There are many places to go kayaking in Maharashtra as it is blessed with several rivers. The sport of Kayaking gives you an immense opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty all around. You can do this while at the same time relieving stress and reconnecting with the natural surroundings.
Kayaking is said to be a relaxing sport that can help calm the body and mind. However, one needs to be reasonably fit to be able to kayak. Given here are the best places where one can go kayaking in Maharashtra. Rely on the instructions of the lifeguards and nearby instructors.
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7 Places To Go Kayaking In Maharashtra
Kayaking In Kolad, Mumbai
Kolad in Mumbai is said to be a wonderful opportunity to go kayaking since it has so many vast beaches. It is said to be a wonderful place where one can go kayaking in Maharashtra area. If you want to step away from the busy city life, try kayaking in Kolad.
Since western ghats surround Kolad, it is a place of great scenic beauty. One will truly enjoy the kayaking experience here. The Kundalika river’s rushing water comes from the Bhira Dam close by giving the visitors a great time.
- Distance from Mumbai: Kolad is about 117 km away from Mumbai.
- How to get there: One can visit Kolad either by bus or by plane.
- Nearby places to visit: The Ghosala Fort, Plus Valley Trek, and the Sutarwadi Lake.
Kayaking In Lonavla At Pawna Lake
Yet another wonderful place to go kayaking in Maharashtra is Lonavla at Pawna Lake. This is very near to the Kamshet village. The area is extremely beautiful and is surrounded by lush greenery. The lake is in the backwaters of the Pawna Dam. The best times to visit this heavenly place are between Jan to May and Oct to Dec.
The area of Lonavla is about 65 km from Pune City. Since the lake and surrounding areas are so beautiful, it is one of the best places to visit in Lonavla. While you are kayaking on this beautiful river, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient forts.
These beautiful historical forts can be seen clearly while kayaking in the river. These forts are called Tikona, Lohagad, and Tung which happen to be from Shivaji’s Era. Another great reason why kayakers are drawn to Lonavla is because of the opportunity for Moonlight Kayaking in these idyllic backwaters.
After sunset, water sport lovers get into their kayaks and embark on a journey they will never forget. Moonlight Kayaking, as it is called, is done only on full-moon nights. These kayaking trips are usually led in groups of about 15-20 in the still backwaters up to 6 the next morning.
Hence, we can come to understand why visitors from everywhere are so tempted by Pawna Lake. People who enjoy kayaking also like to camp on the banks of this beautiful river. Remember that the sport of kayaking is very relaxing as much as it is adventurous. If you are a kayaking enthusiast, Pawna Lake is a must-visit.
- Distance from Pune: Pawna Lake in Lonavla is around 65 km from Pune.
- How to get there: Traveling from Lonavla to Pune takes 1 hr. by train or by bus and about 1 hr. 15 mins by car.
- Nearby places to visit: The Dinosaurs Park, Prati Pandarpur, and Dudhiware Waterfall.
Kayaking In Tapola Lake, Mahableshwar
There are several reasons why the village of Tapola is arguably called the mini-Kashmir of Mahableshwar. Tapola Lake is a place that is extremely famous since it is an area extremely conducive for Trekking, paragliding, camping, and of course, kayaking.
Tapola is a satellite village that is very picturesque, and just full of scenic beauty. Around the lake, there are dense forests that are nice to observe when kayaking in Tapola Lake. The lake happens to be a reservoir of the Koyna Dam and also has beautiful valleys surrounding it. Kayaking is one of the calming experiences you can enjoy here in Tapola, just 25 km away from Mahableshwar.
- Distance from Mahableshwar: The village of Tapola is around 25 km away from Mahableshwar.
- How to get there: It takes around 32 mins to travel from Tapola to Mahableshwar by car
- Nearby places to visit: Kaas Pathar, which is also called the Valley of Flowers, and the Chalkewadi Windmill Farms.
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Kayaking In Goa
Though Goa is known for a variety of other reasons in India, such as being its #1 party destination and the go-to place for everything considered “Western” in India, did you know that you mustn’t leave Goa without going Kayaking there?
Goa is thought of as a great opportunity to try some water sports. For those of you who were unaware of the fact, there are lots of opportunities for kayaking and other water sports in Goa in both its seas and rivers and backwaters too.
One must say that apart from all the fun activities one would consider “Routine” in Goa, you simply cannot leave without having tried some Kayaking here! Some great places where one can go kayaking include the backwaters of the Chapora River or Spike’s River, which is also called the Nerul River.
Alternatively, you can also go kayaking in Bambolim, or in the “Valley of the early settlers” also called Olaulim. In Goa, there are so many places where one can go kayaking, that one would almost lose count.
Some of the best opportunities for kayaking would include doing the same during the sunset in the backwaters of the Zuari River. Also, you could try a bit of Moonlight Kayaking in places like Palolem.
One can just pick up one’s paddles and go kayaking in Baga Creek or at Mobor Beach. Goa is an island with proximity to the Arabian Sea, hence so many opportunities for kayaking and other water sports!
Remember also that Goa has the perfect weather and hence kayaking can be thought of as the perfect way to explore the beautiful coastline. If that weren’t enough, kayaking provides the perfect opportunity to see its gorgeous mangroves.
- Distance from Mumbai: Goa is around 600 km by road and about 424 km by flight from the city of Mumbai.
- How to get there: It takes about 10-12 hrs. to reach Goa by car.
- Nearby places to visit: The Jog Falls, Devbag in Malvan, Gokarna in Karnataka and Panchgani.
Kayaking In Devbag, Malvan
Tsunami Island or Devbag is a sleepy hamlet located in Vengurla. It happens to be just 10 km away from Malvan. It is very aptly located in the backwaters of the Karli River making it the perfect opportunity for kayaking in Maharashtra.
Kayaking is the best way to understand the island better. It is said that the rates for water sports here are much cheaper than they are in Goa. There is also a myth that this beach was created by shifting sand during the Tsunami.
It is assumed by many that the island of Devbag was created after the Tsunami that hit the country in the year 2004, hence the popular name was given to it by locals. However, many claim that this is not true, and as mentioned earlier is a myth.
To get to this beautiful island, the only way to do so is by boat. One of the main reasons people love the island is because of the somewhat shallow waters that can be found here, making it very popular among water sports lovers.
- Distance from Goa: The island of Devbag is about 52 km from the city of Panaji.
- How to get there: It takes about 2 hrs. to drive from Goa to Devbag by car.
- Nearby places to visit: Tarkali and Sindhudurg Fort.
Kayaking In Kajrat
Kajrat happens to be a small hill-town located in the Sahyadri Mountains, in Raigad, district of Maharashtra. The river Ulhas originates here, which is exactly why this is considered a great place to kayak. It is one of the best spots for kayaking in Maharashtra.
Kajrat is a beautiful but quiet place that is also otherwise said to be a great campsite by the water. It is also said to be a great trekking destination near Mumbai and Pune.
- Distance from Mumbai: Kajrat is just about 62 km away from Mumbai by road alternatively, and by flight it is 50 km away.
- How to get there: One can travel to Kajrat by bus or by plane.
- Nearby places to visit: The Sandy beaches with Whispering Casuarinas, and Kashid in Maharashtra.
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Kayaking In Palghar
Like Lonavla, Palghar is known to be a Moonlight Kayaking destination. Yes, people also like to go kayaking even after the sun sets! Moonlight kayaking is a truly enjoyable phenomenon and water sport enthusiasts usually set out on midnight expeditions in these calm backwaters.
Since the view is so nice at night, people like to go paddling in the waters from the early evening when the sun is just setting till dawn. It is a common practice among kayakers to try a bit of fishing and swimming as well in these beautiful lakes. Moonlight kayaking is often considered by many people to be a safe, serene activity.
- Distance from Mumbai: Palghar is around 109 km away from Mumbai by road, and by flight 70 km away.
- How to get there: One can get to Palghar by bus or by car from Mumbai.
- Nearby places to visit: Kalvantin Durg, Kelva Beach, and Vandri Lake.
There you go! I hope you enjoyed this list of 7 unique places to go kayaking in Maharashtra! Since people love water sports, you too will enjoy kayaking! If you are the adventurous type, do try the sport of kayaking in these suggested places! They are indeed a must-visit at least once in your lifetime!
Tell us below in the comments if you have tried kayaking or any other water sports. You can also share other Kayaking destinations not only in Maharashtra but other places where you have visited as well. Also ‘like’ this article, if it sparked your curiosity, and share it with as many wannabe-kayakers as you possibly can!
You may also like Best Kayaking spots in Pune.
FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions)
The most popular type of kayak is similar to a very tiny boat with enough space for just one or two people. In that sense, it is similar to a canoe. It is low-to-water, and it is propelled forward by the person seated using opposing strokes of a double-bladed paddle. For kayaking in rivers, usually, a sit-in or a sit-on-top kayak is used.
Kayaking is considered a wonderful activity to do any time of the year. One can go kayaking throughout the year, as long as there is pleasant weather.
There are mostly three types of kayaking categories. These are adventure kayaking which is usually done in the ocean and recreational kayaking which is done in rivers and as the name suggests is recreational and leisurely.
Yes, one needs to be able to swim which necessitates that one is strong enough to float in a body of water in case they lose their balance and fall off the kayak. This would mean that they have to be at least a reasonable weight so the boat does not topple over and also so that they fit into the small-sized vessel. Also, they have to be strong enough to move the kayak using the paddles, for which a person needs to have a strong upper body.
A kayaking expedition usually consists of an experienced guide who knows the area well and is usually an experienced kayaker. A kayaking expedition usually occurs in groups of more than 2 people.
Yes, one needs to be able to swim which necessitates that one is strong enough to float in a body of water in case they lose their balance and fall off the kayak. This would mean that they have to be at least a reasonable weight so the boat does not topple over and also so that they fit into the small-sized vessel. Also, they have to be strong enough to move the kayak using the paddles, for which a person needs to have a strong upper body.
A kayaking expedition usually consists of an experienced guide who knows the area well and is usually an experienced kayaker. A kayaking expedition usually occurs in groups of more than 2 people.
The price of Kayaking usually costs between Rs. 2,900 and 9,900.
Kayaking involves using both one’s arms to propel and move the kayak across the water. However, when one is not kayaking, one can try their hand at some fishing, or get out of a kayak and go swimming. Also, kayakers usually camp on the banks of the same river and might even wish to go trekking on the shore. Alternatively, one can explore the nearby area, meet the locals and try the tasty local food.
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