You know those weekends when you just need to escape the noise? I had one of those not long ago, and somehow, Kolad popped up in a conversation with friends. We’d all heard about the place – mostly for the Kundalika River Rafting Kolad buzz – but none of us had actually been.
So, on a bit of a whim, we packed up early one Saturday morning and hit the road.
Let me walk you through what the trip was like, how to plan it, and a few things I wish someone had told me beforehand.
Why Kolad?
Honestly, Kolad is not your typical touristy place. It’s simple. Quiet. Green. But what makes it stand out is this wild side-the river rafting. The Kundalika River is what everyone talks about, and rightly so. It’s not just some lazy river cruise. The rapids here have some real kick, but they’re still beginner-friendly.
But here’s the cool part – Kolad isn’t just about rafting. There are waterfalls, camping spots, and some really fun Kolad resorts with adventure activities if you’re up for more. I saw people zip-lining, kayaking, and just chilling by the river. It’s got a nice mix.
River Rafting – The Main Event
When’s the Best Time to Go?
Okay, so here’s something I didn’t know before going – rafting is open almost all year because the river is controlled by the nearby Bhira Dam. But, trust me, monsoon season (June to September) is when Kolad truly comes alive. The rapids are stronger, the greenery is off the charts, and the whole place just feels more alive.
What’s the Rafting Like?
- The rafting stretch is about 12 kilometers and takes around two hours.
- It’s pretty beginner-friendly. None of us were rafting pros, and we had an absolute blast.
- Don’t worry about the gear – the rafting guides provide helmets, life jackets, paddles – the works. They explain everything really well too.
Quick heads-up: Weekends get packed, especially if you’re booking last minute. We were lucky, but next time, I’d definitely book in advance.
Getting to Kolad
Super Simple, Actually:
- By Car: It’s around 120 km from Mumbai or Pune. About a 3-hour drive, give or take depending on traffic.
- By Train: Kolad has a station on the Konkan Railway line, so that’s an easy option if you don’t want to drive.
- By Air: If you’re coming from far, Mumbai airport is your closest bet, and then you can hire a cab or take the train.
Here’s How Our Day Looked
- Morning: We started rafting around 9 AM. Mornings are perfect because it’s not too hot and the river feels super fresh.
- Afternoon: Post-rafting, we were starving. Luckily, there are small local spots and camps that serve a solid local meal. Nothing fancy, but it hit the spot.
- Evening: We had some time to explore, so we checked out a nearby waterfall (the guides will suggest a few) and hung out at one of the Kolad resorts with adventure setups. There was zip-lining, but honestly, we were just happy to chill by the river after all the action.
Should You Stay Overnight?
If you can, yes. I kinda wish we did. There are loads of stay options – tents, riverside cottages, even a few more luxurious places if that’s your thing. Some Kolad resorts with adventure packages bundle in rafting, camping, zip-lining, and more.
It’s the perfect spot to light a bonfire at night and just relax. I’d recommend at least a weekend trip if you can spare the time.
A Few Things I Wish I Knew
- Clothes Matter: Quick-dry clothes and sandals that stay strapped to your feet are your best bet.
- Pack Light but Smart: Sunscreen, a towel, a change of clothes, and a waterproof pouch for your phone and cash.
- Safety is Serious: Listen to your guides. They know their stuff.
- Book Early: Especially in the rainy season or on weekends – rafting slots fill up quickly.
Final Take
If you’re sitting on the fence about this trip – just go. Seriously. Whether you’re there for the thrill of Kundalika River Rafting Kolad or you just want to unwind at Kolad resorts with adventure activities, you’ll come back refreshed.
It’s not some over-polished tourist spot, and maybe that’s exactly why it’s so good. Pack your bags, call your friends, and go make some stories in Kolad. I know I’ll be heading back soon.
