The Velas Turtle Festival is a unique event that is held every year in Velas, a small village located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. The festival is organized to promote the conservation of the Olive Ridley Turtles, an endangered species that comes to the Velas beach every year to lay their eggs.

During the Velas Turtle Festival, visitors can witness the hatching of the turtle eggs and the release of the baby turtles into the sea. This is a rare and unforgettable experience for nature lovers. The festival attracts thousands of tourists from all over India and abroad, who come to witness the natural phenomenon and to learn about turtle conservation.

The festival is organized by the local villagers in association with the Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra, a non-governmental organization dedicated to environmental conservation. The festival includes cultural programs, exhibitions, and workshops on environmental conservation and sustainable living.

The Velas Turtle Festival is held every year between February and April, which is the nesting season for the Olive Ridley Turtles. The festival has helped to increase awareness about turtle conservation and has played a significant role in protecting the nesting sites of the Olive Ridley Turtles.

Overall, the Velas Turtle Festival is a unique and important event that promotes environmental conservation and sustainable tourism. It is a must-visit for nature lovers and those interested in learning about turtle conservation. If you are planning to visit Velas during the festival, it is recommended to book your accommodation well in advance as the festival attracts a large number of tourists.

Here are some interesting facts about the Velas Turtle Festival:

1. The festival is primarily focused on the conservation of the Olive Ridley Turtles, an endangered species that comes to the Velas beach every year to lay their eggs.
2. The festival is organized by the local villagers in association with the Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra, a non-governmental organization dedicated to environmental conservation.
3. During the festival, visitors can witness the hatching of the turtle eggs and the release of the baby turtles into the sea. This is a rare and unforgettable experience for nature lovers.
4. The festival attracts thousands of tourists from all over India and abroad, who come to witness the natural phenomenon and to learn about turtle conservation.
5. The festival also includes cultural programs, exhibitions, and workshops on environmental conservation and sustainable living.
6. The Velas Turtle Festival is held every year between February and April, which is the nesting season for the Olive Ridley Turtles.
7. The festival has helped to increase awareness about turtle conservation and has played a significant role in protecting the nesting sites of the Olive Ridley Turtles.
8. The Velas Turtle Festival has been recognized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation as one of the top eco-tourism destinations in the state.

How to reach Velas?

1. By Road: Velas is well-connected by road and is around 230 km from Mumbai and 195 km from Pune. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Mumbai or Pune to reach Velas.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station to Velas is Khed Railway Station, which is around 60 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from Khed to reach Velas.
3. By Air: The nearest airport to Velas is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, which is around 230 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Velas.

Here are some places to explore near Velas:

1. Harihareshwar Beach: Harihareshwar is a small town located around 50 km from Velas. The town is famous for its beautiful beach, which is surrounded by lush green hills and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
2. Bankot Fort: Bankot Fort is a historic fort located around 10 km from Velas. The fort was built in the 16th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
3. Anjarle Beach: Anjarle Beach is a beautiful beach located around 25 km from Velas. The beach is surrounded by palm trees and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
4. Guhagar Beach: Guhagar is a small town located around 45 km from Velas. The town is famous for its beautiful beach, which is lined with palm trees and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
5. Diveagar Beach: Diveagar is a beautiful beach located around 60 km from Velas. The beach is known for its white sand and crystal-clear waters and is a popular destination for water sports.
6. Shrivardhan Beach: Shrivardhan is a small town located around 30 km from Velas. The town is famous for its beautiful beach, which is surrounded by lush green hills and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea.
7. Kondivali Beach: Kondivali Beach is a beautiful beach located around 10 km from Velas. The beach is known for its calm and peaceful atmosphere and is a great place to relax and unwind.

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