Kolad in January
Maharashtra, India
Go January — rafting active with Tata Power releases continuing; book weekend slots 3-7 days ahead.
January Kolad at 40m elevation on the Kundalika River holds the post-monsoon rafting tail. The Kundalika Grade II-III rapids continue running on the Tata Power Bhira Dam's scheduled releases — typically 9am-12pm three days a week, occasionally daily during peak demand. The 10km rafting stretch runs through Sutarwadi village hub down to the lower riverbed. Air sits 8-10°C dawn (cold for the basin), 26-30°C daytime. Operators (Hot Adventure Sports, Adventure Junkies, Sutarwadi Adventure, Vista Rooms partner camps) run weekend trips ₹1500-2500/raft including gear and one descent.
The January story
Book rafting operators 3-7 days ahead — Saturday-Sunday January slots fill but weekday slots open. Drive in via Mumbai (130km via Pen-Khopoli) or Pune (140km via Mulshi). Reach Sutarwadi by 8am for the 9am Tata Power dam release — the river goes from low to rapid-flow in 15-20 minutes. Raft 2-3hr down 10km. Camping operators run lakeside or riverside tents ₹1500-3500/night including dinner. Hop to Nagothane riverbank for sunset. Kolad is a 1-2 night destination — built around the rafting product, with minimal sightseeing beyond it. The legitimate January Kolad trip is rafting plus a riverside overnight.
Why January scores 8.0/10
Weather
Dam release continuing. Rafting good.
PEAK ALERT · JULY
Kolad is at its best in July.
Save it to your shortlist and we'll help you catch July before it fills up.
What to do in Kolad this January
- 1Raft Kundalika Grade II-III rapids — Tata Power 9am release
- 2Stay lakeside or riverside operator tents ₹1500-3500
- 3Sunset at Nagothane riverbank
- 4Visit Tamhini Ghat waterfall area (45km off-route)
- 5Photograph Sutarwadi village hub
Who should go
- ✓Travelers with basic fitness
- ✓Adventure-trip weekenders chasing Kundalika Grade II-III rapids
- ✓Mumbai-Pune families on 1-2 night rafting-and-camp combo
- ✓Beginner rafters wanting safe dam-release flow
- ✓Riverside-camping overnight stayers
Who should think twice
- ✗Those with mobility issues
- ✗Anyone scared of cold dawn air (8°C) at riverside camps
- ✗First-time rafters without prior swim ability
- ✗Travellers wanting beyond-rafting sightseeing — limited
- ✗Solo budget travellers without operator bookings
All 12 Months
| Month | Score | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Januaryviewing | 8.0/10 | Dam release continuing. Rafting good. |
| February | 6.0/10 | Last month of reliable rafting. |
| March | 4.0/10 | Dam release ending. River low. |
| April | 2.0/10 | No water. Skip. |
| May | 2.0/10 | Dry. |
| June | 4.0/10 | Pre-monsoon. Dam filling. |
| July | 10.0/10 | Dam overflowing. Full rapids. Best rafting. |
| August | 10.0/10 | Peak monsoon rafting. Tamhini waterfalls. |
| September | 10.0/10 | Excellent rafting. River full. |
| October | 8.0/10 | Good flow. Post-monsoon weather pleasant. |
| November | 8.0/10 | Flow reducing but still good. |
| December | 8.0/10 | Dam release rafting continues. |
What to pack for January
- ▸Quick-dry rafting shorts + tee
- ▸Closed-toe water shoes (operators provide if needed)
- ▸Warm fleece for 8°C dawn camp
- ▸Dry-bag for phone, camera, wallet
- ▸Cash ₹2000-4000 for operator booking
Nearby in Maharashtra scoring high in January
Ready to book your stay?
We sit before the booking layer, not beside it — compare prices on the platforms below.
Tours and experiences
Treks, safaris and day tours — compare on the platforms below.
We don't take payment to feature any destination, stay or operator. Book through a link here and we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our scores or recommendations. Editorial policy
Don't miss the next Kolad window
One Sunday briefing on where to actually go in India, plus a 3-week heads-up before each destination you save hits its peak month. No spam.
Free. No sponsored picks. Unsubscribe in one click.