Kolad, a quaint village in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, is the perfect destination for adventure lovers. Famous for its waterfalls and absolute natural beauty, this sleepy hamlet offers one of the most enthralling experiences of white water rafting in India. The Kundalika River, which flows through the region, is one of the fastest flowing rivers and has several rapids that add to the fun and excitement of the activity of rafting.
What makes rafting in Kolad truly enchanting is that it is amongst the few destinations in India where rafting enthusiasts can enjoy the activity almost all year round. However, apart from Kolad River rafting, the 14 km long stretch of Kundalika River, is also renowned for various other water sports activities. Adventure seekers can enjoy activities like kayaking, jet skiing, and banana boat ride, bumper ride and river zip line crossing on this stretch.
Rafting across the Kundalika River is carried out mainly on the let off of the hydroelectric project, which is one of the main attractions of the regions. The rapids are classified as grade II and grade III making them suitable only for rafters with some prior experience in the sport. There are several operators that offer rafting packages and provide all the necessary equipments along with a professional expert to guide the rafters.
The rugged topography of the region is quite famous and attracts people who love trekking, paragliding, mountain climbing and rappelling in addition to rafting. There are several resorts and cottages in the area that can be used by adventure lovers for accommodation in case they plan a trip lasting several days. However, it might be necessary to make prior bookings with these resorts and cottages to avoid any inconvenience during peak Kolad River rafting season. Alternately, the trekkers can also opt for the home stay option where they get to enjoy the hospitality of the locals or they might also opt to stay in tents, camps and caravans.
The picturesque route along the banks of river Kundalika offers the rafters a relaxing and calm environment to loosen up their tired limbs and get refreshed. The natural beauty of the region makes the rafting trip truly rejuvenating and helps the rafters to distress by simply taking in the magnificent sights that surround them.
Exact Location: Kolad is located on the Sahyadri Mountain range in Raigad at a distance of nearly 140 kms from Mumbai.
Nearest Towns: Roha, Indapur, Mangaon, Nagothane
Rapid Length: About 13 kms
Total Time Taken: Approx 2hrs from start to end
Best Time to Visit: All Year Round
Adventure Fanatic 