VELAS, MAHARASHTRA – DISCOVER THE CHARMS OF COASTAL LIVING

Velas is a small coastal village located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. It is situated on the western coast of India and is known for its serene beaches and scenic beauty. The village is located around 220 kilometers south of Mumbai and can be reached by road or rail.

One of the main attractions of Velas is the Velas Beach, which is a nesting site for the Olive Ridley sea turtles. These turtles lay their eggs on the beach between the months of January and March, and visitors can witness the hatching of these eggs and the release of baby turtles into the sea. This has made Velas a popular tourist destination among nature enthusiasts.
Apart from the beach, Velas also has a few temples and historic sites that are worth visiting. The Bankot Fort, which is around 20 kilometers from Velas, is a popular tourist spot and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The Harihareshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is another popular attraction in the area.
Velas is also known for its local cuisine, which includes seafood and other Maharashtrian delicacies. The village has a few guesthouses and homestays where visitors can stay and experience the local culture.
What Makes it Special
There are several things that make Velas, Maharashtra a special and unique place:
1. Olive Ridley Turtle Nesting: Velas is known for being a nesting site for Olive Ridley sea turtles. These turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs between January and March each year. The beach is carefully monitored by local conservation groups to ensure that the eggs are protected and that the hatching process is not disturbed. Visitors can witness the release of baby turtles into the sea, which is a rare and memorable experience.
2. Scenic Beauty: Velas is located on the western coast of India and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. The area is surrounded by hills and forests, and the beach is a peaceful and serene place to relax and unwind.
3. Local Culture: Velas is a small village that has managed to preserve its traditional way of life. Visitors can stay in local guesthouses and homestays, which offer an authentic glimpse into the local culture and way of life. The village is also known for its local cuisine, which includes seafood and other Maharashtrian delicacies.

4. Historic Sites: Velas has several historic sites that are worth visiting, including the Bankot Fort and the Harihareshwar temple. These sites offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.
5. Conservation Efforts: The local community in Velas has taken several steps to protect the environment and the wildlife in the area. Conservation groups work tirelessly to protect the turtle nesting sites and to promote sustainable tourism in the area. This has helped to preserve the natural beauty of the area and to promote responsible tourism practices.
Popular Activities Enjoyed by Tourists
Velas offers a range of activities for tourists to enjoy. Here are some of the popular activities that visitors can enjoy in Velas, Maharashtra:
1. Turtle Watching: One of the main attractions of Velas is the Olive Ridley turtle nesting site. Visitors can witness the hatching of the eggs and the release of baby turtles into the sea. This is a unique and memorable experience that draws many visitors to the area.
2. Beach Activities: The beach at Velas is a great place to relax and unwind. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and beach games such as frisbee and volleyball. The beach is also a popular spot for picnics and family outings.
3. Trekking: The hills and forests around Velas offer great opportunities for trekking and hiking. Visitors can explore the surrounding areas and enjoy stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding countryside.
4. Sightseeing: Velas has several historic sites that are worth visiting, including the Bankot Fort and the Harihareshwar temple. Visitors can also explore the local markets and sample the local cuisine.
5. Water Sports: The nearby beaches of Harihareshwar and Shrivardhan offer opportunities for water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
6. Cultural Activities: Visitors can also experience the local culture by staying in local homestays and guesthouses, and by participating in cultural events and festivals. This is a great way to learn more about the local way of life and to interact with the friendly and welcoming people of Velas.
Major Attractions and Must See Places
Velas, Maharashtra is a beautiful coastal village that offers a range of attractions and must-see places. Here are some of the top attractions and places that visitors should not miss:
1. Velas Beach: The main attraction of Velas is the beach, which is a nesting site for the Olive Ridley sea turtles. Visitors can witness the hatching of eggs and the release of baby turtles into the sea, making it a unique and memorable experience.
2. Bankot Fort: The Bankot Fort, located around 20 kilometers from Velas, is a popular tourist spot that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The fort was built in the 16th century by the Bijapur Sultanate and is now in ruins, but still offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and culture.
3. Harihareshwar Temple: The Harihareshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a popular attraction in the area. The temple is located on a hill overlooking the sea and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
4. Diveagar Beach: Located around 20 kilometers from Velas, Diveagar beach is a popular spot for water sports and activities. The beach offers opportunities for jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
5. Shrivardhan Beach: Shrivardhan beach is another nearby beach that offers great opportunities for swimming and water sports. The beach is surrounded by hills and forests, making it a beautiful and serene place to relax and unwind.
6. Velas Conservation Center: The Velas Conservation Center is a non-profit organization that works to protect the Olive Ridley sea turtles and promote sustainable tourism in the area. Visitors can learn more about the turtle conservation efforts and participate in activities such as beach clean-ups and tree planting.
7. Local Markets: Velas has several local markets where visitors can sample the local cuisine and buy handicrafts and souvenirs. The markets are a great place to experience the local culture and way of life.
How to Reach
Velas is a small village located in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. Here’s how you can reach Velas:
1. By Air: The nearest airport to Velas is the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, which is located around 200 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Velas.
2. By Train: The nearest railway station to Velas is the Mangaon Railway Station, which is located around 50 kilometers away. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Velas.
3. By Road: Velas is well-connected by road and can be easily reached by bus or car. The village is located around 200 kilometers from Mumbai and around 170 kilometers from Pune. You can take the NH-66 highway to reach Velas.
4. By Ferry: Another way to reach Velas is by taking a ferry from Mumbai to Mandwa and then driving to Velas. The ferry ride takes around 1 hour, and the drive to Velas takes around 3-4 hours.

Note that there are no direct buses or trains to Velas. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a bus from the nearest railway station or bus stand to reach Velas. It is advisable to check the availability of transport options in advance, especially during peak tourist season.