Sunday 2 June 2013

Trip to Kelshi, Velas and Dapoli

               We wanted to visit Konkan area before monsoon begins. We got an invitation of our relative to attend a family function at Dapoli and we thought of attending this function along with a short Konkan trip. Last time we had a trip to Dapoli area but due to lack of time, we were unable to visit Kelshi and Velas area. This time our target was to explore Kelshi and Velas.

About Kelshi and Velas:
              Kelshi is a small sea-side village, Famous for its Mahalaxmi Temple (350 years old temple), Sand hillocks and Yakub baba's dargah (7th Guru of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaja), built during the Peshwa era.Also Beach is very clean and hardly any tourists visit this place. You can feel typically Konkani lifestyle in Kelshi.
             Velas is small village, famous for Olive Ridley turtle population that visits the Velas beach every year and lays their eggs during winter time. Best time to visit Velas is from Jan mid to March end. Bankot Fort is also few km away from Velas.
            Our first halt was at Dapoli so we prefer route as Pune – NH4 – Take right at Bhorphata – Varandhaghat – NH17 – Poladpur – Take right at Bharana Naka, Khed – Dapoli. To reach at Kelshi, You can select route as Dapoli – Harne – Anjarle (You can bypass this place but you will miss beautiful drive along with costal line) –Kelshi.Sign boards are available to guide you. This route was too curvy in Varandha ghat.
            For return journey, we came by Dapoli – Khed – NH17 - Poladpur– Mahad – Mandgaon – Nijampur – Thamhini Ghat – Pune.

Traveller for this trip were me and my wife Renuka.

Kelshi beach

Day 0: 30th May 2013, Pune to Dapoli (Total Distance traveled: 201 km):
              We didn’t want to waste our holiday morning in travelling so we left Pune on Thursday after office hours. We left early in evening to avoid late night drive through Varandha ghat. We left Pune around 4:45 pm. Without wasting time, we reached Varandha ghat. Ghat road is narrow and too curvy. Driving in this ghat was bit boring considering summer time. We took our first break at the top of Varandha Ghat. There are lots of Food stalls. We were here on weekday so hardly any travelers were there. It was sunset time so we spent time watching different shades of color in sky along with tasty Vada-Pav and cup of coffee. After 30-40 min brake, we moved ahead.

Varandha Ghat

               Without any other break, we reached Dapoli by 9.30 pm. We stayed at our relative’s place and we decided to move to Kelshi by tomorrow.
  • Car Petrol: INR 2400/- (approx. 34 Lit @ INR 72/- i.e. Car average was 17.6km per lit)
  • Toll on NH4: INR 75/- (One way)
  • Snacks at Varandha ghat: INR 50/- (3 Vada-Pav + 2 coffee)

Day 1: 31st May 2013, Dapoli – Asud - Kelshi (Total Distance traveled: 52 km):
             We woke up by 8.30 am in morning and after breakfast, went to visit few relatives from Dapoli. We left Dapoli by 11 am for further trip. Our first destination was Asud’s Ancient Keshavraj temples. It is hardly few km away from Dapoli. A Keshavraj temple is in the midst of scenic hills. Way to Keshavraj is a small trek passing through coconut, betel nut, Mango, Jackfruit, White Jambu fruit (Jam in Marathi) and cashew trees. We enjoyed our small trek and ate lots of fruits while trekking. Keshavraj Temple is built by Pandavas meaning that it has its origin more than 1000 years ago. Temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu and its main attraction is the Goumukh from where water flows throughout the year.Originating of fresh water is from a tree trunk.

Way to Keshavraj temple, Asud

Way to Keshavraj Temple, Asud

Keshavraj Temple, Asud

               After spending lot of time on scenic hill and in Temple, we went to Karde for lunch break. We had lunch at New Swapna Sagar Nivas. We took rest till 4 in Karde and went for Harne’s fish market to buy some fish for dinner. Harne fish market is assumed to be one of the largest suppliers of fish to Maharashtra and also Export.There is an Auction carried on daily basis on the beach.We saw some auction and then purchased Pomfret and Surmai (King fish) fish for Dinner. You need to bargain a lot before buying any fish. Simple formula can be, ask for the half price rate and then add few bucks to settle the final deal. We purchased 4 large sized Pomfret and 1 medium sized King fish.

Harne Fish market

               By 5 pm, we left for our final destination Kelshi. Kelshi is typically kokani village and takes you to old time Konkan village. Our relative already told us where to stay and we straight away went there. We stayed at Homestay hotel name “Surabhi”. Room was bigger, clean and within our budget. After putting bags in room, we immediately went on beach for sunset. Due to cloudy weather, we missed sunset but we enjoyed lovely and lonely beach. There were hardly 5-6 tourists including us. Beach is not a sandy but is in bit dark brown color. Flow of tourists ismainly in Karde, Murud or in Anjarle beach so Kelshi beach is quite lonely.We spend some time on beach rather than entering in water for swimming and then came back on room to get ready for dinner.

Sunset at Kelshi...

               For dinner, we went at different home named Pawar. As per my wish they prepared Pomfret, Surmai fry and Surmai rassa. Food was delicious. After Dinner we went for rest in room. Our day ends with tasty sea food. Tomorrow we have to cover some local sightseen along with Beach and Velas village before heading to Dapoli.

Fish meal at Kashid

Veg meal at kelshi

  • Karde Entry fee: INR 20/- per car (Valid for 24 hours)
  • Pomfret meal (Thali) at Karde: INR 200/-
  • Veg meal at Karde: INR 100/-
  • Harne entry fee: INR 20/- per car (Valid for 24 hours)
  • Pomfret fish: INR 350/- for 4 large pieces (Original prices was 700/- for 4 pics.)
  • Surmai/King Fish: INR 250/- for medium size (Original prices was 350/-)
  • Veg meal at Kelshi: INR 80/- per Thali
  • Fish Thali Making charges: INR 80/- for Thali
  • Fry fish making charges: INR 100/- for 4 Pomfret + Half Surmai Fish
  • Cold drink: INR 35/- for 500ml

Day 2: 1stJune 2013, Kelshi – Velas - Dapoli (Total Distance traveled: 105 km):
               We woke up early morning by 7 AM. We decided to go on the beach for swimming.Kelshi has a long, scenic, unexplored beach.Only we were on the beachwith only the sea waves for company and it was like we were on our private beach. We spent around one hour and then returned to our room. We had “Kaju-Upama” in breakfast which was delicious.

Kelshi beach



              In today’s journey, our first destination was Mahalaxmi Temple. It was built during the Peshwa regime. It also houses the idols of Lord Ganpati and Lord Shiva.The temple lies beneath two huge domes.The famous Yakub Baba dargah is located at a distance of about one kilometer from the Mahalaxmi temple. This was our second destination.

Mahalaxmi Temple, Kelshi

             Yakub baba's dargah is a great example of Hindu Muslim unity in India. He had given advice to Shivaji Maharaja during attack on Dabhol. Later on Shivaji Maharaja – The King of Hindu Empire expressed his wish to build a Dargah & awarded land measuring 653 acres. The work on the Dargah of Yakub baba was started by Shivaji Maharaja and later continued by SambhajiRaje but somehow it was never completed. Later Bajirao-I tried to take the work to its fruition. Every year people celebrate Urus on 6th December. The tradition to begin this Urus by Hindu people is practiced even today. From this place, you can see scenic Kelshi beach view and large number of coconut trees.

Yakub baba's dargah

Kelshi beach view from dargah

              Next location of Kelshi was Sand hillocks. Naturally formed Sand Hill is at the northern part of Kelshi. As per the historical records and evidences the said Sand Dune is actually a result of Tsunami hit which was formed around the time of Vasco da Gama's visit to India somewhere in 15th century. Local people don’tbelieve on this story. Due to sand hill, construction of Kelshi Bridge(a part of the Coastal Highway) was stopped. This bridge will save around 45 min of journey to Velas but now stopped due to tourist attraction.

Sand hillocks

            After Kelshi sight seen, we left of Bankot fort. Route to reach Bankot fort is not in good shape. After 45 min drive we reached the fort. Parking space for car is not available so better to park vehicle on T-junction road close to Fort. Bankot creek was a major sea trade route; hence fort was an important as a watch tower for trade route. References of this fort is found in Greek traveller Pliny’s works in first century AD, where he refers to this fort as Mandargiri or Mandgor.In 1548, Portuguese won this fort from Adilshah. Later KanhojiAngre captured this fort. In 1818, Commander James captured the fort and named it as Fort Victoria.
          Main entrance of this small fort is intact. You can see water tanks, Basement room and bastion on fort. Fort is too small that it takes hardly 15-20 min to see entire fort. From here we can have a glimpse of Savitri River and the surrounding region. Bankot fort has an interesting connection with Sir Arthur Mallet of the Arthur seat point fame at Mahabaleshwar.  He lost his wife and 32 days old daughter in a tragic ferry mishap at the creek.

Main entrance of Fort

View from Fort

             We took our lunch at Velas which is 3 km ahead of Bankot fort. Velas is enclosed by mountains on three sides and open to the sea on the fourth. It is famous due to Turtle Festival. Velas is also one of the popular breeding sites of Olive Ridley, which is an endangered species of turtle. Season to visit Velas for Turtle Festival is from January till March. We had lunch at Nijsure and then got to know that this family plays important role to conduct Turtle Festival and to take care of environment for turtles. We got lot of information from them and we promised him to visit Velas again to help them for turtle festival rather than visiting as tourist during Turtle Festival.

Way to Velas

           By 4 pm, we started with our return journey to Dapoli. We took small break between Anjarle and Harne for Sunset. There is a point from where you can see entire village name Pajpandhari which is located very close to sea. Typically Konkani village located very close to sea, Suvarnadurg fort and Anjarle beach on right side – it gives you breathtaking view. This is our favorite point on this route. After sunset we reach Dapoli by 8 pm at relatives place.

Sunset point, pajpandhari

Sunset

Colors after sunset

We, The travelers

  • Room rent at Kelshi: INR 700/- for a room
  • Breakfast: INR 60/- for 2 (Kaju-Upama)
  • Veg meal/Thali at Velas: INR 90/- per person
  • Water bottle: INR 20/- per bottle
  • Jackfruit chips: INR 400/- per Kg.

Day 3: 2ndJune 2013, Dapoli – Pune via Thamhini ghat (Total Distance traveled: 224 km):
             We attended a family function in morning and left Dapoli after having a lunch. We left Dapoli by around 4.30 pm. This time we decided to come via Thamhini ghat. Weather became cloudy and heavy rainfall welcomed us in Thamhini ghat. This was our first encounter with rain after hot summer. Rainfall made our driving more pleasant. We reach home safely by 9.30 pm.
  • Snacks in evening at ghat: INR 60/- (Vada-Pav + coffee)
  • Savitri river bridge toll on NH17: INR 05/- for car
Contact numbers for your reference:
  • Home stay Hotel Surabhi, Kelshi (Naresh Vartak): 02358-287240 / 9623113162 / 9820441985.
  • Kokan Bhojanalay at Kelshi (V Pavar): 02358-287379 / 9604104380 / 9850398893.
  • For Lunch and Dinner at Velas(Milind Nijsure): 02350-220629 / 9421188487.
  • Turtle Festival at Velas (Mohan Upadhe): 8983767388 / 8975622778 (Between 9 am to 2.30 pm)
  • Sea Sanhyadri hote (Amol naravankar): 9923485792 / 9637695539.

I will try to upload more and more travel blogs. Thanks for reading this Travel Blog.

Pritesh Kulkarni
Pune

75 comments:

  1. Nice blog Pritesh .... and the sunset pics were just awsome..... :)- Madhavi

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  2. Very nice as usual with all the necessary details.

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  3. Ruchi Chaudhry13 June 2013 at 23:45

    finally you have got time to visit places that too in Westpac project

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi I recently bumped into ur blog.. The way you detailing ur travelogue is really good & helpful.. Keep up the good job..

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  5. Wow!! well written. you have mentioned everything in detail. Pictures are also very good. thanks for sharing this. the information is very helpful for me.

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  6. hello pritesh, thanks for writing this article ...1st of all it is a very beautiful article ... info in detail plus very nice pics ... and 2ndly it came in as a huge help ... i look forward to planning a trip these places hence thanks once again ...cheers!

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  7. pritesh
    realy very nice n sytematic blog with numbers n details ...felt like i was on hthis trip myself

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  8. thanks pritesh for such a fantastic, informative description. I was searching on web for suitable route between velas & kelshi and came across your blog. I had been to velas last year (via Bagmandala-Vesavi ferry) to see turtles but couldnt make it to kelshi. Your blog will help me plan it in near future...thank again

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Rahul....Mostly I will visit Velas again in Jan for turtle festival.
      Happy traveling...!!!

      Delete
  9. Hi Prits, thanks for this very helpful information. I am planning to visit Kelshi and places nearby in December, can you suggest me some more places to stay in Kelshi with contact info if possible?? I am planning visit for 2 days...

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    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot....I was out of town w/o net connection so not able to answer you..sorry for that. I really dont have any other contact details from Kelshi apart from Surabhi hoem stay.
      Happy Traveling...!!

      Delete
  10. Visiting this place shortly and your blog was helpful in planning itineary.

    Here is link to my blog : http://pushkarkhambe.wordpress.com/2013/11/07/backpacking-in-ratnagiri-2/

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    Replies
    1. Hi Pritesh...im doing this route with fren in my Scorpio...so can u tell me whether there is ferry facility to carry my scorpio from Bankot side to Kelshi side???

      Kshitij

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    2. Hi Kshitij ,
      There is ferry service from Harihareshwar to Bankot jetty (On savitri river) but there is no Ferry service for Velas to Kelshi (On Bharja River)

      Delete
  11. Namaskar Pritish,
    Very nicely written blog on Kelshi. We a group of 17 family members r going to Kelshi. Your blog on Kelshi trip will definitely help us a lot.

    Thanks n keep continue writing in future too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Really helpful

    ReplyDelete
  13. Dear Pritesh, How to contact you? Any mobile or email please?

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  14. Hello Pritish,

    First thanks for the detailed blog. How is the accommodation and food at Surabhi. I am planning for a two night stay. Will be starting tomorrow morning.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, Food and accommodation is good. Happy journey and enjoy your trip.

      Delete
  15. Hi Pritish,
    Nice n detailed blog. Also checked your other blogs related to Konkan. As you have travelled Konkan extensively, would like your inputs for my trip.
    I am planning a ride on my enfield from Goa to Konkan 20- 25 nov. Motive is to enjoy riding in nature, explore culture/local food, tent where possible and break free from busy life. Idea is to ride till kelshi. Could you help me identify the stops in Konkan and places to dock? Idea is to enjoy the rawness the place offers. Being from Goa we are not great fan of beaches so would like to limit beach visits. Thanks!!
    - Dushyant (dushyant20022002@gmail.com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for comment.
      Please check your email address for details. I have sent you a email.
      Happy journey!

      Delete
  16. Hi Pritesh,

    Thanks for this informative article. I am looking for a couple of days stay in Mid of December in Kelshi. I saw that you have provided contact details of Homestay Hotel Surabhi. Is there any other hotel/hotels in Kelshi, since I would be travelling with my friend who has a infant with him, so just wanted tosee if there are options available.
    Thanks
    Santosh
    santoshkanojia2011@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, I have sent you a mail. thanks for comment

      Pritesh
      Happy traveling...!!!

      Delete
  17. Pritesh, kindly share your Mobile No. else call on my Mobile No. 8600104465

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello,
      Thanks for sharing your experience based on my blog on phone. Really feel good that my blog information was useful for you.

      Pritesh
      Happy traveling...!!!

      Delete
  18. Very nice post. Thanks for sharing. This wonderful location attracts many visitors to experience the peace. Check out all best hotels in Dapoli.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment... Please avoid ads/website link in the comment... such post will be deleted

      Regards,
      Pritesh

      Delete
  19. Sorry for late reply as I was on vacation...you can visit Velas or Anjarle along with Kelshi.

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  20. Wow ,What a detailed description ! Thank you so much

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  21. Wow ,What a detailed description ! Thank you so much

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for comment
      Regards,
      Prits Kulkarni

      Delete
  22. Loved to read the detailed description of your journey. Itinerary in the blog is a great way of representing the entire journey which you did excellently in your blog. Pics made it more lively. U made us take a troll of entire chiplun with your pleasant memories. Do keep writing. Regards, Suvarna Loke

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much for comment...Will try my level best to share my travel experience...

      Regards,
      Prits Kulkarni

      Delete
  23. Very nice blog Pritish. I was looking some stay at Kelshi, I appreciate your efforts.

    Nilesh.

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  24. excellent travelog !
    I have been to these places (though did not stay at Kelshi, visited beach and keshav raj mandir
    your narrative and detailing is indeed a great guide.

    Rajeev Paslsule. palsulerd@gmail.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for your comment....

      Delete
    2. Hiii.
      nice blog
      we r planing kokan trip for 31 st & 1st of jan 2016.
      Hw is kelshi for new year celibration

      Delete
    3. Hi,
      Comparatively less crowed hence good place for new year celebration

      Delete
  25. Hi Pritish,

    Thanks for info, planning to visit Kelashi on 25/26/27 Dec wiill there be crowed?

    Ashish

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    Replies
    1. Compare to other famous destination, this place is not crowed

      Delete
  26. Very well articulated and was helpful. sincere thanks

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  27. Thanks Pritesh for very useful info. Planning to visit in near future...Ashok

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  28. Hi Pritish

    Thank you for such a detailed review. Gave a good insight on the route. Just wanted to check if there is a shorter route to travel from Kelshi to Velas (via a ferry)- I could only find a route all around the river covering Mandivali and shipoli.

    Regards

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for comment... yes you can cross river via ferry. Route is Harihareshwar - Bankot jetty - Velas/Kelshi

      Delete
  29. Replies
    1. Thanks a lot....Happy Traveling...!!
      Pritesh Kulkarni

      Delete
  30. Hey Pritesh,
    Very well written blog....I like the way you describe

    Recently I have resigned from MNC in Mumbai and started my own company travel2stay to help tourism development in Konkan zone.....coming up with helpline service (8080 543 543) for entire Konkan and office set up will be at Sawantwadi.

    will publish such blogs on our website too...if travelers are okay with that....

    kindly email me more such details on ppokale78@gmail.com or prasad.pokale@travel2stay.com

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  31. Thanks for the detailed information and for the contact numbers

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  32. Anybody having number of Punyai Hotel run by Mr varatak at Kelshi village

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    Replies
    1. Sorry as I do not have contact number...

      Delete
  33. hi i am pradip ...my question is its possible from harihareshwar to see velas kelshi anjarle hurne autambar-aade murud aasud and then return to harihareshwar.....actually i can started my trip 30ap17 ozar-bheemashankar-malsez-matheran-karnala-alibaug-divegar-harihareshwar-chiplun-marleshwar-veleneshwar-ganpatipule-ratnagiri-knkeshwar-tarkarli-vengurla-redi-amboli-kolhapur-pandharpur-akkalkot-gangapur-tuljapur-parali-aundha-mahur-shegaon-verul-vani-trimbakeshwar-return home-----18 days planning----till amboli mtdc online booking----only i cant calculate how much time taken konkan trip...any dangerous ghat...plz mail u r knowledge my mail id ...gautampsm@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Plan looks good.... Yes, you can visit Kelshi-Anjarle from Harihareshwar...

      Delete
    2. till asud one day sufficient

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    3. harihareshwar-chplun-marleshwar-veleneshwar halt...one day complte...any dangerous ghat during this route

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    4. yes... Can be completed in 1 Day

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    5. one last..q...veleneshwar-ganapatipule--ratnagiri-kunkeshwar----by costal route----one day sufficeent

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    6. Not possible... Nor worth to visit to many places in 1 day.

      Delete
  34. My wife say how can this posible kelshi and kashid same plate design

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    Replies
    1. Unable to understand your Question. Kelshi and Kashid can be possible in 1 day via Coastal highway. Its up to you how much time you want to spend at each location.

      Delete
  35. Nice blog with useful info. Just few queries-
    1) How far is Hotel Surabhi, Kelshi from beach?
    2) Do you have more contacts for stay at Kelshi? Need to visit with family.
    3) Which route is better from Pune to Kelshi?

    Please share details.

    Thanks and Best Regards,
    Mr. Kiran Abhang

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 1. Surabhi hotel is around 1 km from beach
      2. Sea Sanhyadri hotel (Amol naravankar): 9923485792 / 9637695539
      3. Pune - Tahmini - Mandgaon - Ambet - Kelshi

      Regards,
      Pritesh Kulkarni

      Delete
  36. succesfully complated trip...u r blogs helps me make a trip better...total km covered 3743...not a single puncture...alto800....not covered asud dapoli harne and dabhol...thanks

    ReplyDelete
  37. Pritesh,

    You have a great gift of compiling your travel experiences into words. By readings your blogs we literally get a Virtual Reality experience. I would suggest that you start compiling your travel experiences into a book. I am sure it will be a best seller travel guide.

    Keep writing as we follow your travels very keenly

    Thanks & Regards,
    Koshy Cherian

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi Pritesh,

    Wonderful experience detailed via your blog.
    Planning to visit Kelshi with family this week.

    Just a couple of questions:

    1. Any hotels (other than Surbhi) at Kelshi?
    2. Does Kelshi have any watersports and/or dolphin / turtle sightings?

    Thanks
    AB

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    Replies
    1. 1. There are few home stay hotels available but I do it have contact no
      2. No water sports or dolphin ride on Kelashi beach. Turtle hatch festival is inFeb-March time

      Delete
  39. Hi pritesh. I am sure the kelshi information will definitly very use ful for our tour. Thank u

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  40. Sir Shri Kulkarni...Fish meal at Kashid?...when you visit Kelshi, Velas, Dapoli...where is Kashid btw?

    ReplyDelete