Overview

🐢 Velas Turtle Festival 2026 – Witness Nature’s Marvel

🌊 Discover the Magic of Velas Turtle Festival

Join Deccan Hikers and Outdoors for the Velas Turtle Festival 2026, a truly special eco-tourism experience on the serene Konkan coast at Velas Beach.

Every year, this peaceful village transforms into a safe haven for the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle. During the festival, you get a rare chance to witness tiny hatchlings emerging from their nests and instinctively moving towards the vast Arabian Sea.

This heartwarming moment is protected by dedicated conservation volunteers and villagers, ensuring the safe journey of these baby turtles.

Along with this magical experience, you will explore the historic Bankot Fort and seek blessings at the sacred Harihareshwar Temple.

👉 This is not just a trip—it’s a meaningful journey into nature, conservation, and culture.

✨ Tour Highlights

🐢 Witness baby turtles heading towards the sea
🏖 Relax at the peaceful Velas Beach
🏰 Explore Bankot Fort with stunning coastal views
🛕 Visit Harihareshwar Temple
🌿 Learn about turtle conservation
🏡 Stay in authentic Konkani homestays

💡 Why You Should Join

This festival offers a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience. Moreover, it blends nature, culture, and adventure perfectly.

⚠ Seats are limited & turtle sightings depend on nature
👉 Early booking is strongly recommended

🍽 Special Dinner Add-On (Saturday Night)

Make your Konkan experience even better with optional Non-Veg dinner:

🍗 Chicken Thali – ₹200 Extra
🐟 Fish (Paplet) Thali – ₹300 Extra

👉 Note:

Fish thali includes Pomfret
Fry piece will be limited (one piece per thali only)
Additional fry fish will be charged extra (if available)

✅ What’s Included

✔ Private 20 Seater AC Pushback Travel
✔ Konkani Homestay (Dormitory Stay)
✔ Day 1: Veg Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
✔ Day 2: Veg Breakfast & Lunch
✔ Turtle Festival Entry
✔ Sightseeing as per itinerary
✔ Ferry Charges (if applicable)
✔ Toll, permits & taxes
✔ Entry fees
✔ Marathi Tour Leader
✔ Basic First Aid

❌ What’s Not Included

✖ AC Room Stay
✖ Friday Night & Sunday Dinner
✖ Mineral Water / Soft Drinks
✖ Personal Expenses
✖ Camera Charges (if any)
✖ Extra Meals
✖ Emergency / Medical Expenses

🎒 Things to Carry

• 2–3 Litres Water
• Torch
• Extra Clothes & Towel
• Comfortable Footwear
• Slippers
• Personal Medicines
• Mosquito Repellent
• Cap & Sunscreen
• Identity Proof

⚠ Important Note

Turtle sightings depend on natural conditions
Follow all instructions from volunteers
Maintain silence near nesting areas
❌ No flash photography

💢 Gear Up

Get ready with the right gear before your trip!

📍 Deccan Mountaineering Store – Katraj, Pune
📞 7447888188

📞 Book Your Seat Now

🔥 Limited seats available – Don’t Miss Out!

💰 Book now with just ₹1000 advance

📲 Google Pay: 8888448969

⚠ Advance is non-refundable
💳 Remaining payment to be completed 1 day before the event

👉 After every challenging ascent, a breathtaking view awaits your victory.

Schedule Details

Day=00 Friday [Click Here]

🚌 Pickup Points – Pune

10:00 PM – Katraj Chowk
10:15 PM – Laxmi Narayan Chowk, Swargate
10:30 PM – Panchaleshwar Mandir, Deccan Corner
10:45 PM – Lohia Jain IT Park, Chandani Chowk
11:00 PM – Orchid Hotel, Balewadi
11:15 PM – Bhujbal Chowk, Wakad Bridge
11:30 PM – Hinjewadi

🚌 Pickup Points – Mumbai

10:00 PM – Sanjay Gandhi National Park Main Gate, Borivali
10:20 PM – Andheri
10:45 PM – Sion Circle
11:15 PM – Vashi Highway Bridge
11:30 PM – Nerul LP
12:00 AM – Panvel

Important Note:
Participants are requested to reach the pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time to avoid any delays.

Day=01 Saturday [Click Here]

📅 Day 1 – Velas Turtle Festival Experience

05:00 AM – Reach the Base Village
06:00 AM – Freshen up and get ready to visit the Velas Turtle Festival
09:00 AM – Traditional Konkani Breakfast
11:00 AM – Visit the historic Bankot Fort
01:30 PM – Lunch (Veg)
02:30 PM – Rest at the homestay
05:00 PM – Visit the beautiful Velas Beach
07:30 PM – Short Film & Information Session about the Velas Turtle Festival
09:30 PM – Dinner (Veg / Non-Veg) and overnight stay at the homestay

Day=02 Sunday [Click Here]

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📅 Day 2 – Velas Turtle Festival & Return Journey

06:00 AM – Visit Velas Turtle Festival to witness turtle hatchlings
09:00 AM – Breakfast at homestay
10:00 AM – Travel by Ferry Boat
12:00 PM – Visit the sacred Harihareshwar Temple
02:00 PM – Lunch (Veg)
03:00 PM – Start return journey towards Pune & Mumbai
10:00 PM – Reach Mumbai & Pune (arrival time may vary by ±1 hour depending on traffic)

Note: Turtle sightings depend on natural conditions and guidance from conservation volunteers.

F.A.Q

1. What is the best time to visit the Velas Turtle Festival?

The best time to visit is during March and April.

2. Are children allowed on the trip?

Yes, children are allowed.

3. Is there any age limit for participation?

Participants aged from 3 to 65 are welcome to join.

4. What type of accommodation is provided during the trip?

Accommodation is provided in local Kokani homestays.

5. What kind of meals are included in the package?

Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals are included.

6. Is transportation provided from Mumbai and Pune?

Yes, transportation is provided from both Mumbai and Pune.

7. Are there any specific items we should pack for the trip?

Pack according to personal needs and preferences.

8. Is there a guide available throughout the trip?

Yes, a guide will be available throughout the trip.

9. Are there any activities or attractions other than the Velas Turtle Festival?

Yes, participants can also visit Harihareshwar Temple and Bankot Seashore Fort.

10. What is the cancellation policy for the trip?

100% refund if canceled before a week, 50% refund if canceled before 3 days, and no refund if canceled within 24 hours.

11. Is there any additional cost or fee not mentioned in the package?

No, there are no additional costs.

12. How physically demanding is the trip?

The trip is considered easy

13. Can participants with dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, we can accommodate participants with dietary restrictions.

14. Is there a restroom facility available during the journey and at the destinations?

Yes, restroom facilities are available during breaks in the journey

15. Are there any safety precautions or guidelines we should be aware of?

Yes, we are certified organizers and prioritize safety

16. Is there any special consideration for senior citizens or individuals with mobility issues?

Yes, we treat all participants with respect.

17. What should participants do in case of an emergency during the trip?

Participants are responsible for managing emergencies on their own.

18. Are there any local customs or etiquettes we should observe during our visit?

We provide first aid for emergencies, but otherwise, no specific customs or
etiquettes need to be observed.

19. Is there any wildlife we might encounter during the trip, other than turtles?

Yes, participants may encounter birds, fish, and other sea shore animals.

20. How can we contact the organizers for further inquiries or assistance?

You can reach us on all social media platforms by searching for “Deccan Hikers,” or you can call us directly for booking.

Velas Turtle Festival – 2026