The most picturesque location in Maharashtra for a weekend escape is Kolad. This location is situated beside the Kundalika River and provides many choices for adventurous pursuits.
Kolad camping, 120 miles from Pune and 130 km from Mumbai, offers relief to those who enjoy the outdoors. It’s only two to three hours away by car if you want to escape the mayhem of these cities.
The Maharashtra state’s Raigad district has the village of Kolad. This tourist destination is located next to the stunning Kundalika River. The neighbourhood is home to several destinations, making this location highly well-known to tourism.
This location is incredibly alluring and gorgeous because of the captivating waterfalls, verdant meadows, and breathtaking Sahyadris scenery. Let’s uncover the best places to visit in Kolad.
How Many Places To Visit in Kolad?
This tourist destination, which provides thrilling adventure sports like river rafting, kayaking, and rappelling, is very appealing to adventure seekers. Kolad is well-known for its white water rafting, which one should experience.
There are numerous forts in the area, one of which is the Ghosala Fort, which features an exceptional piece of art. There are two temples and a Dargarh at the fort. Another location worth seeing is the Tala Fort, which offers breathtaking views of the Rajpuri River.
The Tamhini Ghat waterfall, a stunning sight to see, is among Kolad’s most picturesque sightseeing locations. The Kansai waterfall and the Uddhar hot springs are neighbouring attractions to these waterfalls.
The district is home to numerous dams, the most well-known of which is the Bhira Dam, which is worth a visit.
Read Also – 15 Most Famous Historical Places in Pune, Maharashtra
How To Reach Kolad, Maharashtra?
Since the neighbourhood has a train station connected to the nation’s major cities, communication is never an issue.
You may fly to Kolad from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. Travellers can travel about the area with the assistance of the numerous private buses and taxis.
What is The Ideal Time To Visit?
The best times to visit this location are in the winter when the weather is still mild and pleasant or during the monsoon season. Therefore, the ideal time to schedule a holiday here is between June and March.
Best Places To Visit in Kolad, Maharashtra
Below is the list of seven gorgeous places in Kolad to visit with family, friends, and solo.
1. Tamhini Ghat
Tamhini Ghat is a mountain pass between Pune and Kolad, offering a plethora of waterfalls, lakes, and verdant valley vistas to the senses. The Devkund Waterfall follows suit as an excellent counterpart for exploration.
You may drive your car to the Tamhini viewpoint, but after that, you’ll need to park it and climb the remaining four to five kilometres to reach the waterfall.
2. Sudhagad Fort
This area, which was just designated as a nature sanctuary, has fort remains, historic temples, plateaus, granaries, lakes, and more. The base of the fort is accessible by car and is tucked away in the isolated settlement of Pali.
It will take around an hour to climb the fort from the base, making it a fantastic little expedition on a nice day.
3. Avchitgad Fort
Situated atop a hill in Maharashtra’s Sahyadri range, Avchitgad is a small fort that is only 15 km away from the hostel. There aren’t many ruins to examine here, despite the area’s early 1800s heritage, but the climb is well worth it.
It will take around an hour to climb the fort from the base, making it a fantastic little expedition on a nice day.
4. Raigad Fort
The Raigad Fort, which the renowned Shivaji Maharaj took over in the 1650s, is still well-known as the king’s administrative headquarters for the Maratha Kingdom. The fort is located near the village of Mahad, with a rich historical background as the centre of traders.
Today, history buffs and curious tourists ascend the several stairs that lead to the fort. An hour or so is spent on the hike. As an alternative, you have the ropeway. You can also explore the tranquil Mahad Lake, which has its unique local history, while you’re in Mahad.
5. Murud Janjira Fort
Situated on an island, the Murud-Janjira Fort is one of the nation’s strongest maritime forts. Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Shivaji Maharaj, constructed it to control several ports.
It was a thriving fort with solid defences and excellent security in the sixteenth century, but it is now in ruins. Kolad is an hour’s journey away from the fort. You board a ferry from Mahad to the fort, perched on a rock amid the ocean.
6. Kulaba Fort
Fort Kulaba, an island fort off the coast of Alibaug, is a well-liked protected landmark for tourists. This fort is accessible during your visit to Alibaug, a fantastic day trip from Kolad.
You can stop at the Birla Temple, a sanctuary with breathtaking architecture, en route to Alibaug and Murud.
7. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary
The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, home to many birds, open grasslands, waterholes, and sacred forests, is a delight for anybody who enjoys a genuine experience with nature.
Though the sanctuary has four routes, the greatest one is accessed from Roha, not far from Zostel Kolad. It is advised to allow yourself at least 30 minutes to explore the wilderness.
Famous Food Of Kolad
Kolad’s culinary scene is dominated by Konkani gastronomy, which offers many seafood dishes flavoured with aromatic regional spices. Anticipate sampling the Konkani Thali, a seafood delicacy suitable for non-vegetarians.
Additional delicacies include pop and under and fish and prawns prepared traditionally. Check out Jachak Kaku Mess, a nearby restaurant, for the tastiest treats.
Must-Try Adventure Activities in Kolad
Below are some of the best adventure activities in Kolad that you can’t miss.
1. River Rafting
River rafting is a popular pastime in Kolad, and the swift Kundalika River is the ideal place to experience it. For an excellent, exhilarating experience, experienced and novice rafters can enjoy its Grade 2 and Grade 3 rapids.
Because it always attracts many adventurers and is considered one of the best things to do in Kolad, don’t forget to make reservations in advance.
2. Riverside Camping
Spend a night at Kolad if you want to camp amid unspoiled, breathtaking scenery. They offer tenting areas that you can hire based on your needs.
Besides learning to set up a tent, the package includes access to sporting activities like kayaking and river crossing.
3. Ziplining
Adventure seekers have a fantastic opportunity to go zip-lining on the Kundalika River. One of the finest methods to achieve that desired adrenaline rush is to enjoy the sport of crossing the bubbling river while attached to a safety rope.
You are eligible to participate only after attending a quick safety briefing with the instructors and safety experts.
4. Hiking and Trekking
Kolad’s 26 caves and two forts, Talgad and Ghosalgad, provide hikers with excellent trekking paths. Along your trekking track, you can explore carvings, natural ponds, and abandoned temples, providing great adventure mixed with culture
A Few Important Tips To Remember in Kolad
- Kolad River Rafting is available all year round, subject to the daily release of dam water.
- To get a good deal, give a few agents a call. (compare and choose). We even opted for the 50% down payment option. Remember to take a copy of the invoice with you.
- Upon booking, you are provided with the river rafting operator’s phone number so that you may coordinate the itinerary and directions with them.
- Bring extra clothing. There are respectable mobile restrooms equipped with change areas.
- Eight persons can fit on each raft and are sent out in groups of three or four at a time. Depending on the river’s flow, there are three different batch timings: 8:30 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm.
- You may be required to wear cozy closed shoes. We did, however, go barefoot. Choose the latter!
- While river rafting, your cameras will be kept dry in a water-resistant bag, but you can use them afterwards to relax in the river.
- Kayaking and river crossing are additional options for your package. Since it would require too much effort, we skipped these. Additionally, these events were held at a different location in Kolad, close to the marketplace..
- The most significant time to go is during the monsoon when the river is full of water and makes for a picturesque drive. Wear non-slip rain boots and keep a quality rain poncho handy.
Conclusion On What To Do in Kolad?
The village of Kolad is a hidden gem and deserves more attention. This green town has roots that go deeper, featuring activities like white water rafting, kayaking, riverside camping, and other little adventures that amuse the weekenders.
Kolad provides a true treat with many adventure activities and is home to many incredible forts. If you ever get a chance to visit this simple yet visually appealing place, then go for it.
Thank You.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Kolad:
Below are some of the most asked queries by people about Kolad on the internet.
What is the best time to visit Kolad?
The monsoon (rainy) season is the best season to visit Kolad, Maharashtra.
What is the distance between Pune and Kolad?
The distance between Pune and Kolad is around 113km.
What is Kolad famous for?
Kolad is mainly known for its adventurous activities and cinematic beauty.