Velas Turtle Festival: A Detailed Travel Guide

Introduction

This guide provides comprehensive travel information based on a video about the Velas Turtle Festival in Maharashtra, India. The festival focuses on the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles.

About the Velas Turtle Festival

The Velas Turtle Festival is organized to protect and increase the population of Olive Ridley turtles, whose numbers had significantly declined. Local villagers, Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra, and the Kasav Mitra Mandal collaborate to protect the turtle eggs laid on Velas beach.

The festival is held when the turtle hatchlings are ready to go into the sea. Tourists can witness the entire process of releasing the turtles into the ocean.

Location and How to Reach Velas

• Velas is located in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, between the Savitri and Bharja rivers.
• It's nestled between the Sahyadri mountain range and the Arabian Sea.
• Distance:
  • 67 km west of Mahad
  • 180 km from Pune
  • 200 km from Mumbai

Transportation

1. Ferry Crossing: To reach Velas, you need to cross the Savitri River by ferry.
   • The ferry ride takes about 10 minutes.
2. Post-Ferry Travel: After crossing the river, Velas beach is about 8 km away.

Navigation Tips

• After parking, there might be confusion about the route to the festival.
• Look for a small bridge and a footpath alongside it. Follow the footpath for about 1 km to reach the beach.

Key Information about Olive Ridley Turtles

• Turtle Species: The festival is centered around the Olive Ridley turtle.
• Nesting Season: Egg-laying typically starts in November.
• Incubation Period: The eggs take approximately to hatch.
• Hatchling Release Time: Hatchlings are usually released into the sea in the morning (6:00 to 7:30 AM) and evening (6:00 to 6:30 PM). Arriving by 8:00 AM may mean missing the morning release.

Things to Do at Velas Beach

• Turtle Release: Witness the release of baby turtles into the sea.
• Crab Spotting: The beach is full of crabs, offering a great opportunity for wildlife observation.
• Beach Exploration: The extensive beach area requires around two hours to fully explore.

Environmental Concerns

• The video highlights the issue of trash on the beach, including plastic waste and discarded bottles.
• Pollution from companies and oil spills from ships are contributing to the decline in the turtle population.
• The survival rate for turtles is very low, with only about one in a thousand hatchlings surviving to adulthood and returning to lay eggs.

Call to Action

• The video encourages people to support turtle conservation efforts and to avoid littering on the beach.

Other Attractions Near Velas

• Bankot Fort: Located about 4 km from Velas beach, this fort offers historical insights and scenic views.
• Kesi Beach: Approximately 31 km away, known for its diverse flora, fauna, and seashells.
• Harihareshwar: Around 40 km away, famous for its clean beach, ancient Shiva temple, and Kalbhairav temple.

Bankot Fort Details

• Location: 47 km from Poladpur in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra.
• Historical Significance: The fort was built to protect the trade route along the Savitri River.

Key Features of Bankot Fort

1. Entrance: The main entrance features large wooden doors.
2. Temples and Water Tanks: Upon entering, you'll find temples on either side and six water tanks.
3. Historical Names: The fort has been known by various names throughout history, including Bankot Fort, Fort Victoria, and Himmatgad.
4. Towers: Explore the well-preserved towers, which offer panoramic views.

History of Bankot Fort

• 1548: The Portuguese captured the fort from Adil Shah.
• Later: Kanhoji Angre seized the fort and renamed it Himmatgad.
• Subsequent Events: A joint force of Peshwas and the English, led by Commander James, captured the fort and renamed it Fort Victoria.
• Further Changes: The English returned the fort to the Marathas, who reverted the name to Himmatgad.

Accommodation and Food

• Velas village offers numerous homestays for accommodation.
• Expect good quality food and a comfortable stay.
• Many homes have garden-like orchards with trees bearing coconuts, betel nuts, bananas, etc.

Closing Remarks

Exploring Velas village and its surroundings can be a delightful experience. Whether you missed the morning turtle festival or simply want to spend more time in the area, there's plenty to see and do. Enjoy the beauty of the region, and remember to respect and protect the environment.