Velas - Turtle festival

What was the concept of the turtle festival?

It's about witnessing the birth of young turtles that hatch from their eggs and slowly crawl into the ocean to start the journey of their life. This festival is also called Olive Ridley Turtle Festival is organized by local villagers. They do so in coordination with an NGO called Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra.

Batches :
March: 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22th, 23th, 29th, 30th
April: 5th, 6th

Cost : (1D/2N : Without Stay Package)

Pune: 1699/- Mumbai - 1999/-

From Pune
Day 1:
08:30 PM: Report to the Trip leaders at Fergusson College Main Gate, (opposite to Starbucks), FC Road. Departure to Velas.
08:45 PM : Breman Chowk, Aundh​
09:00 PM: Pick ups from Wakad Flyover (Towards Hinjewadi)
​​09:20 PM: Shivaji Chowk, Hinjewadi phase

Day 2:
05:30 AM: Arrive in Velas and head directly to the beach for the Morning Turtle Hatching Session.
06:30 AM: Witness the Beautiful Sunrise on the Beach
07.00 AM: Enjoy the First Turtle Hatching Session
08.00 AM: Explore the beach and have a fun time.
08:30 AM: Head towards Our local vendor. Get freshened up.
09:30 AM: Enjoy your breakfast and later head to Bankot fort
12.00 PM: Later visit Harihareshwar Temple via Bankot-Bagmandla Ferry boat.
02.00 PM: Have Lunch and start your return journey back to Pune
11.00 PM: Reach Pune with loads of memories

(Note - If you are traveling from the city other than Pune/Mumbai, then you are requested to book your return tickets considering 2 hours delay as per above schedule.)

Inclusion:

(1D/2N : Without Stay Package)

• Travel from Pune to Pune
• One Hatching Session (Sunday Morning)
• Bankot Fort sightseeing
• Harihareshwar Temple visit
• All Entry and permit charges
• Bankot-Bagmandla Ferry boat charges

Exclusion :

• Travel till pickup points
• 5% Gst
• Dinner
• Mineral water/lime water/ purchased for personal consumption
• All kinds of Extra Meals / soft drinks ordered
• Any kind of personal expenses
• Any kind of cost which is not mentioned in the cost includes above
• All expenses incurred due to unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances like roadblocks, bad weather
• Any medical / Emergency evacuations if required
• Insurance

Things to carry:

1. ID proof
2. Proper face mask or shield
3. Sanitizer
4. Good grip shoes.
5. Torch with extra batteries.
6. Extra Pair of clothes.
7. Water bottles 2-3 liters.
8. Ready to eat food, like plum cakes, chocolate bar, some snacks & biscuits, etc.
9. Electoral or Glucon D powder.
10. Personal First aid and Personal Medicine
11. Sun protection cap, goggles.
12. Normal bedsheet or blanket to sleep inside the tent or room.
13. Cameras, glares etc. can be carried on your own risk

Upcoming Trek Events

Fireflies Special Treks and Camping

Suitable for kids and Family(Easy To Moderate)
*********************************************************
Tikona Fort Trek And Camping May 9,10,16, 17,23, 24, 30, 31 | June 6,7,13,14

Visapur Fort Trek And Camping May 9,10,16, 17,23, 24, 30, 31 | June 6,7,13,14
Suitable for Beginners and Experienced (Easy To Moderate)
*************************************************************************
Kalsubai Peak Trek May May 9,10,16, 17,23, 24, 30, 31 | June 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28

Harishchandragad Fort Trek May 9,10,16, 17,23, 24, 30, 31 | June 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28

Harihar Fort Trek May 9,10,16, 17,23, 24, 30, 31 | June 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28

Sandhan Valley May 9,10,16, 17,23, 24, 30, 31 | June 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28

Ratangad Fort Trek May 9,10,16, 17,23, 24, 30, 31 | June 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28

Dudhsagar Waterfall June 27,28 July 4,5,11,12,18,19,25,26 | Aug 1, 2, 8,9,14,15,16,22,23 | Sep 12,13,19,20,26,27

One Day Treks
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Kalavantin Fort Trek May 16,17,23, 24, 30, 31 | June 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28

Peb Fort Trek June 7,8,14,15,21,22,28,29 | July 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28

Visapur Fort Trek June 21,22,28,29 | July 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28

Lohagad Fort Trek June 21,22,28,29 | July 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28

Waterfall Treks
******************
Waterfall Rappelling July 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28 | Aug 1, 2, 8,9,14,15,16,22,23 | Sep 12,13,19,20,26,27
Kalu Waterfall July 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28 |  Aug 1, 2, 8,9,14,15,16,22,23 | Sep 12,13,19,20,26,27
Nanemachi Waterfall July 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28 | Aug 1, 2, 8,9,14,15,16,22,23 | Sep 12,13,19,20,26,27
Devkund Waterfall Trek July 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28 |  Aug 1, 2, 8,9,14,15,16,22,23 | Sep 12,13,19,20,26,27
Andharban Jungle Trek July 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28 |  Aug 1, 2, 8,9,14,15,16,22,23 | Sep 12,13,19,20,26,27
Kataldhar Waterfall Trek July 6,7,13,14,20,21,27,28 |  Aug 1, 2, 8,9,14,15,16,22,23 | Sep 12,13,19,20,26,27 

Cancellation Policy

We understand the disappointment of cancelling a trek after months of preparation. That's why we have a traveller-friendly cancellation policy.

Pending Payment Policy:

 * Complete your pending payment 5 days before departure.

 * Failure to pay the second instalment may result in booking cancellation and loss of advance payment.

 * Boarding will be denied for non-payment, and the seat will be reassigned.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

For Backpacking Expeditions and Long Treks (More than 4 nights):

 * 30+ days before the trek: Full refund in a Gadvede Trekkers coupon or monetary refund with a 15% cancellation charge.

 * 20-30 days before the trek: 80% refund in a Gadvede Trekkers coupon or monetary refund with a 50% cancellation charge.

 * Less than 20 days before the trek: No monetary refund; 50% in a Gadvede Trekkers coupon.

 * Less than 15 days before departure: No refund.

 * If unwell: No refund; find a replacement if needed.

For Sahyadri Treks/Camping and Weekend Backpacking Trips:

 * 30+ days before the trek: Full refund in a Gadvede Trekkers coupon or monetary refund with a 15% cancellation charge.

 * 20-30 days before the trek: 80% refund in a Gadvede Trekkers coupon or monetary refund with a 50% cancellation charge.

 * Less than 20 days before the trek: No monetary refund; 20% in a Gadvede Trekkers coupon if fully paid.

 * Ticket transfer: 20% surcharge, subject to the organiser's decision.

 * No-show or illness: No refund; find a replacement if needed.

 * Advance Booking amount: Non-refundable.

Important Note: Trek Insurance, train cancellation, and agent charges are non-refundable if the trek is cancelled within 6 days before departure. No refund 15 days before NY and Christmas events.

If We Cancel a Trek:

 * Natural calamities or unrest: No refund if the trip has started.

* Before departure: Full refund except for train and bus cancellations.

 * Sahyadri treks: Opt for event shift or full refund if cancelled due to low participation.

 * Medical emergencies or COVID: Regular cancellation policy applies.

 * Transport issues: Alternate arrangements made; participants bear costs.

Trip Delays and Connecting Transport Failures:

Gadvede Trekkers will assist with alternate arrangements for delays but participants bear the costs.