Velas Turtle Festival (1D/1N)

• ID proof (Compulsory) 
• Full Pant & Full Shirt
• Raincoat/Jacket/Sweater
• Good quality Trekking shoes for Safety 
• Cap/Scarf/Hat
• Hand/Head torch
• Dry Snacks/Dry Fruits/Energy Bars/Energy Drinks etc
• Water Bottle(2 litres)
• Extra pair of clothes
• Hand sanitizer, Mask, Sunscreen, Mosquito repellent 
• Chappals/Flip-flops/ Sandals (Travel Comfy)
• Shawl/small blanket for bus journey.​​

• Please note that your registration will be confirmed only after the acceptance of complete trek/tour charges.
• Kindly note that incase of no sighting zero refund is applicable as hatching is a natural phenomenon and Maharashtra Gadkille does not hold any control on the same.
• Please check cancellation policy in case any refunds or cancellations. 
• First two seats will always be reserved for leaders to lead & show route to the driver. 
• Seats arrangement will be on first come first serve basis at the time of pickup and it will be same throughout journey. (Any disputes regarding seating arrangement would result in dismissal of both the parties and would not be liable for any refunds.) 
• Please make sure you are added in the whatsapp group 6-8 hours prior to the trip as all the pickup details.
• Food and Stay arrangements are done as per the availability & locations so kindly don't expect too luxurious. 
• Backpacking trips are arranged for the people who looking out for pocket friendly trips and are more about chasing experiences.
• Once the payment is completed, inform our team via sharing a screenshot/copy of the payment confirmation. Make sure the date, time, and UTR number are visible in the copy and please fill the registration form to confirm the names & age with the team.
• Your payment implies that you have read & complied with all our terms and conditions.​

• '75℅ Refund' of total trip cost, if cancelled before 21 days prior to the trip date.
• '50℅ Refund' of total trip cost, if cancelled before 14 days prior to the trip date.
• '25℅ Refund' of total trip cost, if cancelled before 7 days prior to the trip date. 
• "No Refund" if cancelled less than 7 days before the event date.
• "The advance booking amount paid is non refundable."
• 'No Show, No Refund'
• Trip Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
• Trip Tickets can be transferred to another person of same age group, replaced by you against cancellation.
• If Event gets cancelled by us, we will refund "Trip Amount" only.
• "NO REFUND" will be given due to sudden closure of the destinations, natural or unexpected calamities after reaching the venue.
• If the event is cancelled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.

•  Refund timeline :- Refund will be credited within 7 working days to your bank account

• Are washrooms available on the trek?

Washrooms are available at the base village only. No facility is available during the trek.  

• Is this trek safe for girls?

This trek is completely safe for girls And have separate changing rooms.

• What about extra baggage?

You can safely keep your extra bags in bus

• Are changing rooms available?

​Changing rooms and washrooms are available at the base village

• What are the pickup points?

Pick up is available if your location comes in between our route for this you have to contact us before.

• What is the type of bus?

The bus is NON/AC Tempo Traveler with decent seating comfort.

How does the festival benefit the Velas community?

• Eco-tourism enhances the villagers' income by offering a sustainable livelihood while also supporting conservation efforts.

Can I take part in turtle conservation activities?

• Yes, visitors can volunteer for various conservation tasks, such as protecting turtle eggs, monitoring hatcheries, and assisting in the safe release of baby turtle?

​Is the Velas Turtle Festival suitable for children?

• ​Yes, the festival is an educational and fun experience for children, allowing them to witness a natural conservation process while also learning about wildlife protection.

Is it safe to handle the turtles?

• Visitors are advised not to handle the turtles. The festival emphasizes respecting wildlife, and conservation volunteers guide the release process to ensure minimal disturbance to the hatchlings.

What is the Velas Turtle Festival?

• The Velas Turtle Festival is an annual event held in the village of Velas, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, dedicated to the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles. It celebrates the hatching of turtle eggs and the release of baby turtles into the sea.

When is the Velas Turtle Festival held?

• The festival is typically held between February and April, with peak activities occurring in March and Aprilwhen most turtle hatchlings are released.

Where is the Velas Turtle Festival held?

• The festival is celebrated at Velas Beach, located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, approximately 200 km from Pune.

Why is the Velas Turtle Festival important?

• The festival plays a crucial role in conservation efforts for the endangered Olive Ridley turtles. It helps protect turtle eggs from poaching, ensures hatchlings safely make it to the sea, and raises awareness about marine life preservation.

What can visitors expect at the Velas Turtle Festival?

• Visitors can witness the hatching of turtle eggs, watch the baby turtles crawl to the sea, participate in conservation activities, enjoy local food and culture, and explore the beautiful coastal village of Velas.

Why Should You Attend the Velas Turtle Festival?

• The Velas Turtle Festival offers an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Konkan culture and savor its delicious cuisine. For seafood lovers, the festival serves some of the most authentic seafood preparations, making it a must-try experience.
• Vegetarians need not worry, as there are plenty of tasty vegetarian dishes available to satisfy your palate.
• This festival is also a fantastic way to educate your children about the importance of wildlife conservation and foster a sense of responsibility for preserving our natural environment.
• Throughout the event, NGOs and turtle experts organize engaging and educational activities for kids. Don’t miss the chance to attend these workshops and events, where your children can learn more about the fascinating Olive Ridley turtles.
• A family visit to the Velas Turtle Festival offers a unique chance to experience rural life, connect with the tight-knit village communities, and explore the scenic beauty of the surroundings. Plan a 2-3 day trip, stay in a homestay, and enjoy the peaceful village atmosphere while soaking in the breathtaking views.

Interesting Facts About Olive Ridley Sea Turtles

• Size and Weight: Olive Ridley turtles usually weigh around 50 to 60 kg and can grow up to 3 feet in length.

• Unique Limbs: These turtles have nails on each front limb, resembling oars, which help them navigate through the water.

• Nesting Behavior: Female Olive Ridley turtles return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their eggs in a special phenomenon known as 'arribada'. This process involves hundreds or even thousands of turtles coming ashore simultaneously to nest.

• Egg Hatching: The eggs take about 45 days to 2 months to hatch. Once they emerge, the tiny hatchlings—only about the size of a thumb—embark on a dangerous journey to the sea, facing many challenges along the way.

• A Spectacular Sight: Watching these tiny turtles make their long and perilous journey to the ocean is a truly spectacular and moving experience!

About Olive Ridley Turtles

• The Olive Ridley turtles were classified as 'endangered' long ago. In 1992, Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM), a non-profit organization, collaborated with the Marine Conservation Society and the local community to dedicate efforts towards conserving this unique turtle species.
• Primarily during February and March, numerous Olive Ridleys migrate to the western coast of Maharashtra to lay eggs, with 40% choosing the Velas beach. Arriving late at night, each female deposits around 80-120 eggs, which dedicated volunteers protect from predators and poachers.
• Previously, eggs were sold in markets or destroyed by dogs, but conservation endeavors have led to a notable increase in the Ridley population. Volunteers carefully relocate the eggs to safer nests in the sand. After an incubation period of 40 days, the hatchlings emerge and embark on their journey to the ocean.
• The release of hundreds of turtles into the ocean is a captivating spectacle, attracting nature enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and photographers alike. Releases occur twice daily, once in the morning sunlight and again in the sultry evenings.
• Complementing this unique experience is the unforgettable eco-village immersion, where visitors reside in local homes and engage with coastal villagers.

Eco-tourism Trip and Awareness

• The Velas Turtle Festival transcends beyond the hatching season and picturesque beaches; it serves a more profound purpose. Olive Ridley Turtles, an endangered species, find refuge at Velas, where the Marine Conservation Society hosts an annual festival to raise awareness and promote eco-tourism.

Where can Olive Ridley Turtles be found on the Konkan coast?

• Besides Velas, Olive Ridley Turtles inhabit various beautiful beaches along the Konkan coast, including Guhagar, Harihar, Velas Agar, Anjarle, and Wayangani. Notably, some of the finest beaches include Diveghar, Shirvardhan, Harihareshwar, Bankot, Kelshi, and Ganapatipule. We will cover Harihareshwar and Velas Beach due to tour constraints. Limited turtle conservation projects are accessible for tourist visits, facilitated by the forest department and conservation teams.

Is mobile connectivity available at Velas Village?

• Mobile network coverage is sporadic near the village. Idea sim cards offer reliable reception. However, power outages are common, necessitating the use of power banks. Bankot has better mobile connectivity than Velas Village.

What activities can be enjoyed at Velas Turtle Festival?

• Velas Village offers a range of activities during the Kasav Festival. Bird watching enthusiasts can spot diverse avian species and participate in identification competitions. Evening bonfires illuminate specific spots, providing a cozy atmosphere. Explore the historical significance of Bankot Fort, indulge in the turtle festival, embark on coastal walks, relax by the beach, and witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Dolphin watching is possible from Velas and Harihareshwar beaches. Nearby, Anjarle hosts its turtle festival, boasting untouched beauty. Suvarnadurg Fort boat rides and fish auctions at Harney Beach are memorable experiences. Visit Harihareshwar Temple and peruse local markets for authentic produce.

What are the timings for the Velas Turtle Festival and hatchling releases?

• Arrive at Velas Beach by 6:30 am for morning releases and 5:30 pm for evening ones. Velas Turtle Festival dates are coordinated by the forest department and the Kasav Mitra Mandal Velas conservation team, releasing baby Olive Ridley Turtles around sunrise and sunset daily.

 A Day Trip from Pune: Velas Turtle Festival, Bankot Fort, and Harihareshwar Temple and Beach

Escape the hustle and bustle of Pune for a day and embark on an enchanting journey to discover the natural wonders and historical landmarks nestled along the Konkan coast. In this blog, we'll take you on a thrilling one-day itinerary covering three must-visit destinations: the Velas Turtle Festival, Bankot Fort, and the serene Harihareshwar Temple and Beach.

Velas Turtle Festival: Start your day early and head towards Velas, a quaint village located approximately 200 kilometers from Pune. The Velas Turtle Festival, held annually between February and April, offers a unique opportunity to witness the nesting and hatching of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the warm hospitality of the locals and the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore.

Visitors are taken on guided tours to observe turtle nesting sites, where volunteers work tirelessly to protect the vulnerable eggs from predators and environmental threats. Witnessing the tiny hatchlings make their way to the sea is a heartwarming experience that leaves a lasting impression on visitors of all ages. Don't forget to capture this unforgettable moment on your camera!

Bankot Fort: After bidding farewell to the adorable turtle hatchlings, embark on a scenic drive to Bankot Fort, situated atop a hill overlooking the picturesque Suvarnadurg Creek. This fort offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding lush green landscape.

Take a leisurely stroll through the fort's ramparts and ancient ruins, as your guide narrates tales of valor and conquest from centuries past. Marvel at the intricate architecture of the fort's bastions and gateways, which stand as a testament to the region's rich heritage and strategic significance.

Harihareshwar Temple and Beach: Conclude your day trip with a visit to Harihareshwar, a serene coastal town renowned for its sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated on the tranquil shores of the Arabian Sea, the Harihareshwar Temple exudes an aura of spirituality and tranquility, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike seeking blessings and solace.

Take a moment to offer prayers at the temple and soak in the serene ambiance of the surroundings. Afterward, unwind on the pristine shores of Harihareshwar Beach, where golden sands meet the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. Whether you're lounging under the shade of a coconut palm or indulging in water sports like swimming and jet skiing, the beach offers the perfect setting to relax and rejuvenate.

As the sun sets on your day of exploration along the Konkan coast, take a moment to reflect on the myriad experiences and memories you've gathered. From witnessing the wonder of nature at the Velas Turtle Festival to delving into the region's storied past at Bankot Fort and finding peace amidst the divine aura of Harihareshwar Temple and Beach, this day trip from Pune promises to be an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, history, and spirituality.

• Join this expedition led by a knowledgeable and amicable guide, ensuring a smooth and enriching journey.
• Opt for hassle-free transfers and be picked up from designated points in Pune the night before the trek commences.
• Embark on your journey, traversing off-the-beaten-path trails while encountering breathtaking natural panoramas.
• Arrive at the summit, revel in the picturesque vistas, and venture into the surrounding areas for exploration.
• Upon descending to the village base, indulge in a delectable thali lunch to replenish your energy.​