- Location
- Velas Village, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra
- Distance from Mumbai
- Approx. 220 kilometers
- Nearest Station
- Mangaon (Konkan Railway)
Overview
Velas Beach is a quaint and clean beach located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is best known for its Olive Ridley turtle conservation project, where baby turtles hatch and are released into the sea during nesting season.
This beach is part of an eco-friendly village that promotes sustainable tourism. Visitors can witness natural turtle hatchings and enjoy a peaceful coastal environment surrounded by greenery.
Apart from the beach, Velas offers a unique rural Konkan experience with local food, homestays, and scenic treks.
Highlights
Turtle Festival
Watch baby Olive Ridley turtles hatch and make their way to the sea (Feb–March).
Village Homestays
Stay with local families and enjoy authentic Konkani cuisine and hospitality.
Eco-Tourism
Environmentally conscious tourism promoting wildlife and conservation.
Scenic Treks
Trek to Bankot Fort or through lush hills for panoramic coastal views.
Location & landscape
Velas is a coastal village located in the northern part of Ratnagiri district. It lies near the mouth of the Savitri River and is surrounded by forested hills and untouched nature.
Velas is an ideal destination for nature lovers and conservation-minded travelers seeking an authentic village beach experience.
- Location
- Velas Village, Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra
- Distance from Mumbai
- Approx. 220 kilometers
- Nearest Station
- Mangaon (Konkan Railway)
- Coastline
- Arabian Sea
- Flora
- Dense greenery, cashew plantations, coconut palms
Best Time to Visit
Velas has a tropical climate. Summers are warm, monsoons are lush and rainy, and winters are pleasant.
- Best Season: November to March
- Monsoon: June to September
Things to do
Turtle Watching
Watch baby turtles hatch and crawl toward the sea during the annual Turtle Festival.
- Season: Feb–March
- Morning and evening viewing slots
Village Walks
Walk through the quiet village lanes and explore local life and traditions.
- Interact with locals
- Photography & storytelling
Bankot Fort Trek
A short trek to the historical Bankot Fort overlooking the Savitri river delta and sea.
- Sunrise/sunset views
- Great for nature photographers
Places to explore
Bankot Fort
Historic fort with stunning views of the sea and river confluence.
Harihareshwar Temple
A sacred coastal temple complex just an hour's drive from Velas.
Anjarle Beach
Another quiet beach known for its turtle conservation and clean sands.
Coastal ecology
Velas beach is part of an ecological effort to protect marine biodiversity, especially the Olive Ridley turtle species.
Velas’s marine ecology is protected by community-based tourism and seasonal visitor guidelines.
The beach promotes awareness of wildlife conservation and responsible travel.
Olive Ridley Turtles
Endangered sea turtles that nest on the Velas shore annually.
Mangroves & Dunes
Vital coastal buffers that provide protection and breeding habitat.
Coastal Fish & Crabs
Small marine species visible in shallow tidal pools.
Practical Travel Tips
Visit during Feb–March for Turtle Festival
Book village homestays in advance during the season
Road conditions are rough — prefer SUVs or travel early
Local Transit & Routes
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Pune or Mumbai
- Travel to Mangaon by train or car, then local road to Velas
By Train
- Nearest Station: Mangaon (Konkan Railway)
- Take shared jeeps or buses to Velas
By Road
- Approx. 220 km from Mumbai via NH66
- Scenic route through hills and coast