By Niraj Kasar — Velas Beach, India
One tiny Konkan village, one beach, and every spring the sand cracks open and hundreds of Olive Ridley hatchlings sprint for the sea. The whole village hosts it. It is the best thing I have seen on any coast.
Best time to visit February to April, hatching season. Releases happen at sunrise and sunset, be early.
What to expect Homestays only, and that is the charm. Book ahead in season, the village fills up.
What to carry No flash photography at releases. Binoculars, a light jacket for dawn, and manners.
And the drive from Pune is a proper Konkan road trip in itself:
Go once for the turtles. You will go back for the village.