Overview

About this destination

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.

Trip Highlights

Best Experiences

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.

Things to Do

Experiences
Activities
3 Items
01

Turtle Watching

Watch baby turtles hatch and crawl toward the sea during the annual Turtle Festival.

02

Village Walks

Walk through the quiet village lanes and explore local life and traditions.

03

Bankot Fort Trek

A short trek to the historical Bankot Fort overlooking the Savitri river delta and sea.

Top Attractions

Must-See Spots
beaches Attractions
3 Attractions
01

Bankot Fort

Historical Viewpoint

Historic fort with stunning views of the sea and river confluence.

02

Harihareshwar Temple

Religious Site

A sacred coastal temple complex just an hour's drive from Velas.

03

Anjarle Beach

Nearby Beach

Another quiet beach known for its turtle conservation and clean sands.

Feature Image
3 Points

Velas beach is part of an ecological effort to protect marine biodiversity, especially the Olive Ridley turtle species.

01

Olive Ridley Turtles

Endangered sea turtles that nest on the Velas shore annually.

02

Mangroves & Dunes

Vital coastal buffers that provide protection and breeding habitat.

03

Coastal Fish & Crabs

Small marine species visible in shallow tidal pools.

Velas’s marine ecology is protected by community-based tourism and seasonal visitor guidelines.

The beach promotes awareness of wildlife conservation and responsible travel.

How to Reach

Travel Guide & Routes
Location Map
Getting There

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

Travel times may vary based on weather & traffic.