The Velas Turtle Festival is an annual event held in the village of Velas in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. The festival is organized by the Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra, a non-profit organization working towards the conservation of marine life and the environment.
The festival is held in honor of the Olive Ridley sea turtles, which come to the coast of Velas to lay their eggs. Turtles are a critically endangered species and their conservation is of great importance.
The festival is held over multiple days and includes a range of activities such as beach clean-ups, lectures and workshops on turtle conservation, and guided tours to the turtle nesting sites. Visitors can also participate in the release of hatchlings into the sea and watch as the baby turtles make their way to the water.
Where is the Festival Held?
The Velas Turtle Festival is held at the beach of Velas in Ratnagiri, 210 km from Mumbai.
Are there any Entry fees?
Please check with the local tourism authority for information on the entry fees.
When is the festival happening?
Velas Turtle Festival 2023 is happening from March 1 to April 9, 2023. It will be an everyday event. And the release of the turtles happens twice a day, once in the morning at 6 am, and once in the evening at 5 pm.
One of the main highlights of the festival is the traditional “piti-piti” ceremony, in which the villagers carry the newly-hatched turtle babies in earthen pots to the sea and release them. This ceremony is conducted with great reverence and is believed to bring good luck to the villagers.
In addition to turtle-centric activities, the festival also includes cultural performances, sports competitions, and food stalls offering local cuisine.
The Velas Turtle Festival is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the region, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of turtle conservation and the need to protect the environment. It attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world, making it an important event in the village of Velas and a unique cultural experience for all those who participate.
It is important to note that the information provided in this article is solely for educational purposes, based on past festival seasons. For the most up-to-date information, please consult the local turtle festival authority.
Know More on Velas Turtle Festival:
Olive Ridley turtles were declared ‘endangered’ a long time ago. As a result, in 1992, Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra (SNM), a nonprofit organization, joined forces with the Marine Conservation Society and the local community to work towards the conservation of this exotic species of turtle.
During the months of February and March, a large number of Olive Ridley turtles arrive on the western coast of Maharashtra to lay eggs, with 40% of them landing on the beach of Velas. The sea turtles arrive on the beach late at night, and each female lays around 80-120 eggs, which are then protected from predators and poachers by a dedicated group of volunteers.
The eggs were previously sold in open markets or destroyed by dogs, but this conservation effort ensured the Ridley family’s significant rise. The eggs are placed in a safer nest in the sand by volunteers, and after 40 days, the hatchlings emerge and make their way to their homes in the ocean.
The release of hundreds of turtles into the ocean is one of the most beautiful sights to see, attracting nature enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and shutterbugs alike. Turtles are released twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening, under the gleaming rays of the rising sun.
Added to this unique spectacle is the unforgettable eco-village experience, where visitors can stay at the home of the locals and interact with the people of the coastal village.
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- The nearest airports are Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and Pune International Airport.
- Veer, Mangaon, and Khed are the closest rail station to Velas. From these stations to Velas, buses and taxis are available, and the journey takes about 2 hours.
- Velas can be reached by car via the Mumbai-Goa highway NH-17. The journey from Mumbai to the village takes about 5 hours. It is 210 kilometers from Mumbai and 200 kilometers from Pune.
- Buses to Velas depart from Mumbai, Panvel, and Pune.
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A 2-3 day itinerary is ideal for those who want to witness the entire process of turtle breeding, hatching, and release into the sea, as well as enjoy the eco-tourism activities offered by the village community.
Visit the beach in the early mornings or late evenings to see baby turtles taking their first steps into the ocean. The hours are 7 a.m. to 7.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.
You can enjoy authentic Konkani meals at Green Cliff Homestay; the small village is well known for its fresh and delectable coastal preparations. One can eat organic, local fruits, interact with locals, and relax in a tranquil setting. For city visitors, the experience of a peaceful rural lifestyle is a memorable part of the trip.
Several multi-day packages for the ‘Velas Turtle Festival’ are available from travel agents and tour guides. The Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra NGO offers volunteering opportunities for one week or more.
There are several places in Velas that visitors should see.
- Bankot Fort is an important site in Ratnagiri because of its history and breathtaking view of Velas beach. The fort is reached via a trail that begins on a hill west of the nearby Bankot village. It is made of Lateritic rocks and has breathtaking views of the sea.
- Take a stroll along Velas Beach to take in the breathtaking sunset view.
- Two beautiful beaches to visit during the trip are Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan.
Where to Stay?
Visitors can stay at Green Cliff Homestays, 3 mins walk from the eco-village of Velas. At affordable rates, simple no-frills Konkani style beachfront ocean view rooms are available for accommodation. The accommodations are typically simple, homey dormitory-style rooms.
Accommodations
Rising more than 50 feet on a hill with the spectacular beachfront vista and the best experience to catch the majestic sunset by the beach.
Campground
Unplug and savour the great outdoors for an ultimate spellbinding adventure to connect and be one with nature.
Ecotourism
Come across a one-of-a-kind annual festival for turtles* and immerse yourself in a natural retreat through Velas’s fragile and undisturbed nature.