Located along the banks of the gushing Kundalika River and set against the Sahyadri ranges, Kolad is a scenic village in Maharashtra. Kolad has earned a well-deserved reputation as the adventure hub of the region. Although this place is relatively quiet, it completely surprises its visitors with its rural charm, serene nature and heart-pounding adventure activities. You can plan a trip to this wonderful destination and discover its unique attractions with Kolad tour packages.
The most popular attraction in Kolad is the Kundalika River, which offers excellent conditions for white water rafting. Kolad also offers a fun variety of activities like rock climbing, ziplining, bungee jumping, waterfall rappelling, kayaking and many more.
Kolad has another side that appeals to those who seek greenery, peaceful surroundings, beautiful waterfalls and amazing forest trails. Kolad is a wonderful place to enjoy peace and nature, as well as indulge in activities like photography, birdwatching, yoga, meditation by the river, stargazing, and more.
If you're looking for a place to relax in a riverside tent, enjoy a bonfire under a starlit sky, or explore nearby forts, Kolad tourism offers you a calm rural retreat.
1. Summer in Kolad
Months: March to May
Avg. temperature: 28 to 38°C
Weather: Hot and dry during the day with slightly cooler evenings
Crowd density: Moderate
Budget: Moderate
Clothes to pack: Light cotton clothes, quick drying clothes for river activities, caps, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable footwear, and refillable water bottles
2. Monsoon in Kolad
Months: June to September
Avg. temperature: 24 to 30°C
Weather: Cool and lush with heavy to moderate rainfall; perfect for rafting and waterfalls
Crowd density: High
Budget: Moderate to High
Clothes to pack: Quick-dry clothes, ponchos or raincoats, waterproof shoes, insect repellents, and a spare change of clothes
3. Winter in Kolad
Months: October to February
Avg. temperature: 15 to 25°C
Weather: Pleasant and slightly chilly mornings and nights with dry conditions
Crowd density: Low to Moderate
Budget: Low to Moderate
Clothes to pack: Light jackets or hoodies, full-sleeve clothes for evenings, comfortable shoes
1. By Train
Kolad Railway Station is connected to the Konkan Railway line and trains from Mumbai, Pune, Goa, and Ratnagiri halt here. From Mumbai, it takes around 4 hours by train and covers about 120 km in distance.
2. By Road
Kolad is about 120 km from Mumbai via NH66 and 110 km from Pune via Tamhini Ghat. It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours by car or taxi from either Mumbai or Pune. State transport buses, private buses and self-driving cars are also available for travellers.
3. By Air
The nearest airports are Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai at 120 km and Pune International Airport at 110 km. From the airport, hire a taxi, or you can take a train or bus to Kolad, which will take about 4 to 5 hours.
Here are the top places to visit in Kolad:
1. Kudos Mandad Caves
Kudos Mandad Caves are the rock-carved caves, located in the Kuda Village in the South Konkan region, dating back to the 1st to 6th century BC. There are 26 caves, of these rock-carved caves and 2 are cisterns on the side of the hill. The oldest of these caves can be found on top of the Janjeera hills at a height of 150 to 200 feet above sea level. Inside the caves, there are carved stupas and a rock-carved image of an elephant on the front gates. Several inscriptions, letters and paintings within the caves suggest that the Buddhist monks lived here.
2. Bhira Dam
Bhira Dam, also known as the Tata Powerhouse Dam, was established by the TATA Group in 1927. Bhira Dam is the source of water for the Kundalika River, where river rafting is quite popular. The impressive structure of the Dam, the serene and scenic surroundings and amazing water views make this place an excellent tourist destination. You can enjoy picnics, nature walks and engage in bird watching on your visit here.
3. Kolad Museum
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Kolad is the Kolad Museum. The displays and artefacts here offer a deep insight into the history and local heritage of the region. There are beautiful sculptures made by local sculptor Ramesh Ghone, which are made of wood and bamboo carvings of animals, birds and humans. There are several functional items such as beds, night lamps, baithaks made of wood, chairs and dining tables.
4. Tamhini Ghat
Tamhini Ghat is a beautiful mountain pass which is covered in lush greenery, stunning waterfalls and amazing landscapes. This place is particularly beautiful in the monsoon season as heavy rains turn the entire landscape into a visual treat. Explore the beautiful plunging waterfalls like Devkund Falls and or visit the nearby villages to view monsoon flowers, butterflies, and engage in bird watching.
5. Ghosala Fort
This imposing Fort stands in the town of Roha between the Revdanda and Salac Creeks. It is believed to have been constructed back in the 16th century as a defence structure. Within the Ghosala Fort, there is a prison, several chambers, parapets and stores as well as two temples and a dargah which evokes curiosity in the visitors. The place around the Fort and the Fort itself is a great trekking destination for visitors to Kolad.
Here are the top things to do in Kolad:
1. ATV Rides - The rugged terrain and landscapes of Kolad offer the perfect opportunities for ATV rides. You can unleash your adventurous side as you go over rough terrain, paths with muddy water, rocky roads, shrubberies and sandy trails along the way. Before the ride, you will be given a short briefing on how to stay safe throughout this adventure. You will also get helmets, which you need to put on throughout the ride.
2. Watersports in Kundalika River- Kundalika River offers an amazing range of watersports for you to enjoy on your visit to Kolad. Thrill seekers can indulge in jet skiing, river crossing, bumper boat rides, canyoning, and so much more. If you like to enjoy the serenity of the place, then take a calming boat ride on the river and enjoy the views of your surroundings as you pedal your boat on the calm waters of the river. You can also enjoy a relaxing yet adventurous kayak ride on the river as well.
3. Ziplining - Soar over treetops and glide over lush landscapes and feel the cool breeze on your face as you zip through the air. Ziplining offers you an amazing vantage point to view the splendid landscape of Kolad. The most popular place to try out ziplining here is in Sambhe village, which offers a 150-metre-long zip line amidst lush greenery. High-quality harness, gloves and helmet will be provided for you for your safety.
4. Explore Hill Forts - The Kolad region in Maharashtra has several hill forts that give you a unique glimpse into the history and heritage of this region. These forts also give you amazing trekking trails as well as spectacular views of the surrounding area. Some of the most popular forts here are Avchitgad Fort, Talagad Fort, Ghosala Fort and Birwadi Fort. All these are within 40 km of Kolad's main town.
5. Visit Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary- The Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 67 km from Kolad, and it is home to over 700 types of flora and 300 varieties of wildlife. You can enjoy a day trek in the Sanctuary or go on a safari to get a good view of animals like leopards, hyenas, barking deer, black eagles, snakes, hornbills and many bird and butterfly species. You can also enjoy an overnight stay at the time today so that you can enjoy it and take in the amazing view
Here are some of the best adventure sports to try in Kolad:
1. Mountain Biking - Enjoy the scenery of Kolad and the surrounding mountains of the Sahyadri ranges with an exciting mountain biking adventure here. The uneven terrain and challenging trails are perfect for mountain biking, where you can challenge your limits and determination with thrilling races along with friends. Kolad presents diverse trails right from single-track ones to more challenging uphill climbs, catering to riders of varying skill levels
2. Camping - Kolad is a beautiful nature and adventure destination offering excellent campsites that are set in the midst of lush greenery along river banks and untamed wilderness. Several campsites offer tents and cottage stays along with other adventure activities like rock climbing, river rafting, fishing, hiking, nature walks, ziplining and more
3. Trekking - Kolad and its surrounding regions offer excellent opportunities for trekking. Some of the popular trekking trails are the ones leading to Devkund Waterfalls, Sarasgad Fort, Sudhagad Fort, Andharban Waterfalls and many more. Most of these treks are easy to moderate and take about 4 to 5 hours to complete, for example, the Devkund waterfall trek. You can also enjoy a trekking tour to Kolad's iconic attractions like Kuda Mandad Caves, Tamhini Ghat, Gaimukh and Bhira Dam.
4. Rock Climbing - Kolad is a beautiful destination set against the Sahyadri ranges, offering ideal rock climbing spots. The terrain and rock formations together present challenging climbs for all grades of climbers. Feel the adrenaline rush as you manoeuvre your next step on a massive rock which is balanced on a relatively small foundation. Conquer these amazing natural rock formations found near Kundalika River and take in the stunning views as you go higher
5. Waterfall Rappelling - The Kolad Waterfall in Maharashtra offers amazing and thrilling water rappelling adventures. This exciting and adrenaline-pumping activity involves going down a waterfall in a controlled manner using a rope. This stunning waterfall and its vertical slippery slopes offer a challenging water rappelling opportunity. This activity requires good mountaineering skills, and it's ideal for those who have tried this kind of activity before. Safety gear and qualified instructors are provided so that you can enjoy this experience safely.
1. Aaryan Vada Pav Center
This is a popular eatery in Kolad, and it is particularly famous for its vada pav. Other delicacies you can try here are hot samosas with chutney, bhajias, chaat and other snack items
2. Konkan Cafe & Bar
This is a multi-cuisine restaurant and a top-rated dining option in Kolad. It serves a delectable selection of traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, Chinese and other cuisines. It has a bar, a pool, and organises bonfires in the evenings.
3. Hotel Prabhakar
This is one of the best places to try out authentic Konkani cuisine. You can try out their delicious recipes of misal pav, poha, bhakris and bhajias. For lunch, you can enjoy their delicious traditional veg and non-vegetarian thalis
4. Maratha Palace
This is a vegetarian restaurant that is quite popular among locals as well as visitors. They serve right from morning breakfasts to lunch, snacks and dinners. Try out their batata vada sambar for breakfast and their thalis for lunch. For dessert, they serve the best matka kulfi.
1. Saffron Stays Midori
This spacious 4-bedroom villa is located in a quiet corner of Kolad and offers excellent personalised services. It's an excellent space for quiet moments where you can meditate by the river or relax by the pool. They have a chef and a caretaker to cook and clean for you
2. jüSTa Rudra Resort & Spa
This 5-star property is located in the heart of Kolad and offers excellent amenities, well-furnished rooms, impeccable services and amazing views. They have an in-house restaurant and a poolside bar with an excellent food selection
3. Sterling Nature Trails
If you're looking for a peaceful retreat in Kolad, then Sterling Nature Trails is just the place for you. This eco-friendly resort, located by the Kundalika River, offers spacious tents, cosy cottages and fun activities like river rafting, ziplining, etc.
1. Kolad Main Market
This marketplace is where the locals shop, and it sells everything from daily groceries to clothes and everything else. You can buy spices, pickles and local snacks from here
2. MK Supermarket
This is a relatively large supermarket where you can buy everything from toiletries to packaged food to local papads and more
1. Riverside Camping and Bonfires
The banks of the Kundalika River offer excellent campsites ideal for a night out under starry skies. You can enjoy bonfires, stargazing and connecting with other campers onsite.
2. Nighttime Boat Ride or Kayaking
Enjoy a nightly boat ride or kayaking on the Kundalika River for a truly unique experience. Starry sky reflecting on the water and the peaceful silence offer a wonderful escape.
3. Stargazing
Light pollution is almost zero in Kolad, giving you the most wonderful stargazing opportunity. The night sky looks amazing, and you can just enjoy the peaceful surroundings as you gaze at the twinkling stars.
4. Nighttime Trekking
Some campsites organise night treks to places like Ghosala Fort or Bhira Dam. You can go on these nighttime treks, which are completely different from daytime treks. The trails and surrounding areas look and feel different at night, and you may also have a chance encounter with wild animals.
1. Festivals
2. Events
Kolad, nestled in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, is a hidden gem offering a blend of adventure, history, and scenic splendour. Here are some must‑see spots:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1. Try 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.
2. Go for 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.
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.
4. River Crossing in Kolad: 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.
5. Go for 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kolad is blessed with a pleasant climatic conditions all year round. While most people prefer making a trip during the monsoons, you can experience the beauty of this endearing village in almost all seasons.
Luckily, it isn’t much of a hassle to reach Kolad. Situated hardly three hours away from Mumbai and Pune, it is easily accessible with a short road journey. Here are a few favourable modes of transport you can choose from:
By Bus:
State transport buses going from Mumbai to Ratnagiri can take you via Kolad. These are ideally swift and take you through in little to no time. There are several AC Volvo and Seater buses available for those who don’t mind spending a pretty penny on the travel.
By Train:
Kolad lies under the Konkan railways in India, and there are several shuttles you can pick for your journey. Kolad station is also connected with some of the major cities of Maharashtra. And of course, you don’t want to miss out on the scenic journey that Konkan railway takes you through!
By Car:
The most preferred mode of transport is a car ride from Mumbai or Pune. A short ride of two and half hours, this mode is ideal if you’re travelling in a group of four to six people. The route to Kolad is a sight to behold and is full of verdant sceneries and waterfalls during the monsoons.
Resorts in Kolad go hand-in-hand with peace and quiet. In fact, every window you look out from will promise you a view to remember. Here are a few popular resorts around Kolad that offer you the best of everything under one roof:
1. Adventure activities and stay: Experience Kolad in its raw and rugged form at Adventure Activity and stay resort. They have numerous packages which allow you to experience enthralling activities and adventures such as wall climbing, kayaking, rappelling and flying fox to name some.
2. Pooja’s Farm: Want to experience the splendour of nature like never before? Pooja’s Farm is a getaway packed with placid moments by the river that helps you rejuvenate before you head back to your busy life. What’s more? You can stay in a quaint cottage looking over at the frondescence up close.
3. Doctor’s Farm: Doctor’s Farm is a 15 acres sprawling resort looking out at the River Kundalika. Guarded by the lush, evergreen thicket, this retreat is ideal for nature enthusiasts who are willing to explore the thriving wildlife in Kolad.