Kolad

Kolad is a village, in Raigad district, Maharashtra State, India.

Kolad, a thriving tiny village in the Mahad region in the state of Maharashtra, is blessed with natural foliage and luxuriant greenery. Situated at the backdrop of the majestic Sahyadris, Kolad’s magnificent valleys give it a picturesque appearance.

Kolad is famed for plenty of waterfalls, its rugged topography and Rocky Mountains. The trekking trails in Kolad offer medium challenges to adventurous trekkers and the trekking during the Monsoon has a special charm, making it a unique feature of Kolad. Kolad offers so many excellent adventurous activities that enable one self to replenish one’s acquaintance with nature.

The greatest attraction of this charming village is the ‘Kundalika River’, which is one among the fastest flowing river in South Maharashtra. Water released from the nearby dams makes the river ever flowing. Kundalika riverbeds in Kolad are ideal locations for adventurous activities.

It is a spectacular location to experience the pleasure of white water river rafting. Kundalika River’s 12-kilometre stretch of exciting rapids will provide 2 hours white water rafting. Rafting through the river calls for extreme courage and bravery. Water rafting in the river reaches its zenith during monsoon season since the water levels are high.

Apart from river rafting this river offers other excellent ventures like Kayaking, Jungle Camping, and River crossing. Boating through the river is a real experience for any of the visitor and lush magnificent greenery around the riverbanks can be enjoyed by it. This scenic locale with the fascinating and amazing spectacle of nature is a recommended picnic spot for those who prefer to enjoy the lovely warmth of nature.

OLD JUNGLE SAYING...In KOLAD land is always safe next to a KANAL.

Fast Facts

State: Maharashtra

District: Raigad

Famous for: Rafting

Languages: Marathi, Hindi

Best Season: Jan - Feb

Weather: Summer 28-40°C, Winter 12-33°C

Altitude: 60 m

Pincode: 402109

STD code: 02194

Geography

It is located south of Panvel to Goa on NH 17 connecting Nagothane - Kolad - Mangaon. It lies on the banks of River Kundalika. It is three hours by train from Mumbai, via Roha by train.

You Could also approach the same via Mumbai Pune Express Highway - Pay toll and take left at Khapoli exit. Head through the over bridge towards PALI. Pass through SH 96 - pali famous for its Ganpati temple. Towards Bhira you drive on to SH 60 which towards right leads to KOLAD.

You could also take a train "the Konkan Railway" via Roha it is three hours from Mumbai.

06.20 from Diva Jn. (Diva-Madgaon which passes through Roha)

09.10 from Diva Jn. (Diva-Roha)

11.40 Netravati Express from Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (passes through Roha)

15.35 Dadar- Ratnagiri. (which passes through Roha)

20.00 from Diva Jn. (Diva-Roha)

There are ST Buses & Auto rikshaws from Roha to Kolad.

Weather

Kolad has a varied climate; spring (March to May) is hot and sultry, while the monsoon season (June to September) is accompanied by heavy rainfalls. Winters are during November and February and are characterized by medium level of humidity and cool weather. The best time to visit here is from June to March.

Rivers and waterfalls are good post monsoons.

Attractions

Kundalika River

Bhira Dam (Tata Powerhouse Dam)

Dholwal Dam

Ghosala Fort

Kuda Caves

Tala Fort

Sutarwadi Lake

Tamhini Falls

Gaimukh

Rafting

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, Kolad had a population of 12116.

Description

The village post office Postal Index Number ( PIN code) is 402304 & 402109 and is served by Kolad post office.

Some of nearby villages are Suttarwadi, Kudali, Ambewali, Kamat, Jamgaon, Durtoli, Bhira, Ville, Narayangaon

Nearby towns are Roha, Mangaon, Nagothane

Infrastructure

Most of the infrastructure in Kolad are maintained by gram panchayat, which include paving the roads, provision of water supply and other essential serives like garbage disposal and beautification.

Other minor roads are maintained by Gram Panchayat.

Electricity is provided by state run MSEB.

Telecom serives are handled by the state run BSNL telecom and other private players. Broadband is provided by BSNL.

Kolad Railway Station

This is the first (northernmost) station on Konkan Railway. This is the starting point for RORO Service on Konkan Railway. RORO means Roll On Roll Off, where loaded trucks are directly carried by railway wagons and reached to destination by trains. Konkan railways passes through tough terrains of India. There is NH-17 passing through same route. Truck drivers find it extremely difficult to drive loaded trucks through ghats,undulating surfaces,narrow roads and poor road & weather conditions. The KRC came with concept of RORO , where loaded trucks are moved on wagons and are traveled by train. This has helped in saving of fuels, decrease in wear and tear of lorries(trucks), relief to drivers of driving in extreme conditions,can reach faster to destination. This also helps in decongestion of roads and lowering of pollution. This concept has been beneficial for both truck operators and KRC.

Place to visit

Resorts in wilderness near / around the river and dams.

Kundalika river river rafting and camping throughout the year.

Water falls on state highway 60 towards pune in the rains.

Adventure sports Rafting, Rappling, Jungle camping, kayaking, Para sail, Aeromodeling & all kind of outdoor activities.

6 Degrees - There are no strangers on this planet.

Important numbers

Kolad Police station -02194 250036

Hospitals -

Ambulance - 9225730508

Veterinary Doctor - 9420324747

Important people

Sunil Taktkare and Ravi Kanal