Kolad is a
sleepy village on NH17 at the base of river Kundalika. Kolad is famous because
of the river (many people would ask for Kundalika rather than Kolad). Since Kolad is the village at the base of
river, it’s naturally not the village one reaches directly if they want to do
river rafting only. Other activities
like kayaking, zip line, river crossing, cycling, rappelling and other motor
sport activities can be done in Kolad.
Kundalika
river rafting has a unique distinction of being the only rafting circuit in
India which is operational throughout the year. The river flow which is used
for rafting purpose purely depends on the water released by the Bhira dam or
the Tata Powerhouse dam (however one has to call it)
From Mumbai if one is approaching Kolad
Somebody
has rightly said – “For an explorer, it’s not the question whether it can be
done, put simply it has to be done”
One look at
the travelling appetite and you will know the next trip on your own journey
called life. For me I had to do adventure sport and was always skeptical about
the safety for these sports in India. Now after good research and feedback from
different groups, finally choose river rafting as an option to do over the long
weekend.
Note: - I
am not a swimmer and I don’t like to take chances with water. River rafting has
made me realize what integral part of life swimming is and how it relaxes your
mind, body and soul rightfully.
After doing
some research and long hours of debate with the group it was finally decided we
will be heading towards Kolad to get the best of nature and enjoy pristine
beauty of the place.
Our Team:-
We had a
strong group of 8 people who had voluntarily agreed to be part of the adventure
that was planned for the long weekend. Team comprised mixture of young blood and
old wine. One of the team members couldn’t show up and this was pre-planned
failure waiting to happen at the end moment as thought off. This let off didn’t
however dampen the morale of the team and we continued with our planned itinerary
in hope to enjoy to the max
The team and the boat along with the guide who completed the task
The Planning:-
Out of the
options put forward to the team Kolad was decided. Planning took 1 week to
finish and lots of discussion between the team members to finalize the trip. We
even got guidance from seven seas afar on kind of package we should opt for and
that helped in saving money for the team and also providing the much needed me
time for the team. Logistics was a nightmare from a planning perspective as we
couldn’t book or find a self-drive car for the weekend at the last minute. In parallel
to make sure that the plan doesn’t get hampered because of lack of vehicle, we
could manage a car and agreed on two bikes to be as our logistical support
system for the trip. Since one of the person didn’t show up and Rain Gods were
really happy on us (it was raining hard) we agreed to get another car and drop the
idea of two bikes being taken for the trip. So a sedan and a hatchback were
arranged for the trip.
Enjoying fresh lease of life
An invitation to have jelly being made
Jelly and other eateries being shared
Trip
arrangement: -
Since this
was the first time the team was going on this sort of adventure ride we decided
to hire a guide who is professionally sound and can manage our stay and
activity in Kolad within our budget. Since our planning was done in a week’s
time including the selection of guide we could manage to strike a good deal
with the “Kolad Rafting” team of professionals. Very resourceful team and
managed the whole itinerary in short time without affecting the quality.
Kolad
Rafting - http://koladrafting.co.in/
Mr. Desmond
– 09820606688 (Mumbai)
Mr. Uday –
09421166206 (Vile)
On booking
50% of the amount @2,400/- inclusive of taxes was done to confirm a slot. We
were given a 12:30 IST slot as the morning slots were all booked by other
groups. Our stay was confirmed in a small village (village home with village
home cooked food) close to the start point of the rafting activity. Sayadhri
farm owned by Mr. Uday has 18 rooms and is being extended as part of his
elaborate plan to accommodate more guests. This place is in village called “Vile”
which is 4 km off the rafting start point (Rawalje village) His place was
maintained as per the standards of the village in a decent way. Mr. Uday, the
moment he speaks you will strike a good chord with him and is a very
resourceful guy for the place. Food cooked and served was very tasty and
provided us good taste of the food cooked in the village.
Itinerary:
Ø Reach Vile village
Ø Night stay at Sayadhri farm
o
Barbecue
o
Campfire
o
Dinner
o
Any
exploring (walking)
Ø Morning 08:30 reach rafting start
point (if morning batch) else reach 12:30 afternoon rafting start point (if
afternoon batch)
o
Morning
batch
§ Tea and snacks
§ Rafting start at 08:30
§ Back to stay
§ Lunch
§ Back to Kolad for other activities
§ Evening tea
§ Leave for Mumbai
o
Afternoon
batch
§ Tea and snacks
§ Go to Kolad for other activities
§ Back to stay
§ Lunch
§ Rafting start at 12:30
§ Come back to stay
§ Evening tea
§ Leave for Mumbai
We started from Mumbai at around 15:15 IST and reached Panvel at around 16:15 IST. From Panvel we left around 16:40 IST for Kolad. Since it was raining heavily all through the route the drive was slow and the pot holes on the highway post Khopoli made the drive bit cautious and we reached Vile village at around 19:45 IST. On reaching the destination team was seemingly tired from the long journey
Once we all refreshed and had the food for dinner (Roti + Rice + Dal + Moong bhaji + Cabbage + Papad + Pickle + Gulab Jamuns) It was time for bon fire
If you are in village sit like a village person and chat
Post the bon fire since our activity was planned for afternoon it was time to "kill-time" and what better than playing UNO.
Errrrr But before that it's selfie time and some nautanki (drama)
Maharaja's of Mumbai
Aah how can a girl selfie be missed. Two most energetic souls on the trip (women power)
And at it again obliged for the camera (actually showing off their nail paint)
And finally the young blood showing off his selfie skills
And then UNO begins and seriousness on the floor
UNO king who kept his right and left team members happy and busy in the game
Wicked smile
Rummy master - Man this guy can carry cards even in UNO
Next day morning we had our breakfast and lunch post which we headed to the start point of the rafting area.
Start point has facility to change and also ample parking space for vehicles. One can park their car and keep the belongings in it. Start point is 18-22 km (by road) away from the end point in Kolad. Team has to organize for transport back if required at the start point itself. Per head 100/- will be charged to bring you back. Else if you trust the drivers the management provides then the charge would be 300/- (both subject to change). Make sure that all your belongings are properly tucked away. One can carry a waterproof camera if it's handy else the management provides water proof pouch on rent (no idea about the cost as we kept our belongings away)
Guide provided is well trained guide (though English is something i would recommend one should not look at closely, but knowledgeable)
90* movement is required for efficient thrust to the raft and lesser use of energy
The rafting is done for 12 to 13 kms and goes through rough patches for the team to enjoy. One has to be extremely careful and listen to instructions from the guide on how and what needs to be done.
There are no staff who click photos at some strategic points on the river for the afternoon run.
Once we were done with rafting we headed back to the stay and had our evening tea before we left for Mumbai. On the way we stopped over in Pali for quick tea and some snacks. It was raining heavily
To compete with Sudheer's remark in Ladakh trip we had a Sudheer moment on this trip as well. In pali one of our team member (Chitra) post having her snack asked the serving boy
Chitra:- Can i get tissue paper
Boy:- What?
Chitra:- Tissue paper milega
Boy:- No reaction just looking at us
Chitra:- Tissue paper, tissue paper
Boy:- Says nothing and leaves and comes with the bill
Haha tissue paper in evening that too in a village, high expectations
Total time:- 6hour to reach Mumbai in heavy rains
Team expense:- 2400/- Rafting charge and stay
Other expense:- 600/- (diesel / petrol / gas + snacks)
Total transit time:- 10hrs
Rafting time:- 3.5hrs
Request:- Please do not re-circulate the images without permission of the publisher (blog owner).
