Experiential Tourism: Breaking Out from the Nests to Endless Horizons

The 'Vela's beach in 'Ratnagiri' district of 'Konkan' region in rural Maharashtra has quietly emerged as the showcase of experiential tourism in India,

Delhi, India (prHWY.com) February 22, 2013 - (NewDelhi, February 22, 2013): The 'Vela's beach in 'Ratnagiri' district of 'Konkan' region in rural Maharashtra has quietly emerged as the showcase of experiential tourism in India, where wildlife preservation centered around interesting natural phenomenon with the aid of volunteering NGOs, local gram Panchayat, and the cooperation of Government official from Tourism and Forest departments has become almost a cult event. The phenomenon is annual nesting of Olive Ridley turtles that return every year to lay their eggs for nesting to particular beaches (reportedly the beach of their own birth) often travelling thousands of miles in the process. This year the festival kicked off on February 19th and will continue till the last of Turtles have hatched sometime in March. While there have been some sightings of giant green sea turtles also in the area, primarily it is known for Olive Ridley Turtles only.

The germination of the phenomenon took place a few years back when 'Sahyadri Nisarg Mitra' an NGO started the process of building value around the phenomenon by protecting the nests of Olive Ridley Turtles who lay their eggs on the beach in November and which subsequently hatch in February and March. 'Bhau Katdare' head of the SNG is an avid nature enthusiast and has made the event one of his life's missions. 'SNG has nurtured such projects on 36 beaches in the area of which 'Velas' is just the best known', says 'Katdare'. Anybody who has witnessed this phenomenon of mother turtles emerging from the sea to lay their eggs (in November) or the young hatchlings emerging from the eggs and having sampled salt laden sea air heading out to the endless horizons of the open sea to meet their destiny in February - March rests with these sights for the rest of his/her life.
'The event in many ways is symbolic of emergence of the 'experiential tourism' industry in India as it showcases the synergy that can be built when the natural heritage of an area is protected and showcased with the efforts of all concerned and made available to those who will appreciate it. This helps ecology preservation, builds community interest and income, showcases the area and other things of touristic interest there in creating a spiral of positive feedback and development of the touristic potential' says Prof. Vijita Aggarwal who consults with The Other Home in building its tourism offer.

The area has other attractions such as 'Himmat Garh' Fort, many beaches, some famous temples and bird nesting sites. The place is also known as the birthplace on one of the best-known diplomats of medieval India ' Nana Phadanavis' of 'Peshwa' Court who laid the foundation of Maratha supremacy for some time in a large part of India. Tourists wanting to visit the area have possibility of basic accommodation and vegetarian meals in the homestays with families in local villages at a modest cost. Details can be had from the Other Home.

About The Other Home: The Other Home is an India focused Vacation rentals and Homestays consolidator. It has varied destinations with pan-India coverage comprising over 300 properties in 23 states, property options varying from vacation villas, service apartments, farm houses, bed & breakfast establishments, and rural stays.

More Information: For additional information about The Other Home, contact Gaurav Sharma at gaurav.sharma@theotherhome.com or visit www.theotherhome.com or The Other Home Blog - blog.theotherhome.com

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