Kolad Beckon, Lo and behold

Journey to Kolad

Kolad is a Nondescript Village Near Mumbai 120 Kms from Dadar and some 70 Kms from Panvel on Goa Route. Its famous for River Kundalika , river rafting, numerous waterfalls and natural ponds in vicinity.

The place is magical to say the least. For those looking for a hideout or a getaway to nature in rains, Kolad is the place to be. Mobile phone will not bother you and so will the TV or FM or any outside world contact.

The drive to place is heavenly to say least(Though do not forget spare wheel) and coupled with rains you feel greenery thrown on your eyes.

While traveling from Dadar- drive till Panvel and take a turn towards Pen just before the Pune Highway begins. Keep driving 25 Kms for Pen and cross it to reach Vadhkal Naka- take a left for Goa highway, cross Nagothane after 25 Kms and reach Kolad. ST buses are also available and nearest railway station is Nagothane

This picture is of a villager as we crossed Nagothane running side by side our car.

Natural Ponds

Kolad offers wide range of activities and leisures. If you are a nature lover, you will love the beauty of the way which proves the adage- Path to glory is always better than the destination. The pond in this picture is one of the 100s we found on our way and could not help but stop to drench in rain and feel the fresh air. The best part of the place is the less headcount, where as Mumbai Pune residents prefer Lonavala, Kolad is for those who want to beat the rush and give people a miss. The water to these ponds come through Tiny streams flowing from mountains so no worries of water being salty or chlorinated..

Fishing

Kolad is situated on the banks of river Kundalika, which is an all season river with an undiscovered array of flora and fauna to offer . We purchased the locally made fishing gear from local market and tried to angle it. To our dismay we could not get even a single fish on the banks. Though we could see the local people going with their catches. My desire to click a picture a la fishermen died there only. But its sure shot way to pass time guzzling whichever drink one prefers.

The surrounding of the place are picturesque and serene to the core, and we were told that whose who of Mumbai have their out houses on the river Bank. The houses in the pic and in inset are supposedly of some rich people from bambai- locales informed.

Waterfalls and Hiking

When you visit a place like Kolad, you know you have nothing to do, then’s the time you are ACTUALLY tempted to do some thing, time for some adventure. We were informed by our host about the number of waterfalls around the place. Just one and a half Km walk from our hotel, we reached the trek which takes you to this beautiful cascade of white water. No souls in hindsight, all are suggested to lose the inhibitions and take a dip. The path is in itself an arduous one and then when you reach the waterfall, you feel like its heaven and it cleanses you inside out- total bliss. Waterfalls are much cleaner and serene as compared to the ones near Bhushi Dam in Lonavla. Though its safe to bath but always be cautious for lack of lifeguard. Word of caution- when its raining hard- the waterfall can crack you skull!

Rafting on Kundalika

Whats Kolad without rafting-any resident will tell you!

From Kolad Drive down to Goa highway and take a Left turn after two Kms towards Pune to reach Bhira. 5-7 Kms before Bhira, take a left turn again to reach the rafting point. White Water rafting is the organization that tales care of water activities and are well equipped with latest equipments and life guards. If you are lucky or have reached before 8 AM, gates of Bhira Dam are opened and the serene river takes form of a monster finding

its way through rocks and trees and gulping down everything which comes in its way and the raft going ups and downs like traveling on boulders or rocks. We rafted in the second lot and could just see water residing below the turbulent level before we could set sail. The total distance vua river is 12 Kms and tales some 2 and a ½ Hours to complete. They also allow you to swim in river which is 20-50 Ft deep at most places. For those who are not swimmers, the life jacket hold you afloat for 48 hours!! The experience is indescribable. Don’t forget to lift the raft back , things they make you do in name of adventure!

The Stay

We stayed at a resort called Doctor’s Farm, not a lavish one but with all amenities one requires in a jungle. Its basically a horticulture farm and has nice plantations of flowers and trees. As for swimming pool, they pump the river water

in the pool and hence no chlorine, they also have fishing rods placed at all banks.

Hammocks, swings, basketball court, volleyball court, river side restaurant and nice views makes it a place to stay. Ask the owner and he will arrange for the rafting also. Do look at the huge cactus trees around the campus and you cant stop wondering about the cactus supposed to grow in deserts! Keep Odomos handy for sure.

Can check their website: doctorsfarm.com for reservations.

Expenses: Rafting, boarding and Food for an overnight stay- Rs. 3500 per Person..