VRangers would like to invite all bike riders for Velas turtle festival which will be starting from 15 feb 2013. This info got from Mr. Prakash a villager and a member who have taken initiative for marine turtle conservation.
Velas is enclosed by mountains on three sides and open to the sea on the fourth. Tucked away in a remote corner of Ratnagiri District, Velas has recently opened the doors of its scenic backdrops to the world of tourism. This village is one of the first in India to practice eco-tourism through community participation, where it’s not just the run of the mill touristy attractions one can see, but also open themselves to an entirely different lifestyle experience!
Route: Mumbai - Panvel - Harihareshwar – Velas - Bankot Fort- Vice versa.![]()
Region: Ratnagiri - Bagmandala.
Approx Distance: 550 km.
Meeting Point: 6.00 am at Panvel – Datta Snacks.
Cost: Rs 350 /- per head.
Cost Includes –
Sat Breakfast, Sun evening refreshments, Boat Jetty Charges of Bike & Riders and administration charges.
Cost does not include –
Accommodation & Sun Dinner charges will be shared equally by all rangers & leads, charges of Lunch for both days will be shared amongst you.
Petrol & Maintenance cost should be settled by the bike owner & the person accompanying him or In case of Single Rider, petrol & maintenance cost should be settled alone.
Route Map:-Will be provided on arrival at Panvel - Datta Snaks.
Pics:https://picasaweb.google.com/110531784036452056328/VelasBikeTour34Apr2010?feat=directlink
Sights to visit:
Velas is the birth place of Nana Phadnis, one of the great prominent personalities in Maratha history. Due to the sea-shore Velas is an exciting place and it is situated near Bankot Bay. There is an old temple of Shri Bhairi- Rameshwar and in this temple all twelve months water is made available taking the benefit of favorable geographical conditions. A statue of Nana Phadnis is present outside his house. In Velas Mahalakshmi temple and Nana Phadnis house are the places to visit. Gokul-ashtami Festival is one of the important festivals in Velas.
Bankot’s Himmat Gadh
Himmat Gadh, a fort situated at Bankot, also goes by the name of Bavankot Quila and has existed well before the time of independence. The story behind the name ‘Bavankot Quila’ is that long back, the tax collected from the farmers on this land equalled the sum of “bavan kot” or 52crores!
The fort also serves as a memorial for Queen Victoria, with it also being known by the name of Fort Victoria. Rumor has it, that an underground passage also exists, but it’s very likely that it has been shut now. A well, worn dry over time, can also be found there.
Harihareshwar – Dakshin Kashi is famous pilgrim place with ancient Shiv Temple and Kalbhairav Temple situated on the Dakshin Kashi. It also has a beautiful beach which is rocky on one side and a clean sand beach on the other side.
Itinerary:
Meeting Point: Panvel – Datta snaks by 6.00 am.
Saturday, 23rd Feb 2013:
06.15 am: Intro & Breakfast (@ Datta snaks)
11.30 am: Reach Shrivardhan
01.30 pm: Lunch
03.30 pm: Harihareshwar
05.30 pm: At velas
06.00 pm: At velas beach (watch turtles and explore around)
09.00 pm: Dinner and Bonfire session (if possible).
Sunday, 24th Feb 2013:
06.00 am: Velas Beach (watch turtles).
08.00 am: Breakfast.
10.00 am: At Bankot fort.
01.30 pm: Lunch (will be in the mangaon- may change).
05.00 pm: At panvel.
After transaction plz do sms to Ananda Govekar 98922 19155.
Things to be carried:
Personal Identification (Compulsory), Bike’s Legal papers, Helmet (for both), Insurance papers and PUC is must), Driving License, A bottle of water, Camera (Optional),Cap, woolen Jacket, Hand gloves while biking as per comfort, extra pair of cloths etc.
Shoes are compulsory for all the members (Riders and Pillion)
VRangers Rules & Regulation:
Since Biking is adventurous and risky activity your participation is solely on your own wish."VRangers Adventure And Trekking" would not be responsible for any uncertainties happening to him and also the members who accompanies him after the warning.
It's advisable to get your bike Serviced / Repaired before the ride so that we all can have safe ride.
Over Speeding / Rash Driving would result in immediate expulsion from the tour. Please ensure safety for yourself and other people on road.
For Reg. & more details, contact our "Rangers”.
Ananda 9892-219155.
Kamlesh 8080-363681.
plz do sms if call not received with u r name & mail id.
Cheerrrsss!!!!!!!