Velas Turtle Festival 2025 Mumbai by Ac Bus

Velas Beach Near Ratnagiri
Velas Turtle Festival 2025

Day 00-Friday: Bus Leaving from Mumbai for Turtle Festival at Velas Beach, Maharashtra

10.00 pm  Meeting Point: Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali East (Mumbai) and leave for Velas Tortise Festival by AC Bus.
Pickup Points:
10.40 pm: Sion Lunch Home, Sion.
10.55 pm: Chembur (K-star Mall).
11.15 PM: Vashi (below Vashi Bridge).
11.30 PM: MCD Kalamboli, Panvel.

Day 01, Saturday 

• Reach Turtle Hatching Festival Velas Beach by 5:00 am. Watch Velas Turtle hatching & taking their first steps. 
• 9:00 AM: Proceed toward the Konkani-style homestay. Freshen up.
• 10:00 AM: Have a delicious homemade breakfast.
• 11:00 AM: Proceed for a visit to Bankot Fort, which is known for its history and breathtaking views of Velas Beach and Harihareshwar Temple.
• 2:30 PM: Have a home-cooked & hygienic lunch. Post lunch, you can rest till evening. 
• 5:00 PM: Visit Velas Turtle Beach again to see more Olive Ridley Turtles.
• 7:00 PM: Post sightings, a briefing session would be taken to educate about Olive Ridley Turtles. 
• Spend the night enjoying group games, sharing stories and experiences, etc. 
• 9:00 PM: Have dinner.
• 10:30 PM: Retire for the day. 

Day 02 Sunday

• 6:00 AM: Wake up early in the morning with the hope of sighting baby turtles again. 
• 9:00 AM: Post-sighting session, have breakfast, and leave for Harihareshwar. This is when you will experience one of the most interesting moments of the Velas Turtle Festival tour, where our bus will be transferred from one district to another in a jetty via sea route. We will explore Harihareshwar Temple and the beach.
• 2:00 PM: Have a yummy lunch and leave for Mumbai. Reach around 9-10 PM tentatively. Velas Turtle Festival 2025 concludes herewith with good memories. 
   
• Velas Village Tourism
• Velas Turtle Hatching Timing
• Eco-tourism in Maharashtra
• Turtle Hatching Experience in Velas
• Family Trip to Velas Turtle Festival
• Stay Options in Velas Village
• Sustainable Tourism at Velas Beach
• Velas Beach Turtle Hatching Festival
• Maharashtra Festivals for Nature Lovers
• Turtle Hatching Festival Velas
• olive ridley turtle festival

About Velas Turtle Festival 2025 

Velas Turtle Beach, located on Maharashtra's picturesque Konkan coast, is a renowned eco-tourism destination at the foothills of the UNESCO World Heritage Western Ghats. Every year, this quaint seaside village becomes home to thousands of Olive Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), who visit to lay their eggs, making it one of the most important breeding grounds for this endangered species.

During the breeding season (March–April), Velas Beach transforms into a hub for environmentalists, conservationists, and nature lovers who come to witness this rare and mesmerizing natural event. The village hosts the Velas Turtle Festival, a conservation initiative by Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM) and Kasav Mitra Mandal (KMM), with active support from local communities.

The highlight of the Kasav Mahotsav festival is the moment when tiny Olive Ridley hatchlings emerge from the sand and make their first steps towards the Arabian Sea, guided purely by the moonlight and ocean currents. To ensure their safety, conservationists and volunteers carefully protect the nests by enclosing them in designated hatcheries. Once the eggs hatch (usually 50-70 days after being laid), visitors get to witness the controlled and ethical release of the baby turtles into the sea.

Apart from turtle conservation, Velas offers visitors an immersive experience of Konkan’s coastal beauty, with clean beaches, lush greenery, and the warm hospitality of the villagers. The beach is neat and well-maintained, thanks to the efforts of the locals, who take pride in preserving this natural treasure. Turtle conservation is managed responsibly, ensuring a balance between tourism and ecological protection.

Velas is a peaceful and untouched coastal destination, away from the hustle and bustle of crowded tourist spots. To reach the beach, visitors need to take a 1.5-kilometer walk, surrounded by stunning landscapes and serene village settings. The roads leading to Velas are well maintained, making travel convenient. Accommodations are comfortable and safe, often in homely village stays, where guests can enjoy authentic Maharashtrian cuisine. With its pristine shores, calm atmosphere, and friendly people, Velas is an ideal getaway for nature lovers, families, and eco-conscious travelers looking to experience something unique.

After enjoying breakfast, a visit to Bankot Fort (Himmatgad) can be a delightful way to explore local history and breathtaking coastal views. Bankot Fort, also known as Himmatgad Fort, is located near Murud in the Raigad district of Maharashtra and holds significant historical and strategic importance.

This ancient fort, perched atop a hill overlooking the Vashishti River estuary, was a key maritime defense post, controlling trade routes along the Konkan coast. The fort has witnessed the rule of various dynasties, including the Portuguese, Marathas, and British. The sturdy stone walls, old gateways, and scenic viewpoints make it a must-visit spot for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

From the top of the fort, one can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding lush greenery, making it a perfect photography and sightseeing destination. The fort’s quiet and serene atmosphere, combined with its rich historical legacy, makes it an excellent stop on the way to or from the Velas Turtle Festival.

A short drive from Velas leads to the Harihareshwar Temple, one of the most revered temples in Maharashtra. Nestled along the scenic Harihareshwar Beach, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is often referred to as the "Kashi of the South" (Dakshin Kashi) due to its spiritual significance.

The temple complex also houses a unique idol of Kalbhairav, considered the guardian deity of the region. The temple is surrounded by majestic hills and the Arabian Sea, offering visitors a divine and peaceful atmosphere. The Pradakshina Marg, a rocky coastal trail around the temple, provides a breathtaking view of the ocean waves crashing against the cliffs, making it a must-visit for both pilgrims and nature lovers.

Whether seeking spiritual solace, historical insights, or coastal beauty, a visit to Harihareshwar Temple perfectly complements the Velas Turtle Festival and Bankot Fort experience.
 

Here's an overview of the Velas Olive Ridley Turtles

1. Purpose: The primary objective of the Velas Turtle Festival is to raise awareness about the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles and their natural habitat. It aims to educate and engage the local community as well as visitors about the importance of preserving these endangered species.

2. Timing: The festival usually takes place during the nesting season of the Olive Ridley turtles, which typically occurs between January and March. During this period, female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the sandy beaches of Velas.

3. Activities: The festival offers various activities and events that allow participants to observe and learn about the nesting habits and lifecycle of Olive Ridley turtles. These activities may include guided turtle watching tours, informative sessions by conservationists, beach clean-up drives, cultural performances, and more.

4. Turtle Watching: One of the main highlights of the festival is the opportunity to witness Olive Ridley turtles laying eggs or hatchlings making their way to the sea. Visitors are often accompanied by trained guides who provide insights into the behavior of these turtles and ensure that their presence does not disturb the nesting process.

5. Conservation Efforts: The festival also emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts to protect the nesting sites and minimize human interference. Local conservation groups and volunteers often collaborate to implement measures such as beach monitoring, nest protection, and raising awareness among the local community.

6. Tourism Impact: The Velas Turtle Festival has become a popular eco-tourism attraction, drawing visitors from different parts of India and abroad. The festival promotes responsible tourism practices and encourages visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the region while respecting the fragile ecosystem.

7. Community Involvement: The success of the Velas Turtle Festival relies heavily on the participation and support of the local community. Villagers play key roles as guides, volunteers, and ambassadors for turtle conservation, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in protecting the turtles and their habitat.

Overall, the Velas Turtle Festival serves as a platform for environmental education, community engagement, and sustainable tourism, contributing to the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles and their ecosystem in the coastal regions of Maharashtra.