Trip Highlights
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Witness the magical sight of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings making their first journey to the sea at the famous Velas Turtle Festival.
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Seek blessings at the sacred Harihareshwar Temple, popularly known as the Dakshin Kashi of Maharashtra.
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Visit the historic Bankot Fort and soak in panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and surrounding Konkan coastline.
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Relish authentic traditional Konkani cuisine prepared by local villagers, giving you a taste of the region’s rich coastal flavours.
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Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across the Savitri River, connecting the coastal villages and offering beautiful Konkan views.
Trip Overview
Experience the charm of coastal Maharashtra with our Velas Turtle Festival tour, a perfect blend of nature, culture, and local experiences. Velas, a quaint village in the Konkan region, is famous for its annual turtle conservation festival where visitors get the rare opportunity to witness Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings making their first journey towards the Arabian Sea. This unique eco-tourism initiative has made Velas one of the most loved nature experiences in Maharashtra.
The journey itself is equally scenic and memorable. Travel through the picturesque Konkan landscape and enjoy a relaxing ferry ride across the Savitri River, connecting you to the beautiful coastal villages of the region. The trip also includes a visit to the historic Bankot Fort, offering breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding greenery.
You will also visit the revered Harihareshwar Temple, often known as the “Dakshin Kashi” of Maharashtra. During your stay, enjoy warm Konkan hospitality and savour authentic homemade Konkani meals prepared by local families.
This trip is ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and travellers looking to experience sustainable tourism while exploring the serene beauty of the Konkan coast. The Velas Turtle Festival is not just a journey, but a meaningful experience that connects you with nature and local communities.
Trip Itinerary
DAY 01Departure from Mumbai
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10:00 PM – Depart from Mumbai for Velas in a comfortable A/C bus.
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The bus will start from Borivali with pre-decided pick-up points across the route.
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Sit back, relax, and enjoy the overnight journey towards the beautiful Konkan coast.
Overnight bus journey.
DAY 02Velas Turtle Festival Experience
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06:00 AM – Arrive at Velas village. Freshen up quickly and head towards the turtle conservation center on the beach.
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07:00 AM – Visit Velas Beach to witness the magical Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings making their first journey towards the sea.
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08:30 AM – Return to the homestay and enjoy a traditional Konkani breakfast.
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10:30 AM – Explore the historic Bankot Fort, also known as Himmatgad Fort or Harihareshwar Fort, offering stunning views of the coastline.
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01:30 PM – Relish a delicious authentic Konkani lunch and take some time to relax.
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05:00 PM – Visit Velas Beach again for another chance to witness the Olive Ridley turtle hatchling release.
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06:45 PM – Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and capture a beautiful Konkan sunset.
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08:30 PM – Dinner at the homestay.
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09:30 PM – Take a peaceful walk along the beach or retire for the night.
DAY 03Harihareshwar Visit & Return to Mumbai
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05:30 AM – Wake up early for one final opportunity to witness the turtle hatchlings at Velas Beach.
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07:00 AM – Return to the homestay and enjoy breakfast.
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08:00 AM – Depart from Velas village for Harihareshwar Temple.
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09:00 AM – Enjoy a scenic boat ride across the Bankot Creek and Savitri River.
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10:30 AM – Arrive at Harihareshwar Beach and visit the temple, often referred to as the Dakshin Kashi of Maharashtra.
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01:00 PM – Begin the return journey to Mumbai.
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10:00 PM – Arrive in Mumbai with wonderful memories of the Velas Turtle Festival and the serene Konkan coast.
Trip Ends.
Inclusions | Exclusions
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Travel by A/C Tempo Traveller from Mumbai and for the entire trip.
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Homestay accommodation on a sharing basis in Velas village.
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Day 01: Veg Breakfast, Veg Lunch & Veg Dinner | Day 02: Veg Breakfast
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Local sightseeing as per the itinerary.
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Guide and expertise charges for the turtle festival visit and local exploration.
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Trip assistance by LiveB4YouDie team throughout the journey.
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Meals during the travel journey unless specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
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Any personal expenses such as cold drinks, mineral water, snacks, tips, etc.
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Any cost incurred due to unavoidable circumstances such as roadblocks, weather conditions, vehicle breakdowns, or natural calamities.
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Any expenses arising due to health issues or medical emergencies of the traveler.
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Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions section.
Things To Carry
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Valid Photo ID (Aadhar Card / Driving License / Passport).
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Comfortable clothing suitable for warm coastal weather.
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Light jacket or shawl for early morning turtle sighting.
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Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for beach visits and fort exploration.
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Sunscreen, sunglasses, and cap/hat to protect from the sun.
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Personal medicines and basic first-aid kit, if required.
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Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
Payment, Cancellation & Refund Policy
PaymentHow much to pay, and when
30 Days or More Before Departure:
Pay the booking amount that is 50% of the total trip cost to secure your seat.
20 to 15 Days Before Departure:
Pay the booking amount that is 75% of the total trip cost.
14 to 7 Days Before Departure:
100% payment (full trip cost) is compulsory to confirm your participation.
CancellationCancelling or changing your booking
30 Days or More Before Departure
You can cancel or shift to another batch.
The booking amount will be given as a credit note, after deducting the basic booking fee.
29 to 21 Days Before Departure
❗ Batch shifting is not allowed.
25% of the total trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
The booking amount will be adjusted, and the balance (if any) will be refunded.
20 to 15 Days Before Departure
❗ Batch shifting is not allowed.
50% of the total trip cost will be charged as cancellation fees.
The remaining amount (if any) will be refunded after deduction.
14 Days Before Departure:
❗ Batch shifting is not permitted.
No refund will be provided.
RefundHow and when you are refunded
Refund Timeline:
The applicable refund amount will be processed within 10 business days from the date of cancellation confirmation
