Velas Turtle Festival — Attraction in Maharashtra

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Velas Turtle Fest, an extraordinary event that showcased the beauty of nature and the significance of conservation efforts. The festival, held on Velas Beach, offered a mesmerizing experience as we witnessed adorable turtle hatchlings being released into the vast ocean against the backdrop of a splendid sunset and a serene beach. The entire event left an indelible impression on my heart, and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a unique and awe-inspiring adventure.

From the moment I arrived at Velas Beach, I was struck by its untouched beauty. The beach's tranquility and untouched coastline created an ideal setting for this remarkable celebration of life. As the evening approached, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement. Visitors, both locals and tourists alike, gathered eagerly, ready to witness the incredible spectacle that awaited us.

As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow over the beach, the stage was set for the main event. Volunteers from the conservation organizations responsible for protecting these endangered creatures spoke passionately about the importance of preserving turtle populations and the efforts being made to ensure their survival. Their dedication and commitment were truly inspiring.

And then, the time came for the hatchlings to embark on their incredible journey. As the volunteers carefully lifted the tiny creatures from their nests, a sense of awe swept through the crowd. The hatchlings' tiny flippers frantically propelled them towards the glistening waves, driven by an instinct older than time itself. It was a powerful reminder of the incredible cycle of life and the resilience of nature.

The sight of countless hatchlings making their way to the sea, their silhouettes illuminated by the setting sun, was simply breathtaking. The atmosphere was filled with cheers, applause, and a collective sense of wonder. It was a truly magical moment, etching itself forever in my memory.

Beyond the awe-inspiring hatchling release, the Velas Turtle Fest offered a range of activities and educational programs. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the different turtle species, their nesting habits, and the challenges they face. Interactive workshops, guided nature walks, and informative presentations ensured that everyone left with a deeper understanding of the importance of turtle conservation.

Additionally, the festival organizers ensured a sustainable and eco-friendly experience for attendees. Recycling initiatives, plastic-free zones, and an emphasis on responsible tourism practices were evident throughout the event, showcasing a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Velas Beach and its surroundings.

In conclusion, the Velas Turtle Fest delivered an unforgettable experience, weaving together nature's wonders with an atmosphere of celebration and conservation. The combination of witnessing the hatchlings' brave journey, the mesmerizing sunset, and the tranquil beach setting created an ambiance of harmony and appreciation for the natural world. If you ever have the chance to attend the Velas Turtle Fest, seize it without hesitation. It is an experience that will leave you inspired, humbled, and deeply grateful for the awe-inspiring beauty...

Olive Ridley Turtle Babies heading towards the Arabian Sea 🌊 Having seen so many David Attenborough's Documentaries since my childhood I was so happy and determined to actually witness the newly born hatchling Turtles taking their first baby steps towards their journey of Life.

This is what I learnt They are the second smallest and endangered species of Turtles, found in the warm and tropical waters primarily in Pacific and Indian Oceans.

They migrate in huge numbers to lay eggs between February and April every year to the coasts of Orissa, Maharashtra and Chennai.

These Turtles have uniquely synchronised Mass Nestings called 'Arribadas' where thousands of females come together on the same beach where they were born to lay eggs (around 30 - 168 eggs/Female) after mating with more than one partner. The females lay their eggs in conical nests and then fill the hole with sand to camouflage before returning back to the Sea.

Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra is an NGO which joined hands with the Marine Conservation Society in 1992 and dedicated themselves to work towards the Turtles Conservation as this species is listed as Vulnerable under IUCN. These Eggs are guarded by the NGO against predators and poachers by maintaining 24*7 vigilance during the nesting period. Then they retrieve the freshly laid eggs and transfer them to the hatcheries. After 45-51 days of Incubation period, the hatchlings all dig out of their nests at the same time and the Volunteers return the baby Turtles to the beach to begin their slow crawl towards the Sea.

The Sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature of the Sand the eggs are laid in. If the eggs are incubated at 31-32°C then only female babies are produced. And if incubated at 28°C or less only male progeny are born. Therefore they need a temperature balance of 29-30°C to produce a mixed sex clutch. Unfortunately due to Global Warming, as the temperature rises, the equal sex ratio is thrown off and female progeny is on the rise!

Only about one in a thousand Turtles survive to adulthood with Hatchlings initially dying of Dehydration if they don't make it to the Ocean fast enough besides being preyed upon by Birds, Crabs & Dogs.

You can book resorts that are one to two hours away from the Velas Beach if sharing rooms with strangers at Homestays is not for you! Also reaching the beach on time at 6:00pm is a priority or you will miss...

If an egg is broken by outer force Life ends .....but if an egg is broken by inner force then life begins...... But sometimes it's a combined efforts...

Exploring Konkan...... At velas turtle festival...... Amazed to see the dedication of the NGos and locals in preserving something beautiful.....

The festival of turtles is to embark on the natural breeding process of sea turtles that takes place on a beach in the little village of Velas in Konkan Belt. These quiet places start getting decorated and filled with the bustle of activities due to this event called “the Velas turtle festival’.

Olive Ridley Turtles were pronounced endangered a long time back and an NGO, Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra, joined hands with Marine Conservation Society in 1992 and dedicated themselves to work towards their conservation. During February and March, many Olive Ridley turtles come to the western coasts of Maharashtra and lay their eggs. Around 40% of them proceed to the beach of Velas. These eggs are then guarded by a group of volunteers against predators and poachers. Previously they were either sold in the markets or were destroyed by dogs, but now these conversation efforts helped the rise of the Ridley family. And in this regard, the Velas Turtle festival is celebrated with great vigour!

Most of the hatching happens during March and April. ...

Thank you Vinay Gupta and Adventure Geek - Explore the Unexplored for such a wonderful...