Bunch of memories made right... A Trip to Kolad!

This trip had been on my wishlist for a long time. With a gang of 4, we finally pulled off this trip to Kolad making Friday the 13th Oct into one awesome lucky day. It was me, Sanjay, Nikhil and Jatin. So we had an Ola outstation booked at 4 am with a package of INR 1700 that included all activities - River Rafting + Kayaking + River Crossing + Zip Line + Bumper Ride + Banana Boat Ride + Jet Ski Ride + Lunch through Leisurekart. Weekday prices differ from weekends & Leisurekart coordination had been brilliant. It was an absolute value for money trip. Public transport is a complete no-no and making a group of 8 is more feasible, as a river raft takes 8 people at a time. The cab ride had been smooth and pleasant, but once you take the Khopoli exit, the route is quite long and it is advisable to keep asking directions to the locals, as there is no network in certain areas and Google maps simply gives up.

We reached this place called Shri Prasad Nyahari Kendra in Pali village where we had a good breakfast. It’s a roadside joint adjoining sparkling clean washrooms, rare to find in a place like this. Being the hardcore Mumbai foodie, the poha, vada pav and chai were heartwarming. The morning serenity and hearty breakfast kicked in the trip feel, far away from the noisy busy office life.

After a long search, we finally reached the rafting venue around 8.30am. It was through Wilder West Adventures. We strolled through the grassy fields absorbing ourselves in nature.

On a siren, the Rawalje dam was released, and water started overflowing... We stood there watching the water levels rise to at least 50 feet engulfing with wind and waves... serene morning atmosphere...and the calmness drew us in... We started the rafting around 9.30am... with due prior instructions. Phones are not allowed and the raft guide charges approx 1600 for pics and videos for 8 people... The river rafting activity was a 22km ride of sheer joy, excitement and adrenaline rush... it is an absolutely mesmerizing experience which can kill your fear of deep waters. After doing all sought of antics like dipping our head from the raft, leg thumping in waters, standing in the raft, somersault diving in the deep waters from the raft... we had just created a lifetime of memory... 

Finishing this activity was followed by a round of vada pav and chai and lot of drinking of water... the activity is also tiring and energy draining... Our driver had driven through the 22 km and reached the site where we were going to finish our rafting. Fuelling our energies back, the ride to the adventure campsite was around 20 mins drive. One has the option to follow the auto rickshaws there. We fumbled but managed to finally find the place thankfully the network was working. Reaching around 1.30pm, we started all other activities. Kayaking is again a hands exercise, but a good experience. This was followed by zip lining - which is a very short one, river crossing - very difficult for inexperienced ppl like us. Jet ski, bumper and banana boat ride are the awesome ones...

All set

Banana Ride

Bumper Ride

Jet Ski

Kayaking

River Crossing(Actually done between the two ropes. I could manage only this! :P)

Zip Lining

clicking innumerable pics we finished around 3.15pm and it started pouring very heavily. We changed our clothes, waiting for the rains to stop as the dining hall was on the other end of the waters and we had to reach there through a boat. The lunch was a real memorable one. Typical Maharashtrian food but it was very yummy with an option of both veg & nonveg. And of course, we devoured it as we were all voraciously hungry. We got our river rafting pics and left from there around 5.40pm enroute to Mumbai... with loads of memories that will be remembered for a long time to come. 

It’s the feeling of sheer realization that something within you is alive and beating and yearning to live every moment.. after all, you live only once!

Few tips for first timers-
- Unexpected costs are car parking cost, rafting pics etc
- Asking the localites is always helpful
- Pre-booking and going on a weekday will always be economical
- Rafting is more fun during rains and not unsafe as I thought
- If you are going through Wilder West adventures, don’t miss the lunch. it’s awesome!!