Discover the Untouched Natural Beauty of Kolad

Kolad, close to Mumbai and Pune, is emerging as a favorite weekend getaway for a lot of city dwellers. Those who live in these metros are spoilt with choices. There is Lonavla, Khandala, Matheran, Mahabaleshwar and others among hill stations. There are plenty of beaches too such as Alibag, Kashid-Murud, Tarkarli-Devbaug, and even Goa. On the flip side, you won’t really get a moment of peace in many of them, because there is always a mad rush during the weekends. So what do you do? You can pick a place very few people have heard of. A place that’s untouched, and yet, stunning. Kolad falls in this category very well.

Introducing Kolad

Kolad is virgin. It is a small village, a sleepy hamlet, which is yet to be discovered. Rocky Mountains and rugged topography of the Sahyadris make it as beautiful as some of the more popular hill stations of Maharashtra. The Kundalika River meanders through the valleys, sometimes peacefully, and sometimes with a roar. Incidentally, Kundalika is among the fastest flowing rivers in the state. Care to do some white water rafting or boating? You can take up the challenge here. You will come face-to-face with many rapids in a stretch of 14 kilometers. Take on the river in the monsoon if you dare. Water released from dams nearby will challenge the most ardent thrill seeker. Of course, you can try boating as well at one of the quieter regions of the river. Enjoy the natural beauty on its banks as you slowly drift along.

There are plenty of gushing streams and thundering waterfalls. Pack a picnic lunch and have your meal beside one of the waterfalls or streams. It will be a memorable experience. Plus, there is the option of doing paragliding as well – this has been introduced in recent years. Some other activities you can do in Kolad include rock climbing, zip line, mountain biking, ATV riding, and archery among others.

Wait! There’s more! Kolad is full of thick forests. You can go on a jungle trekking adventure. There are many hiking trails in the region you can explore. You are sure to love the valleys, forests, and even the marshlands in this small hamlet. If you are a bird watcher, you will like to particularly visit the marsh. Trekking in the monsoon is special, because there is a lot more greenery this time of the year.