Velas is a small, eco-friendly coastal village in the Mandangad taluka of Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Situated along the Arabian Sea, it is famous for its wide, sandy beach that serves as one of the primary nesting grounds for the endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles on the Konkan coast.
It is the best destination in Western India to witness the magical release of tiny Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings as they take their first crawl towards the sea during the annual Velas Turtle Festival.
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Voluntary donations welcome
Time
2 hours
Cost
Free
Effort
Easy
Ferry ticket extra
Time
Half day
Cost
Free
Effort
Easy
Time
2 hours
Cost
Free
Effort
Moderate
Pleasant weather, lighter crowds — the sweet spot.
Busiest months — book stays & transport early.
Quietest window with the lowest prices.
From Mumbai, drive south on the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH66) to Mangaon, then take state roads via Harihareshwar and cross the Bagmandla ferry to Velas.