Every Indian state has its charm in attracting tourists with its travel attractions via its cities. When we talk about Maharashtra, people love visiting its popular cities, including Mumbai, Pune, Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Nashik, Khandala, Alibaug, & many more. But have you ever explored Kolad before? Maybe not, because till now, it has remained an underrated hidden gem despite all the rich natural features it is bestowed with. But today, in this blog, we will be briefing you on what makes Kolad one of the popular travel destinations in Maharashtra, & why it should be your next travel choice.
What makes Kolad one of the popular travel destinations in Maharashtra
Kolad is a small hamlet lying in the Raigarh district of Maharashtra. This place had not been explored much by tourists as they were unfamiliar with it compared to other major cities of this Indian state. Because of this, it remained an underrated hidden gem despite being a treasure trove of major tourist attractions.
However, in recent years, things have changed, & Kolad has gained traction in pulling tourist traffic for its famous white river rafting adventure activity. If you are Mumbaikar planning for a nearby weekend vacation, Kolad is the best place for weekend getaways near Mumbai. The same applies to Punekars.
If you love exploring the unexplored, you should switch from Maharashtra’s highly popular cities to Kolad, a small hamlet awaiting its travellers to know more about it. Let us give you a brief overview of the top attractions you must explore.
Top attractions in Kolad
There are many top places to explore in Kolad during your vacation. Check out the list & know what makes these spots worth visiting.
- Kundalika River – for white river rafting
- Kolad Museum – admiring sculptures made with bamboo & wood
- Sutarwadi Lake – a paradise for peace lovers & birdwatchers
- Kuda Caves – Exploring paintings & stupas of Lord Buddha
- Tala Fort – experience short trekking (best for beginners), & best views from top
- Ghosala Fort – explore for its architecture, caves, history, & rock-cut water tanks
- Dholwal Dam – a must-visit for lush greenery, gushing waters, & fun activities
- Sukeli Falls – beholding the sight of cascading waterfall, & for adventure fun
- Avchitgad Fort – visit it for beautiful architecture, history, & trekking
- Bhira Dam – best for photography, boating, water rafting, & hearing sound of water
Popular adventure sports to explore here
With all the above travel spots to visit with your loved ones, what adds more excitement & thrill to your journey are the adventure sports ranging from:
- White river rafting
- Zip-lining
- Trekking
- Kayaking
- River crossing
- Flying Fox
- Bungee jumping
- Riverside camping
Tasting local Maharashtrian delicacies
Your visit to Kolad must not go incomplete without tasting the delicious Maharashtrian cuisines. Below are some of the popular local foods that you should try.
- Kothimbir Vada
- Keri Aamti
- Pudachi Vadi
- Bombil
- Misal Pav
- Puran Poli
- Pandhra Rassa
- Thalipeeth
- Modak
Best time to visit Kolad
June to September is the ideal time to visit Kolad, as the weather during these months is pleasant, with monsoon rains that enhance the natural beauty of this hidden gem of Maharashtra. Moreover, due to rising water levels, it is the appropriate time to indulge in river rafting. So this is the best time to visit Kolad during the monsoon season.
How to reach
Since Kolad is well-connected with major cities of Maharashtra, including Mumbai, Pune, & Lonavala, you won’t find it challenging to reach it by road. The nearest railway station to this place is Roha & Kolad Railway Station. Many trains are running from Mumbai to Roha & Kolad. If you want to come by flight, the nearest airport to Kolad is Pune (PNQ) Airport, which is 75.2 km & Mumbai (BOM) Airport, which is 87.1 km from the city.
Where to book your homestay in Kolad
To experience various tourist attractions & adventure activities in Kolad, you should plan your stay in this Raigad district region. There is no need to look for ample choices when booking your stay at jüSTa Rudra Resort & Spa. It is one of the best resorts in Kolad, providing ultimate luxury facilities ranging from room services to other miscellaneous ones. The resort features 58 spacious rooms with modern amenities. Another reason to stay here is its other luxury facilities, including a multi-purpose court, swimming pool, spa, & gymnasium.
You can even plan a destination wedding in Kolad, as the resort is equipped with spacious banquet halls RAIGADH at 2683 sq. ft & SURGAD at 1100 sq. ft with all the possible seating arrangements. It also has a tennis court lawn spread at 5,650 sq. ft, & a pool lawn covering 2,900 sq. ft. With all the equipped facilities, your wedding will surely turn into a grand event.
The resort also has an in-house restaurant named Konkan Cafe & Bar. It is one of the top-rated dining restaurants in Kolad, where you can savour the regional Maharashtrian cuisine. Apart from delicious cravings for food, you can also try out beverages, both alcoholic & non-alcoholic. You can enjoy having them while enjoying the best views. In the evening, the resort lets you hang out with your loved ones at its enchanting bonfire while sipping hot cups of tea or coffee along with snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kolad Thrilling Journey
Q. What makes Kolad a famous travel destination in Maharashtra?
A. Kolad is a small village in Raigad district of Maharashtra. In recent years, this place has become famous for its white river rafting adventure sport.
Q. How far is Kolad from Pune?
A. The total distance from Kolad to Pune is 120 km.
Q. How far is Kolad from Mumbai?
A. The total distance from Kolad to Mumbai is 120 km.
Q. How far is Kolad from Lonavala?
A. The total distance from Kolad to Lonavala is 100 km.
Q. Is river rafting sport suitable for all age-groups?
A. Yes, the river rafting sport is absolutely suitable for all age groups. But people with chronic asthma, physical disabilities & pregnant ladies must avoid it.
Q. Is it safe to do river rafting in Kundalika River?
A. Yes, it is entirely safe to experience river rafting in the Kundalika River, one of the fastest rivers known in India.
Q. What are the timings for river rafting in Kolad?
A. The timings for river rafting in Kolad depend much on water released from the dam to Kundalika River for the water sport activity. The water is released every day at 8:00 AM. But during the monsoon, the water is sometimes released around 2:00 PM.
Q. How long is the stretch for Kundalika River rafting?
A. The Kundalika River rafting stretch is 12 km. It is completed in about 2 to 2.5 hours.
