Eight beaches India, spread across five states and two union territories have been awarded the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ certification by globally recognised eco-label accorded by “Foundation for Environment Education, Denmark”.
The 8 ‘Blue Flag’ beaches in India
The eight beaches that have been honored with the prestigious international ‘Blue Flag’ certification are:
- Shivrajpur in Gujarat
- Ghoghla in Diu
- Kasarkod, in Karnataka
- Padubidri in Karnataka
- Kappad in Kerala
- Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh
- Golden in Odisha
- Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar Islands
This is for the first time that eight Indian beaches have managed to grab that eco-label tag in a first attempt.
The ‘Blue Flag’ certification was awarded to the eight Indian beaches by an international jury, comprising members of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE).
1. Golden beach, Puri ‘Blue Flag’ certification Beach
Golden beach of Puri has been accorded the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ tag, Also famous as the Puri Beach, the Golden Beach is a stretch of fine golden sand dotted with stalls selling sumptuous seafood and knick-knacks. It is popular with pilgrims who come to worship Lord Jagannath at the temple located nearby.
Golden beach office safe bath zone, crime free, high quality water, solar lighting system, Mayfairi Hotel and Gandhi Park Golden Beach are the hallmarks. Puri also has a lighthouse which remains open from 4 pm to 6 pm.
This golden sand beach is also famous for the works of sand artist Sudarshan Pattnaik.
2. Shivrajpur Beach, Dwarka in Gujarat – Asia’s Second ‘Blue Flag’ certification Beach
Shivrajpur is Asia’s second Blue Flag certification Beach is just 10 km from Dwarka in Gujarat. The long, pristine beach stretches near the shivrajpur village, between a lighthouse and a rocky shoreline, beautiful beach with clear water and white sand.
Beach of Shivrajpur will become the second-largest in Asia and the 76th center in the world after it is formed. Here people will get many facilities including boating, scuba diving and horse riding, water sports.
3. Ghoghla Beach, Diu ‘Blue Flag’ certification Beach of India
Ghoghla beach is extremely clean, located in a village named Ghoghla, 15 kilometers from Diu. This is Diu’s largest beach and famous for its splendid view, cathedrals and fortresses.
Ghoghla Blue Flag certification Beach has been a center of attraction among tourists for a long time. Tourists often come here to enjoy parasailing, surfing, banana boat and water scooter rides.
4. Kasarkod Beach, Karnataka ‘Blue Flag’ certification Beach
Kasarkod Beach is also known as an eco-friendly beach located near Honavar taluk in Uttara Kannada district in Karnataka. The Kasarcode Village Forest Committee and the Tourist and Forest Department together have made this place beautiful. Blue Flag certification magnificent beach was inaugurated in 2013. People often come here to enjoy plantations, children’s parks and boating.
5. Padubidri Beach, Kasarkod Beach, Karnataka ‘Blue Flag’ certification Beach
Padubidri Blue Flag certification beautiful beach is located in a small town of Padubidri, which falls on the way from Udupi to Mangalore. This place is just a coulometer away from Padubidri Nagaraj Estate Bus Stand. This place is perfect for those who spend holidays amidst the serene environment. There is also a complete system of water sports activity to jogging track and gardening.
6. Kappad Beach Kerala ‘Blue Flag’ certification Beach
Kappad Beach is located in the district of Kozhikode in Kerala. Locally known as Kappakadavu. Kappad Beach has historically played an important role in the history of Kerala.
On these shores, over 500 years ago in 1498, 170 men led by Vasco- da-Gama first stepped onto Kerala.
Kappad Blue Flag certification Beach near Koyilandy in Kozhikode is dotted with rocks and small hills that add to its beauty.
The one-kilometre beach was revamped last year, including beautification and upgrading of safety, construction of jogging track, washrooms of international standards, rain shelters, and installation of solar panels.
7. Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh ‘Blue Flag’ certification Beach
Rushikonda Beach is Blue Flag certification Beach located on the coast of Bay of Bengal in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
It is known for its golden sands. Situated at around 8 km from Vizag city, is also a spot for water sports, Bio toilet, purify water, solar treatment, walking and jogging track and excellent waste management is the special identity of this place.
8. Radhanagar Beach Andaman & Nicobar Islands ‘Blue Flag’ certification Beach
Radhanagar Beach is located in Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Radhanagar Blue Flag certification Beach in Andaman is counted among the best and beautiful beaches in the country, with sky water and lush green forests.
Time magazine has also honored Radhanagar Beach as the world’s seventh most beautiful Asia’s most beautiful beach. It is considered to be the best destination for honeymoon.
The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary awards for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. In order to qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained.
4664 beaches, boats, and marinas from around 46 countries have got the Blue Flag certification so far. Spain has the record of receiving the highest number of Blue Flag tagged sites. India started to step up work on getting the tag in 2018 and has plans to expand the network of Blue Flag certification to 100 such beaches in the country in the next five years.
Blue Flag Beach FAQs
What does Blue Flag beach mean?
Blue Flag is awarded by an International Jury comprising eminent members of United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), FEE, and IUCN. The Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches in the world. To qualify for this tag, 33 stringent criteria relating to environmental, educational, bathing water quality, services and accessibility standards, safety must be met by the beaches.
How many Blue Flag beaches are in India?
In India eight beaches that have been honored with the prestigious international ‘Blue Flag’ certification are 1) Golden Beach in Puri 2) Shivrajpur in Dwarka-Gujarat 3) Ghoghla Beach in Diu 4 &5) Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka 6) Kappad Beach in Kerala 7) Rushikonda Andhra Pradesh 8) Radhanagar in A&N Islands.
