Velas Turtle Festival – Witness Nature’s Miracle on Maharashtra’s Coast

Velas Turtle Festival – Witness Nature’s Miracle on Maharashtra’s Coast

Every year, in a quiet coastal village in Maharashtra, a beautiful miracle takes place—hundreds of tiny olive ridley turtles hatch and crawl their way to the Arabian Sea. This heartwarming event, known as the Velas Turtle Festival, is not just a celebration of new life, but a symbol of conservation, community, and eco-tourism done right.

📍 Where is Velas?

• Location: Velas Village, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra

• Distance from Mumbai: ~220 km

• Distance from Pune: ~190 km

• Nearest Railway Station: Mangaon (Konkan Railway)

• Nearby Spots: Harihareshwar, Bankot Fort, Diveagar Beach

🐢 What is the Velas Turtle Festival?

Organized by the local villagers and conservation groups like Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra, the Velas Turtle Festival celebrates the annual nesting and hatching of olive ridley sea turtles on Velas Beach.

Between February and April, female turtles return to the beach where they were born to lay eggs. Around 45–55 days later, baby turtles begin hatching, and visitors get a chance to witness their first journey to the sea — a rare and humbling sight.

🌿 Why Visit the Velas Turtle Festival?

🐣 Witness Hatchlings in the Wild

Each morning and evening, visitors gather to watch hatchlings make their way to the ocean — a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

🌅 Picturesque Konkan Coast

Velas is surrounded by untouched beaches, coconut groves, and scenic coastal roads — perfect for peaceful getaways and nature photography.

🛖 Authentic Village Stay

Visitors stay in local homestays, enjoy home-cooked Konkani meals, and experience true rural hospitality.

🛡️ Support Conservation

Your visit directly supports local conservation efforts and sustainable tourism. No resorts, no pollution — just nature and community.

📅 Festival Duration & Best Time to Visit

The Velas Turtle Festival typically runs from mid-February to late April.

✅ Best time: March, when hatching activity peaks
🕔 Hatchling sightings: Early morning (6:30 AM) and evening (6 PM)
🐢 Note: Hatchings are natural and not guaranteed every day.

🧳 What to Carry

• Comfortable clothes & footwear

• Cap/hat & sunscreen

• Torch for evening walks

• Camera (no flash near turtles!)

• Water bottle

• Personal medication

• Mosquito repellent

⚠️ Responsible Travel Tips

• Don’t touch or disturb turtles or hatchlings

• No plastic or waste on the beach

• No loud noise or flash photography

• Follow instructions from forest officials and volunteers

• Respect the local lifestyle and support village-run businesses

🌄 Things to Do Around Velas

• Bankot Fort – A short trek with stunning sea views

• Harihareshwar Temple & Beach – Sacred and scenic

• Diveagar & Shrivardhan Beaches – Clean, calm, and uncrowded

• Nature trails & village walks

💬 Final Thoughts

The Velas Turtle Festival isn’t just a trip — it’s an experience that leaves you inspired and connected to something greater. In a time when nature is rapidly vanishing, Velas reminds us of the quiet power of conservation and community.

So if you're looking for a unique, meaningful, and magical getaway this season — pack your bags, leave the Wi-Fi behind, and head to Velas.

🌊 Join us for this year’s Turtle Festival!
✅ Stay + Local Guide + Beach Visit + Fort Trek
📲 DM or WhatsApp us to book your eco-friendly Velas trip today!