Kolad

Overview:

The picturesque little village of Kolad, located a 100 kilometers away from Pune, surrounded by lush greenery is an excellent getaway to be amidst nature. The tiny thriving village of Kolad is in Raigad district of Maharashtra. Tourist searching for less crowded alternatives to the regular destinations like Mahabaleshwar and Lonavla, to escape from work, worries, stress and the daily grind of the city life should explore Kolad. The thrill of exploring new destinations is one of the main charms of this village which is nestled along the Kundalika River, with the majestic Sahyadris forming the perfect backdrop to the magnificent valleys and marshlands, of Kolad. Blessed with a picturesque appearance credited to its natural foliage and luxuriant greenery, the cool and calm atmosphere of Kolad works wonders when it comes to healing the tensed and tired soul. Proffering solitude amidst a blissful location, it extends both physical as well as mental relaxation, making one forget the worries of the daily life. A trip to Kolad signifies sheer enjoyment and rejuvenation. The fast flowing Kundalika River is the hub of adventure activities in the village. It is a haven for adventure enthusiasts. Tourists looking for a fun-filled holiday also book cabs to Kolad from Mumbai so they can spoil themselves for a few days. Apart from rafting, the banks of Kundalika River in Kolad are an ideal location for adventurous activities. The best time to visit this rugged landscape and its waterfalls is from June to March. Nature is at its best with water on all three sides, amidst rain drenched trees and mist covered mountains administering peace and solitude. Besides the various adventure options, tourists can enjoy the local sceneries that are sure to take the breath away. This scenic locale with its fascinating and amazing spectacle of nature is a recommended picnic spot for those who prefer to enjoy the lovely warmth of nature. The perfect choice for, picnics, get-togethers, family outings, parties, rest and recuperation above all, peace and solitude, Kolad could also prove to be a unique learning experience for the children who are living in the city. People usually book a car from Mumbai to Kolad via smart phone applications, online portals or customer friendly call-centers to spend a relaxed weekend amidst nature. Kolad is connected via Mumbai Pune Express Highway. The added advantage of hiring rental cabs from Mumbai or Pune to Kolad would be a visit to Pali famous for its Ganpati temple, while passing through state highway 96.

Places to Visit:

Bhira Dam (A.k.a Tata Powerhouse Dam) was installed by the Tata Power Company in 1927. The Bhira power station was the third hydropower plant in India. It forms a vital link in sustaining the industrial activity of Mumbai-Pune region of Maharashtra state. The water from this dam is used for irrigational purposes. Bhira Dam has a waterfall complete with a wooden bridge across its breadth, rendering a scenic appeal to it.

Ghosala Fort – An architectural splendor of yester years situated on the isolated Roha Hills, between the Salav and Revdanda creeks, this fort can be ascended from the northern side without much difficulty. There are two temples and a dargah inside. Bounded by a myriad of tiny creeks the Ghosala Fort looks marvelous when viewed from the northern side. Popularly believed to be constructed during the 16th century to coordinate defense activities, the fort comprises of various structures which include a prison, chambers, parapets and stores, the presence of two temples and a Darga in the fort evoke the curiosity of visitors. A remarkably graphic representation of the planning and architectural excellence of the people of ancient India, the fort is a famous tourist attraction.

Kolad Museum, popularly known as Kolad’s Kashtashilp, is popular for Ramesh Ghone’s sculptures, which are made of bamboo and wood. Ghone’s work includes a variety of lamps and bas-relief carvings. Carvings representing nature in the form of life-like birds and sensitive images of human beings with highly emotive faces are the specialty.

Things To Do:

The greatest allurement of this charming village which solicits visitors is the whitewater rafting at ‘Kundalika River’. The ever flowing water released from the nearby dams makes the river among the fastest flowing rivers in southern India, making it a spectacular location to experience the pleasures of white water river rafting. The intense one and a half hours of white water rafting requires extreme courage and bravery to navigate the fourteen kilometer stretch of exciting rapids of the Kundalika River. The zenith of water rafting is achieved during the monsoon season when the water levels are at the highest.

Apart from rafting, the banks of Kundalika River in Kolad are an ideal location for adventurous activities. Nature is at its best with water on all three sides, amidst rain drenched trees and mist covered mountains administering peace and solitude. Guests can stay overnight in tents letting mother nature play host and spend an idyllic day relaxing, recharging, and reviving the spirit by enjoying the gentle rhythm of the river and the magnificent lush greenery around the riverbanks, and cozying up by a camp fire at nightfall. Alternatively, guests may undertake and indulge in the excellent ventures of guided treks, canoeing, rappelling, paragliding, fishing, swimming, rock climbing, bird watching and river or valley crossing. Sports like mountain biking, wind surfing, kayaking, archery and climbing up through thundering waterfalls are offered here with plenty of options for various other types of treks and water-based activities.