The Complete Guide To River Rafting In Kolad

Nestled in the beautiful Sahyadri Hills, Kolad is an important adventure sports destination in Maharashtra. Adventure lovers visit Kolad to enjoy water sports and more importantly, rafting.

Kolad is the best place for rafting in Maharashtra. The rapids of the river are excellent, and the views from the river outstanding. There is nothing more to ask for when it comes to a great rafting experience. 

Before you plan a river rafting trip to Kolad, it’s good to have all the important details, so you are well-informed. Our comprehensive guide to river rafting in Kolad will get you started.

Quick Facts

• • Location: Raigad 
    

• • Rapids: Grade 2 & 3
    

• • Rafting Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
    

• • Difficulty level: Difficult
    

• Timing: Starts at 8 am
  

Best Time To Go River Rafting In Kolad

Rafting on the Kundalika River completely depends on the water released from the nearby dam. Generally, the most amount of water is released during the monsoon season. Therefore, it is best to go rafting during this period.

The gushing water is not the only reason why it is good to go rafting in monsoon. The foliage around the Kundalika River lights up with a fresh green glow, giving the place a majestic look and feel.  

On the other hand, those who love rafting, but cannot cope with thrilling rapids, should visit Kolad during winter. The river is much calmer, so rafting is not that difficult.

How to Get to Kolad

Kolad is conveniently located near Maharashtra’s two biggest cities, Pune and Mumbai. Many tourists from these cities use the weekend for a quick getaway to Kolad.

1. Road

• • Bus: Getting to Kolad is convenient, you can take a bus from Mumbai or Pune and even drive down. The distance from Mumbai to Kolad is about 120 kilometers and from Pune, about 136 kilometers.
    

• Private Vehicle: You can hire a private car from Mumbai or Pune. There are two options, you can book a private taxi from a car rental company or book one from Dadar TT Circle. There are many local taxis available there. The driving distance from Mumbai to Kolad is 120 kilometers. You can also hire cars from Pune. The driving distance is about 136 kilometers.
  

2. Rail

From Pune, there are no direct trains, you will have to get down at Lonavala and from there take a taxi to Kolad. If you are departing from Mumbai, you can take the Diva or Ratnagiri Passenger Train that operates daily.

3. Flight

 There is no airport in Kolad, so getting here by flight is not possible.

River Rafting in Kolad

The Kundalika River is the fastest river in India. When it is at full flow, rafting on the river is an exciting experience. Although the rapids might seem fast, it is safe to river raft in Kolad. You are provided with high-quality safety equipment and will be accompanied by experienced swimmers and rafting experts.

A regular rafting ride on the Kundalika River lasts for around 2.5 – 3 hours. The highlight of river rafting in Kolad is that you can pair it with other cool water sports like kayaking and river crossing by zip-lining, something you don’t normally get to do in other places.

Expenses

• • River Rafting: River Rafting in Kolad will cost you Rs. 1,500 per person. This includes the cost of safety jackets and a bit of training.

• • Travel: Private cars will cost you Rs.4,000 for a return journey from Mumbai and Pune. Bus tickets will be between Rs.500 to 700 and train ticket costs Rs. 70 from Mumbai.

• Food: Rs.500 per day

Overall, you will end up paying around Rs.5,000 per day. If you go by public transport, your budget will decrease.

Places To Stay

The MTDC has a hotel is Kolad that offers reasonable accommodation. If you are looking for other options, there are a few homestays near the river in Kolad. There are also gorgeous farmhouses in Kolad that provide accommodation. Prices for a room begin at Rs. 2,500 a night.

Food

In Kolad you will find many local dhabas (small restaurants) serving Maharashtrian and Mughlai food like Sreekar The Dhaba. Those who do not wish to eat at a dhaba, can dine at cafes and restaurants in Kolad. The hotels in Kolad too have very good restaurants to dine at, like the Orchard Resort Cafe.

Places To See In Kolad

1. Tamhini Ghat

Tamhini Ghat is a popular tourist attraction in Kolad. The place is great for trekking and enjoying nature. The ghat sees a lot of tourist footfall during the peak season and the monsoon. Most visitors to Tamhini Ghat are adventure seekers who drop by to enjoy treks.

2. Ghosala Fort

Located a few kilometres away from Kolad. The Ghosala Fort is a great place to check out old architecture. The climb up to the fort is not all that difficult. From the fort premises, catch amazing views of the hills and the surroundings.

3. Sutarwadi Lake

Visit the Sutarwadi Lake for a refreshing change. The lake is a great spot for bird watching. Other cool activities here include boat rides and walks by the lake. There are a few food vendors who sell fresh and hot snacks during the day and in the evening.

4. Plus Valley Trek

If you want to add more adventure to your rafting experience, we suggest you head to Plus Valley for a trek. When you look at the valley from the highest peak, you will notice that the valley looks like a ‘Plus Sign’. The best time to visit in pre-monsoon, just before the rainy season kicks in.

Kolad is a great place for river rafting in the monsoon. It has one of the best rapids, and you can add in a few great experiences such as trekking to your trip to Kolad.

If you’re looking for more things to do in Kolad, do let us know your questions in the comments below and we would be glad to assist you.

Safety & Travel Trips

• • Don’t carry your mobile with you while river rafting.
    

• • Wear comfortable clothing.
    

• • Make sure you follow all rules and regulations properly.
    

• • Always wear a life jacket while rafting.
    

• • Wear sunscreen before you go rafting
    

• • Make sure you keep a few hours as a buffer if you are travelling by public transport. Sometimes there could be delays.
    

• Do all your hotel and river rafting bookings in advance.