How it all started

About a decade ago a quaint village on the banks of the Kundalika River was just another remote village of Maharashtra.

This sleepy hamlet was always blessed with natural foliage and lush greenery. Located at the backdrop of the grand Sahyadris mountain range, Kolad’s magnificent plains and wetlands gave it a picturesque appearance. The greatest attraction of this beautiful village is the Kundalika River, which is one among the fastest flowing river in Maharashtra.

Kolad gained prominence after it was discovered by a group of professional adventure enthusiast. When visiting the Kundalika River they observed that every morning the Bhira dam nearby would release water in the Kundalika River for nearby industries in the region and seeing the water flow and the rapids they sensed an opportunity for adventure sports like white water rafting, kayaking etc.

They then spent about 6 months in trails for White River Rafting on the Kundalika River and checked for all precautions and safety measures to check the viability of adventure sports in the Kundalika River and when everything was tested and things were in place for White water river rafting they launched their adventure company and gradually initiated other water sport activities in the Kundalika River.

Over the years White Water River Rafting in Kundalika has gained popularity and now tops as the best things to do over weekends near Mumbai and Pune. Today, this place is very popular and is on every travelers list be it young and not so young alike.

Apart from river rafting this highly qualified and experienced team started other adventure sport activities like kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, flying fox, paragliding, and river crossing. Boating through the Kundalika River is a real experience of a life time for any visitor and lush magnificent greenery around the riverbanks can be enjoyed by all. This scenic locale with a fascinating and amazing spectacle of nature thus became a recommended picnic spot for those who prefer to enjoy the lovely warmth of nature.

A boon for adventure sports enthusiast

Kolad has become a real boon for the holiday goers of Mumbai and Pune because earlier they were starved off weekend holiday destinations and were bored of visiting the same old locations like Mahableshwar, Matheran, Lonavala etc in the near vicinity.

Also there was never a water adventure sport hub in Maharashtra and then people of Mumbai or Pune who wanted to indulge in water adventure sports had to travel all the way to other parts of India to experience it.

Today Kolad is a white water rafting hotspot in Maharashtra and it is in the same league what Coorg is to Karnataka, Kullu in Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh in Kashmir and Rishikesh in Uttarakhand. Kolad is among the top five rafting places in India and the ONLY rafting facility in India that is operational all round the year.

White Water River Rafting on the Kundalika

Bhira dam which is popularly known as Tata power dam is located near the Kundalika River and was installed in 1927 by Tata Power Company and the water from this dam is highly useful in irrigation purposes in the nearby villages and the power generated from this dam is the backbone of many industrial activities in this region.

White Water Rafting in Kundalika River mainly depends on the water released from this dam. The Kundalika River then provides an opportunity for white water rafting for over a stretch of 12 – 13 km. The rafting experience lasts typically for around two hours, though the rafting schedule may vary depending on the discharge of the dam water and since this endeavor is conducted in a stretch between 2 dams there is complete safety and there is no sudden rise in water levels or chances of stronger under currents.

Though best time for white water rafting in Kundalika River is the monsoon season when the level of water rises and makes rafting even more exciting.

The rafting trip begins with an introductory session with instructors guiding participants through various paddling techniques, safety instructions to be followed in case they fall out of the raft. No prior experiences of rafting or even know how of swimming is required here. All participants will wear a helmet and a life jacket throughout the rafting tour.

A highly qualified and experienced team of rafting professionals who have had a rich experience of negotiating the diverse rivers of India like Alaknanda, Bhagirathi, Indus, Zankar, Bramhaputra and Kali are at the helm of affairs at Kundalika white water river rafting.

Click Here for Bookings for Kundalika White Water River Rafting

Important details you must know about river rafting program:

Rafting distance – 12 to 13 Km.

Rapid type – Grade 2 to Grade 3.

Duration – 2 to 3 hours (depending on the flow of water).

Reporting time: 08:00 a.m. (At the starting point, the start of Rafting depends on the release of water from the dam). Organizers are not responsible if tourists are late to reach at the venue. Rafting happens only once every day at 8:30 p.m. except in monsoon season when it may be more frequent due to excess water.

Age Requirement – Minimum 14 years of age (To be accepted at the instructor’s discretion).

Weight – Min weight 35 Kg, Max weight 120 Kg.

Pregnant women, severe asthmatics and heart patients are not allowed to raft.

Group Size required: Minimum 6 people.

Tourists who are coming by their own vehicle must remember that car parking is available at the starting point of the rafting trip; it ends after a ride of 12 -14 km. So, tourist will have to come back (14 km) to the starting point again by Rickshaw which is available at the end point of the rafting trip. Tourists who have been accompanied by their own drivers can ask them to come and pick them up at the end point after finishing their rafting ride.

Clothing:

• Wear light clothing preferably Lycra or something that is easy to dry and not heavy when wet.
• Wear Strap on floaters (footwear).
• Do not wear any jewelry, danglers around neck, ears or wrists even avoid rings on fingers as far as possible.
• Please do not carry wallets, cameras, mobile phones or any item that you would not like getting wet.

Other Important Details:

The Rafting schedule in the Kundalika River depends solely on the water released by the Bhira Dam i.e. by Government authorities. Water level then rises which making Rafting possible in the Kundalika River. Every day the water is released from the dam at about 8:15 a.m. there could be a slight delay in the release of the water from the dam; in that case the rafting session will get delayed by a few minutes.

There have been very rare cases when the Government officials have not released water into the Kundalika River (typically there have been 5 such instances in 365 days). In such cases tourist will get a refund for their rafting charges.

Staying options near River Kundalika at Kolad

A few campsites, farmhouses, private bungalows and resorts have come up near the Kundalika River where adventure lovers can come here as family, group of friends or as a corporate group.

Please click here for Staying Options at Kolad

Accommodation in Kolad is plentiful with a variety to suit every budget and every taste.

Almost all round the year travelers are usually assured of finding an accommodation, however come weekends or festive seasons or vacations you are likely to experience problems unless you book your accommodation well in advance.

Accommodations in Kolad can be categorized in the following types

Campsites

Camping in tents

If you are looking forward to spending an adventurous vacation, camping in tents is possibly the finest way to enjoy the serenity of nature in the company of your friends and family. It is the best way to spend time in the lap of nature and forget the mundane affairs of an otherwise hectic life.

Whether it is luxury camping or normal camping in tents, Kolad offers everything for the adventure enthusiasts.An overnight experience at a campsite can prove to be very beneficial for both adults and for the growing and budding minds of children.

Also camping in tents is a recreational activity and has no age limit. Hence anyone who likes to explore nature can take up this camping experience.

Normal Tents

These are clean and comfortable normal waterproof tents, and keeping in mind safety of guests the campsites provide insect proof and snake proof tents which can accommodate at least 4 adults. Like these there are several tents of different sizes and shapes to choose from. From the campsites you can enjoy the sights of the Kundalika River and rafting in the pristine Kundalika River is a thrilling experience.

Luxury Tents

Campsites are also equipped with luxury tents and have spacious ground for outdoor activities. Luxurious tents are attached with toilets and showers and can accommodate at least 4 adults.

 En-suite washrooms and insect proofing are some innovations of the tents at the campsites.

Power supply is available for lights and fans as well as for charging of laptops and mobiles.But there is no Wi-Fi or T.V. at these camps.

Campsites also have a few added facilities like Conference area for corporate meetings and training programs, separate dining facilities, a beautiful surrounding and yes a well trained team to take care of the safety and hospitality at the campsite.

During the monsoons and winter seasons travelers can spot a lot of migratory birds at these campsites and at these campsites there is no dearth of activities for tourist to indulge in as they have equipments for all adventure activities i.e. Rafting, Air gun shooting, Burma Bridge, indoor and outdoor games, etc.

In the evenings tourist can enjoy a bonfire and simply sing and dance to some latest Bollywood music.

Ideal For: Large Groups, Office Groups and for adventure enthusiast.

Farm Houses

A Farmhouse stay in Kolad is different from a typical hotel or a resort stay mainly because you get the comforts of a homely environment coupled with the surrounding forest and farms that make your stay relaxing and peaceful amidst the natural village atmosphere promising a nice break for you and your family away from the din and bustle of daily life.

Privacy is assured as most Farm Houses in Kolad are separate facing the Kundalika River on one side and farms and forests on the other.At the Farm houses one can get a glimpse of resident and migratory birds and small wild animals wandering around that would please the young and not so young alike.

Farm house stays are suitable for large families and their extended families and most farm houses here have a well equipped Kitchen.

Bunglows:

There are different types of Bungalow accommodations in Kolad to suit different needs and can be booked according to your budget.

Private Bungalows are spacious with immaculate rooms and have all the facilities that are required for visiting tourist and can accommodate about 15 adults this is ideal for large extended families.

Tourist can enjoy a pleasant stay in these Bungalows which have plenty of greenery around and have wonderful views of the Kundalika River.

Dormitories

In Kolad dormitory accommodations are large and spacious with each capable of accommodating at least 25 adults and have Bathrooms and Toilets a few meters away. Dormitories are suitable for large groups like office groups and budget travelers.

A stay at a dormitory provides an opportunity to company employees to develop team building skills and as a group they can share adventure tales thrills and chills till they doze off.

Dormitories are available in A.C. and Non A.C. and are attached with all basic amenities.

Bamboo or Safari Cottages

Eco – Friendly Bamboo cottages is the best way to experience a different kind of a stay during your visit to Kolad and these cottages are comfortable and are equipped with all basic amenities.

These Bamboo cottages are similar to the bamboo huts in the North East of India, and are built on raised platforms and can accommodate at least 10 – 12 adults and are suitable for college students and low budget picnickers.

This initiative has been taken by a few house owners in order to conserve the environment and keep it eco – friendly, also these bamboo cottages are spacious and tourist can enjoy a holiday in peace and serenity while enjoying the views of the beautiful Kundalika River.

A few common facilities and services that are provided by most accommodations:

Most accommodations will provide food and sleeping arrangements for drivers and domestic helps if accompanying the guests.

Most accommodations in Kolad offer a per person package which is inclusive of all meals and a few adventure activities.

Most properties in Kolad are perfect places for picnics, parties, get-together’ s, family outings, corporate trainings and workshops, rest and recuperation and above all peace and solitude.

Activities at Kolad: Rafting, Kayaking, River Crossing, Flying Fox, Boating, Scuba Diving, Paragliding, Trekking, Bonfire, Barbeque and Fishing.

Outdoor Games: Cricket, Football, Throw ball, Badminton, and Basket ball.

Indoor Games: Chess, Carom, Pool table, Table Tennis, Darts etc.

So do not waste any time and choose an accommodation that is pocket friendly for you and satisfying at the same time.