Head to the coastal village of Velas in Ratnagiri as hundreds of olive ridley turtles hatch and head back to the waters
Head to the coastal village of Velas in Ratnagiri as hundreds of olive ridley turtles hatch and head back to the waters
Olive Ridley turtles are up against serious odds in a tiny coastal village called Velas in Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district. Marine pollution, being hunted down by locals for food, poaching and stealing of eggs made their lives a nightmare till some time back. Thankfully, in this past decade a few local groups have joined hands to ensure that these baby turtles live to see another day. 
The sight of them hatching from their eggs and heading back to the sea makes for an amazing experience. This season will witness a similar natural spectacle.
Hundreds of Olive Ridley turtle eggs lie buried under the sand. A few sea turtles comes ashore to lay eggs, 150 at a time, before they slip back into the ocean. These eggs lie buried in the sand for 50 days before they hatch as tiny sea turtles from their shells. The hatching of turtle eggs commenced a few days back at Velas. Chances are if you head there this weekend (or till mid-March), you might catch a few more hatchings.
While you are at it, explore the region for its historical reminders. This town is the native home of Peshwa minister Nana Phadnavis whose ancestral house is still around. The explorers among you can take a walk down to Kelshi Creek, and the nearby town of Harihareshwar, famous for its Shiva temple.
Trek Mates India has organised a bike tour to Velas this weekend. It includes visits to the Mandangad fort, Bankot fort and Velas beach. Call on 8291331234 or 8652028262 for more details.
Alternatively, sign up with Kasav Mitra Mandal (one of the organising groups) arrange for accommodation and food. Call 02350-220570 / 02350-220629 or Log on to www.snmcpn.in for details.
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