Velas is a small fishing village on the western coast of Maharashtra. About 200 kilometers from Pune, there are a little over a hundred residences on the Arabian Sea coast. It's that time of year again, when a small grey head emerges from the golden sand and inhales the fresh salty air of the Arabian Sea.
Velas, a seaside village in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district, hosts the annual Velas Turtle Festival. This festival is primarily intended to promote conservation efforts for Olive Ridley sea turtles, which come ashore during the breeding season.
Olive Ridley is a prominent visitor to the shores of Maharashtra for breeding purposes. Other species are the Green Turtle, Hawksbill, and Leatherback. A lot of the other information is already available online, like what turtles eat and what a turtle looks like. The difference between a turtle, a tortoise, and a terrapin. It is the culmination of a lengthy process that started when, under the cover of darkness, its mother emerged out from the rolling waves to lay her heap of 100–120 eggs on the sandy beach. Oblivious to the world that awaits it outside its sandy cocoon, the tiny hatchling is soon followed by a hundred others, all crawling their way toward the brightest lights of the horizon.
The location is Velas, a remote village in Mandangad taluka in Ratnagiri district, about a 6-hour drive from Mumbai. Olive Ridley turtles Velas conservation trends and knowledge have spread to nearby villages that have also started similar Velas Kasav Mahotsav 2025
Here's an overview of the Velas Turtle Festival:
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Location: Velas is a small village located on the western coast of Maharashtra, known for its serene beaches and rich biodiversity. It is an ideal nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles due to its secluded beaches and minimal human interference.
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Timing: The festival usually takes place during the nesting season of Olive Ridley turtles, which typically occurs between January and March. During this time, female turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the sand.
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Conservation Efforts: The main objective of the Velas Turtle Festival is to raise awareness about the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles and their habitats. Local conservation groups and authorities organize various educational programs and initiatives to highlight the importance of protecting these endangered species.
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Turtle Hatchlings Release: One of the main attractions of the festival is the release of turtle hatchlings into the sea. After the eggs hatch, volunteers carefully collect the baby turtles and release them into the ocean, giving them a better chance of survival.
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Cultural Activities: Alongside the conservation efforts, the Velas Turtle Festival also offers visitors a glimpse into the local culture and traditions of the Konkan region. Tourists can enjoy traditional music, dance performances, and local cuisine during the festival.
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Ecotourism: The festival has also boosted ecotourism in the region, attracting nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers from across the country. Visitors have the opportunity to witness the natural beauty of Velas Beach and its surroundings while contributing to turtle conservation efforts.
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Community Involvement: The success of the Velas Turtle Festival relies heavily on the active participation of the local community. Villagers play a crucial role in protecting turtle nests, patrolling the beaches, and educating visitors about the importance of conservation.
Overall, the Velas Turtle Festival serves as a platform to celebrate the remarkable journey of Olive Ridley sea turtles and to inspire people to take action to preserve these magnificent creatures and their fragile habitats.
Checkout our Other Event from Mumbai
- Traveling by Ac Bus
- Watch and Learn about Turtle Hatching
- Witness Turtle Taking First Step
- Ferry Ride
- Bankot Fort Visit
- Harihareshwar Temple
- Konkani Home Stay
- Authentic Konkani Delicacy
Velas Turtle Festival 2025 from Pune
Velas Tortoise Festival Itinerary
Day 00: Friday (Pickups)
- 10:00 PM: Katraj Chowk
- 10:15 PM: Laxmi Narayan Chowk, Swargate
- 10:30 PM: Panchaleshwar Mandir, Deccan Corner
- 10:45 PM: Lohia Jain IT Park, Chandani Chowk
- 11:00 PM: Orchid Hotel
- 11:15 PM: Bhujbal Chowk, Wakad Bridge
- 11:30 PM: Hinjewadi
Day 01: Saturday
Morning Turtle Sightings
- 5:00 AM: Arrive at Velas and witness Olive Ridley turtles taking their first steps
- Briefing session to educate about Olive Ridley Turtles
Homestay and Breakfast
- 9:00 AM: Proceed to Konkani-style homestay
- 10:00 AM: Freshen up and have delicious homemade breakfast
Bankot Fort Visit
- 11:00 AM: Visit Bankot Fort for its history and stunning views of Velas Beach and Harihareshwar
Lunch and Rest
- 2:30 PM: Home-cooked lunch
- Rest till evening
Evening Turtle Sightings and Activities
- 5:00 PM: Visit Velas Beach again to spot more turtles
- Spend the night enjoying group games, sharing stories, and experiences
Dinner and Night Stay
- 9:00 PM: Dinner
- 10:30 PM: Retire for the day
Day 02: Sunday
Morning Turtle Sightings
- 6:00 AM: Wake up early to spot baby turtles again
- 9:00 AM: Post-sighting breakfast
Jetty Transfer and Harihareshwar Exploration
- Leave for Harihareshwar via a unique jetty transfer (bus transferred via sea route)
- Explore Harihareshwar Temple and Beach
Lunch and Return Journey
- 2:00 PM: Have lunch
- Leave for Pune (tentative arrival: 9-10 PM)
Tour Conclusion
- Velas Turtle Festival tour concludes with wonderful memories
This itinerary wraps up the Velas Turtle Festival tour with another morning of turtle sightings, a unique jetty transfer experience, and exploration of Harihareshwar Temple and Beach.
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.
FAQ of Velas Turtle Festival 2025
1) How we will Travel to the Velas Turtle Festival??
We will be traveling by Private A/c Bus from Pune
2) Are toilets available and bathing facilities?
Toilet facilities are there both Western & Indian. Bathing with Hot & cold Water Facilities is available.
3) Food at Velas Village Homestay?
We provide locally delicious Food at our homestay in Konkani Style
Imagine eating food on banana Leaf at this more traditional.
4) Velas turtle Festival Timings?
There are two times in a day that is 06.30 am and 5.30 pm in the evening.
5) Where do we see Velas turtle Hatching?
You need to reach Velas beach to see hatching.
6) Velas Turtle Festival is Kids Friendly?
Yes, Kids love Watching tiny Olive turtles taking steps toward the sea.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation in a typical Konkani bungalow on a homestay-sharing basis.
(Velas is an eco-tourism village and separate rooms/hotel accommodation is not available) - Transportation from Pune to Pune by A/c vehicle
- Typical Konkani veg meals on tour. (Breakfast, Dinner & Lunch)
- Sightseeing and entry tickets, wherever necessary.
- Ferryboat Charges & entry tickets.
- Adventure Geek Expertise
What is NOT included in the tour
- Lunch on Sunday
- Medical / Insurance Charges
- Personal Expenses
- Packaged Water / Extra Tea or Beverages
- Anything not mentioned under Inclusion
- Extra Activities
- Any miscellaneous expenses
