Last Updated on March 16, 2021 by Editorial Staff
Searching for a unique experience? Witness Kolad river rafting camps which not only cater to adventures but are perfect places for unwinding away from the chaos of the city. Situated along the dam-controlled river here you can take a glimpse of the cascading waters.
They victual to an excellent combination of camping under the star-studded sky with the adrenaline pumping rafting.
The river Kundalika is a big attraction here, especially for people who are interested in white water rafting. The Kundalika River is one of the fastest flowing rivers of the South which makes it ideal for water rafting and other adventure activities.
Along with that, there are a couple of forts, dams, and waterfalls which Kolad a good holiday destination with something to offer to everyone.
Location
Famous for white water rafting on the River Kundalika, Kolad is a thriving tiny village in Mahad region of Raigad district in Maharashtra. It boasts of natural beauty which blooms during the monsoons.
The majestic valleys and picturesque backdrops make Kolad a treat for nature lovers as well as shutterbugs.
This rafting trip will take you through the virgin forests below the Mulshi and Bhira dams, along a 14 KM stretch of the Kundalika. It is also one of the best places for river rafting in India.
Types of Rapids
The Kolad River is perfect for White water rafting as it has only Grade II and Grade III rapids.
Grade II Rapids: Get ready to glide your raft through rough waters. Build up your team.
Prep up with all the safety gears as while rowing through these grades you might need to work on your maneuvering technique because the adventure is just about to get a little rough from here.
Grade III Rapids: The moment you enter this level, you will be welcomed by raging white water. Brace yourself as you are likely to meet sudden drops. Beat the small waves rising high in order to lead forward without any tumbling.
While maneuvering through these grades, make sure you have a better technique planned in mind – build up your team for a thrilling rafting experience.
Rafting Timings
All-year-round for the entire day long from 8 AM to 5 PM. The Kolad river rafting trip starts at 8:00 am every morning. Since the water flow is controlled by the Bhira dam, we start our rafting on schedule or face the possibility of trip cancellation due to lack of water flow.
Difficulty Level
There are 12 rapids in total along the entire stretch ranging from Medium to challenging / Grade II to III Grade
Duration
Total rafting time is 90 to 120 minutes
Best Time for River Rafting at Kolad
While Kundalika is the only river where Rafting technically takes place 365 days a year, there are certain instances when Rafting does not take place. There is a very low probability of the water not being released by the Dam control section.
Kolad offers favorable weather conditions for rafting throughout the year. However, the best season to ride on the waves is June to September. For first-timers, December to March is a good time.
Kolad River Rafting Cost
The cost is depending on whether it is a weekday or a weekend. The cost of Rafting in the Kundalika River in Kolad per person is as follows.
Weekdays: – Approximately Rs.900/-
Weekends: – Approximately Rs.1400 /-
How to reach Kolad from Mumbai by Road and Train
Kolad has its own railway station which is connected to Mumbai and other major cities. The nearest major airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai, which is nearly 113 km from Kolad.
Taxi fares between Mumbai and Kolad are nearly Rs. 3000. Many state-run buses, between Kolad and nearby cities mainly Mumbai.
Kolad by Train: Kolad’s railway station lies under Konkan Railways and it connects Kolad with all other major cities of Maharashtra
Kolad by Bus: State Transport buses are easily available from Mumbai towards Ratnagiri that passes through Kolad. Khandala is the nearest city from Kolad
How to reach Kolad from Pune by Road and Train
By Road: Take the road to Mulshi Dam and drop down the ghats till the turnoff to Shajey village the general starting point on the rafting tour for any operators.
By Air: Nanded serves as the nearest airport to Kolad from Pune. One can hire a cab from outside the airport to reach the final destination.
By Rail: With a railways station of its own, one can easily reach Kolad through train, located on the Konkan Rail line. It is directly connected to Pune railway station which is connected to almost all the major cities of the country.
Matheran (116 km) and Kolhapur (289 km) are tourist spots that are included in long weekend trips to Kolad.
Places to stay in and around Kolad
Devkund Adventure Tourism – Devkund Waterfall Trek & night Tent Camping
- Dhiraj Cottage
At Post Dhawar l, Off, Alibag – Ramraj – Roha Rd, Dhawan
- Vienna Village At Rockhill Adventures And Resorts
Near Kundalika River Rafting, Kolad, Sutarwadi, Dhagadwadi
- Kolad River rafting, Kundalika Rafting Camp, a Nature Trails Resort
Kundalika Rafting Camp, Village Kamat, off Kolad-Mulshi road, Roha, District Raigad, Kolad, Maharashtra 402304
- The Waterfront
Sutarwadi Reservoir Dhagadwadi Kolad, Durtoli, Kolad
Things to do in Kolad
- Visit the Tamhini Chat Waterfall
- Click a few picturesque images at Bhira Dam
- Explore the beauty of the Chosala Fort
- Have a picnic lunch at Sutarwadi lake
- Trek through the lush greenery of Plush Valley
- Climb the summit to the Tala Fort
- Check out the ancient caves of Kuda Mandad
- Visit the Gaimukh Village
- Check out the hidden waterfall of Devkundh
- Try adrenaline rush worthy sports like Zipline, Burma Bridge, Commando Net, Tunnel Crossing, Trust walk, etc
- Check the sculpture museum of Kolad
- Drive to the Murud Janjira of Nogothane
Some Travel and Safety Tips to follow while rafting at Kolad
- Carry a compact first-aid kit just for safety.
- Stretch before you go in for the activity, and always plan the raft distance in your package carefully.
- If you are travelling with older people or children, find a suitable rafting stretch for them.
- Ensure to carry A compact first aid kit including medicines of importance.
- For Quick refreshments keep energy drinks, energy bars along
- Bathing suits, shorts, river sandals, flip-flops, old sneakers are mandatory
- ensure you carry a Waterproof camera bag, fresh batteries, waterproof lens
- Plastic bags for carrying wet clothes are a must
Rafting Guidelines
- Make sure you pay attention to all the instructions carefully given by the guide.
- Prefer to go for the activity in groups of 4 or 6 as per the operator you choose instead of individual or couple rafting.
- Weight criteria for rafting are 40 – 120 Kg (one should be able to fit in the lifejackets)
Timeout, Adventure Kolad, and Trekdi are few of the operators in Kolad who custom design the rafting tour based on your requirements.
Some important frequently asked questions and answers about Kolad river rafting
Almost everybody other than pregnant ladies, heart patients and people with severe asthma can raft. You must tell our Rafting Guide about any significant medical and/or orthopedic condition/history.
The decision to allow to raft or otherwise remains with our Rafting guide.
Minimum age criteria for Rafting is 14 years.
Non-swimmers are most welcome. Good quality life jackets are provided which keep you floating and safe.
T-Shirts and Shorts for rafting are most recommended. Track pants should also be fine. Salwar-kameez, sarees, and Burkhas are a strict no.
Sport shoes or floaters as footwear are recommended and of course a change of dry clothes and a towel. Spectacles are best avoided. If unavoidable should be supported by a strap.
Yes. Non-swimmers are most welcome. Good quality life jackets are provided which keep you floating and safe.
Avoid carrying jewellery, cash, wrist-watch, mobile phone, and camera. The same is not allowed to be carried on the raft.
There is a lot to explore in and around Kolad other than white water rafting. These includes
Beaches – Murud, Kashid, Dive Aagar, Harihareshwar, Alibaug
Forts – Raigad, Sarasgad, Sudhagad
Temples – Pali, Mahad (both are “Ashtavinayaka” Temples), Birla Temple
There are few Resorts in kolad near River Kundalika where the adventure lovers come with family, friends or as a corporate group.
Cozy stay, sumptuous food, and bounty of nature make the stay here a pleasant one. A holiday here is a pleasant and memorable experience.
For Packages like Rafting Only, Rafting + Lunch and Rafting + Activities + Lunch online bookings are available for various operators who organize these rafting and other activities in Kolad.
Yes, the rafting tours are open all year round.
