau of the world connected to Satara, Jaoli and Patan tehsils of Satara District. It is located approximately 30 kms away from Satara city. It is situated high hill plateaus and grasslands turns into a 'valley of flowers' during monsoon season, particularly from August to early October. Bhambavli Plateau has more than 150 or more types of flowers, shrubs and grasses. The plateau is largely formed of basalt. The basalt rock is covered by a thin cover of soil formed due to erosion and has accumulated a layer of not more than an inch or so. The plants growing on Bhambavli plateau are typically of herbaceous nature of like grasses.

Apart from Bhambavli Vajrai Waterfall, a highest waterfall of India, Bhambavli is also admired for its rich flora and fauna. Variety of flora and fauna found in surrounding dense forest and plateau of Bhambavli. The different and rare flowers make this place appear like a wonderland. Karvi, Sonki, Smitia, Balsam, orchids, are some of varieties that blossom in this plateau. The ideal period to visit this place is August to October. Bhambavli Plateau is rich in its Bio-diversity. Many species are observed on plateau which are new to the Botanical Science. Many of the endemic, endangered plants are found on Plateau. This place houses a wide range of birds.

Bhambavli plateau with charming natural flowers will definitely allure you. Bhambavli Flower Valley overlooks the lush green forests of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, Koyana Sanctuary, water catchment area of Koyna dam, Urmodi backwaters, Sajjangadh, Kas Flower Plateau, Chalkewadi Wind-mills, Vasota Fort, and Confluence of three rivers (Koyana, Solashi and Kandati). Bhambavli plateau is sincerely ideal location for nature lovers and photography aficionados.

'''Only on Dassehra day ( Marathi festival day), different colours of crabs are found on the Bhambavli Flower Plateau. This is unique feature of this plateau'''.

There are marks of Mahabharat (hindu epic) found on the Bhambavli Flower Plateau in the form of steps of Pandavas when Pandavas were on 13 year exile.

There are unending big caves found on the Bhambavli Flower Plateau. The path and history of the caves is still to be discovered.

It is a perfect weekend destination for all age groups. Just come here, enjoy the nature, have a delicious Maharashtrian food in the Home-stays and most importantly forget everything in the tranquility of this place. While you go back to your places you will carry a hell lot of energy and enthusiasm with you. The 2 days trip will rejuvenate you and will help you reconnect to yourself. So, all are invited, the flower valley is waiting for you.

Nearby other places to visit:


 * Bhambavli    Vajrai Waterfall- tallest waterfall of India
 * Kas    Flower Plateau in the month of August to October.
 * Bamnoli    & Tapola – for boating.
 * Sajjangadh    Fort – Samadhi of Saint Ramdas.
 * Thoseghar    Waterfall.
 * Chalkewadi    for Windmills,.
 * Mahabaalleshwar    – Hill Station
 * Pachgani    – Hill Station
 * Wai    – Ganpati
 * Gondavale    – Samadhi of Saint Gondvalekar Maharaj.
 * Koyna-Chandoli    Tiger Sanctuary

= Precautions to be taken by Tourists while visiting Bhambavli Flower Plateau. =


 * Visit    only between 8.00 am to 5.00 pm every day.
 * Avoid    visiting this place in heavy rains and fog.
 * This    is plastic free zone; don’t throw plastic bags, water bottles etc.
 * Prohibited    consumption of Alcohol
 * Plateau    is slippery in rainy season, be cautious.
 * Heavy    rains with fog, unable to see stiff clips at Plateau, chances of fall, be     cautious.
 * Be    agile and cautious, as there are chances of encounters with reptiles like     snakes, insects. Wild animals like tiger, bear etc.

= Trekking Precautions: =


 * Wear    appropriate footwear
 * Rock    faces can get very slippery.
 * Streams    as well as ponds are quite deep.
 * Don’t    eat leaves, flowers and fruits, mushroom etc. unless you are sure that     they are safe.  They could be     poisonous.
 * Be    agile and cautious, as there are chances of encounters with reptiles like     snakes, insects. Wild animals like tiger, bear etc.

= Route to reach Bhambavli Flower Plateau (Pushp Pathar): = Distance : Satara to Bhambavli – 32 km

By Air    :           Pune is nearest place to reach to Satara and then to Bhambavli Flower Plateau. From Pune you have to go by road to Satara – Kas – From Kas to Tambi (Bhambavli).

By Road:          (1) Satara to Kas, Kas to Tambi (Bhambavli)

(2) Mahabaleshwar to Tapola, Bambnoli- Kas, Kas to Tambi (Bhambavli).

= Accommodation at Bhambavli = Tourists may prefer to stay at village Bhambavli in their traditional homes or Home-stays made available. This stay will give tourists a chance to live a rural life.

MOST IMPOROTANT:

Not to enter dense forest without a Guide. Guide is available in Village Bhambavli.

For Guidance, please contact Mr. Ravindra More @ 9821967717

reference: www.satara.gov.in and www.mtdc (both websites of government of maharahstra, india)