Why you should never miss a chance to visit Velas Beach in Konkan

Last Updated on July 26, 2022 by Mrunal & Jiten

Velas lies in the Mandangad Tehsil, Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the cleanest and broadest beaches bordering the Arabian sea in Konkan. The Savitri river and Bharaja river flow on either side of this village.

This quaint but famous place is bordered by the mountains on 3 sides and the sea on the fourth. The alluring beach with white sand, swaying coconut trees, and azure waters attracts many beach lovers. 

Velas Turtle Festival

A visit to this small village is a must not only for the beach but also for the famous Velas turtle festival. It is conducted by conversationalists such as the Nisarga Mitra Mandal and the local villagers between the months of February and May. This village attracts foreign tourists and environmentalists alike during this season.

The festival is celebrated to commemorate the breeding process of sea turtles in the village of Velas and the advancement of baby turtles to the Arabian sea. Consequently, the festival supports not only endangered species but helps ordinary men and women to pay back to nature for what they have taken from it.

The remote village sees a flurry of activity during this annual festival. The Female Olive Ridley turtles travel 200 km from Pune to Velas during the hatching season and lay their eggs here. These eggs hatch after 2 -3 months.

The newly hatched olive ridley turtles look very pretty as they wriggle out of the egg shells and move with their two legs towards the ocean. A huge number of visitors reach Velasto watch these eggs hatch and the volunteers release them into the sea.

You can visit the place morning or evening to watch the turtle hatching and their journey towards the sea.

• The best time to come and watch the baby turtles is 7 – 7.30 am or 6-6.30 pm. You can also watch their journey at midnight.
• Be a part of the rural lifestyle by testing out the local flavors. The villagers cook coastal food with a lot of dedication and serve it with love. They also offer organic fruits to visitors. The hospitality is surely an added incentive to visit Velas.
• Check into homestays that will let you mingle just like a local to completely immerse in the local culture and traditions. This will also help the locals earn some money which is hard to come by given their financial situation.

Sahyadri nisarga mitra(SNM)

Sahayadri Nisaranga Mitra is a leading non-profit organization in Maharashtra working primarily for the conservation of endangered species and wildlife through various research projects. They began operations in 1992.

This organization is very much involved in the conservation of Oliver Ridley turtles and supports the venture in many ways. They help the local people of Velas to make arrangements for the annual turtle festival in many ways. 

They have also empowered the local villagers by inaugurating Velas Homestays and assisting villagers to earn some money from tourists who come to watch the newly hatched Olive Ridley turtles. 

The villagers provide lodgings to these tourists during the festival days. The lodgings are available through the Kasav Mitra Mandal, a village organization, at an economical price. The lodgings are dormitory-style homes with carpets where one can stay for a few days of the festival. 

Time to visit

This place can be visited all through the year but, October to March is the best time to visit here mainly for the turtle festival. 

Do avoid the monsoon season in Ratnagiri district as travel becomes very difficult for travel. Even the sea becomes rough with continuous high tides.

Other attractions nearby when you visit Velas beach

Bankot fort

This fort is just 4 km from Velas beach atop a hill near the Savitri River facing Bankot creek. It was the center of activity and a busy trade route during medieval times. 

It was originally with Bijapur rulers and later captured by the Portuguese in 1548. The Marathas took it over in 1700. It changed many more hands before the British finally returned it to Peshwas. 

Harihareshwar temple 

It is about 15 km away from Velas. This temple is dedicated to Shiva and Kalabahirava. The Rocky beach nearby this temple warrants a visit.

Anjarle and Kelshi beach 

If you have visited Velas then consider going to these two beaches as well. Both are about 35 km away. They are both clean and crowd friendly and hence the best place to spend your evenings.

How to reach

By Air

Nearest is the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport 224 km away

By Rail

Khed is the nearest railway station

By Road

Velas is 67 kms from Mahad and 118 kms from Raigad. It is 215 km from Mumbai.