During weekends, people get a sigh of relief from their hardcore work life. They can spend quality time with themselves and their families. Some usual things to do are watching a movie, taking your family out for dinner, and shopping. But there is more to make your weekend unforgettable. One such is enjoying the thrilling river rafting in Kolad, a small hamlet in Maharashtra’s Raigad district and an offbeat weekend destination near Mumbai and Pune. This hidden gem of Maharashtra may be less popular than other cities.
Even if underrated, it is still a destination that cannot be overlooked, as it is treasured with natural beauty and adventure fun. There are many activities to enjoy here, including the most popular one, river rafting. Let’s find out why this water sport is best experienced during the rainy season.
River rafting in Kolad: A thrilling activity to experience in monsoon
In recent years, Kolad has gained traction in attracting tourists from Mumbai, Pune, and other cities, including Delhi. This is all because of its famous adventure sport, river rafting, which takes place on the high currents of the Kundalika River. The fun doubles up when done with a group of friends. Today, the growing popularity of white river rafting has helped Kolad gain a boost in its tourism.
Coming to the activity, the 14 km route is a daring challenge for the doers, who have to keep a firm grip on their oars while rowing the boat for 90 minutes. The difficulty level of the rapid flow is graded II and III. Today, the growing popularity of white river rafting has helped Kolad gain a boost in its tourism. So, if ready to withstand the rapid splash of water of the Kundalika River, visit Kolad from July to September.
Things to keep in mind when going for rafting in Kolad
There are some things to remember while doing river rafting in Kolad. These are all for your safety. Check out what they are.
- Rafting starts at Kundalika River from 8:30 AM onwards. Reach before 30 minutes.
- Wearing a life jacket and helmet is necessary.
- Follow the instructions of the guide.
- When feeling uncomfortable, immediately inform the guide.
- Wear light clothes, swim shorts, and sports shoes for rafting.
- Carry a bag which should include fresh clothes, a rain jacket, a towel, and sunscreen.
- The minimum age to participate in Kolad river rafting is 14 years.
- People with health problems like chronic asthma and pregnant ladies must avoid the sport.
- Refrain from consuming alcohol during rafting.
- Enjoying river rafting during the monsoon (June to October) is the best time as the water level is high.
- The mobile connection will be affected because of the forested area.
Other adventure activities you should try
River rafting is a popular adventure sport that drives tourists from different places. Still, it is not the only thrill to visit Kolad. There are other activities to try here. These are:
- Watching the breathtaking view of the cascading waterfall at Tamhini Ghat.
- Another famous waterfall here is Devkund Waterfall. You can take a refreshing dip under its roaring fall or do picnicking.
- Picnicking, boating, and capturing the stunning beauty of the scenic surroundings at Bhira Dam.
- Doing bungee jumping from a height of 40 m with a safety outfit.
- Beholding the captivating sight of sunset and watching birds at Sutarwadi Lake.
- Experience a 3-hour trek through the Plus Valley, named for the shape of the plus sign. However, it can be unsafe because of water levels during the monsoon season. Talk with a local guide about this.
- Camping amidst teeming wilderness.
- Discover marine life through scuba diving.
- Have a bird’s eye perspective of the lush greenery of western ghats by ziplining.
- Tasting the delicious Maharashtrian cuisines at the restaurants.
Staying at the best resort in Kolad
For your splendid stay, you need not look for an array of options when you can bank on jüSTa Rudra Resort & Spa, a luxury resort in Kolad. This is a fantastic place for rejuvenation and fun, surrounding oneself with nature, and witnessing the beautiful flora and fauna. Moreover, it is closer to the Kundalika River, a spot well-known for river rafting.
Luxury rooms
It features 58 spacious rooms added with modern facilities. Whether you are coming for leisure, business, or to celebrate a special event, your stay at this resort will be memorable. Now let’s quickly overview the room categories starting from:
- Superior Room – The Superior Room is a luxury room category of 220 sq. ft. at jüSTa Rudra Resort & Spa. It offers a perfect, lush green view of the garden and mountains. This room is ideal for both business and leisure tours. To experience ultimate comfort, there are twin and king-sized beds and a private bathroom. The white hues of the Room create a calm and inviting ambience. A beautiful scenic painting on the wall adds charm to it.
- Premium Room – The next category is the Premium Room, which is 220 sq. ft. and has a lawn view. It has all the facilities to make a modern traveller’s life convenient. There is an attached private patio and a seating area to experience dining under the stars. The beautiful painting above the bed will captivate your attention.
- Cottage – The resort also features a cottage of 125 sq. ft., which is an exceptionally cosy and luxurious stay for travellers. The rustic interior charm of the house is added with modern amenities and the aesthetics with white colour hues represent the natural beauty of Maharashtra’s underrated gem.
- Deluxe Room – A more sprawling spacious room category of 322 sq. ft. is a Deluxe Room with a mountain view. The beautiful flowery patterns and artwork within the room cannot go unnoticed by any art lover. To capture the natural beauty of Kolad with its scenic mountains, there is a private balcony.
Other luxuries
Apart from these lavish accommodations for your convenient stay, there are other miscellaneous features to expect at jüSTa Rudra Resort & Spa. These include
- Shantivan – Shantivan here is a peaceful escape with lush greenery around when you feel like enjoying your company amidst nature. It is a place to relax and soak in the tranquil beauty of nature. Enjoy reading while on a swinging net tied to the tree’s branches.
- Swimming Pool – Take a refreshing dip at the resort’s inviting swimming pool, which you can consider as your private oasis, no matter whether you are a seasoned swimmer or to cool off yourself. Besides that, you can lounge at the poolside, soak in the sun, and experience true relaxation.
- Multi Purpose Court – The multipurpose court is a versatile spot to explore the world of sports, be it volleyball, basketball, or any other sport you like. Involve your loved ones and have a great time with them.
- Indoor Game Room – If indoor games excite you, you have them at jüSTa Rudra Resort & Spa. There is a specific room to enjoy playing carrom, table tennis, fussball, chess, and pool ball.
- Spa – There is also a spa where you can rejuvenate to relieve stress and tiredness. The skilled therapists here are the best at providing a good body massage which will make you feel better.
- Jogging Track – You won’t have to miss your daily running routine, as there is a jogging track where you can jog and experience breathing fresh air.
- Gym – The gymnasium’s facility will also keep your fitness routine intact. You can pump your arms with dumbbells and do other workout activities.
Best venue for wedding
Another factor that makes jüSTa Rudra Resort & Spa exceptional is being an ideal venue for a destination wedding in Kolad. Weddings are lifetime events that leave a lasting impact among the family, friends, and relatives. It is more memorable for couples embarking on a new phase of life.
And to make their moment of happiness become an album of joy, the resort is there to make their dream come true. Besides its two spacious banquet halls – Raigadh (2600 sq. ft.) and Surgad (850 sq. ft.), the resort features other sprawling spaces, including a tennis court lawn (5200 sq. ft.), pool lawn (4500 sq. ft.), and Gazebo lawn (4000 sq. ft.).
Having an unforgettable dining experience
To experience a delicious Maharashtrian meal, dine out at Konkan Café & Bar, one of the top restaurants in Kolad. This multi-cuisine restaurant serves authentic recipes from Maharashtra and international flavours. Every recipe here is curated with love and dedication by the professionals.
There is more to make your dining experience (indoor or poolside) unforgettable with loved ones. It includes enjoying your evening with refreshing mocktails, cocktails, and other finest drinks at a bar. You can also gather around a bonfire and enjoy sipping hot tea or coffee with snacks. You can also enjoy poolside dining.
Conclusion
River rafting in Kolad is a popular activity in this hidden gem of Maharashtra. We have mentioned the essential things every traveller should remember when interested in this water sport. Besides this famous adventure sport, other activities have helped boost the tourist footfall in Kolad. Visiting this place during the monsoon is ideal for enjoying water activity as this is when nature blooms with lush greenery and flowers. Also the water level at the river swells up, making it suitable for rafting.
