Kundalika
Also known as: Kundalika, Kolad run
Lush Sahyadri (Western Ghats) forest, paddy fields, monsoon greenery
Is there water?
Whether there is a river here on your dates, and what kind of water it is.
Dam-release controlled from Bhira (Tata Power) dam; daily morning release about 08:15, monsoon afternoon release about 14:00 (Confirm.)
Most days year-round subject to dam release; best Jun-Feb (Confirm.)
Year-round on release days; peak Jun-Feb (monsoon adds flow)
Warm Western Ghats water, approx 22-26 C; no wetsuit needed
Sudden release surge, monsoon high water, slippery banks
Grade & who can come
A river changes grade with its level. These grades describe a normal flow - in flood the same run is harder, and often a different run entirely. Check the gauge before you commit.
II-III
Rafting
Single approx 13 km run; no significant split; combine with kayaking or zipline packages (Confirm.)
Beginner-friendly; minimum age about 14 and weight 40-120 kg (Confirm.)
The run
About ten named rapids (e.g., Johnny Walker, Mini Mouse); rafting depends on the morning dam release creating the flow
Timing-dependent flow (no raft without release), submerged rocks at low water; stay off river before release
Kolad run (Bhira release to Kolad village)
Very busy on weekends; popular Mumbai and Pune getaway
Access & shuttle
Booked via Kolad operators; approx Rs 1100-2400 pp (Confirm.); local or MTDC permissions via operators
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Road access at Kolad put-in and take-out off Mumbai-Goa NH-66; short shuttle
Operator vehicle shuttle between put-in and Kolad take-out; approx 2.5-3 hrs from Mumbai or Pune
Day run; many riverside resorts and tented camps at Kolad
Helmet and PFD provided; mobile signal generally available; carry change of clothes
Kolad hub; Mumbai and Pune feeder cities
Hazards & exits
Sudden dam-release surge, timing dependence, weekend crowding
Road access along the run; nearest hospital at Mangaon or Kolad
Commercial guided; certified river guide per raft required
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand river run report. Coordinates are approximate.