Overview

What was the concept of the turtle festival?

It's about witnessing the birth of young turtles that hatch from their eggs and slowly crawl into the ocean to start the journey of their life. This festival is also called Olive Ridley Turtle Festival is organized by local villagers. They do so in coordination with an NGO called Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra.
The Velas Turtle Festival is an annual eco-tourism event held in the small coastal village of Velas, located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. The festival is centered around the conservation of the Olive Ridley sea turtles, which visit the shores of Velas to lay their eggs. This event usually takes place between February and April, coinciding with the hatching season of the turtles.
The primary focus of the festival is to protect and conserve the Olive Ridley sea turtles. The villagers, along with conservation groups, work to safeguard the eggs laid by these turtles, ensuring they hatch safely.
Visitors to the festival have the unique opportunity to witness the hatching of the turtle eggs and see the tiny hatchlings make their way to the sea. This is a rare and awe-inspiring sight that draws nature enthusiasts from across the country.
The festival is an excellent example of eco-tourism, where the local community benefits from tourism while promoting wildlife conservation. The influx of visitors provides an economic boost to the village, which offers homestays, local cuisine, and guided tours.
The festival serves as an educational platform, raising awareness about the importance of marine conservation and the threats faced by sea turtles due to human activities like poaching, pollution, and habitat destruction.
Besides the focus on turtles, the festival also provides an opportunity to experience the local culture, traditions, and cuisine of the Konkan region. Visitors can enjoy local delicacies and participate in cultural programs organized by the villagers.
Various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and wildlife conservation groups are involved in the festival, conducting workshops and educational sessions on the importance of conserving marine life.
The Velas Turtle Festival not only highlights the importance of protecting endangered species but also showcases how responsible tourism can contribute to the conservation efforts and the socio-economic development of rural areas.

1 Night 1 Day 28 Feb, 01 Mar, 07 Mar, and more Velas Agar, Maharashtra

Itinerary

From Pune

Day 1:

08:30 PM: Report to the Trip leaders at JM Road, Pune
08:45 PM : Deccan Gymkhana
09:00 PM: Pick ups from Wakad Flyover (Towards Hinjewadi)
09:20 PM: Shivaji Chowk, Hinjewadi phase

Day 2:

05:30 AM: Arrive in Velas and head directly to the beach for the Morning Turtle Hatching Session.
06:30 AM: Witness the Beautiful Sunrise on the Beach
07.00 AM: Enjoy the First Turtle Hatching Session
08.00 AM: Explore the beach and have a fun time.
08:30 AM: Head towards Our local vendor. Get freshened up.
09:30 AM: Enjoy your breakfast and later head to Bankot fort
12.00 PM: Later visit Harihareshwar Temple via Bankot-Bagmandla Ferry boat.
02.00 PM: Have Lunch and start your return journey back to Pune
11.00 PM: Reach Pune with loads of memories

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

Inclusions/Exclusions

What we'll give. What we won't

What is included in the tour

Travel from Pune to Pune via Non AC seater bus
Breakfast and Lunch
Bankot fort sightseeing
Harihareshwar temple visit
Entry and permit charges
One morning hatching session

What is NOT included in the tour

Travel till pickup points
Dinner
Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
Any kind of personal expenses
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
Insurance

Batch Dates:

March: 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22th, 23th, 29th, 30th
April: 5th, 6th

Cost

(1D/1N : Without Stay Package)

Pune: ~~1999~~ 1699/-

Offers

Use any one code to avail this offer

TREK GROUP 3

- GROUP3

TREK GROUP 7

- GROUP7

TREK GROUP12

- GROUP12

Key Highlights

Enjoy eating delicious Home Made food by locals
Visit Harihareshwar beach and Historical Bankot fort
An amazing road trip across the swaying palms of Konkan

Things To Carry

ID proof
Proper face mask or shield
Sanitizer
Good grip shoes.
Torch with extra batteries.
Extra Pair of clothes.
Water bottles 2-3 liters.
Ready to eat food, like plum cakes, chocolate bar, some snacks & biscuits, etc.
Electoral or Glucon D powder.
Personal First aid and Personal Medicine
Sun protection cap, goggles.
Normal bedsheet or blanket to sleep inside the tent or room.
Cameras, glares etc. can be carried on your own risk.

HOW TO BOOK

Scroll down to the "BOOK NOW" button and click it.
Select your departure date from the calendar and proceed.
Select your ticket type and quantity. (If you have a coupon code, apply at this stage)
Fill out our personal details and proceed.
Select your payment type (UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking) and proceed.
Once your tickets are booked, you will receive tickets along with the WhatsApp group link via email. Click on the link to join the WhatsApp group.
If you don't receive at WhatsApp group link, don't worry we will email it to you two days prior to the trip.
Further details about the trip will be shared on that WhatsApp group 1-2 days prior to the trip.