Kolad

1. Kundalika River: Famous for being the spot of the thrilling white water rafting experience in Kolad, the Kundalika River is a small river that originates from a town called Bhira and flows from the Sahyadri mountains to this small village in the Raigad district. The river is known for its crystal-clear waters, with a circulation that is great for a river rafting experience. In addition to that, there are also many picnic spots, lodges and resorts located along the banks of the river, for a peaceful and tranquil holiday experience.

- Location: Kolad, Raigad, Maharashtra
- Price: INR 800 to 1200 per person (for rafting)

2. Tamhini Ghat: Offering some of the most beautiful views of the magnificent Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, the surrounding forests, rivers and verdant meadows in the Western Ghats, the Tamhini Ghat exudes a unique, yet somehow calming and peaceful ambience. It is actually a small mountain passage situated between Tamhini and Mulshi, and is home to several waterfalls, lakes and dense woods. It is from here that you can soak in the beauty of the region, while staying at one of the many lodges available here, or enjoying a picnic in the woods.

- Location: Tamhini Ghat Road, Kolad, Raigad, Maharashtra

3. Bhira Dam: Situated on the Kundalika River and popularly known as the Tata Powerhouse Dam, the Bhira Dam is one of the most famous vacation and picnic spots in Kolad. Established in the early 1900s, the dam is one of the main sources of electricity for the people of the village, and is a great spot to indulge in water activities, such as rafting, boating and others. You can also get views of the beautiful Devkund Waterfalls from here, or enjoy a camping experience with your friends and family.

- Location: Patnus, Kolad, Raigad, Maharashtra 402308
- Timings: 08:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.

4. Ghosala Fort: One of the few places in Kolad with a rich historical significance, the Ghosala Fort is situated around 8 kilometres south of the town of Roha, between the Salav and Revdanda Creeks. To reach this fort, one has to take a short trek through the verdant forests and hills on Kolad. Dating back to the reign of Shivaji, the fort has an incredible historical past, and has served as a place to keep an eye on enemies, in addition to being a commercial route. From rock-cut water cisterns and caves, to a stunning design and architecture, the fort is a haven for history buffs.

- Location: Ghosale, Kolad, Raigad, Maharashtra 402109

5. Kuda Caves: Known as one of the finest and most beautiful sightseeing and historical attractions in Kolad and located in Janjira Hills, the Kuda Caves are home to 26 Buddhist rock-cut caves that date back to the 1st century B.C. A great place for archaeology and history lovers, the caves have a rich historical past and one can find numerous inscriptions and reliefs here, in addition to a stupa and two statues of guardian elephants from that time at the entrance of the caves. You can also study primary Buddhist teachings at Kuda Caves.

- Location: Janjeera Hills, Rahatad, Raigad, Maharashtra 402111

6. Sutarwadi Lake: This lake, and its surroundings are the perfect reflection of what serenity and peace is. Amongst the most verdant natural places in Kolad, the Sutarwadi Lake is surrounded by quaint hills that are home to rare and exotic flora and fauna, and is a great place to spend some time in solace. In addition to enjoying stunning views of the sunrise and sunset, you can also arrange for a camping experience here, or take photographs and catch glimpses of various birds.

- Location: Sutarwadi Lake, Raigad, Maharashtra

7. Plus Valley: Another hidden gem in Kolad, the Plus Valley is a great vacation spot if you are looking to get some respite from your busy monotonous and strenuous routine in your daily lives. Surrounded on all sides by mist-laden hills, green forests and huge rocks, the valley is also a great place to enjoy hiking and trekking. The nearby waterfalls and canyons simply add to the beauty of the valley and your trek.

- Location: Kolad, Raigad, Maharashtra 412108

8. Talgad Fort: Situated at an elevation of around 1,000 feet above the sea level, the Talgad Fort was built in tandem with the famous Ghosala or Ghosalgad Fort in Kolad. It used to serve as a place to keep an eye on the enemies and to safeguard the commercial routes. Today, you can reach the fort by trekking for around 45 minutes through hills and forests. Once you reach here, you can enjoy great views of the surrounding natural landscapes.

- Location: Tala, Raigad, Maharashtra 402111

9. Devkund Waterfall: One of the few plunge waterfalls in the district, the Devkund Waterfall is a stunning waterfall that cascades deep into the rocky floors of the pristine Kundalika River in Kolad. Offering breath-taking views of the crystal-clear waters, the surrounding mountains and forests, the waterfall is also a great place for hiking and fun-filled picnics, in addition to nature walks and camping. It is here where you can avail the famous Bhira-Devkund Trek. The waterfall is also commonly regarded as the “Pond of Gods” by the locals here.

- Location: Mangaon, Maharashtra

10. Kolad Museum: This is a great place for lovers of arts, crafts and history. Home to numerous sculptures of birds, animals, humans as well as showcasing traditional bamboo and wood crafts, the museum is a great place to learn about the culture of Kolad. The museum is also commonly known as Kolad’s Kashta Shilpa.

- Location: Ratwad, Kolad, Raigad, Maharashtra 402112

1. River Rafting: Also commonly known as the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, Kolad City is the main hub of white water and river rafting in the entire region. One of the best things to do in Kolad is to enjoy a fun-filled and thrilling river rafting experience in the cool rapids of the Kundalika River. With rapids ranging between Grade 2 and Grade 3, great curves, sudden falls and more, the river is excellent for river rafting.

- Location: Kolad, Raigad, Maharashtra
- Timings: 05:15 a.m. to 06:30 p.m.
- Price: INR 2,700 per person

2. Trekking: Owing to its convenient and scenic location in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, with the rest of the Western Ghats surrounding it, Kolad is a great place to indulge in adventurous activities such as trekking. There are numerous places in the village for a good trekking experience, that takes you through several small forests, meadows, across streams and waterfalls and offer scenic views of nature. From the trek to Bhira Dam to the one that takes you to Talgad Fort, every trek in Kolad is different and offers something unique for you to experience.

- Location: Kolad, Raigad, Maharashtra

3. Camping: Enjoy a serene riverside camping experience during your trip to this offbeat holiday destination. You can stay at a luxurious tent along the shores of the Kundalika river and enjoy various activities, from indoor and outdoor games, to bonfire, barbeque, nature walks and more. At night, you can lay underneath the starry sky while listening to the calming sounds of the river.

- Location: Kolad, Raigad, Maharashtra
- Timings: 04:00 p.m. to 02:30 p.m.
- Price: Starts from INR 3,000 per person

4. River Crossing: Indulge in an adrenaline filled river crossing experience when visiting Kolad. Cross the gurgling Kundalika River while being attached to a rope and harness as the river flows below you. For a first-timer, do not worry, as there will be professionals who will train and help you during the activity. This is one of the most thrilling and adventurous things to do in Kolad.

- Location: Kundalika River, Kolad, Maharashtra
- Price: INR 150 per person

5. Ziplining: If you are not that much into adventure sports, but would like to experience something similar, then a ziplining adventure in Kolad is the best option for you. Awaken the adventurer in you by getting yourself attached to a safety harness as you zipline smoothly across the Kundalika River, while soaking in the surrounding natural beauty.

- Location: Kundalika River, Kolad, Maharashtra
- Price: INR 250 per person

6. ATV Rides: Owing to the varied terrains in Kolad, ranging from mountainous routes and muddy paths to streams flowing across the roads and more, the place is great for a nice ATV ride. Book an ATV ride on your visit to Kolad, and escape from the typical sightseeing activity for a more adventurous route near the Kundalika River. You can also visit numerus offbeat trails during your exhilarating ride here.

- Location: Kolad, Maharashtra
- Price: INR 150 per person

7. Jet Skiing: Another great thing to do in the village of Kolad during your holiday is enjoy an adrenaline-filled ride on a jet ski. Owing to the varied flows and currents of the water, the Kundalika River is one of the best places to indulge in jet skiing, with experienced trainers and instructors helping you throughout the ride. You can either ride solo, or choose to ride with an instructor or your near and dear one.

- Location: Kundalika River, Kolad, Maharashtra
- Price: INR 500 per person

8. Rock Climbing: Kolad is a treasure trove of adventure activities for all kinds of tourists. One such thing to do when in Kolad is enjoy rock climbing near the famous Kundalika River. There are many natural rock formations near the river, which are great for a rock-climbing experience to give you your adrenaline dose for the day. Great for children as well as adults, you can test your balance, skills and strength while conquering these rock formations.

- Location: Kundalika River, Kolad, Maharashtra
- Price: INR 350 per adult

1. River Rafting: Known as the Rishikesh of Maharashtra, Kolad is the hub for white water rafting in the region. Rafting in the Kundalika River is one of the best adventure activities to do when in Kolad, since the river has a lot of rafting trails and rapids of various grades.

2. Trekking: Owing to its location in the Sahyadri Mountain Ranges, Kolad is a great place to enjoy trekking. You can trek through dense forests and nature walks, or across waterfalls and streams for a memorable trekking experience in the wilderness.

3. Bungee Jumping: Known for its unspoilt scenic beauty and verdant greenery, Kolad is also famous for offering tourists with a bungee jumping experience. Here, you can experience a thrilling bungee jump from a height of 40 metres with the help of an experienced and professional crew and enjoy the adrenaline that runs through you.

4. Paragliding: On a clear day, you can experience flying like a bird over the Kundalika River in Kolad, and catch a glimpse of the verdant natural beauty of this land. With the help of experienced paragliders and trainers, you can soar high up in the air and look down at the beautiful village.

1. The Waterfront Kolad: One of the best affordable places to stay in Kolad, this resort is located a few hundred metres near a lake in the Dugarwadi town. Home to five wooden houses offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the Sahyadris, this budget resort also has a beautiful lawn where you can sit and relax.

2. Kamath Residency Resort: This luxury resort is located in the heart of the village, and boasts of picturesque greenery all around. From indoor and outdoor games, garden spaces, wilderness trek and delectable food amidst nature, the resort is one of the best places to stay at during your holiday in Kolad.

3. Gaachee Resort: A haven for those seeking adventure, this resort offers activities like water boating, rock climbing and cycling, along with trekking, hiking and more. Offering great views of the lake, hills and the lush greenery, this resort also boasts of a private gallery, porch and numerous indoor games.

4. Nature Trails Resort: Amongst the best resorts in Kolad, this resort is great if you are looking to spend some time alone with your near and dear ones in the lap of nature. Situated along the banks of the Kundalika River, the resort is tucked amidst dense forests, and has 20 spacious tents, along with many amenities. In addition to camping and barbeque, you can also enjoy boating, kayaking, nature trails and trekking here, along with mountain biking and zip lining.

A total of two days and one night adventurous trip is sufficient to explore the magnificent beauty of the Kolad region. This place is a great pick for all those who are searching for a budgeted holidaying destination with exciting stay options, unlimited fun, food, and water adventures.