Overview

Velas Turtle Festival, Ratnagiri Overview

Come March, the sleepy little village of Velas in the Konkan belt of Maharashtra throngs with travellers for the ‘Velas turtle festival,’ an annual event dedicated to the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles. Held at the Velas beach of Ratnagiri, 200 kms from Pune, the Velas turtle festival has been gaining much popularity in the eco-tourism sector both nationally and internationally. While the activities of conservation of turtle eggs take place at the beach, the natives of the pristine coastal village offer visitors many exhilarant local activities and culinary experiences, turning the festival into a cherish worthy multi-day event.

The laying of eggs usually begins from February, and the process of turtles coming to the beach to the hatching of the eggs continues through April. The festival, mostly a conservation event of sea turtles and a celebration of its natural process breeding, do not have any set dates. However, the activities and tourist influx are at its peak during March and April.

Where is the Festival Held? - Venue Details 

The Velas Turtle Festival is held at the beach of Velas in Ratnagiri, 200 kms from Pune.

Velas turtle festival is one of the most celebrated eco-festival in India - an event that sees tourists, travellers and volunteers throng from around the globe. Some come to care for the tiny turtle hatchlings, some to capture in their frames the little two-legged creatures crawl their way to the ocean, and some for the wholesome eco-tourism experience by the beach!

It is a memorable experience for travellers — one that lets them enjoy their time while also give back to society and mother nature. The advent of the festival has led to the economic upliftment of the villages around the Velas beach, needless to say, the number of sea turtles has grown invariably.

An experience of the turtle festival is also ideal for children. For the young ones, otherwise buried in the digital universe of tablets and cell-phones, this festival is a welcome episode amid nature.

NOTE :-

  • Traveling by A/C Tempo traveler or bus with Pick up and Drop Bus Timings Are Given above For Convenience.
  • Hatching is the natural process. Organizers wont be responsible for no hatching or less number.
  • Event are xed as per post discussion with local only.
  • Maximum batch size is 30 rst come rst basis.

Who Should Attend?
Best suited for groups, solo trekkers, corporates, couples, families.

Cost For Velas Turtle Festival 2025

  1. Per Person By AC Bus Mumbai to Mumbai 5 Years & Above : ₹ 3299/- 
  2. Per Person By Ac Bus Pune to Pune 5 Years & Above : ₹ 3299/- 
  3. Per Person Coming direct to base village : ₹ 1799/-
2 Nights 2 Days 11 Apr, 18 Apr, and 25 Apr
Highlights
What makes this tour special
  • Baby Olive Ridley Turtle Hatching
  • A typical village life on a calm sea beach
  • A refreshing surrounding
  • Bankot Fort
  • Ferry Ride
  • Konkani Food
  • Harihareshwar Temple
  • Travel by AC Bus
Itinerary

Travel Schedule For Velas Kasav Mahotsav 2025

Day 00 - Start Journey Towards Velas From Mumbai / Pune 

  • 09:00 PM – Assemble at designated pick-up points in Mumbai/Pune and meet the MD team.
  • Overnight Journey – Travel to Velas in comfortable transport.

Day 1 - Turtle Hatching Sessions & Bankot Fort Visit

  • 05:00 AM – Arrive at Velas and check into a traditional village homestay.
  • 06:00 AM – Freshen up and prepare for the first visit to the turtle hatching site.
  • 06:30 AM – Introduction session followed by witnessing the magical turtle hatching experience.
  • 08:00 AM – Return to the village for a wholesome breakfast.
  • 10:00 AM – Depart for Bankot Fort.
  • 11:00 AM – Arrive at Bankot Fort and explore its rich history and stunning sea views.
  • 12:30 PM – Begin the return journey from Bankot Fort.
  • 01:30 PM – Enjoy a traditional homemade Konkani lunch at the homestay.
  • 04:00 PM – Visit Velas Beach for the evening turtle hatching session.
  • 08:30 PM – Relish a delicious dinner followed by a relaxing night stroll.
  • 10:00 PM – Retire for the night with the unique experience of sleeping under the stars on the terrace.

Day 2 - Harihareshwar Temple Visit return to home

  • 06:00 AM – Wake-up.
  • 08:00 AM – enjoy breakfast.
  • 09:00 AM – Depart for Harihareshwar Beach.
  • 11:30 AM – Explore the famous Harihareshwar Temple and spend time by the serene beach.
  • 12:30 PM – Savor authentic Konkani delicacies at Harihareshwar Beach.
  • 01:30 PM – Relax and soak in the coastal beauty.
  • 02:30 PM – Begin the return journey to Mumbai/Pune.
  • 10:30 PM – Arrive at Mumbai/Pune (tentative).

(Note- If you are traveling from a city other than Mumbai & Pune, then you are requested to book your return tickets considering the 2-hour delay as per the above schedule.) 

There Can be delays due to bad road conditions, bus breakdown, Health issues of fellow group travellers & break for the driver.

Mumbai Pick-up Points 

  • 09:00 PM: Borivali 
  • 09:20 PM: Goregaon
  • 09:30 PM: Andheri
  • 09:40 PM: Bandra 
  • 10:00 PM: Sion 
  • 10:15 PM: Chembur
  • 10:30 PM: Vashi 
  • 10:50 PM: Nerul 
  • 11:30 PM: Kolamboli Mc D, near Panvel 

Pune Pick-up Points 

  • 09:00 PM: Fergusson College Main Gate
  • 09:15 PM: Breman Chowk, Aundh​
  • 09:30 PM: Pick-ups from Wakad Flyover (Towards Hinjewadi)
  • 09:45 PM: Shivaji Chowk, Hinjewadi phase 

 

Inclusions/Exclusions
What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

  • Travelling from Mumbai & Pune and back by AC Private Bus (as per package you book)
  • Dormitory Accommodation Stay In Konkani Homestay.
  • Sightseeing as per the Itinerary.
  • Day 1 Saturday:- Breakfast, Veg Lunch , Veg & Non-veg Dinner (Jain available)
  • Day 2 Sunday:- Breakfast.
  • Ferryboat Charges.
  • Festival Entry charges.
  • Bhatakna Expertise Representative.

What is NOT included in the tour

  • Any personal expenses such as soft drinks etc.
  • Day 2:- Lunch
  • Camera charges
  • Anything other than above mentioned inclusion