Velas Turtle Festival with Harihareshwar

Velas Turtle Festival offers a truly remarkable experience, allowing visitors to witness the extraordinary journey of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings as they make their way from the sandy shores of Velas beach to the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea. This enchanting spectacle is not just a visual delight but also a vital part of the conservation efforts aimed at protecting these magnificent creatures. Velas beach has earned its reputation as a significant nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles, which are classified as an endangered species. The beach's pristine environment and dedicated conservation initiatives have made it a sanctuary for these turtles, providing them with a safe haven to lay their eggs and nurture their young.

The turtle conservation project initiated by the organization SNM (Save Nature Movement) in the coastal region of Maharashtra, particularly in Velas, has proven to be a resounding success. This initiative has not only focused on safeguarding a substantial number of turtle nests but has also facilitated the release of thousands of hatchlings into the sea, significantly contributing to the revival of the Olive Ridley turtle population. These turtles face numerous threats, including pollution, climate change, and various human activities that disrupt their natural habitats. By actively engaging in conservation efforts, the project aims to mitigate these threats and ensure a more sustainable future for the Olive Ridley turtles, thereby enhancing biodiversity in the region.

In addition to the awe-inspiring sight of turtle hatchlings making their way to the ocean, Velas and its surrounding areas offer a plethora of other fascinating attractions worth exploring. One of the prominent landmarks is the historic Bankot Fort, which stands as a testament to the region's rich heritage. This fort not only provides a glimpse into the past but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and the Arabian Sea, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation. Furthermore, the nearby Harihareshwar temple is a renowned pilgrimage site, famous for its unique Pradakshina route. This circumambulation path around the temple allows devotees and visitors alike to engage in a spiritual journey while enjoying the serene ambiance of the temple complex.

For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, opting for a homestay in Velas presents an excellent opportunity. Staying with local families provides a unique glimpse into the everyday lives of the residents, allowing visitors to experience authentic homemade cuisine that reflects the culinary traditions of the region. Guests can savor a variety of dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and partake in communal meals that foster a sense of connection and community. Interacting with the locals not only enriches the travel experience but also offers valuable insights into their customs, traditions, and the ongoing efforts to protect the Olive Ridley turtles and their habitat. This holistic approach to tourism not only supports conservation efforts but also promotes sustainable practices in the region, ensuring that both nature and culture thrive for generations to come.

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 11:00 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.

• Travel to Bankot fort - 15 min.

• Explore Bankot fort - 45 min.

• Travel to Velas homestay - 15 min.

• Lunch break at villagers house - 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.

• Harihareshwar Pradakshina Marg- 1 hour.

• Lunch break - 1 hour.

• Return journey to Mumbai - 6 hours.

Price: ₹3600 

Included

• Travel from Mumbai by AC Luxury seater Bus

• Breakfast, Veg Lunch, evening hi tea, Veg Dinner on Day 1, Breakfast on Day 2

• Sharing basis Homestay at Velas.

• Forest Fee, permits.

• Ferry crossing at Harihareshwar.

Excluded

• Snacks break during travelling.

• Any Personel expense

• Non-Veg Meals at Homestay

Get a group discount for parties of more than 5; see the tickets for details.

Registration Process:

Step 1: Book Your Seat

• Visit the event website and book your seat by completing the registration process. ( Refer to the Manual Payment if you want to pay using UPI/NEFT).

Step 2: Fill Mandatory Disclaimer Form

• After payment confirmation, participants will receive a participation disclaimer form.

• Fill up the form accurately to provide necessary information.

• Compliance with the disclaimer is mandatory for participation.

Step 3: WhatsApp Group Creation

• A WhatsApp group will be created in the evening on the day of the departure.

• All registered participants will be added to the group.

• This group serves as a platform for communication, updates, and coordination among participants.

Checklist

What to Wear:

• Sandals or slippers for comfortable footwear.

• Half-sleeve synthetic/polyester t-shirt or shirt for breathable clothing.

• Half-length hiking trousers or track pants for flexibility and comfort.

What to Bring:

• Single rucksack to carry all belongings.

• Minimum of 2 reusable water bottles to stay hydrated (avoid packaged bottles).

• Food items like fruits, dry fruits, energy bars, and healthy snacks for sustenance.

• Windcheater or blanket for travel comfort.

• Cap or hat for sun protection.

• Toiletry kit, sunscreen lotion, and mosquito repellent for personal hygiene and protection.

• Three spare sets of clothes and a towel for changing and drying off.

• Litter bag for storing non-biodegradable (plastic) waste during the travel.

• Personal medicines if needed.

• Identity proof for safety and verification purposes.

Event Disclaimer:

• Valuables: Participants are advised not to wear expensive jewelry or accessories.

• Travel: The trip covers approximately 650 km in an air-conditioned vehicle, and participants are recommended to carry a blanket.

• Food: Extra charges may apply for non-vegetarian food at the accommodation.

• ID Requirement: Participants must bring an ID card for safety.

• Disclaimer: Participants must fill out a mandatory disclaimer form with accurate details after payment confirmation.

• Parental Consent: Participants below 16 years old must obtain parental consent.

• Punctuality: Participants are urged to avoid causing delays that inconvenience others.

• Notifications: Participants will be informed in advance of any itinerary changes or event cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances.

• Weather Conditions: The organizers reserve the right to cancel the event or withdraw due to unexpected weather changes.

• Photography: Do not use flash on the camera while capturing the turtles.

• Respect: Participants are expected to respect customs and traditions, especially at religious sites.

• Expenses: Participants are responsible for expenses not explicitly mentioned.

• Event Timing: The schedule may be subject to delays or advances due to unforeseen conditions.

• Prohibited Substances: Alcohol, tobacco, and narcotics are strictly prohibited during the event and the homestay.

• Littering: Participants are urged not to litter and to keep the environment clean.

• Cooperation: Participants should maintain discipline and cooperate with fellow participants.

• Facility Information: A basic washrZom facility is available at the hotel/ homestay.

• We have a right to transfer the booking to other operator in case of less number of registrations, we will inform on the day of the event if such situation arises, the itinerary might be slightly different though the places covered will be the same.

• Team Ramblersindia or the tour leader at the site may not be held responsible if the entry is closed by local authorities or governing bodies.

• Personal Belongings: We are not responsible for personal losses such as theft or damage to personal belongings. Participants are usually expected to take personal responsibility for their belongings and exercise caution to prevent such incidents.

• Safety Disclaimer: While safety is a priority, the organizers are not liable for severe injuries or fatalities.

• Payment and Registration: Participants are responsible for bearing convenience fees charged by payment gateways. No concession for availing limited service. No group discounts are applicable.

Payment Policy:

• Third-Party Payment Gateways: We utilize third-party payment gateways for a smoother registration process. The total amount at checkout includes both the main event fee and a convenience fee, which is borne by the customer and displayed before finalizing the payment.

• Manual Payment Option: Participants may opt to manually transfer the payment via UPI (Unified Payments Interface) or NEFT (National Electronic Funds Transfer). A transaction ID or reference number will be provided for this purpose. The manual payment option is available for only

  one hour

   from the time the ticket is marked as unpaid. If the payment is not completed within this time frame, the order will be automatically canceled.

• Transaction Confirmation for Manual Payments: Participants paying through UPI or NEFT (where the convenience fee is not applicable) must confirm their payment by providing the transaction reference via email or WhatsApp.

• Service Availment: No refunds, discounts, or concessions will be issued if participants choose not to use specific services provided during the event.

• Withdrawal: If a participant withdraws from the event after registration, the amount paid cannot be carried forward to future events. Refunds will be processed according to the refund policy in place at the time of withdrawal.

Refund Policy:

• Refund Medium: Refunds will be processed through the same payment medium used for the original transaction. Payments made via UPI will be refunded to the UPI ID, while bank transfers will be refunded to the designated bank account.

• Processing Time: Refunds will be initiated on the event date or the next business day. Refund processing time may vary between 3 to 10 working days, depending on the payment gateway. In case of delays, the recipient should contact the payment gateway support for assistance.

• Refunds will be initiated on the event date or the next business day and processed within 2 days.

• For UPI payments, refunds will be transferred to the UPI ID.

• For current account payments, we will request either the UPI ID or bank account details for processing.

• Refunds cannot be issued to a payment wallet or phone number—only UPI IDs are valid.

• Refund Issuance: Refunds will not be issued in cash or coupons unless previously agreed with the participant. Refunds will not be processed on weekends due to team unavailability.

• Exclusion of Convenience Fee: Refunds exclude the convenience fee. If the payment includes a convenience fee from a third-party gateway, only the event fee will be refunded. For instance, if the event price is ₹1000 and the convenience fee is 5% (making the total paid amount ₹1050), the refund will be based on ₹1000, excluding the convenience fee.

Refund Percentages for Cancellations:

• 50% refund for cancellations made 10 or more days before departure.

• 40% refund for cancellations made 7 days before departure.

• 30% refund for cancellations made 6 days before departure.

• 20% refund for cancellations made 5 days before departure till the day of the departure.

• No refund will be provided for no-shows.

• Event Cancellation:

  In the event of a cancellation by the organizer, the full event fee will be refunded, excluding the convenience fee. Any personal transportation costs (e.g., train, bus, flight, cab, hotel) will not be refunded.s provided if the event is forwarded to other party, extra fee needs to be paid by the participant if the other organiser fee is higher than our event.