The difficulty of a river is classified on a scale of Class I to Class VI with I being very easy and VI unrunnable. Kolad like most commercial rafting trips takes place on a grade II or III River.
The Self-Bailing Paddle Rafts can hold between 8-10 passengers. Each passenger is given a paddle and must work as a team under the direction of the guide to help power and maneuver the raft, generating a greater feeling of accomplishment.
Generally, just about anyone in reasonable health and fitness can go rafting. The minimum age for a child on a Class III river (under normal water flows) is 14 years old (and a minimum weight of 35 kgs). There is no maximum age although anyone over 60 should be in good health and perhaps consult with your physician if you have any concerns. If you are pregnant, extremely overweight, or have back or heart problems, we do not suggest a raft trip.
Rafting at Kolad is thrilling, exciting, wet, wild and unbelievably fun. However, as in all adventure sports, there is an inherent risk involved. That risk contributes to the excitement, and is one of the reasons people enjoy it so much. Our guides are trained to minimize risks, and, statistically, you're safer on a raft than in your car!
A personal flotation devise (PFD) is issued to every participant. These must be worn and buckled at all times while on the river. Helmets are also available at the Rafting Center, at no charge. These are mandatory on our challenging Kundalika river. Though infrequently needed, a first aid kit is carried on every trip.
Believe it or not, many people love falling out of the raft. It's exciting. But it can be disorienting and a little overwhelming at first. Many people have taken multiple trips and never fallen in. Some people swim on their first trip. It's a part of rafting. Our guides do suggest a voluntary dunk. Before you go on any trip, you'll be given extensive instructions on what to do if you fall in, and how to stay safe. Follow you're guide's instructions, and your "swim" could be the most exciting part of your trip!
Swimming ability is not required. You will be given life jackets to wear to keep you afloat.
Reporting time for rafting is at 8:30 am at Saje village, near Kolad.
The total rafting duration is approx. 2 hours. The total distance covered is approx. 14 km.
In the raft, bring as little as possible. If there is medication you might require, keep it with you on the river. Towels, dry clothes, valuables, and other than waterproof cameras should be left locked in your car.
Yes. A highly trained and professional rafting guide will be there on each raft to guide you throughout the rafting trip.
No. All of our trips are guided and are appropriate for first timers. Be sure to check minimum age requirements, though. All of our trips start with a thorough safety discussion and include ample instruction before we hit the whitewater.
Rafting is a team sport, and one that involves navigating your raft through the rapids. This is not a float trip. You will be asked to paddle, and how much will depend on the intensity of each particular rapid. Whitewater rafting is an active sport that requires some significant exertion on your part.
A general rule of thumb is don't bring anything you would be devastated to lose. Video cameras and still cameras will get wet and most likely ruined. A good idea is a disposable waterproof camera. Photo quality is pretty good, and if you lose it, it's not the end of the world. They are well suited to rafting.
Your vehicle will remain at our Rafting start point (Shje village), at the end pont there are autorickshaws available at Rs.100/- per person to drop you at our start point. Alternatively if you have a chauffeur driven vehicle our guide will direct him to pick you from the end point.
Alcohol or drugs before a trip endanger the lives of you and other passengers. Save it for after! Have a question that is not answered here? Get in touch with us using the online enquiry form.