A striped salute awaits you at Tadoba

Whether it's Tadoba's tigers, Harishchandragad's impregnability or the flower carpet welcome at Kaas Plateau, The Trip unveils four kickass destinations in Maharashtra that are waiting to be discovered in 2011. Happy holidaying!

Flower power in the Deccan: Kaas Plateau
Most of us might have heard and even dreamt of visiting the Valley of Flowers in the Himalayas. Rich in colour and splendour, it is often on most people's bucket list of places to see.

However, few are aware that Maharashtra has its very own Valley of Flowers, the Kaas Plateau in Satara district. This must-see locale is not only for botanists but also for nature lovers in search of new territory.

Eye spy
Expect to see more than 300 different varieties of wild flowers, herbs, orchids, shrubs and insectivorous plants. The plateau overlooks the lush evergreen forests that serve as a water catchment area of the Koyna Dam. It has also been declared as the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.

The later phase of the monsoons (August, September) is the best time to pay a visit, when the entire area is transformed into a flowerbed, for miles on end. One can gasp at majestic, sprawling carpets of flowers, as far as the eye can see; these colours change every week, depending on the dominant flower of the particular time.

How to raech
>>u00a0Road or rail are good options. You can catch a train or bus to Pune. Take a local bus or taxi (taxis, the more reliable option) towards Katraj to catch the NH4 towards Satara. Cross the Mahabaleshwar exit and move forward for another 30-45 kms where you will spot a junction with the exit to Satara on the right. At this point, a mountain range will emerge in front. Climb steadily up the road for about 15-20 kms and you will reach Kaas Plateau,u00a0 surrounded by endless patches of colour.

Hiker's paradise: Harishchandragad
You've got a few days off and all you want to do is admire nature and get a workout along the way.u00a0 Harishchandragad is the ideal destination for your hiking highs.

It is one of Maharashtra's most popular trekking routes, and not without reason. This hill fort is situated in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Its history is linked with that of Malshej Ghat, and has played a major role in guarding the surrounding region since ancient times.

Hike details
Height above sea level: 4,510 ft
Difficulty rating: Medium
Base village: Khireshwar
Approximate time to reach
The top: 3-4 hours from the base village

Eye spy
Lucky tourists might spot cheetahs, flamingoes and snakes on their upward trek or while at the fort. There are also many temples, caves, which add to the cultural richness of the place.

Stay
One can carry camping gear and camp out near the forts, and this is especially pleasant during the winter months. There is plenty of room near the caves situated close to the Harishchandreshwar Temple.

Accommodation in Khireshwar: The local school is the best place to sleep for a night and makes for quite a unique experience as well, since you end up feeling very much like a part of the community.

Water availability
Water is available in tanks near the caves situated not too far away from the fort; however it is always a good idea to carry your own supply. During winters, food is available at the fort but it is wise to make your own arrangements in the summer or monsoons.

Nearby attractions
Aptatirtha: To the east of the temple is a well-built lake called Saptatirtha. On its bank are temple-like constructions in which there are idols of Lord Vishnu.

Kedareshwar: Going rightward from Harishchandreshwar temple, is a huge cave of Kedareshwar, which is home to a big Shivlinga, and is completely surrounded by water. The total height from its base is five feet, and the water is waist-deep. It is difficult to reach the Shivlinga, as the water is ice cold. There are sculptures carved out here too.

Konkan Kada (Konkan cliff): This is perhaps the most interesting point on this fort. It has fascinated people for years. From here, one can experience a breathtaking view of the surrounding region, the setting sun. This cliff is not straight, but concave in its topmost approach. It is this feature that renders it distinct. Spotting a rainbow from this spot is a memorable sight.

How to raech
>> One can reach the base village by road. It is advisable to hire a car or mini bus from Pune and set off early so that you can reach the summit in time to get a cave to sleep in. Keep in mind that it can get quite unpleasant to sleep without a roof over your head in this terrain, which is subject to sudden heavy rainfall.

Relive The Jungle Book: Tadoba Tiger Reserve
Do you dream of putting on a pair of good boots, throwing on a camouflage safari suit and spotting tigers by the bunch. It's hard to imagine why anyone would say no to the idea, considering the largely dwindling population of tigers left in our country.

And to think these striped cats were right with us in Maharashtra all along. The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is often referred to as the Jewel of Vidharbha, and is Maharashtra's oldest national park. The park was established in 1935 and was declared a tiger reserve in 1955.

Tadoba is ideal for a solo visit or a trip with the family. Guided tours are well-planned and the reserve is open throughout the year, though it has been suggested that the best time to visit is in summer, when the animals (more importantly, the tigers) are spotted near watering holes.

Eye spy
Look forward to spotting plenty of wildlife, apart from tigers. Ranging from Leopard, Sloth Bear, Gaur, Rusty Spotted Cat, Indian Mouse Deer, Spotted Deer, Sambhar to Wild Boar, Four-horned Antelope, Wild Dog, Flying Squirrel and Crocodiles.

Stay
One can enjoy a comfortable stay at the forest lodges, guesthouses, holiday homes and a youth hostel near the reserve.

How to reach
>>u00a0By air: Nearest airport: Nagpur (205 kms); nearest railhead: Chandrapur (45 kms). State transport bus facilities are available from both destinations, to reach the reserve.

Sea side surprise: Tarkarli
This one is for all you water babies who have been to Goa one too many times. Or perhaps find Goa a bit far, keeping in mind our time-strapped lives.

Tarkarli beach is just what the doctor ordered. Rightly called the Queen Beach of Sindudurg, it is now a familiar seaside destination for travellers and beach bums, thanks to its clean, secluded shoreline and pristine waters. On a particularly sunny day you might be able to see the bed at a depth of 20 feet.

Eye spy
Expect to witness the sea and sand blending in enchanting harmony. Graceful boats cruising in the calm and passive waters add to the beauty of this beach. Dolphin sightings are common. While here, ensure you get to savour Malvani cuisine, comprising of a variety of fish preparations and the popular Kombadi Vade (Malvani-styled chicken dish).

Adventure bound
Tarkarli offers scuba diving and snorkeling facilities, for the first time ever, in Maharashtra. For novices, there are good, experienced diving guides who will accompany you into its deep, blue waters. One can even pursue a diving certificate over here.u00a0 This aside, look forward to the deep-sea fishing and dolphin sightings.

Stay
Newly-built Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) cottages offer comfortable accommodation and recreational facilities. This includes MTDC's latest introduction, its swanky houseboats -- Hiranyakeshi (a deluxe houseboat) and Karli (a standard houseboat). These fully-equipped luxury boats are fully equipped with modern, luxurious amenities on board. For more details and latest tariffs, visit https://www.mtdc.com/

Nearby attractions
Several sights including the famous Sindhudurg fort (8 km) are located near Tarkarli. Other places range from beaches (Bhogwe Beach) to temples (Bhagwati and Jai Ganesh temple) to hill stations (Amboli).

How to reach
>> Road: You can catch the Mumbai-Goa Highway and reach in about 8 hours. The Mumbai-Pune-Goa Expressway is also located here and though the route is longer, the roads are better so you can reach in pretty much the same amount of time.
>> Rail: Can opt for a train to Pune or Goa and hire a taxi or a local bus from there.