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Anjarle Turtle Festival 2027

Konkan · 2D/1N · Easy

Anjarle Turtle Festival 2027

4.8 (15 reviews)

Overview

The Anjarle Turtle Festival takes you to Anjarle, a peaceful Konkan fishing village in Ratnagiri district, just south of Dapoli, and one of Maharashtra's most active Olive Ridley turtle nesting sites. Through the nesting and hatching months, local volunteers working with the Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra conservation group patrol the Kaimari beach, guard the nests, and relocate eggs into a protected hatchery before releasing the hatchlings under supervision at dawn and dusk. Visitors stay in village homestays run by the host families, walk the quiet beach and coconut-lined lanes, and gather at the hatchery to watch the tiny turtles scurry toward the surf — a slow, deliberate, deeply moving few minutes that stays with you long after you leave.

Anjarle sits on the Konkan coast roughly six to seven hours by road from Mumbai, near Dapoli, and the festival is built around the natural hatching season, which runs from February to April with peak activity usually in March. Releases happen at dawn or dusk depending on conditions, so nothing can be guaranteed on a specific date — the pace of the trip follows the turtles. Between the releases, visitors explore the quiet Kaimari beach, walk through the coconut-lined village lanes and eat home-cooked Konkani meals prepared by the host family.

The festival is run with the help of local volunteers who protect the nests and guide every release, and visitors watch the hatchlings make their way to the sea from a designated distance — touching the turtles is strictly prohibited as it can harm them. Accommodation is in simple, clean village homestays with attached or common bathrooms, and the package includes dinner on the first night and breakfast on the second, along with a guided hatchery visit and a local village guide. It is a quiet, family-friendly experience suited to children aged five and above, and ideal for anyone who wants to see Maharashtra's lesser-known coast without the crowds.

Based in Konkan, this easy 2-day trek is best attempted during February, March, April — when the trail and surroundings are at their most rewarding.

2 Days

Duration

Sea level

Max Altitude

Easy

Difficulty

February – April

Best Season

Pricing

Starting from ₹1,299 per person. Prices vary by departure city.

Departure City

Departure Dates

Cancellation policy: Cancellation & Refund Policy

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Day-wise Itinerary

Trip Highlights

  • Anjarle Turtle Festival — guided release of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings into the sea
  • Stay in a local Konkan village homestay near Dapoli
  • Visit to the protected hatchery and conservation exhibits
  • Quiet, uncrowded stretch of Konkan coastline at Anjarle Kaimari beach
  • Authentic Konkani meals prepared by the host family

Gallery

Inclusions & Exclusions

Inclusions

  • Homestay accommodation (1 night)
  • Dinner (night 1) and breakfast (day 2)
  • Guided hatchery visit and turtle release (subject to hatching activity)
  • Local village guide

Exclusions

  • Transport to/from Anjarle
  • Lunch on both days
  • Personal expenses

Things to Carry

Torch or headlamp (for dawn/dusk beach visits)Light warm layer for early morningsComfortable sandals or walking shoesReusable water bottleCamera (no flash for turtle viewing)

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Anjarle for the turtle festival?

The turtle hatching season at Anjarle runs from February to April, with peak activity typically in March. Hatchling releases happen at dawn or dusk depending on the day's conditions, and sightings depend on natural hatching activity — nothing can be guaranteed on a specific date.

Can I touch or handle the turtle hatchlings?

No. Touching the hatchlings is strictly prohibited as it can harm them. The release is a guided, supervised process where volunteers place the hatchlings on the sand and let them crawl into the sea naturally. You watch from a designated distance.

What kind of accommodation is provided?

You stay in a local village homestay — clean, basic rooms with a attached or common bathroom. The homestays are run by families involved in the conservation effort, and the meals are home-cooked Konkani food. It is not a hotel experience, which is part of the charm.

How do I reach Anjarle?

Anjarle is about a 6-7 hour drive from Mumbai (via the Mumbai-Goa highway, near Dapoli). The nearest railway station is Khed (about 30 km away), from where you can take a local bus or shared taxi to Dapoli and then Anjarle. We can assist with carpool coordination if you are travelling solo.

Is this trip suitable for children?

Absolutely. The turtle release is a magical experience for kids, and the beach and village environment is safe and engaging for children aged 5 and above. The homestay atmosphere is family-friendly.