World Turtle Day 2024: Head to these places in India to see turtles hatchlings

• Image Credit: Google

• May 23, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

Turtle hatchlings usually witnessed between April and May, and only a few locations in India offer the opportunity to witness this phenomenon.

Digital Desk: World Turtle Day is an annual celebration observed on May 23 to raise awareness about the conservation challenges faced by turtles and tortoises. Initiated by the American Tortoise Rescue in 2000, the day encourages people to come together and deepen their understanding of these remarkable creatures. It underscores the critical need to preserve both turtles and their habitats for the benefit of future generations.

Turtle hatchlings usually witnessed between April and May, and only a few locations in India offer the opportunity to witness this phenomenon. Here are some top spots in India where you can observe turtle hatchlings:

Gahirmatha Beach, Odisha: Located within the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, this area in Odisha boasts the world's largest nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles. The sanctuary, established to protect these turtles, offers a breathtaking opportunity to witness mass nesting, known as arribada, occurring from November to April.

Velas Beach, Maharashtra: Nestled in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, Velas Beach serves as a crucial nesting site for Olive Ridley turtles on the west coast. The Velas Turtle Festival, an annual event, promotes sea turtle conservation, attracting visitors from February to April to witness the enchanting sight of baby turtles.

Agonda Beach, Goa: Serving as both a nesting and hatching site for Loggerhead turtles from October to March, Agonda Beach witnesses the annual arrival of turtles for nesting. Local conservationists and NGO members manage hatcheries to protect eggs from predators.

Rushikulya Beach, Odisha: Situated on the southern coast of Odisha, Rushikulya Beach is renowned for the extensive nesting of Olive Ridley turtles during February and March. Efforts such as patrolling and community involvement aim to safeguard the nesting sites on this beach.

Kovalam Beach, Kerala: Situated near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, Kovalam Beach is renowned for both its tourism appeal and turtle conservation efforts. Hatchlings are typically observed during the nesting season from November to March, with the peak nesting season occurring in February.