WELCOME TO VELAS

Welcome to Velas a coastal village which falls in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. The place is well known for its beaches which reflect nature in its best preserved and pristine form. Besides Velas beach, here are several other tourist attractions at Velas including the Bankot Fort and the Harihareshwar Temple. However, of lately, Velas has been attracting nature lovers and travellers more for its Velas turtle festival, Maharashtra than anything else. Hundreds of Olive Ridley Turtles, one of the most treasured species of marine turtles, come ashore at Velas beach for breeding and lay hundreds of eggs. Velas welcomes thousands of travellers visit the velas beach in order to witness baby turtles, when the Velas turtle festival dates are announced.

Velas turtle festival dates back on 2006 and is organised by local villagers in co ordination with an NGO named Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra. The place is flocked by nature lovers not just from different parts of the state but from all around the country to witness birth of these globally protected turtle species in such a large number. Moreover, the easy Homestay accommodation at Velas makes up for affordable as well as comfortable outings. One can witness native Maharashtrian Konkani lifestyle and discover Konkani food while their stay at these hotels. The festival is annual and happens in the month of March every year.