Kolad is a village in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is 117 km from Mumbai and is a popular holiday destination in the state. Famous for its untouched natural beauty, magnificent river, and adventure activities, Kolad is among the most beautiful villages in the state. The village is located on the banks of River Kundalika and is surrounded by dense green mountains. The village is well connected by road and rail to various big cities in the state. Apart from its scenic landscapes and natural sites, Kolad is also popular among photographers and adventure junkies.
The village has several water bodies, a couple of forts, and a vast green cover. It has a very moderate climate. People of all age groups visit the village during their holidays to spend some quality time in clean air close to nature. Kolad witnesses heavy rainfalls during the monsoon, and it makes the weather really pleasant. It is among the most popular holiday destinations in the state.
How to reach?
Traveling by road is the best way to reach Kolad. Kolad is situated on NH17 or the Mumbai-Goa highway. You can take a bus or travel in your personal vehicle. An alternate route to reach Kolad is via the Mumbai-Pune highway, via the Khopoli exit. The village can be easily accessed from Pune as well. You can also take the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation bus to reach Roha and take an auto-rickshaw to reach Kolad.
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Where to stay?
There are several hotels, homestays, and resorts to stay in Kolad. Among the most affordable options is booking a hostel. You can find really cheap homestays to stay in Kolad. You can also stay at Zostel. Apart from this, some people also do riverside caping, which is a great combination of budget and adventure. For luxury stays, you can book a resort or even a lake side private bungalow.
If you are traveling in a group, lakeside cottage stays would be perfect for your stay in the village.
There’s a lot more to Kolad than its natural beauty. You can enjoy a relaxing holiday in the village and indulge in several interesting activities. There are a lot of things to do in Kolad.
Let’s have a look at some of the things that you can do while in Kolad.
River Rafting:
River rafting is among the most popular activities to take part in. It is a perfect activity for those traveling in groups. You’ll get to test your heartbeats while making your way through the current of the Kundalika river’s 14 km stretch. It takes one to one and a half hours to complete the circuit. The best time to visit Kolad is during the monsoon when the weather is pleasant, and the river is full. You will certainly feel the adrenaline rush while making your way through the river’s flow.
Ghosala Fort:
A visit to Kolad includes exploring two forts, and Ghosala is one of them. Known for its unique architecture, the fort is situated between the Revdanda and the Salav Creeks. Located 8 km south of Roha town, the fort is made in a narrow strip. Standing near a small hill, the fortified boundaries of the fort are surrounded by dense green plains. If you have a history buff inside you, you must visit the Ghosala fort.
Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls:
Tamhini Ghat Waterfalls is another prime tourist attraction in Kolad. Also known as Valse, the waterfall forms a pool at the base after making a cascading effect while falling down from a significant height. It is a major picnic spot for tourists in the region. Tamhini Ghat Waterfall is a perfect weekend getaway. You can have a delicious film after taking a bath at the pool formed by the waterfall. It is also a great spot for clicking pictures.
Sutarwadi Lake:
Another major tourist attraction in Kolad is the magnificent Sutarwadi Lake. Surrounded by green mountains on all sides, Sutarwadi Lake is a clean water lake that serves as a great bird-watching spot. Known for its serene atmosphere, the area nearby the lake is perfect for camping, clicking pictures, watching the landscapes, and witnessing the beauty of nature. It is one of the must-visit spots in the region. The entire setup looks amazing during the sunrise.
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Trekking:
A trip to an adventurous destination can’t be complete without a trek. Among all the adventure activities, trekking requires minimum investment. There are several easy to moderate adventurous treks in and around Kolad, and the Plus valley trek is among the best of them. Plus, the valley resembles the symbol ‘+.’ The valley is located in the Tamhini Ghats. The view from the top is simply mesmerizing. You will find several photography points during the trek.
