Velas Turtle Festival 2024 from Mumbai AC bus
Velas
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All About It
- 2 Days 2 Nights
- 25 Slots
- Difficulty - Easy
Experience the joy of Velas' Kasav Mahotsav in 2024!
Maharashtra is blessed with a 720 kilometres long coastline and is shared with Konkan, Thane, Ratnagiri also Sindhudurg districts. Many marine creatures come to visit. However, the exact count and type are unknown from what is believed, and there is no detailed study available. In the year 2000-01, it was found that a species of turtle, Olive Ridley is a prominent visitor to the shores of Maharashtra for breeding purposes. Other species are the Green Turtle, Hawksbill and Leatherback. Much other information is already available online, like what turtles eat and how a turtle looks—the difference between a turtle, tortoise and a terrapin.
After the success of the Velas turtle conservation project, many villages in Maharashtra have started the same model and hosting the Turtle festival in India at different locations. It helps with seasonal tourism income and also helps increase turtle numbers in the sea.
Highlights
Velas is a small fishing village on the western coast of Maharashtra. About 220 km away from Mumbai, a little over a hundred houses on the coast of the Arabian Sea. It is that time of the year again when a tiny grey head pokes out of the golden sand and takes a breath of the fresh salty air of the Arabian Sea.
It is a culmination of a lengthy process, which started when its mother emerged out from the rolling waves to lay her heap of 100-120 eggs on the sandy beach under cover of darkness. Oblivious to the world that awaits it outside its a sandy cocoon, the tiny hatchling is soon followed by a hundred others, all crawling their way towards the brightest lights of the horizon- in this case, the sea.
Treks and Trails, India invites you to this journey from the nest to the sea, which draws oohs and aahs from tourists - each gathered on the shore to witness this miracle of Nature. The location is Velas, a remote village in Mandangad taluka in Ratnagiri district approx. A six to seven-hour drive from Mumbai. Olive Ridley turtles' conservation trends and knowledge have spread to nearby villages that have also started similar Velas Kasav Mahotsav. Velas turtle festival best time to visit is from February to April to see the baby turtles being released at the Velas beach.
- 19:45 Meet at Borivali National Park main gate. https://goo.gl/maps/65qVB7H4swdFjjWs6)
- 20:00 Leave for the trek.
- 20:10 Pick up at Virwani Bus Stop, Goregaon. (https://goo.gl/maps/youofNYahBSwqsms8)
- 20:30 Pick up at Gundavali Bus Stop, Andheri East. (https://goo.gl/maps/gorbeX9fencdiqfh8)
- 20:45 Pick up at Kalanagar bus stop, Bandra. (https://goo.gl/maps/CAsqYFeK8aTRBk9B7)
- 21:00 Pick up at Sion station circle. (https://goo.gl/maps/96zHLvMh8k2X2bWU9)
- 21:15 Pick up at Diamond Garden, Chembur. (https://goo.gl/maps/y2rbSdA3VyMhoudC7)
- 21:45 Pick up at Vashi Plaza. (https://goo.gl/maps/uY6ZEs9hyiviHfKQ9)
- 22:05 Pick up at McDonald's, Kalamboli. (https://goo.gl/maps/EJksuJiNC8uVFaoM7)
- 06:00 Early morning arrival at Velas.
- 06:15 Visit to Velas Beach for Turtle sighting.
- 08:30 Breakfast at Velas Homestay.
- 10:30 Visit to Bankot Fort.
- 13:00 Lunch & Rest.
- 17:00 Visit to the beach for turtle sightings.
- 20:00 Dinner - Veg / Nonveg (chicken) and enjoy Team Games.
- 06:00 Wakeup and Freshenup
- 07:00 Depart for Harihareshwar temple from Velas village.
- 08:00 We will cross the Bankot creek, Savitri River in a boat with the Bus from Veshvi Jungle Jetty to Bagmandala jetty.
- Breakfast at Harihareshwar.
- 11:30 Departure for Mumbai from Harihareshwar temple.
- Lunch on the way.
- 20:00 Approx. arrival at Mumbai.
Hosted by
Treks and Trails
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Reviews
Shibani Goutam
I have planned many trips before with various travel agents and I must say you are one of the best Trek planner/Trek leads I have had the pleasure to interact with. We thank you very much for all your work and dedication to make this trip happen! Thanks to Satish and nikhil to complete the trek before sun burn .
Saloni Patil
Had my best time in Sandhan Valley trek even our guides were friendly, fantastic, showcasing expertise.I must highlight the remarkable quality of the meals provided during our trek.Highly recommended! your company and guide to anyone seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience.
Akshay Badiya
I recently embarked on a trek with treks and trails, and the experience exceeded my expectations. The trek leaders were not only knowledgeable but also exceptionally friendly, creating a welcoming atmosphere throughout the journey. Their expertise shone through, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trek.
Puneet Kadapatti
Did Kalsubai Trek with the TNT team(Sunny/Sagar and Neha)
Met them on the Kasara Train and the moment we all gathered I had a Vibe this treks gonna be Awesome,
Utkarsh Kumbhare
The trek leaders have good experience and are very helpful during trek with all the necessary details that one need to know.
I would suggest to carry minimum luggage as possible as the trek is demanding with high endurance so keeping the luggage at minimum only essentials like water, energy bars and drinks, will help you once the 75% bar of the trek is done😅....also would be nice if you practice cardio beforehand atleast 15-20 days if you don't go to gym, it will really aid you.
Overall a very good experience with treks and trails.
Inclusions
- Borivali to Borivali travel by AC Bus (with transport option)
- Accommodation on multi sharing basis in a typical Konkani homestay - Dormitory.
- Day 1: 1 veg breakfast, 1 Veg Lunch, 1 Veg Dinner
- Day 2: 1 Veg breakfast
- Sightseeing as per the schedule
- Expertise, guide charges and TreksandTrails, India administration charges if any.
- Ferryboat charges (with transport option)
- All entry tickets and permissions. Provision of primary first aid only.
Exclusions
- Non-Veg Food (available at extra cost)
- Lunch on Day 2
- Dinner on Friday Night and Sunday not included.
- Jetty Cost on Day 2 for without transport option
- Any transportation (without transport option)
- Mineral water and any other item not mentioned in the inclusions list
- All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered.
- Any kind of personal expenses (Camera fees, entry fees, etc.)
- Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above.
- All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather.
- Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required.
THINGS TO CARRY
- Water Bottles (2-3 Litres)
- Torch with extra batteries
- Extra pair of clothes & towel
- Trekking shoes for trekking
- Comfortable footwear
- Personal basic medical kit (Containing an antiseptic, few bandages, personal medications if any, etc.)
- Mosquito repellent cream
- Sun cap and Sunscreen
- DRY bag for your garbage
- 2-3 bunch of papers (Optional)
- Identity proof
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Borivali National Park main gate (Bus Pickup Point )
Virwani Bus Stop, Goregaon
Gundavali Bus Stop, Andheri East. (Bus Pickup Point)
Kalanagar bus stop, Bandra. (Bus Pickup Point)
Sion station circle.
Diamond Garden, Chembur
Vashi Plaza
McDonaMcDonald's, Kalamboli
Reach Directly To Velas
Policy and Terms
- 75% refund if notified via phone conversation 8 or more days prior to the event date.
- 50 % refund if notified via phone conversation 4 to 7 days prior to the event date.
- No refund if the cancellation requested is less than 3 days prior to the event date
- No show No Refund.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another date against cancellation.
- Event Tickets cannot be transferred to another person against cancellation.
- If the event gets canceled we will refund "Trek Amount" only.
- If the event is canceled due to any natural calamity, political unrest or other such reasons beyond our control the same cancellation policy will apply.
- Refunds won't be issued if you cannot attend the event due to heavy rains, floods, traffic jams, car breakdowns or a personal medical emergency.
- Your booking cannot be shifted to another date if you cannot attend the event due to heavy rains, floods, traffic jams, car breakdowns, or a personal medical emergency.
- If your area is prone to flooding, traveling from a flooded area, heavy traffic, heavy rains, missing the train, or any other reason, if you cannot attend the event, we won't issue a refund or shift you to another date.
- Management won't be held responsible if you are stuck due to heavy rains, traffic jams, personal emergencies or floods during the event.
- If you are bringing kids, please understand the possibility of getting stuck or delayed. You might have to stay back due to heavy rains, floods, bus breakdowns, and rush at the trekking destination. We won't be able to refund or shift you to another date. You will have to wait it out till the weather clears.
- Due to bad weather, floods, sudden changes in government rules, and overcrowding at the destination trek, the organizer has the right to change the trekking destination.
- During the trek , due to any circumstances seen or unseen trek leader has the right to cancel the trek for safety reason. No refund shall be issued.
Frequest Questions
1: Can we get a separate room or family room at Velas Turtle Festival Homestay?
Currently, we are only conducting group events, and due to the heavy rush on weekends, we can only offer dormitory homestays at Velas Village.
Velas Turtle Festival Homestay, Our Velas turtle festival accommodation is a dormitory with large halls. We have separate rooms available for Men and Women. Velas beach resort is not available at Velas Beach Ratnagiri or Velas village. Resorts are available in Dapoli or Harihareshwar only.
2: Where can I find olive ridley turtles on Konkan coast?
Apart from Velas Maharashtra, Olive Ridley turtles can be found at many beautiful beaches along the Konkan coast, a few beaches mentioned here. Guhagar Beach, Harihar Beach, Velas Agar Beach, Anjarle Beach, Wayangani Beach Vengurla. Best in all, the beaches of the Konkan coast.
Some of the best beaches are available close by Diveghar Beach, Shirvardhan Beach, Harihareshwar Beach, Bankot beach, Kelshi Beach, Anjarle Beach, Karde Beach, Harney Beach, Ladheghar Beach, Ganapatipule beach. Due to limited tour time, we will cover only Harihareshwar Beach and Velas Beach. Many olive ridley turtles conservation projects are active on the Konkan coastline; only a few are open for tourists by the forest department and olive ridley turtles conservation team.
3: The food at Velas Village Homestay Food?
We provide locally cooked Jain, Veg, and Non-veg food at our Velas Turtle Festival stay. Food quality is the same meal that locals cook for themselves; it is Konkani cuisine. Velas homestay owners are famous for their hospitality, food, and tourist flock during the turtle festival in Velas.
4: Are toilets available and a bathing facility?
Velas homestay offers a bathing facility is available, and a hot water facility is unavailable. Toilets are the eastern and western commodes.
Velas beach has no public toilet facility. Tourism is open for a few limited months in the Village, so most homestays are very basic. Turtle Festival at Velas Every year, thousands of tourists from India flock to this vibrant coastal Velas Maharashtra Village for the annual festival.
5: Velas Village mobile connectivity?
The range is available in a few spots near the Village, and Idea sim cards have a good range. There is load Shedding, and carry power bank electricity is unavailable for some periods due to load shedding at Velas Village. Bankot fort has good mobile connectivity and Harihareshwar beach. Velas turtle festival's best time to visit is from February to April when turtle hatchlings are released.
6: What are the things to do at Velas Turtle Festival?
Some fun things to do during Kasav Festival Velas Village. Bird Watching, you can spot my different species of birds and play competition who spots the most different birds and identifies them. Fireflies in Velas Village are visible in the evening at certain spots. Enjoy the village life at Velas beach Konkan Homestay stay.
Bankot Fort Ratnagiri is historical and very important as the first residency of the East India British Company in India; taking part in Turtle Festival Velas Village, Night walks around the coastal road, Relaxing by the beach, and watching sunrise and Sunset.
Watching Dolphins in the sea from Velas beach and Harihareshwar beach. You can visit the Anjarle Turtle festival around 40 km from Velas. Anjarle beach is an untouched and charming Village. Many homestays are available right where the beach ends. Boat ride to Suvarnadurg Fort, watch the fish auction at Harney Beach. Darshan at Harihareshwar temple and shop local produce from the market.
7: Velas Turtle Festival Timings or Velas Kasav Jatra timing? Velas Turtle Hatching release timings?
It would be best to reach Velas beach at 6.30 am; for the evening, Velas turtle release arrives at the beach at 5.30 pm. Locals release Velas turtle festival 2024 dates, the forest department, and the Kasav Mitra Mandal Velas conservation team. Baby olive ridley turtles are released around Sunrise and Sunset every day.
8: Will Harihareshwar Temple and Harihareshwar Beach be visited?
Harihareshwar Temple and Harihareshwar Beach will be seen on Sunday. Please note there are no Velas beach resorts or Velas Beach hotels available, only homestays. Velas beach to Harihareshwar, We need to board a jetty at Vesvi - Bagmandle Ferry Boat.
9: What are the dates for the Velas festival?
Velas Turtle Festival Dates are released after the Kasav Mitra information center, which handles conservation, informs us of approx dates of Baby Turtle Hatching. Turtle festival Velas beach is conducted to help locals make a living through eco-tourism and increase awareness about turtle habitat conversation.
कासव मित्र मंडळ usually conducts the festival from February to April every year at Velas beach in Konkan
10. Can you tell me about the Velas turtle festival 2021 and the Velas turtle festival 2020?
Hi, both years, the turtle festival Velas was canceled by the forest department due to covid guidelines. The villagers suffered a huge loss of income from the turtle festival cancellation. Later they also lost their livelihood due to cyclones.
Velas beach place is 20 minutes walking distance from most homestays at the end of the Village. Kasav Mitra Mandal Information boards guide you in the right direction. Many informative boards have also been put up with information about the wildlife in the region.
11. Velas turtle festival the best time to visit?
Have you heard about the Velas Turtle Festival 2024? It takes place in February, March, and sometimes up to April, and is held on Velas beach and is considered of milestone importance to ecology in Konkan.
This year, the festival offers a chance to get up close with olive ridley turtles and learn how they are threatened by hunting, habitat loss, and excessive fishing. The best time to visit the Velas turtle festival 2024 is in March.
12. Why should you visit the Velas beach turtle festival?
Support #VelasTurtleFestival to help with olive ridley turtle conservation and ecotourism and provide a natural habitat if the oceans are important to you. Watch baby turtles being released into the sea. Dive into the ecotourism movement and save the local community after the financial depression due to Covid19 and Cyclone Tauktae.
13: When is the Velas turtle festival conducted in Maharashtra?
The local people of Velas Village have devised a unique way to help conserve sea turtles by hosting a festival. Depending on the number of olive ridley egg nests collected for conservation and the safe release of turtles into the sea, it is held from February to April. You have the chance to visit and join in on the festivities. Kasav Mahotsav festival is held to improve livelihood at Velas Maharashtra and involves locals in Olive ridley turtle conservation.
14: When is the Velas turtle festival 2024?
Velas Turtle Festival, India's first beach-based turtle conservation event, is here to make you fall in love with Nature. The perfect getaway A pristine beach, baby turtles in their natural habitat, dolphins, and fireflies — what more could you wish for? Velas Turtle festival 2024 dates are from February to April last weekend. The Kasav Mahotsav festival is held annually in Velas, Maharashtra, to enhance the locals' subsistence and engage them in Olive Ridley Turtle conservation efforts.
15: What are the chances of seeing Velas sea turtles?
We will see the release of Olive ridley baby turtles hatched naturally at the conservation center. The sighting of Velas sea baby turtles depends on many factors, including weather, the number of days from laying eggs, and more.
Even the dates of the events are decided after understanding these factors; nothing can be a successful sighting of the baby turtle is not guaranteed.
The Turtle Conservation Center is home to a highly successful Olive Ridley turtle breeding program that releases thousands of baby turtles into the ocean each year. Find the most fantastic turtle conservation experience in Maharashtra at the Velas Turtle Festival.
Oneness with Nature. Get to know the wild side of Nature by interacting with the endangered baby olive ridley turtles at Velas Turtle Festival.
16: Do you offer a Shrivardhan beach visit on your Velas Sea Turtle tour?
Sorry, due to limited time availability, we cannot visit Shrivardhan beach during or Velas Turtle Tour.
17: Can we see the images of the Velas turtle festival for 2024?
We have added our latest tour images in the photo gallery available around the top right corner. Velas turtle festival celebration, Harihareshwar beach, Bankot fort, and many more pictures are general in the gallery.
18: Do you offer a Shrivardhan beach visit on your Velas Sea Turtle tour?
Sorry, due to limited time availability, we cannot visit Shrivardhan beach during or Velas Turtle Tour.
19: Can we see the images of the Konkan Velas turtle festival for 2024?
We have added our latest tour images in the photo gallery available around the top right corner. Velas turtle festival photos, Harihareshwar beach, Bankot fort, and many more pictures are general in the gallery.
20: Does Harihareshwar have a turtle conservation site?
Yes, Harihareshwar has also started a promising turtle festival. However, it has not become trendy yet. This is your chance to experience a once-in-a-lifetime olive ridley turtle festival at Harihareshwar, help with wildlife conservation, and support the locals with Agro tourism.
An uninhabited, virgin beach that still has a beautiful natural, laid-back vibe. Harihareshwar is also a turtle conservation site meaning you'll be able to help save the world at the same time!
21: Is swimming allowed at Velas Beach?
Tourists visit Velas for beautiful beaches and some of the most diverse wildlife in Maharashtra. Not just turtles - you'll also find dolphins, fireflies, butterflies, and crabs inhabiting our shores!
Swimming is not allowed on the calm sea beach. The pristine beaches invite tourists though the newly released baby turtles usually hang around the Velas beach lines, and there are chances of stepping on them. The strong sea currents make it one of the most dangerous beaches for swimming.
22: Velas Turtle festival dates from Pune for April 2024?
Experience the best of Maharashtra; The Velas Turtle Festival 2024 from Pune is the perfect escape for those who want to enjoy the beauty of beach life, wildlife, heritage, and more!
Velas Turtle Festival 2024 dates from Pune are available on the weekends in April. The trip starts Friday night and ends in Pune on Sunday night.
A breathtaking experience, With a spectacular coastline, where the deep blue Arabian Sea meets the golden sands of the Harihareshwar beach, this is one festival you don't want to miss.
Velas Turtle Festival from Pune is available; please click here.
23: How to complete Velas Turtle Festival booking?
Velas is a small coastal village in Konkan, attracting tourists for its stunning beaches, baby turtle conservation project, and beautiful Harihareshwar beach. If you have any questions, kindly chat with us. The cost includes Velas Turtle Festival entry fees of Rs 100 per head.
You can click on the book now button to register for the tour. For information regarding the Velas turtle festival, my contact number is 8828004949.
24: Can we book for Velas beach turtle festival 2024 dates in advance?
Yes, we accept booking in advance due to the increased rush after covid19. Velas beach homestay has minimal capacity. They try to accommodate most tourists who visit the village as there is no Velas agar beach resort.
25: How is the Velas beach weather?
Velas has a warm climate with average temperatures ranging from 30 to 40 degrees Celcius. The weather is humid and hot during the summer, from February to April. Velas beach's temperature at night is more relaxed. It's always breezy in this part of Konkan, making it great to walk on the beach or take long walks on the coastline.
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