About The Event
Velas Turtle Festival Tour from Mumbai by Mumbai Travel Club takes you on a coastal eco-trip to witness Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings. Guided by Mumbai Travel Club, this weekend journey combines wildlife conservation, beach exploration, and authentic Konkani village hospitality.
Located in the coastal village of Velas in Ratnagiri, the annual turtle festival is a conservation initiative where villagers protect Olive Ridley nests. This weekend getaway gives you the chance to see tiny hatchlings take their first steps into the Arabian Sea. Alongside turtle sightings, participants explore Bankot Fort, visit Harihareshwar, enjoy local homestay accommodations, and taste authentic Konkani meals.
Event Highlights
Witness the release of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings at Velas Beach
Explore historical Bankot Fort with panoramic views of the Savitri River
Visit Harihareshwar Beach and Temple
Experience authentic Konkani culture through local homestays
Scenic local ferry transfer with vehicle crossing
Itinerary
Day 1: Departure from Mumbai
08:45 PM: Reporting at Borivali (SGNP Gate)
09:00 PM Borivali (SGNP Gate)
09:20 PM Goregaon (Pathanwadi, Oberoi Mall)
09:35 PM Andheri (Start of Andheri Flyover)
09:50 PM Bandra (Kala Nagar)
10:15 PM Sion (Station Gate)
10:35 PM Chembur (Chhatrapati Shivaji Statue)
11:00 PM Vashi (Opposite Central Mall)
11:30 PM Kharghar (Hotel Three Star)
11:50 PM Kalamboli (McDonald's)
Kindly be at your respective pickup point before the scheduled time.
Day 2: Beach Hatchlings and Bankot Fort
05:00 AM: Arrival at Velas village homestay and time to freshen up
06:00 AM: Morning visit to Velas Beach for turtle sighting
Breakfast at the homestay
Visit to Bankot Fort for coastal views and local history
Traditional vegetarian or non-vegetarian local lunch at the homestay
Afternoon rest and leisure time
05:00 PM: Evening visit to Velas Beach for festival activities and sunset
Dinner at the homestay followed by a peaceful night walk along the beach
Day 3: Harihareshwar and Return Journey
05:00 AM: Wake-up call
06:00 AM: Morning beach visit for turtle hatchling observation
Breakfast, checkout from homestay, and boarding the ferry
Visit to Harihareshwar Temple and Beach
Lunch halt (self-sponsored)
03:00 PM: Departure for the return journey to Mumbai
09:30 PM: Expected arrival back in Mumbai depending on traffic conditions
What's Included
Transport: Pickup and drop in a private AC vehicle
Stay: Dormitory-style eco-friendly local homestay
Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, and 1 Dinner
Entry: Turtle festival entry fees and ferry charges
Guided tour experience
Not Included
Lunch on Day 3
Personal expenses or bottled water
Camera or equipment fees
Medical expenses
Things to Carry
Original photo ID proof
Light cotton clothes and quick-dry apparel
Beach sandals or flip-flops and walking shoes for the fort
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
Personal toiletries and towel
Power bank and camera
Important Information
Wildlife Sighting: Turtle sightings are natural occurrences and cannot be strictly guaranteed, though the tour is timed during peak hatching hours.
Accommodation: Village homestays offer basic and clean dormitory facilities rather than resort luxuries.
Conservation Rules: Touching hatchlings, using flash photography, or littering on the beach is strictly prohibited.
Conduct: Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited during the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Where does the trip start from?
A. The tour starts from Mumbai with multiple pickup points ranging from Borivali to Kalamboli.
Q. Are turtle sightings guaranteed?
A. Turtle hatchings depend on nature, but visits are scheduled during peak hours to maximize viewing chances.
Q. What type of accommodation is provided?
A. Participants stay in clean, cozy, village-style dormitory homestays.
Q. Can self-drive participants join?
A. Yes, self-drive vehicles can meet the group at Kalamboli McDonald's and follow the convoy.
