Konkan · 2D/1N · Easy
Guhagar Turtle Festival 2027
Overview
Guhagar is a peaceful coastal town in Ratnagiri district on the Konkan coast, roughly midway between Mumbai and Goa, and the home of one of Maharashtra's longest-running sea turtle conservation efforts. Through the nesting and hatching months, local volunteers working with the Sahyadri Nisarga Mitra conservation group patrol the beaches around Guhagar and Kunkeshwar, 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 sand 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.
Beyond the turtles, Guhagar is a laid-back coastal town with a long white-sand beach, the ancient Vyadeshwar Shiva Temple, and easy access to the dramatic Kunkeshwar beach and its twin lighthouses. The weekend trip departs Friday night from Mumbai or Pune, arrives at the homestay early Saturday, and spends the day on the beach, at the temple and around the village before the Saturday-evening and Sunday-morning hatchling releases. You are back home by Sunday night, with a couple of days on the beach as a bonus.
This is a community-led, low-key experience rather than a resort holiday — clean homestay rooms, home-cooked Konkani food, and the turtles as the main event. Hatchling releases depend entirely on natural hatching activity, so nothing can be guaranteed on any specific date, which is exactly what makes a successful release so special.
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
By booking this trip you agree to our Terms & Conditions
Day-wise Itinerary
Trip Highlights
- ✓Guided release of Olive Ridley turtle hatchlings into the sea
- ✓Stay in a local Konkan village homestay at Guhagar
- ✓Visit to the protected hatchery and conservation exhibits
- ✓Long white-sand Guhagar beach and the dramatic Kunkeshwar beach with twin lighthouses
- ✓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 Guhagar
- ✕Lunch on both days
- ✕Personal expenses
Things to Carry
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Guhagar for the turtle festival?
The turtle hatching season at Guhagar 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 at Guhagar — clean, basic rooms with an 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 Guhagar?
Guhagar is about a 9-hour drive from Mumbai via the Mumbai-Goa highway (NH-66) through Chiplun, and about 6-7 hours from Pune. The nearest railway station is Chiplun or Sangameshwar (about 45 km away). 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.
Cancellation policy: Cancellation & Refund Policy
By booking this trip you agree to our Terms & Conditions
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