Velas Turtle Festival, Ratnagiri Overview

The Velas Turtle Festival is a remarkable event that offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the hatching of Olive Ridley turtles in their natural habitat. Held annually in the quaint coastal village of Velas in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, the festival is not just a celebration but also a conservation initiative aimed at protecting these endangered marine creatures. Organized by the local community and supported by conservation groups, the Velas Turtle Festival is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families seeking a unique outdoor experience.

About Velas Turtle Festival

The Velas Turtle Festival focuses on the conservation of the Olive Ridley turtles, one of the smallest and most endangered sea turtles in the world. These turtles migrate thousands of kilometers to nest on the sandy shores of Velas, making it a key destination for their survival. The festival is a combined effort of local villagers, the Maharashtra Forest Department, and NGOs like the Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra to protect turtle eggs from predators and environmental threats.

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 their natural breeding process, does not have fixed dates. However, the activities and tourist influx peak during March and May.

The main attraction of the festival is witnessing baby turtles hatch and make their journey to the sea, a phenomenon that is as heartwarming as it is awe-inspiring. Visitors also get to experience Velas’ serene beaches, traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, and eco-friendly homestays.

Dates for Velas Turtle Festival 2025

The Velas Turtle Festival 2025 will be held over multiple weekends, giving visitors ample flexibility to plan their visit. The key dates are:

March 30 - March 31, 2025
April 6 - April 7, 2025
April 13 - April 14, 2025
April 20 - April 21, 2025
April 27 - April 28, 2025
May 4 - May 5, 2025

Hatching sessions typically occur during sunrise and sunset, when conditions are optimal for the baby turtles to make their way to the sea.

Where is the Festival Held? - Venue Details

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

Highlights of Velas Turtle Festival 2025

1. Witnessing Turtle Hatchlings
The primary highlight of the festival is observing the baby Olive Ridley turtles as they emerge from their nests and crawl toward the sea. The sight of these tiny creatures embarking on their life journey is truly mesmerizing and offers a deeper understanding of marine conservation efforts.

2. Nature Walks and Bird Watching
Velas is home to lush greenery and diverse birdlife, making it a great destination for nature walks and bird watching. Keep an eye out for species like the Indian grey hornbill, kingfishers, and sea eagles.

3. Velas Beach
Velas Beach is a pristine stretch of coastline where the festival activities take place. Its unspoiled beauty and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal spot to relax and connect with nature.

4. Traditional Maharashtrian Cuisine
During the festival, visitors can enjoy delicious and authentic Maharashtrian food prepared by local families. Popular dishes include Modak, Pithla Bhakri, and fresh seafood.

5. Eco-friendly Homestays
Staying in eco-friendly homestays in Velas allows visitors to experience the simple and sustainable lifestyle of the locals. The warm hospitality of the villagers adds to the charm of the festival.

6. Exploring the Konkan Coast
While at Velas, visitors can explore nearby attractions along the Konkan coastline, such as the Bankot Fort, which offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, and other secluded beaches.

Importance of Conservation

The Velas Turtle Festival is not just a tourist event; it is a powerful initiative for the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles. Over the years, local and global efforts have significantly increased the chances of survival for these endangered creatures. By visiting the festival, attendees directly support conservation programs, as the proceeds help fund turtle protection and eco-tourism projects.

How to Reach Velas

By Air: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, located approximately 230 km from Velas. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the village.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Mangaon, situated about 65 km away. From Mangaon, local transport options such as taxis or buses are available to reach Velas.

By Road: Velas is well-connected by road and can be accessed via the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH66). It is approximately 200 km from Mumbai and 180 km from Pune.

The Olive Ridleys turtles had been declared 'endangered' long back. Hence Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra(SNM), a nonprofit organisation joined hands with Marine Conservation Society and the local community in 1992 and since then, have dedicatedly worked towards the conservation of this exotic species of turtle.

Mostly during February and March, a number of Olive Ridleys come to the western coast of Maharashtra to lay eggs, of which, 40% proceeds to the beach of Velas. The sea turtles reach the beach late at night, and each female lays around 80-120 eggs, which are then guarded against predators and poachers by a group of dedicated volunteers.

The eggs were previously sold in the open markets or destroyed by dogs, but this conservation effort ensured a sizable rise of the Ridley family. The volunteers immerse the eggs into a safer nest in the sand, and after an incubation period of 40 days the hatchlings emerge and makes their way to their home in the ocean.

The releasing of hundreds of turtles into the ocean is one of the most delightful sights to behold - an event that attracts nature lovers, first-time visitors, and shutterbugs alike. The releasing of turtles takes place twice a day, once under the gleaming rays of the morning sun, and once again in the sultry evenings.

Added to this unique spectacle is the unforgettable eco-village experience, where visitors can stay at the home of the locals and interact with the people of the coastal village.

Velas Turtle Festival