Velas Beach

Velas Beach is a coastal sandy beach located in the village of Velas within Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. It is primarily known as a significant nesting ground for endangered Olive Ridley turtles and hosts an annual community-led turtle festival typically between February and April. The beach remains relatively undeveloped and less crowded compared to other Konkan beaches, offering a tranquil natural setting. It also holds historical association as the birthplace of Maratha statesman Nana Phadnis.

Visitors can expect a quiet, natural sandy beach environment with minimal commercial development. During the turtle hatching season (February to April), visitors may witness baby Olive Ridley turtles emerging from nests and moving towards the sea, often organized through local conservation efforts. Outside the festival season, the beach offers peaceful walks and views of the Arabian Sea. Basic homestay accommodations and traditional Konkani food are available in the village. Mobile network connectivity is unreliable in the area.

Velas is noted as the birthplace of Nana Phadnis, an influential statesman and diplomat of the Maratha Empire during the late 18th century.

The village demonstrates successful community-based eco-tourism and wildlife conservation through the annual Turtle Festival organized by locals and Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra NGO, highlighting coexistence between human communities and marine wildlife.