Kolad
Kolad is a village, in Raigad district, Maharashtra State, India. It is 117 km from Mumbai on the National Highway no 17 (Mumbai-Goa).
Fast Facts
- District: Raigad
- Taluka: Roha.
- Famous for: Rafting
- Languages: Marathi, Hindi, English.
- Best Season: Jan–Feb
- Weather: Summer 28–40 °C, Winter 12–33 °C
- Altitude: 60 m
- Pincode: 402304
- STD code: 02194
Geography
The village post office Postal Index Number (PIN code) is 402304 & 402109 and is served by Kolad post office.
Some of nearby villages are dagadwadi, Gove, Pugaon, Pui, Pahur, Suttarwadi, Kudali, Ambewali, Kamat, Jamgaon, Durtoli, Bhira, Ville, Tise, Bhuvan, Talavali, Yeral
Nearby towns are Roha, Indapur, Mangaon, Nagothane
Dam of Kundlika river is situated in dagadwadi village to roha.
Transport
Kolad 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 Khopoli 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 - Pui Dam
- Ghosala Fort
- Kuda Caves
- Tala Fort
- Sutarwadi Lake
- Kanal Avenue
- Tamhini Falls
- Gaimukh
- Rafting
- Jananni Hill
- Kolad Dam
Demographics
As of 2001 India census,[1] Kolad had a population of 12116.
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.
BSNL & TATA are the only service providers with complete network.
Its best being around a KANAL.
Kolad Railway Station
Kolad is the first (northernmost) station on Konkan Railway. It 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
Kolad is fast gaining recognition due to resorts which provide river rafting opportunities on the Kundalika River.
- 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, Rappelling, Jungle camping, kayaking, Para sail, Aeromodeling & all kind of outdoor activities.
- 6 Degrees - There are no strangers on this planet.
- ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolad