Velas Turtle Festival 2025 from Mumbai

Overview – What this tour is all about

The Velas Turtle Festival 2025, held near Harihareshwar Beach, is a beautiful event where people gather to watch baby Olive Ridley turtles hatch and make their way to the sea. The Festival is a lively event celebrated in the Velas village in Maharashtra. Baby Olive Ridley turtles hatch at the festival and move towards the sea.

This festival celebrates and protects turtles while offering visitors a chance to enjoy this amazing natural event.

During the festival, tiny turtles hatch from eggs on the beach and are safely guided to the ocean by volunteers. It’s an excellent experience for families, nature lovers, and anyone interested in wildlife. The festival also includes activities like talks on turtle conservation, nature walks, and cultural performances, where you can learn more about the local traditions and environment.

Velas village is a calm place offering basic, eco-friendly accommodations and traditional food. Visitors can explore nearby attractions like Harihareshwar Temple and Bankot Fort.

The Velas Turtle Festival is an enjoyable event and a way to help protect turtles. It’s a chance to connect with nature, learn about protecting wildlife, and enjoy the beauty of the Konkan coast. Whether looking for a relaxing getaway or an educational adventure, this festival offers something special for everyone.

History and significance of the festival

The Velas Turtle Festival began in 2006 as a community initiative to safeguard Olive Ridley sea turtles that visit Velas Beach in Maharashtra to lay their eggs. Local groups like Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra and the people of Velas village worked together to keep turtle nests safe from predators and human activities.

The festival raises awareness about turtle conservation and promotes eco-tourism in Velas Ratnagiri. Over the years, the turtle festival Velas has become a popular event for nature lovers, offering a chance to witness baby turtles hatching and starting their journey to the sea.

The ideal time to attend the Velas turtle festival

The Velas Turtle Festival 2025 will occur between March and April, the ideal time to see baby turtles hatch on Velas Beach. During this period, the weather in Velas Maharashtra is pleasant, making it perfect for travel.

Visitors can enjoy this unique wildlife event while exploring the natural beauty of Velas and nearby places like Harihareshwar. There are hotels and homestays at Velas Beach and Harihareshwar for a relaxing stay.

What makes this tour unique

This tour offers a rare chance to see baby turtles hatching on Velas Beach, a charming natural event. Unlike other wildlife tours, the Velas Turtle Festival 2025 focuses on conservation and ecotourism.

You can discover the life cycle of Olive Ridley turtles and help protect them while experiencing the calm beauty of Velas, Maharashtra.

Things to see and enjoy at the festival

At the Velas Turtle Festival, you can watch baby Olive Ridley turtles emerge from their nests and crawl toward the sea. Besides this, you can join conservation talks, enjoy local food, and explore Velas Ratnagiri.

Don’t miss visiting nearby attractions like Harihareshwar, which is known for its temples and beaches. The weather in Harihareshwar is pleasant during the festival season, making it a perfect time for sightseeing.

What is an olive ridley sea turtle?

The Olive Ridley sea turtle is a small, endangered marine turtle known for its unique mass nesting behavior called “arribada.” These turtles travel long distances to lay eggs on beaches like Velas Beach in Maharashtra.

Protecting these turtles is vital for maintaining marine ecosystems, and the Velas Turtle Festival 2025 plays a significant role in raising awareness and supporting their conservation.

Major Attractions:

• A typical village life on a calm sea beach
• A refreshing surrounding
• Baby Olive Ridley turtles
• Bankot Fort
• Harihareshwar Temple

Travel Schedule

We’ll be boarding an A/C bus from our nearest pick-up point. Bus timings are shared below for convenience:
09:30 pm Borivali
10:00 pm Dadar
10:15 pm Chembur
10:35 pm Vashi
11:00 pm Kolamboli Mc D, near Panvel

Check our Pune Batches

www.mumbaipuneadventures.com/destination/velas-turtle-festival-from-pune

Itinerary

Day-Wise Itinerary for Velas Turtle Festival

Day 0

• 09:00 PM: Depart from Mumbai in an A/C bus. Pick-ups will be arranged at pre-decided locations based on participant preferences.

Day 1

• 05:45 AM: Arrive in Velas and head straight to Velas Beach to witness the turtle hatching and release.
• 08:00 AM: Return to the village for breakfast and relax.
• 11:00 AM: Visit Bankot Fort / Himmatgad, a historic site with stunning sea views and Bankot Creek views.
• 01:00 PM: Enjoy a delicious lunch.
• 03:00 PM: Explore the beautiful surroundings of Velas.
• 06:00 PM: Head back to Velas Beach for the evening turtle release and enjoy some fun time on the beach.
• 08:30 PM: Dinner followed by games and nighttime rest at Velas.

Day 2

• 06:00 AM: Witness another turtle release on Velas Beach.
• 08:30 AM: Breakfast and leisure time to explore the charming Velas village.
• 10:00 AM: Take the Bankot-Bagmandla ferry to Harihareshwar temple.
• 12:00 PM: Explore Harihareshwar Beach.
• 02:00 PM: Lunch at Harihareshwar and start the return journey to Mumbai.
• 08:00 PM: Arrive in Mumbai and say goodbye, hoping to meet again soon.

Event Fee:

• 3600/- per person. Please check availability before making the payment.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Cost Includes

The event fee covers:

• A/C bus travel from Borivali
• Homestay accommodation in Velas
• Day 1 – Breakfasts, lunch, and dinner at the village
• Day 2 – Breakfast and lunch
• Ferryboat charges
• Entry tickets and Local guide services
• Basic first aid and assistance, if needed
• Administrative charges by Mumbai Pune Adventures

Make sure to read our terms and conditions before registering.

Cost Excludes

The event fee does not cover the following:

• Extra meals, snacks, or soft drinks ordered separately
• Insurance, tips, or porter services
• Mineral water, aerated drinks, or other beverages
• Personal expenses of any kind
• Costs not mentioned in the “What’s Included” section
• Additional expenses due to unexpected situations like roadblocks or terrible weathe

Payment Details

You can make payments using any of the following modes
UPI – 9967564888@upi
Google Pay – 9967564888
Paytm – 9967564888
Phone Pay – 9967564888

NEFT – Deposit the Amount into the Following Account:
Name: Mumbai Pune Adventures
Bank: Central Bank of India
Account: Current Account
A/c No. : 3601915663
IFSC Code: CBIN0284592

For detailed payment terms and conditions, please refer to our Payment Policy on the Mumbai Pune Adventures website.

Things to Carry

• Identity proof
• Snacks like plum cakes, fruits, chocolates, biscuits, etc.
• Comfortable shoes and sandals.
• An extra set of clothes and socks (optional).
• A cap and camera (optional).
• A packet of Electral, Enerzal, or Glucon-D for hydration.
• Mosquito repellent cream
• Any personal medications you may need.
• Avoid wearing valuable jewellery or accessories to the event, if possible.

Safety tips for the tour

1. Follow Instructions: Always listen to your guide and follow their instructions during the trip.
2. Be Careful on the Beach: Stay safe from turtle nests and avoid disturbing the turtles.
3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and carry energy drinks like Electral or Glucon-D to stay energized.
4. Comfortable Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes suitable for walking.
5. Keep Essentials Handy: Carry personal medications, snacks, and other vital items in a small bag.
6. Avoid Valuables: Do not wear expensive jewelry or carry valuable items to avoid loss.
7. Travel Safely: Stay seated while the bus moves and follow all travel guidelines.
8. Protect Yourself: Use sunscreen and wear a cap to protect yourself from the sun.
9. Be Aware: Stay alert in crowded areas and look for your belongings.
10. Respect Nature: Do not litter or harm the environment; always follow eco-friendly practices.

Important Notes for Participants

1. Bring Your ID Card: Carry a valid ID card for safety and verification.
2. Fill out the Disclaimer Form: Participants must complete an online disclaimer form accurately after payment. If details need to be corrected, the event host may ask you to refill it.
3. Parental Consent for Minors: Participants under 16 must have parental consent.
4. Be Punctual: Avoid delays to prevent inconvenience for others and ensure the schedule runs smoothly.
5. Schedule Changes: Participants will be informed in advance if the itinerary is modified or the event is canceled due to unpredictable circumstances.
6. Weather Changes: If the weather takes an unexpected turn, the organizer may withdraw or adjust the event plan.
7. Homestay Accommodation: Only homestay accommodation will be shared with other participants.
8. Personal Expenses: The participant is responsible for personal expenses during the trek or travel breaks.
9. Flexible Timings: The schedule may shift due to unexpected conditions, except for the start time, which will remain fixed.
10. Prohibited Substances: Alcohol, smoking, or any form of intoxication is strictly banned.
11. No Misconduct: Misbehavior will not be tolerated and may result in expulsion from the event.
12. Avoid Littering: Keep the event clean. Do not litter, especially plastic waste.
13. Basic Facilities Only: Village homestays will have basic and clean washrooms.
14. Team Spirit: Maintain discipline, cooperate, and work as a team during the event.
15. Avoid Valuables: Avoid wearing or bringing expensive accessories or jewelry.
16. Safety First: Safety is our top priority, but we are not liable for severe injuries or rare, deadly events.
17. Refund Policy: Check our website for details on cancellations and refunds.

By following these guidelines, we can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone!

How to get there?

From Mumbai or Pune:

• Join an organized tour that provides A/C bus travel from major pick-up points.
• The distance from Mumbai to Velas is about 230 kilometres and nearly 190 kilometres from Pune.

By Train:

• You can catch a train to Mangaon, the nearest train station. Afterward, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Velas.

By Bus:

• State transport buses are available from Mumbai or Pune to Velas via Ratnagiri.

The scenic route to Velas takes you through the beautiful Konkan region, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Why choose Mumbai Pune Adventures for this tour?

1. From your travel to where you’ll stay, we handle it all, letting you enjoy your vacation stress-free.
2. Expert Guides: Our experienced guides will ensure a safe and informative trip, sharing interesting facts about the turtles and the local area.
3. Comfortable Travel: We provide A/C bus travel, making your journey to Velas comfortable and hassle-free.
4. Local Experience: Our tours include local experiences like village exploration, visiting historic sites, and enjoying traditional food.
5. Safety First: We prioritize your safety, providing first aid assistance and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
6. Affordable: Our tours offer great value with all-inclusive pricing, so you don’t have to worry about extra costs.
7. Eco-Friendly: We promote eco-tourism and conservation, making your trip meaningful and responsible.

Choose Mumbai Pune Adventures for a fun, safe, and memorable Velas Turtle Festival 2025 experience!

FAQ

• When can we spot turtles at Velas Beach?

• You can spot turtles at Velas Beach between January and April, as this is the time when the Olive Ridley turtles lay their eggs and the baby turtles hatch. The festival usually takes place in March or April.

• What was the concept of the Turtle Festival?

• The Turtle Festival is an event at Velas Beach where people watch baby turtles hatch and crawl to the sea. It helps raise awareness about saving turtles and their homes. Locals make sure the turtles are safe, and visitors come to see this special event.

•  What is Velas Beach famous for?

• Velas Beach is famous for where baby Olive Ridley turtles hatch and head to the sea. People gather to watch this fantastic event each year at the Olive Ridley Turtle Festival. The beach is also known for its calm beauty and efforts to protect these turtles.

• What is the best time to see sea turtles?

• The best time to see sea turtles in Velas is during their nesting and hatching season from February to April.

• How to reach the Velas Turtle Festival 2025 from Mumbai?

• To attend the Velas Turtle Festival, take a bus or drive from Mumbai to Velas village in Ratnagiri district, about 200 km away.

• How is the mobile network coverage in Velas Village?

• In Velas Village, mobile connectivity is limited to certain areas. Idea SIM cards work well in those spots. However, due to load shedding, electricity may sometimes be unavailable, so carrying a power bank is a good idea. On the other hand, Bankot Fort and Harihareshwar Beach have better mobile signal coverage.

• What are the timings for the Velas Turtle Festival or Velas Kasav Jatra? When do the turtle hatchlings get released during the festival?

• To catch the baby olive ridley turtles being released at Velas Beach, aim to be there by 6:30 am for the morning release and by 5:30 pm for the evening release. The turtle releases occur around sunrise and sunset each day, organized by the locals, the forest department, and the Kasav Mitra Mandal Velas conservation team.

• If there are fewer or no turtles, will we get a refund? Or, if there are more turtles than expected, will we need to pay extra?

• Events based on natural occurrences, like the Velas Turtle Festival, hatching, snowfall, rain, flower blooming, or cloud formations, are beyond our control. You should only book such events if you’re okay with the uncertainty. We cannot guarantee that the natural phenomenon will happen, which is not included in the event charges.

• What is the minimum age requirement for the Velas Turtle Festival?

• Fitness is essential for this trek, regardless of age. Participants must be physically fit to complete the trek. If you’re under 18, you must be accompanied by an adult relative or provide a consent letter from your parents.

• Is the festival family-friendly for children?

• It’s a wonderful learning opportunity for kids to understand wildlife conservation. Every year, many parents take their children to the Velas Turtle Festival.

• What are the stay options like at Velas?

• In Velas, the villagers open their homes for participants to sleep at night. The homes usually have a large room or hall where everyone sleeps together. Depending on the size of the room, it can be shared by 6-10 people or 12-16 people, depending on the house’s layout.

• Are there Western-style toilets available?

• Indian-style washrooms are preferred by villagers because they don’t require direct contact with the toilet commode. Since Western-style toilets can’t always guarantee this, people choose the Indian style for hygiene reasons.

• Is MPA known for offering unique experiences?

• Yes, MPA curates exclusive adventures, giving travelers access to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations.

• Does MPA offer group tours or only private experiences?

• MPA offers group and private tours, ensuring flexibility to suit your preferred travel style.

• How does MPA ensure safety during its adventures?

• MPA prioritizes safety with experienced guides, quality equipment, and strict adherence to safety protocols on every tour.

• Is MPA known for offering unique experiences?

• Yes, MPA curates exclusive adventures, giving travelers access to hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path locations.

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Velas Turtle Festival | Mumbai Pune Adventures