Velas Turtle Festival and Harihareshwar

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Velas Turtle festival brings us a wonderful experience to witness the Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings making their way to the Arabian Sea from the shores of Velas beach. Velas beach is known for its conservation efforts and is a nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles, which are an endangered species.

The turtle conservation project initiated by SNM in coastal Maharashtra, and particularly in Velas, has been successful in protecting a large number of nests and releasing a significant number of hatchlings into the sea. This is an important contribution to the conservation of the Olive Ridley turtle population, which is under threat due to various factors such as pollution, climate change, and human activities.

Apart from witnessing the turtle hatchlings, there are many other interesting attractions in the area to explore. The Bankot fort is one of the major attractions in the region and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The Harihareshwar temple is also a popular destination, known for its Pradakshina route, which is a circumambulation of the temple.

Staying in a home stay in Velas would be a great way to experience the local culture and cuisine. You can expect to enjoy typical homemade cuisine during your stay and get a chance to interact with the locals and learn more about their way of life.

Highlights:

Three visits to the Turtle Hatching area.
Experience Homestay.
Bankot fort.
Ferry crossing.
Harihareshwar pradakshina route.
Konkan Homemade food.
Itinerary:

DAY 0:

Depart by hired AC vehicle from Dadar East, Mumbai at 10:00 PM with pickup points at Chembur, Vashi, & Panvel. ( exact locations will be shared with the registered participants)
DAY 1:

Reach Velas village – 05:30AM.
Fresh up – 30 minutes.
Event briefing & Introduction.
Reach Velas nesting area.
Witness turtles hatchlings making their way into the sea – 2 hours.
Breakfast at villagers home – 45 minutes.
Visit Bankot fort – 3 hours.
Lunch break – 1 hour.
Allocate sharing accommodation at Velas Homestay.
Relax time till evening.
Visit the Velas turtle nesting area in the evening.
Dinner break – 1 hour
Rest for the day at homestay
Day 2:

Wakeup call – 05:30 AM
Fresh up at homestay – 30 minutes.
Visit to Velas turtle nesting area – 2 hours.
Breakfast at homestay – 45 minutes.
Travel to Harihareshwar by vehicle- 1 ½ hours.
Lunch break – 1 hour.
Return journey to Mumbai – 6 hours.
Price: ₹3400

Included

✔ Travel from Mumbai by AC Luxury seater Bus
✔ Breakfast, Veg Lunch, Veg Dinner on Day 1, Breakfast, Veg Lunch on Day 2

✔ Village Dormitory Homestay at Velas.

✔ Forest Fee, any entry fees.

✔ Ferry crossing

Excluded

✘ Snacks break during the road journey

✘ Any Personel expense

✘ Non-Veg Meals at Homestay

How to Register:

Book your seat through online payment on our website or UPI/ NEFT to RamblersIndia Current Account ( send us the screenshot of the transaction).
Fill up the Mandatory participation disclaimer form which will be sent after payment confirmation and select the preferable pickup location.
We will create a WhatsApp group of the registered participants in the evening on the day of the event departure for coordination.

Checklist

What to Wear:

Sandals / slippers.
comfortable clothes.
What to Bring:

Carry a single rucksack with the following things:

Minimum 2 water bottles ( avoid buying packaged bottles) .
Food items like fruits, dry fruits, energy bars, healthy snacks.
Windcheater/ blanket during travel.
Cap/ Hat
Toiletry kit, sunscreen lotion & mosquito repellent.
Two Spare sets of clothes, Towel.
A litter bag for non-biodegradable (plastic) litter.
Spare face masks, Hand Sanitizer.
Personal medicines.
Identity Proof.

https://www.facebook.com/events/776258287162121/