It's raining, it's pouring, and we know that for adventure seekers like you, this is the ideal time to experience the thrill of rafting and paddling through rushing streams. But how if Rishikesh is closed during the monsoon? Well, well, well...we have some good news for you!
In a hurry to get your blood pumping and experience the thrill of river rafting? Or are you looking for a thrilling and refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city? Do you want to experience the adrenaline rush of riding the rapids of a mighty river? If yes, river rafting in Kolad is the perfect activity.
Kolad is a small village in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, about 120 km from Mumbai and 145 km from Pune. It is surrounded by lush green hills, waterfalls, and the majestic Sahyadri mountain range. But what makes Kolad a popular destination for adventure seekers is the Kundalika River, which offers one of India's best river rafting experiences.
River rafting in Kolad is an exhilarating activity that lets you navigate through the turbulent waters of the Kundalika River, controlled by a dam that releases water every morning. The river has 12 rapids of grade 2 and grade 3, which means they are suitable for beginners and experts. The rapids' names, like Morning Glory, Johnny Walker, Rajdhani Express, and Boom Shankar, indicate their difficulty and fun level.
River rafting in Kolad is a year-round activity, but the best time to visit is during the monsoon season from June to September, when the river is in full flow, and the scenery is at its best. The river rafting distance is 12 km, which takes about 2 hours to complete. You can also opt for other adventure activities like camping, bungee jumping, kayaking, rock climbing, ziplining, rappelling, etc., to make your trip more memorable.
If you are planning to go river rafting in Kolad, you must know some important information before booking your trip. Here is a complete guide to help you with everything you need to know about river rafting in Kolad.
How to Reach Kolad for River Rafting?
Kolad is well-connected by road and rail from Mumbai and Pune. You can drive your car or take a bus or train to reach Kolad. Here are some of the options:
By car:
The fastest and most convenient way to go to Kolad is by car. You can take the Mumbai-Pune Expressway and exit at Khopoli. From there, follow state highways 92 and 60 to get to Kolad. The journey takes about 2.5 hours from Mumbai and 3 hours from Pune.
By bus:
Several private and state-run buses ply between Mumbai and Pune to Kolad. You can book your tickets online or offline and choose from AC or non-AC buses. The bus fare ranges from Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 per person. The journey takes about 3.5 hours from Mumbai and 4 hours from Pune.
By train:
A few trains stop at Kolad railway station, about 10 km from the river rafting spot. You can take the Diva-Sawantwadi Passenger, the Dadar-Ratnagiri Passenger from Mumbai, the Pune-Sawantwadi Passenger, or the Pune-Ernakulam Superfast Express from Pune. The train fare ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 150 per person. The journey takes about 3 hours from Mumbai and 4 hours from Pune.
What are the Best River Rafting Packages in Kolad?
Many operators offer different types of river rafting packages in Kolad. You can choose from weekday packages, weekend packages, packages with lunch, packages with a stay, etc., depending on your budget and preference. Here are some of the best river rafting packages in Kolad that you can book online or offline:
Weekday package:
If you want to avoid the crowd and enjoy a peaceful river rafting experience, you can opt for the weekday package. The package includes only river rafting with all the safety equipment and guidance. The price is Rs. 1200 per person, and the duration is 3 hours.
Weekend package:
If you want more fun and excitement, opt for the weekend package. The package includes river rafting, safety equipment, guidance, and breakfast and lunch. The price is Rs. 1700 per person, and the duration is 5 hours.
Package with lunch:
If you want to enjoy a delicious meal after your river rafting adventure, you can opt for the package with lunch. The package includes river rafting, safety equipment, guidance, and lunch at a nearby resort or restaurant. The price is Rs. 1500 per person on weekdays and Rs. 2000 per person on weekends. The duration is 5 hours.
Package with stay:
If you want to extend your trip and stay overnight in Kolad, you can opt for the package with a visit. The package includes river rafting with all the safety equipment, guidance, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and accommodation at a luxurious wooden villa or a cosy tent. The price is Rs. 2800 per person on weekdays and Rs. 3000 per person on weekends. The duration is 24 hours.
What are the Other Things to Do in Kolad Besides River Rafting?
Kolad is not only about river rafting. Many other things to do in Kolad will make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Here are some of the other things to do in Kolad besides river rafting:
Camping:
Camping is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and tranquillity of nature in Kolad. You can pitch your tent or book a ready-made tent at a campsite near the river or the forest. You can enjoy activities like a bonfire, barbecue, music, games, etc. at the campsite. You can also go around the campsite for nature walks, bird watching, star gazing, etc. Camping in Kolad costs Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per person, depending on the facilities and services provided.
Bungee jumping:
Bungee jumping is one of the most thrilling and exhilarating activities in Kolad. You can jump from 40 meters over the Kundalika River and feel the gravity-defying sensation of free fall. You can also capture your bungee jumping experience on a GoPro camera and take home a certificate of bravery. Bungee jumping in Kolad costs Rs. 2500 per person and lasts 1 hour.
Kayaking:
Kayaking is one of the most relaxing and enjoyable activities in Kolad. You can paddle your kayak on the calm waters of the Kundalika River and explore the scenic surroundings at your own pace. You can also spot some exotic birds and animals along the way. Kayaking in Kolad costs Rs. 500 per person and lasts 1 hour.
Rock climbing:
Rock climbing is one of the most challenging and rewarding activities that you can do in Kolad. You can climb up a natural rock wall with the help of ropes, harnesses, and other equipment and test your strength, stamina, and balance. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the valley from the top of the rock wall. Rock climbing in Kolad costs Rs. 800 per person and lasts 2 hours.
Ziplining:
Ziplining is one of the most fun and exciting activities that you can do in Kolad. You can zip across a steel cable from one point to another over the Kundalika River and feel the wind in your hair and the thrill in your heart. You can also admire the stunning river and forest views from above. Ziplining in Kolad costs Rs. 600 per person and lasts 1 hour.
Rappelling:
Rappelling is one of the most adventurous and daring activities in Kolad. You can descend down a steep rock face or a waterfall with the help of ropes, harnesses, and other equipment and overcome your fear of heights. You can also feel the splash of water on your face and the adrenaline rush in your veins. Rappelling in Kolad costs Rs. 1000 per person and lasts 2 hours.
River rafting in Kolad is a great activity that will give you an unforgettable experience of adventure, nature, and fun. Whether you're looking for a short escape or a long vacation, we bet it won't disappoint you.
So what are you waiting for? Book your river rafting trip in Kolad today and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!
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