- Turtle Nesting and Observation
- Guided Turtle-Watching Tours
- Bankot Fort
- Harihareshwar Temple
- Cultural Programs and Local Cuisine
- Community Engagement and Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
What is included in the tour
- Private Transportation from Pune to Pune
- Accommodation on multi-sharing basis in typical konkani homestay - Dormitary
- All meals (1 Dinners, 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches)
- Entry charges, permits & India Administration Charges if any
- Ferryboat Charges
What is NOT included in the tour
- Non-Veg Food
- Dinner on Friday Night & Sunday not included
- Anything not included in the what's included list.
- Any kind of Extra Meal/Soft Drinks ordered
- Any kind of Personal Expenses (Camera Fees)
The Velas Turtle Festival is an annual event held in Velas, a coastal village in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. The festival primarily focuses on the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles, a species of sea turtles that visit the shores of Velas for nesting. Typically taking place during the nesting season, which occurs between November and March, the Velas Turtle Festival attracts nature enthusiasts, tourists, and conservationists from various parts of the country. The Olive Ridley turtles are known for their synchronized nesting behavior, where several females come ashore at the same time to lay eggs. The festival aims to create awareness about the importance of sea turtle conservation and educate the public on the protection of these endangered species.
Visitors to the Velas Turtle Festival often get the opportunity to witness the nesting process, as well as the release of hatchlings into the sea. Local communities actively participate in organizing the event, and efforts are made to promote eco-friendly practices and sustainable tourism. Conservation workshops, guided turtle-watching sessions, and cultural programs are typically part of the festival, providing a holistic experience for participants.
Day 0:
Pickup locations from Pune:
-
Day 0: Friday Night
• 08:45 pm - Meet at McDonald's, Deccan. (https://goo.gl/maps/vDqyKCHanhSMxG1M6)
• 09:20 pm - - Pick up at Chandni chowk. (https://goo.gl/maps/WohdU94v34t8LbRP8)
• 09:35 pm - Pick up at Wakad bridge / Rajyog hotel. (https://goo.gl/maps/z4hEjPnA6gQiSeqA7)
• 09:40 pm - Pick up at Hinjewadi chowk. (https://goo.gl/maps/XGThDv8LtgGzVCM99)
• 09:50 pm - Pick up at Pirangut chow, Hinjewadi phase 3. (https://goo.gl/maps/jdajrUqLFm539wqe7)
After roll count, proceed by private transportation towards the Velas village.
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 Shivajinagar - Pune.
We may reach an hour early or late
The Tour Concludes with Happy Memories :)