Located along the banks of the gushing Kundalika River and set against the Sahyadri ranges, Kolad is a scenic village in Maharashtra. Kolad has earned a well-deserved reputation as the adventure hub of the region. Although this place is relatively quiet, it completely surprises its visitors with its rural charm, serene nature and heart-pounding adventure activities. You can plan a trip to this wonderful destination and discover its unique attractions with Kolad tour packages.
The most popular attraction in Kolad is the Kundalika River, which offers excellent conditions for white water rafting. Kolad also offers a fun variety of activities like rock climbing, ziplining, bungee jumping, waterfall rappelling, kayaking and many more.
Kolad has another side that appeals to those who seek greenery, peaceful surroundings, beautiful waterfalls and amazing forest trails. Kolad is a wonderful place to enjoy peace and nature, as well as indulge in activities like photography, birdwatching, yoga, meditation by the river, stargazing, and more.
If you're looking for a place to relax in a riverside tent, enjoy a bonfire under a starlit sky, or explore nearby forts, Kolad tourism offers you a calm rural retreat.
Weather in Kolad
1. Summer in Kolad
Months: March to May
Avg. temperature: 28 to 38°C
Weather: Hot and dry during the day with slightly cooler evenings
Crowd density: Moderate
Budget: Moderate
Clothes to pack: Light cotton clothes, quick drying clothes for river activities, caps, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and refillable water bottles
2. Monsoon in Kolad
Months: June to September
Avg. temperature: 24 to 30°C
Weather: Cool and lush with heavy to moderate rainfall; perfect for rafting and waterfalls
Crowd density: High
Budget: Moderate to High
Clothes to pack: Quick-dry clothes, ponchos or raincoats, waterproof shoes, insect repellents, and a spare change of clothes
3. Winter in Kolad
Months: October to February
Avg. temperature: 15 to 25°C
Weather: Pleasant and slightly chilly mornings and nights with dry conditions
Crowd density: Low to Moderate
Budget: Low to Moderate
Clothes to pack: Light jackets or hoodies, full-sleeve clothes for evenings, comfortable shoes
How to Reach Kolad
1. By Train
Kolad Railway Station is connected to the Konkan Railway line and trains from Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and Ratnagiri halt here. From Mumbai, it takes around 4 hours by train and covers about 120 km in distance.
2. By Road
Kolad is about 120 km from Mumbai via NH66 and 110 km from Pune via Tamhini Ghat. It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by car or taxi from either Mumbai or Pune. State transport buses, private buses and self-driving cars are also available for travellers.
3. By Air
The nearest airports are Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai at 120 km and Pune International Airport at 110 km. From the airport, hire a taxi, or you can take a train or bus to Kolad, which will take about 4 to 5 hours.
Top Places To Visit in Kolad
Here are the top places to visit in Kolad:
1. Kudos Mandad Caves
Kudos Mandad Caves are the rock-carved caves, located in the Kuda Village in the South Konkan region, dating back to the 1st to 6th century BC. There are 26 caves, of these rock-carved caves and 2 are cisterns on the side of the hill. The oldest of these caves can be found on top of the Janjeera hills at a height of 150 to 200 feet above sea level. Inside the caves, there are carved stupas and a rock-carved image of an elephant on the front gates. Several inscriptions, letters and paintings within the caves suggest that the Buddhist monks lived here.
2. Bhira Dam
Bhira Dam, also known as the Tata Powerhouse Dam, was established by the TATA Group in 1927. Bhira Dam is the source of water for the Kundalika River, where river rafting is quite popular. The impressive structure of the Dam, the serene and scenic surroundings and amazing water views make this place an excellent tourist destination. You can enjoy picnics, nature walks and engage in bird watching on your visit here.
3. Kolad Museum
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Kolad is the Kolad Museum. The displays and artefacts here offer a deep insight into the history and local heritage of the region. There are beautiful sculptures made by local sculptor Ramesh Ghone, which are made of wood and bamboo carvings of animals, birds and humans. There are several functional items such as beds, night lamps, baithaks made of wood, chairs and dining tables.
4. Tamhini Ghat
Tamhini Ghat is a beautiful mountain pass which is covered in lush greenery, stunning waterfalls and amazing landscapes. This place is particularly beautiful in the monsoon season as heavy rains turn the entire landscape into a visual treat. Explore the beautiful plunging waterfalls like Devkund Falls and or visit the nearby villages to view monsoon flowers, butterflies, and engage in bird watching.
5. Ghosala Fort
This imposing Fort stands in the town of Roha between the Revdanda and Salac Creeks. It is believed to have been constructed back in the 16th century as a defence structure. Within the Ghosala Fort, there is a prison, several chambers, parapets and stores as well as two temples and a dargah which evokes curiosity in the visitors. The place around the Fort and the Fort itself is a great trekking destination for visitors to Kolad.
Top Things to Do in Kolad
Here are the top things to do in Kolad:
1. ATV Rides - The rugged terrain and landscapes of Kolad offer the perfect opportunities for ATV rides. You can unleash your adventurous side as you go over rough terrain, paths with muddy water, rocky roads, shrubberies and sandy trails along the way. Before the ride, you will be given a short briefing on how to stay safe throughout this adventure. You will also get helmets, which you need to put on throughout the ride.
2. Watersports in Kundalika River- Kundalika River offers an amazing range of watersports for you to enjoy on your visit to Kolad. Thrill seekers can indulge in jet skiing, river crossing, bumper boat rides, canyoning, and so much more. If you like to enjoy the serenity of the place, then take a calming boat ride on the river and enjoy the views of your surroundings as you pedal your boat on the calm waters of the river. You can also enjoy a relaxing yet adventurous kayak ride on the river as well.
3. Ziplining - Soar over treetops and glide over lush landscapes and feel the cool breeze on your face as you zip through the air. Ziplining offers you an amazing vantage point to view the splendid landscape of Kolad. The most popular place to try out ziplining here is in Sambhe village, which offers a 150-metre-long zip line amidst lush greenery. High-quality harness, gloves and helmet will be provided for you for your safety.
4. Explore Hill Forts - The Kolad region in Maharashtra has several hill forts that give you a unique glimpse into the history and heritage of this region. These forts also give you amazing trekking trails as well as spectacular views of the surrounding area. Some of the most popular forts here are Avchitgad Fort, Talagad Fort, Ghosala Fort and Birwadi Fort. All these are within 40 km of Kolad's main town.
5. Visit Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary- The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 67 km from Kolad, and it is home to over 700 types of flora and 300 varieties of wildlife. You can enjoy a day trek in the Sanctuary or go on a safari to get a good view of animals like leopards, hyenas, barking deer, black eagles, snakes, hornbills and many bird and butterfly species. You can also enjoy an overnight stay at the time today so that you can enjoy it and take in the amazing view
Adventure Things to Do in Kolad
Here are some of the best adventure sports to try in Kolad:
1. Mountain Biking - Enjoy the scenery of Kolad and the surrounding mountains of the Sahyadri ranges with an exciting mountain biking adventure here. The uneven terrain and challenging trails are perfect for mountain biking, where you can challenge your limits and determination with thrilling races along with friends. Kolad presents diverse trails right from single-track ones to more challenging uphill climbs, catering to riders of varying skill levels
2. Camping - Kolad is a beautiful nature and adventure destination offering excellent campsites that are set in the midst of lush greenery along river banks and untamed wilderness. Several campsites offer tents and cottage stays along with other adventure activities like rock climbing, river rafting, fishing, hiking, nature walks, ziplining and more
3. Trekking - Kolad and its surrounding regions offer excellent opportunities for trekking. Some of the popular trekking trails are the ones leading to Devkund Waterfalls, Sarasgad Fort, Sudhagad Fort, Andharban Waterfalls and many more. Most of these treks are easy to moderate and take about 4 to 5 hours to complete, for example, the Devkund waterfall trek. You can also enjoy a trekking tour to Kolad's iconic attractions like Kuda Mandad Caves, Tamhini Ghat, Gaimukh and Bhira Dam.
4. Rock Climbing - Kolad is a beautiful destination set against the Sahyadri ranges, offering ideal rock climbing spots. The terrain and rock formations together present challenging climbs for all grades of climbers. Feel the adrenaline rush as you manoeuvre your next step on a massive rock which is balanced on a relatively small foundation. Conquer these amazing natural rock formations found near Kundalika River and take in the stunning views as you go higher
5. Waterfall Rappelling - The Kolad Waterfall in Maharashtra offers amazing and thrilling water rappelling adventures. This exciting and adrenaline-pumping activity involves going down a waterfall in a controlled manner using a rope. This stunning waterfall and its vertical slippery slopes offer a challenging water rappelling opportunity. This activity requires good mountaineering skills, and it's ideal for those who have tried this kind of activity before. Safety gear and qualified instructors are provided so that you can enjoy this experience safely.
Cuisine to try in Kolad
- Panoramic Rassa
- Kothimbir Vada
- Misal Pav
- Vada Pav
- Puran poli
- Bombil
- Keri Amti
- Pav Bhaji
- Thalipeeth
- Pudachi Vadi
- Modak
- Batata Vada Sambar
- Poha
- Matka kulfi
Dining Options in Kolad
1. Aaryan Vada Pav Center
This is a popular eatery in Kolad, and it is particularly famous for its vada pav. Other delicacies you can try here are hot samosas with chutney, bhajias, chaat and other snack items
2. Konkan Cafe & Bar
This is a multi-cuisine restaurant and a top-rated dining option in Kolad. It serves a delectable selection of traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, Chinese and other cuisines. It has a bar, a pool, and organises bonfires in the evenings.
3. Hotel Prabhakar
This is one of the best places to try out authentic Konkani cuisine. You can try out their delicious recipes of misal pav, poha, bhakris and bhajias. For lunch, you can enjoy their delicious traditional veg and non-vegetarian thalis
4. Maratha Palace
This is a vegetarian restaurant that is quite popular among locals as well as visitors. They serve right from morning breakfasts to lunch, snacks and dinners. Try out their batata vada sambar for breakfast and their thalis for lunch. For dessert, they serve the best matka kulfi.
Resorts and Stays in Kolad
1. Saffron Stays Midori
This spacious 4-bedroom villa is located in a quiet corner of Kolad and offers excellent personalised services. It's an excellent space for quiet moments where you can meditate by the river or relax by the pool. They have a chef and a caretaker to cook and clean for you
2. jüSTa Rudra Resort & Spa
This 5-star property is located in the heart of Kolad and offers excellent amenities, well-furnished rooms, impeccable services and amazing views. They have an in-house restaurant and a poolside bar with an excellent food selection
3. Sterling Nature Trails
If you're looking for a peaceful retreat in Kolad, then Sterling Nature Trails is just the place for you. This eco-friendly resort, located by the Kundalika River, offers spacious tents, cosy cottages and fun activities like river rafting, ziplining, etc.
Shopping in Kolad
- Local handicrafts
- Local Spices like cumin seeds, Ceylon cinnamon, black cardamom, etc
- Masala Powders like sambar masala, garam masala, biryani masal,a etc
- Kolhapuri chappals
- Cakes and sweets
- Ready-made garments
Shopping Places and Markets
1. Kolad Main Market
This marketplace is where the locals shop, and it sells everything from daily groceries to clothes and everything else. You can buy spices, pickles and local snacks from here
2. MK Supermarket
This is a relatively large supermarket where you can buy everything from toiletries to packaged food to local papads and more
Nightlife in Kolad
1. Riverside Camping and Bonfires
The banks of the Kundalika River offer excellent campsites ideal for a night out under starry skies. You can enjoy bonfires, stargazing and connecting with other campers onsite.
2. Nighttime Boat Ride or Kayaking
Enjoy a nightly boat ride or kayaking on the Kundalika River for a truly unique experience. Starry sky reflecting on the water and the peaceful silence offer a wonderful escape.
3. Stargazing
Light pollution is almost zero in Kolad, giving you the most wonderful stargazing opportunity. The night sky looks amazing, and you can just enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you gaze at the twinkling stars.
4. Nighttime Trekking
Some campsites organise night treks to places like Ghosala Fort or Bhira Dam. You can go on these nighttime treks, which are completely different from daytime treks. The trails and surrounding areas look and feel different at night, and you may also have a chance encounter with wild animals.
Festivals and Events in Kolad
1. Festivals
- Makar Sankranti - January
- Mahashivratri - February or March
- Gudi Padva - March or April
- Ganesh Chaturthi - August or September
- Navratri- September or October
- Diwali - October or November
- Tulsi Vivah - November
- Datta Jayanti - December
2. Events
- Kundalika River Festival during monsoons
- Independence Day and Republic Day Treks with flag hoisting events
- Ganesh Visarjan Festivities in August or September
- New Year Camping Events on 31st December and 1st January
Tips to Follow Before Visiting Kolad
- Book river rafting slots in advance, especially during peak season
- Wear quick-drying clothes for river rafting or any other water sports
- Carry extra clothes for river activities
- Pack mosquito repellents, emergency medicines, personal medications, first aid kit
- Always follow the safety instructions given by certified instructors
- Check weather conditions if going for river rafting in monsoons
- Do not litter and help maintain the cleanliness of the place
- Respect the local customs and traditions of the local people
Interesting Facts about Kolad
- Kolad is a hidden gem for many kinds of adventure sports
- Despite growing popularity, Kolad maintains its peaceful village life
- The Kundalika River is not only a river rafting destination but also a source of livelihood for the people of Kolad and nearby areas
- White water rafting can be done year-round on the Kundalika River because of the controlled water release by the Bhira Dam.
- Kolad has its own railway station, which is connected to the Konkan Railway,s making it well connected with cities like Mumbai and Pune
- Kolad has many historic forts like Ghosala Fort, Talagad Fort, etc
- Kolad actively promotes eco tourism and provides riverside tents, bamboo cottages and eco-friendly stays
