Month: May 2017

Detailed Description

If you are looking to get away from the routine life of work, worry and stress, then take a break from your city life and enjoy a holiday to a hot new destination called Kolad, the adventure capital of Maharashtra which has an unspoiled beauty to offer and is waiting to be explored.

Regular destinations like Matheran, Mahableshwar or Lonavala however beautiful are generally overcrowded and over priced during weekends. So, instead plan a weekend trip to this picturesque little village of Kolad, which is about 120 km from both Mumbai and Pune.

About Kolad

Kolad is a small prosperous village situated on the banks of river Kundalika in Raigad district of Maharashtra. This hamlet is blessed with lush greenery and at its backdrop is the majestic Sahyadri mountain range with beautiful valley sand marshlands adding to the scenic beauty. Kolad became popular after it was discovered by a few hikers and adventure sport lovers and they found it an ideal location for conducting adventurous activities. Today, Kolad is steadily gaining recognition with tourist due to its vicinity to resorts, farmhouses, river rafting facilities, campsites, waterfalls, dams, forts, lakes and other scenic attractions.

Best time to visit Kolad

As 365 days River Rafting is operational, but the best time to visit is between June to March is the ideal for visiting Kolad. Monsoon season is the most beautiful time to visit, winters are pleasant. While summer months of March to May are slightly hotter hence should be avoided.

Adventure activities @ Kolad

White water river rafting:

The biggest attraction in Kolad is the ‘Kundalika River Rafting’. The source of Kundalika River is from Tamhini Ghat and it flows through Kolad village and is a perfect place for rafting for amateurs. This rafting activity is conducted between two dams which are about 12 km apart. Rafting starts from the lower side of Bhira Dam and runs into Dolwahal Dam and since there is no unfamiliar changes in the levels of water this river is highly safe and has been recognized as water sports hub. Enjoy rafting in this 12 km water stretch which is full of exciting rapids of grade 3 type making it a fun-filled for 2 hour activity.

A visit during the monsoon season is ideal since rafting activities are at its peak due to the high levels of water.

Indulge in river rafting as this activity apart from being thrilling and exciting, will help you get over your fears and will make you a stronger and courageous person.

This is the only rafting facility in India that is operational all round the year.

Other River Adventures:

Besides river rafting, the Kundalika River offers other river adventures like kayaking and river zip line. Boating through this river is a relaxing experience as you get to watch the gentle pace of village life of Kolad and its surroundings which is rich in vegetation and has a great biological diversity.

Land Adventures @ Kolad:

Kolad is well known for its waterfalls, rugged topography and rocky mountains. Here the trekking trails offered vary from medium challenges to adventurous, and trekking during the monsoon season has its own charm as nature is at its best as there is water on all sides and trekking amidst rain drenched trees and mist covered mountains makes it a unique feature of Kolad.

Tourist can also indulge in other adventurous activities like rock climbing, rappelling and climbing up through thundering waterfalls enjoying the beautiful scenery while being a part it.

With growing popularity Kolad has become home to a few campsites and farm houses, which have a breathtaking views and complete access to the backwaters of the Kundalika River.

Farmhouse stays @ Kolad

After a fun-filled day of adventure farm houses in Kolad offer a peaceful home stay and tourist can get the much needed rest after a tiring day of activities. Here you can enjoy a farm type adventure stay which includes activities for both individuals and corporate houses. Birding enthusiasts must pack appropriate binoculars and amateurs should carry birding books since the farm houses here are amidst rich vegetation and one can get to see at least 40 different species of birds and animals.

Camping Checklist: Carry these essentials for a safe camping experience.

Torch

Sturdy rope

Pen knife

First aid kit

Rain-wear

Toiletries

Sleeping bag

Insect repellent

Attractions In & Around Kolad

Kundalika River

Bhira Dam (Tata Powerhouse Dam)

Dholwal Dam

Kuda Caves

Kolad Museum

Sutarwadi Lake

Tamhini Falls

Ghosala Fort

Gaimukh

Tala Fort

Detailed Description

Sukeli is a tiny hamlet in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. This entire region is blessed with natural luxuriant foliage and greenery and is a popular holiday spot close to Kolad village.

Come monsoon and everyone thinks of waterfalls, so Sukeli Waterfalls is one place, which is a must visit during this time.

A visit to the falls, and a view of the gushing waters and surging sprays, will keep your mind and soul refreshed and rejuvenated.

During this time the region is home to a number of migratory birds and apart from the waterfalls, Sukeli offers beautiful views, a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The surroundings of the waterfalls have lush green forests and unexplored valleys, making it ideal for adventure activities like trekking, rappelling and having a picnic with buddies.

Timing: Sunrise to sunset.

Duration: 1 day outing

Best time to visit: During monsoon season from June to September.

Entry Fee: N.A.

Open days: All days of the week.

Visit Duration: 2 – 3 hours.

Photography: Allowed.

Activities:

-Trekking

-Waterfall Rappelling

-Family Picnics

-Photography for nature lovers

-Watching rare species of birds

How to reach:

Located on Mumbai – Goa highway, Sukeli waterfalls is about 7 km from Kolad village.

On Mumbai Goa National Highway 17

Distance by road:  Mumbai to Roha (116 km) i.e. 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Pune to Sukeli: 135 km i.e. 2 hours and 30 minutes.

By Rail: Roha railway station is nearest to reach Sukeli after which travellers can take local transport or State Transport buses to reach Sukeli.

Places near Sukeli:

Kolad village has become a popular destination with tourists from all over Maharashtra comes for its water rafting, adventure sports and other attractions and is 7 km from Sukeli waterfalls.

Tourists visiting the falls can enjoy an extended vacation to Kolad village.   

Where to eat:

Since Sukeli is a secluded hamlet there are no proper hotels and restaurants, only make shift snack and tea stalls. So, it is advisable to carry your own water and snack items.

Camping:

There is no official arrangement or infrastructure for camping at the falls. But adventure enthusiast seeking adventure can try their luck and seek permission from the local authorities and enjoy a camp near the falls.

A humble request:

While visiting Sukeli Waterfalls please do not litter and help keep the nature and surroundings clean by carrying back your thrash and disposing it in a decent manner.

Kindly support nature as these small actions by each one of us will help preserve our beautiful waterfalls.

Kolad by Car

Kundalika Distance from Pune

The most convenient way to reach Kolad, Kundalika distance from Pune is to hire a private taxi or drive down in your own vehicle to Kolad. The route to Kolad is just awesome and is full of picturesque views of mountains, waterfalls, ponds, lakes and beautiful greenery.

Route 1: via Paud Road.
Distance: 120 km.
Duration: 3 hrs.

Pune – Kothrud – Paud Road – Pirangut – Paud –Mulshi Dam – Tamhini Ghat – Kolad.

Route 2: via Mumbai – Pune Express Highway and Khopoli – Pali Road.
Distance: 150 km
Duration: 3 hours

Move towards National Highway 4 from Ganeshkhind Road, Aundh Road and Baner Road and merge onto National Highway 4 – Take the Mumbai Pune Expressway to MH SH 104. Take the exit from Mumbai – Pune Expressway near Khopali – Move on to Khopoli – Pali Road to NH66 – Turn left onto NH66 (Mumbai – Goa Road) Continue Driving – Turn Right for Kolad.

Kolad by Train:

Kolad railway station lies under Konkan Railways but there is no direct train between Pune and Kolad.

There are a number of trains that run daily between Pune and Mumbai, so board any train that will halt at Lonavala station and from Lonavala hire a taxi and reach Kolad, this is the cheapest and easiest way to reach Kolad from Pune.

Kolad by Bus:

State Transport buses are easily available for Kolad from Pune and tourist can board those buses that are moving towards Raigad district. They can alight at Kolad which is on Mumbai – Goa highway.

Travel Duration is about 3 hours.

Please click on link below for detailed time table of S.T buses from Pune.   http://www.punediary.com/html/st_swargate.html

For more Information on MSRTC Bus timing is available on

http://msrtconline.in/timetable.aspx
https://msrtc.maharashtra.gov.in/
http://eroad.in/msrtc-maharashtra_roadways

Tourist can also opt to travel on private owned buses between Pune to Kolad. Please enquire about the bus services and timings with your local bus operator.

Kolad by Car:

Distance: 120 km

Duration: 2 hr and 30 minutes.

Rent a car or Hire a cab or simply drive down to Kolad in your own vehicle, travelling by this mode is ideal when you are

going in a group or with families having senior citizens and kids. The route to Kolad is just awesome and is full of

picturesque views of mountains, waterfalls, ponds, lakes and beautiful greenery.

There are 2 routes by which you can reach Kolad from Mumbai.

Route 1: Mumbai – Vashi – Kalamboli(take right) – Panvel Bypass – Karnala( Pass Karnal Bird Sanctuary) – Pen – Vadkhal

Naka(take left) – Nagaothane – Kolad.

Route 2: Mumbai – Panvel – Mumbai Pune Express Way – Khapoli Exit(Move towards Pen Khapoli Road) – Sharp Right onto Pen  

Khapoli Road – Turn left onto Khapoli Pali Road(Continue Driving) – Turn Left on NH66(Mumbai – Goa Road) Continue Driving

– Turn Left for Kolad.

Kolad by Train:

Kolad’s railway station lies under Konkan Railways and it connects Kolad with all other major cities of Maharashtra and

India.The train route to Kolad is just awesome and it is full of scenic beauty.

From Mumbai there is/are 2 direct Passenger train(s) to Kolad which runs on a daily basis. This is the cheapest way to

reach Kolad from Mumbai.

1) Train Name and Number: Diva Sawantwadi Passenger, 50105 – Diva To Sawantwadi Road.

Origin: Panvel              Departure:  07:05
Destination: Kolad   Arrival:    09:17
Time Travel:  2 hr 12 min.

2) Train Name and Number : Dadar Ratnagiri Passenger, 50103 – Dadar (Central) To Ratnagiri.

Origin : Dadar.       Departure : 15:35
Destination : Kolad   Arrival :   19:36
Time Travel : 4 hr 1 min.

You can also travel by shuttle trains from Diva to Roha and from Roha station you can take a shared auto rickshaw to Kolad.

Trains from Mumbai to Roha :

1) Train Name and Number : Rajya Rani Express, 11003 – Dadar (Central) To Sawantwadi Road.
Train Schedule: Daily.
Departure from Dadar(Central) : 00:05.
Arrival at Roha : 03:15.
Time to reach Roha : 3 hr 10 min.

2) Train Name and Number : Dadar Sawantwadi Special Train, 01095.
Train Schedule : Sunday, Tuesday, Friday
Departure from Dadar(Central) : 07:50
Arrival at Roha : 11 : 35
Time to reach Roha : 3 hr 45  min.

3) Netravati Express, 16345 – Lokmanya Tilak Terminus To Trivandrum Central
Train Schedule : Daily
Departure from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT): 11:40
Arrival at Roha : 14 : 42
Time to reach Roha : 3 hr

If you get down at Nagothane railway station, one stop before Roha station (Mumbai to Goa highway is nearby so it’s easy

to travel) you will find S.T buses (any bus travelling towards Konkan areas will halt at Kolad naka).

Kolad by Bus:

State Transport buses are easily available from Mumbai towards Ratnagiri. Tourist can get down at Kolad which is on

Mumbai – Goa highway. Travel Duration is about 3 hours.

There are daily ST bus services for Mumbai to Ratnagiri route from Mumbai Central @ 11:00 & 17:00 hrs.

For more Information on MSRTC Bus timing is available on

http://msrtconline.in/timetable.aspx
https://msrtc.maharashtra.gov.in/
http://eroad.in/msrtc-maharashtra_roadways

Also many private owned bus operators provide transport services between Mumbai and Ratnagiri. The first bus from mumbai

departs at around 7:00 a.m. and the last bus departs at around 9:00 p.m.

Tourist can select bus of their choice i.e. Volvo AC,Volvo AC Sleeper, AC Seater Non AC Sleeper and many other.

The most preferred pickup points for this route (Mumbai to Ratnagiri) in Mumbai are

Borivali(East) – Opposite National Park.
Andheri(East) – Bisleri Compound.
Bandra(East) – Kalanagar Bus Stop.

Tour operators providing bus services between Mumbai and Ratnagiri are:

Ghatge Patil Travels   – http://www.gptmohantravels.com/
Mukund Krupa Travels   – http://www.mukundkrupa.com/
Lambodar Tours and Travels – http://lambodartoursandtravels.com/
Neeta tours and travels – http://neetabus.in/
Paulo Travels – http://www.phmgoa.com/

Please enquire before booking your tickets online as the journey time and pickup point close to you may differ with different bus operator.

Detailed Description

The climate in Kolad is of a tropical type and being in the midst of the Sahyadri mountain range the weather is generally pleasant throughout the year so, one can visit Kolad ANY time of the year.
So let’s have a look at the climatic conditions during the major seasons so you can plan your visit accordingly.

Monsoons (June to October):

The entire Konkan belt is blessed with heavy rain during the monsoons and this is the best time to visit Kolad for white water river rafting as the water levels in the river are high and the currents get stronger which makes rafting even more exciting and enjoyable.

Also during this time the entire Sahaydri range comes alive and the entire region is full of waterfalls and one can enjoy trekking through the waterfalls and lush greenery, for more adventure seekers they can indulge in adventurous activities like rock climbing, rappelling, river crossing etc.

Monsoon is also an ideal time in Kolad to admire a wide variety of flora and fauna; hear the shrill of the birds chirping or see colourful butterflies at work.

Winters (November to February):

These are also extremely good months to visit Kolad as the weather during this time is pleasantly cool and comfortable.

Tourist can enjoy rafting, other adventure activities or spend time relaxing and visiting attractions in and around Kolad.

As night falls it gets a bit chilly this is the perfect time to enjoy a barbeque or light a campfire and have a great time with your buddies.

Summers (March to May):

During summer the climate is hotter during the day, but this still does not affect white water rafting activity because rafting takes place in the morning at around 8:30 a.m. and ends by 12:00 p.m. So in no way are tourist affected by the summer heat and this is ideal for tourist who are on a one day trip. But this is an ideal time also for tourists who prefer lesser crowds and would like to relax, enjoy and experience Kolad all by themselves or with their buddies.

Important details for tourist on white water rafting in Kolad

River Rafting in Kolad started a few years ago and now has become a year round activity.

This is the only rafting facility in India that is operational all round the year the reason being water is released and controlled from the nearby Bhira dam on a daily basis the water is released at around 8:00 a.m. and the rapids that are formed are of grade 2 and grade 3 which is ideal for amateurs and experts alike.

Rafting trips start around 8:30 a.m. as the water is controlled by the Bhira dam, tourist must reach on time and start their rafting trip on schedule else they will face a possibility of a cancellation if late, due to the lack of water flow.

So tourist should reach the start point of the rafting at least 30 minutes before start time i.e. 8:30 a.m. After reaching the spot you will be given a few instructions of the do’s and don’ts by the instructor.

The rafting stretch is about 12km long full of exciting rapids which will provide an exciting experience for about 2 hours in the Kundalika River.