Velas is on the Western Coast of India in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra. It is one of the safest and broadest beaches in the Konkan region. The place is famous for Eco-tourism and especially for its turtle festival.

Districts/ Region :
Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra, India.

History :
Velas is in Mandangad tehsil of Ratnagiri district in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. The place is famous for its clean and sandy beaches and its turtle festival. For many years the female Olive Ridley turtles have been visiting this place to lay their eggs. Every year the nature conservationists arrange the turtle festival from February to May. Utmost care is taken of these newly hatched Olive Ridley turtles, and then they are released into the Arabian Sea. 
Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra Mandal organisation has identified the unique natural beauty of this place and then this place came into the limelight. The Nisarga Mitra Mandal and the villagers have identified the importance  of the protection of these newly hatched turtles and they have pledged to protect these turtles. Several thousand newly born Turtles have been safely released into the Arabian sea by their teamduring the last 15 years.

Geography :
Velas is a coastal place located between the Savitri river and Bharaja river in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It has Sahyadri mountains on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. It is located 67 KM to the west of Mahad, 118 KM from Raigad and 215 KM away from Mumbai. 

Weather/Climate :
Velas is a coastal place located between the Savitri river and Bharaja river in the Konkan region of Maharashtra. It has Sahyadri mountains on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. It is located 67 KM to the west of Mahad, 118 KM from Raigad and 215 KM away from Mumbai. 

Weather/Climate :
The prominent weather in the region is rainfall, the Konkan belt experiences High Rainfall (ranges around 2500 mm to 4500 mm), and the climate remains Humid and warm. The temperature reaches up to 30 degrees Celsius during this season.Summers are hot and humid, and the temperature touches 40 degrees Celsius.Winters have a comparatively milder climate (around 28 degrees Celsius), and the weather remains Cool and Dry

Things to do :
Velas is famous for its untouched beaches covered with coconut and suru (casuarina) trees. The beach is very long, wide and tranquil. This beach does not have as many activities as other beaches in the Konkan due to its ecological  importance. This place attracts nature lovers and conservationists.

Nearest tourist place :
One can plan to visit the following tourist places along with Velas.
●    Bankot Fort: Located 4 KM away from Velas beach, the fort is on the hill near the mouth of the Savitri river.
●    Kelshi Beach: Situated 31 KM away from Velas, this place is famous for its flora and fauna and seashells.
●    Anjarle beach: Situated 40 KM to the south of Velas beach, the place attracts tourists for its cleanliness, and it has a green cover of coconut trees.
●    Harihareshwar: Situated 13.5 KM north of Velas beach. The place is known for ancient Shiva and Kalbhairava temple. It is also famous for its rocky beach and various geographical structures carved out by the coastal erosion processes.
●    Suvarnadurg Fort: This glorious fort was built in 8 acres of area at a distance of 0.25 KM from the coast of Harnai. It is located 43 KM to the south of Velas.

How to travel to tourist place :

by Rail, Air, Road (train, flight, bus) with distance and required time 
Velas is accessible by road and railway. It is connected to NH 66, Mumbai Goa Highway.  Maharashtra State transport buses are available from Mumbai, Pune, and Ratnagiri to Mandangad and Dapoli from there one can reach Velas by local transport. 
Nearest Airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Airport Mumbai 224 KM (6hrs 4 mins)
Nearest Railway Station: Khed 78.2  KM (2 hrs 13mins)

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station :
Accommodations in the form of homestays are available. 
The nearest hospitals are at Shrivardhan.
The nearest post office is at a distance of 2.8 KM from Velas.
The nearest police station is at a distance of 3 KM.

MTDC Resortnear by details :
The nearest MTDC resort is available at Harihareshwar which is 13.5 KM away from Velas beach.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit :
The place is accessible throughout the year. The best time to visit is from October to March since the plentiful rainfall lasts from June to October, and the summers are hot and humid. Tourists should check the timings of high as well as low tides before entering into the sea.High tides during the monsoon season could be dangerous  hence should be avoided.

Language spoken in area :
English, Hindi, Marathi, Konkani