About The Event
Experience the joy of Velas` Kasav Utsav in 2024!
Maharashtra is blessed with a 720 km long coastline. Shared with Konkan, Thane, and Ratnagiri also the Sindhudurg districts. Many marine creatures come to visit. However, the exact count and type are unknown. As from what is believed there is not a 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. A lot of the other information is already available online, like what do turtles eat, and what a turtle looks like. The difference between a turtle, a tortoise and a terrapin.
Why Velas Turtle Festival?
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, under the cover of darkness, its mother emerged out from the rolling waves to lay her heap of 100-120 eggs on the sandy beach. Oblivious to the world that awaits it outside its 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. TreksandTrails, India invites you to this journey from the nest to the sea which draws oohs and aahs from tourists - each of whom is 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 6-hour drive from Pune.
Kindly Note
Travelling by private non A/C Bus
Hatchling sighting is not guaranteed.
The maximum batch size is 30 travellers on a first come first basis.
Pick up and Drop at centralized locations only.
Velas Turtle Festival Cost:
With Transport: Rs. 3399/- per person (5 Years and above)
Without Transport: Rs. 2599/- per person
Event Details
Travelling by private non A/C Bus
Event Type: Tour
Food Arrangement: Homestay with Veg food already arranged
Transport: Travel by the same private vehicle for the entire tour
Height of Bankot fort: 500 ft.
Base Village: Velas
Taluka: Mandangad
District: Ratnagiri
Region: Konkan
Route from Pune: Pune – Banner – Khopoli - Velas
Distance from Pune: 195 km approx.
Total time required for climbing Bankot Fort: None
Total distance for climbing: None
Parking available: yes
Itinerary for Velas Turtle Festival 2024
Day 0: Friday Night
09:45 pm - Meet at McDonald`s, Deccan. (https://goo.gl/maps/vDqyKCHanhSMxG1M6)
10:00 pm - Move towards Velas.
10:20 pm - Pick up at Chandni chowk. (https://goo.gl/maps/WohdU94v34t8LbRP8)
10:35 pm - Pick up at Wakad bridge / Rajyog hotel. (https://goo.gl/maps/z4hEjPnA6gQiSeqA7)
10:40 pm - Pick up at Hinjewadi chowk. (https://goo.gl/maps/XGThDv8LtgGzVCM99)
10:50 pm - Pick up at Pirangut chow, Hinjewadi phase 3. (https://goo.gl/maps/jdajrUqLFm539wqe7)
Day: 1 Saturday
06:00 am Early morning arrival at Velas Village.
07:00 am Visit to Velas Beach for Turtle sighting.
08:30 am Breakfast.
10:30 am Visit to Bankot fort.
01:00 pm Lunch & Rest.
05:00 pm Visit to the beach for turtle sightings.
08:00 pm Dinner and rest.
Day 2: Sunday
06:00 am Visit to Velas beach for turtle sighting.
08:00 am Breakfast.
10:30 am Depart for Harihareshwar temple from Velas village.
01:00 pm Lunch (Veg)
02:30 pm Departure for Pune from Harihareshwar temple.
11:00 pm Approx. arrival at Pune.
Please Note
Velas turtle festival from Mumbai sells out quickly kindly book in advance.
As Velas Turtle Festival`s stay is in homestay. So homestays have limited capacity. After first 18 bookings, stay will be in another homestay
In without transport option, for Bankot and Harihareshwar visit, you`ll be travelling in your vehicle only.
Ferry and Parking charges of your vehicle is not included.
Inclusions
Travel by private non-AC Bus (with transport option)
Accommodation on multi sharing basis in a typical Konkani homestay - Dormitory.
Saturday: 1 veg breakfast, 1 Veg Lunch, 1 Veg Dinner
Sunday: 1 Veg breakfast, 1 Veg Lunch
Sightseeing as per the schedule
Expertise, guide charges, and TreksandTrails, India administration charges if any.
Ferryboat charges. All entry tickets and permissions. Provision of primary first aid only.
Things to Carry:
Torch with extra batteries
Extra pair of clothes & towel
Trekking shoes for trekking
Comfortable footwear
Personal medicines (if any)
Mosquito repellent cream
Sun cap and Sunscreen
Identity proof
