River rafting is a splendid adventure sport and one such amazing spot is to be found in the Sahayadris. With a great number of waterfalls, the Kolad River Rafting is a great spot to try some river rafting. This is one of the prime spots for this sport in Maharashtra. Kolad is tranquil but vibrant at the same time and apart from rafting, one can also try a number of other activities here like rappelling, rock climbing and kayaking. This spot now attracts a great number of adventure seekers every year. Kolad is located about 121 km from Mumbai.
To travel to Kolad, one needs to go to the Raigad district and the river rafting takes place in the Kundalika River. It happens to be one of the fastest flowing river in South India and there are a great other things to see here like forts, dams and stunning waterfalls. Even if you are not an adventure enthusiast, you can simply come here for the scenic beauty of the place.
For those who are going for the first time on their rafting adventure, worry not, as there are plenty of raft guides here who will give you proper instruction and training before the activity. All arrangements regarding safety gear will also be made by them.
Although the Kolad rafting can be done at any time of the year, for the hard core adventure enthusiasts, the monsoons hold a special interest. This is because the river is at its swiftest and the rapids are almost overflowing. It takes a lot of dexterity to keep afloat and the seasoned water rafting really love this experience, taking the river rafting to a whole new level.
The weather is ideal throughout the year and it is largely humid, without any major fluctuations throughout the year. The monsoons last from June to September, and this is when the maximum tourists come here. The river is literally roaring and the verdant greenery around is a sight for sore eyes and you will love the change it brings from the dull and monotonous city life.
For those who are first timers and do not want to take on the angry river during monsoons, the other time to visit would be between October to March. And those who want to visit Kolad during summer vacations can visit during March to June. There are some both big and small waterfalls here and you can simply frolic under the waters.
The actual cost of the river rafting would depend on the amount of time you spend on the river. More or less, the rafting continues for 2 hours and the final costs depend on a number of factors like the size of the group, route chosen and the season. The cost will also vary depending on whether it is a weekday or a weekend.
Approximately, on weekdays, the Kolad river rafting price is INR 800 per head and on weekends it is INR 1200 per head. Those in the age group of 18- 45 are allowed for the rafting.
Before you start your river rafting, you must have an idea of the types of rapids that are to be found on and near the Kundalika River. This river is dam controlled and the activity is conducted when the water is released from the dam and gushes in full force. It has only been a few years but already this region has become a major spot of river rafting in South India, after Rishikesh in North India.
There are various grades to the water rafting experience.
Grade I: The first grade is prepping you and the instructor will tell you about signs to look out for and all about the techniques of river rafting. You will also be prepped with the safety equipments.
Grade II: At this point, the raft will be glided into the river and the speed is slow. You will be told to try to maneuver your raft with the techniques you learnt and get the feel of rowing on a rough river.
Grade III: At this level, you will be encountering the raging white waters and you need to brace yourself as you are sure to meet with sudden drops. You have to beat the waves so that you can keep on moving forward without any tumbling. Team work is essential, which is why you need to have a good rapport with the other members on board.
Grade IV: Grade IV mostly takes places in the monsoons when the river is raging and roaring and you have to apply every ounce of your skill to keep your raft afloat amidst the raging waters. It is dangerous but that is what makes it so thrilling.
The rafters have to gather at the starting camp point at 8:30 am and here they are briefed about the dos and don’ts of the sport. Around 9:00 am, you will be given rafting gears and by 9:30, you are usually in the water. The final stretch of rafting is mostly about 12 to 13 km and takes place between the two major dams on the river.
The activity itself is astounding and you will have no idea how time would simply whisk by. The activity would continue for two or three hours and then you return to the camp site for lunch. You will encounter a lot of greenery around and the views are stunning. Even camping by the river side will leave you rejuvenated. And if you are planning to stay overnight, you will be Kolad camping beneath the stars and it would be the perfect spot to light a bonfire and reminiscence with your friends.
Post lunch, after you are refreshed and rested, you can head to trying out some of the other activities here like kayaking, jet skiing and dart games. If you are in the mood for a hike, then you can go to the nearby forts and explore them. After such a challenging day, you finally check out of the camp at 6:00 pm.
Rafting takes a lot of skill and there is something incredible about raging the force of the nature with only an inflatable raft. Kolad River is Western Maharashtra is a great spot for the adventure enthusiasts of South India. The river is fed by the excess water from the hydroelectric projects and dams and hence it is ideal for rafting as well as for other water based activities.
There are multiple ways to reach Kolad
By Road from Mumbai: The distance of Kolad from Mumbai is about 122 km. You can travel through Kodambakkam- Mumbai Highway and the Khapoli- Pali Road. You will Kolad this way in about 2 hours 30 mins. You can also take the MH SH 104 and the NH 66 and you will reach Kolad in 2 hours 48 mins. You can only take the NH 66 from Mumbai if you are in mood for a long drive, then you will reach in about 3 hours 27 mins.
Train: One can simply take a day train from Dadar or CST railway station to Kolad station and will reach in about 2 hours.
By Road from Pune: From Pune, the distance of Kolad is about 144 km. You may take the Mumbai- Pune Expressway and would reach Kolad in about 3 hours. You could also travel via Tamhini Ghat Road and it will take about 2 hours 50 mins.
Train: One can take a train from Pune railways station to Kolad station and it will pass through Lonavla. It will take about 3.5 hours to reach.
If you are someone who loves adventure, then do plan your next trip to Kolad on your next break. You will be quite amazed to find such a thrilling location so close to Mumbai and the region is a complete package of beauty, greenery, thrill and adventure. You are sure to be planning your next visit here with an even larger group for sure.
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