Maharashtra's Valley of Flowers: Tourists swarm Kaas Plateau near Mumbai during bloom season

Kaas Plateau also known as “Kaas Pathar”, seated 279 km from Mumbai, is currently blooming with flowers in reds, whites, and blues. Following the opening of the Kaas Flower Festival on September 5, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has become the go-to destination for travellers.

As the monsoon breathes life into the plateau with species like Ranhalad, Neelima, and Deepkandi begin to bloom. However, this has been shadowed by the overwhelming influx of visitors.

• Last weekend, the plateau saw a surge, with over 10,000 tourists flocking in each day.

• 3,000 people made online bookings, while more than 5,000 tourists arrived without prior booking.

• The Kaas Committee shut down booking systems and entry to the plateau was no longer allowed. 

• Many took advantage of the situation, bypassing the ₹150 entry fee through alternative access points or blending into the crowd.

• Roads became choked with traffic jams as people parked on both sides of the road, and walked to the plateau.

With only one main entry point, the pressure on Kaas is immense. It’s vital for visitors to be mindful and for local authorities to implement effective crowd management strategies. To avoid any inconvenience, tourists are encouraged to book through the website www.kas.ind.in.