Blue Flag Beaches in India
What is a blue flag certification?
The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world’s most recognized 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. ( Source: https://www.blueflag.global )
A beach, marina, or sustainable boating tourism operator may receive the ‘Blue Flag' certification, which serves as an eco-label. The certification is given by the Foundation for Environmental Education, a non-profit organization based in Denmark that sets strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility standards that applicants must meet and maintain. It is provided to beaches and marinas in FEE member countries on an annual basis.
Water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety are the four key requirements that the program uses to support sustainable growth in freshwater and marine areas.
The program is currently active in 47 countries, with 4,573 beaches, marinas, and vessels have earned certification.
Blue Flag Beaches in India
A distinguished international jury comprised of members of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has awarded the prestigious ‘Blue Flag' certification to eight beaches in India.
List of Blue Flag certified Beaches in India:
Following beaches have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag Certification in India:
1. Kappad (Kozhikode,Kerala)
2.Shivrajpur (Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat)
3. Ghoghla (DamanDiu)
4.Kasarkod (Karwar, Karnataka)
5.Padubidri (Udupi,Karnataka)
6.Rushikonda (Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh)
7.Golden (Puri, Odisha)
8.Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
How to Reach:
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, nearly 35 km, via NH 17
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, nearly 45 km, via NH 17.
Kappad Beach (Kozhikode,Kerala)
Kappad Beach has played a significant historical role in Kerala's history. About 500 years ago, in 1498, 170 men led by Vasco da Gama walked onto Kerala's shores for the first time. The state as a whole, especially the Malabar Coast, would never be the same.
A trip to Kozhikode would be incomplete without a stop at this legendary location. This Beach was a hub for the spice trade. A walk through the area and around it gives one an understanding of its historical significance. Its beauty is enhanced by the rocks and tiny hills. Excellent local delicacies and tea are still available in the nearby shacks. Migratory birds can also be seen on occasion. Kappad Beach is a truly magnificent destination that will always be remembered.
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, nearly 35 km, via NH 17
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, nearly 45 km, via NH 17.
Shivrajpur (Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gujarat)
Dwarka is a great place to visit for sightseeing, pilgrimages, beach sports, and even bird and marine life watching. Take a 15-minute drive north of the Rukmani temple from Dwarka to the beaches of Shivrajpur. This long, pristine beach extends between a lighthouse and a rocky shoreline near Shivrajpur village. It's perfect for a long stroll. Okha Madhi, with its fine sands, and Poshitara, with its coral reefs and marine life, are two other must-see coastal sites near Dwarka.
Thousands of flamingos, hundreds of pelicans, flocks of painted storks, and a host of other birds flock to the Charakhla salt pans near Mithapur. You can take a ferry from Okha to the island of Bet Dwarka, which has temples, beautiful beaches, and a plethora of marine life.
How to Reach:
By Road:
Dwarka is located on the Jamnagar-Dwarka state highway. There are direct buses from Jamnagar and Ahmedabad.
By Train:
Dwarka is a station on the Ahmedabad-Okha broad gauge railway line, with trains running to Jamnagar (137 km), Rajkot (217 km), and Ahmedabad (471 km), as well as some trains that run all the way down the coast via Vadodara, Surat, Mumbai, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.
By Air:
Nearest Airport: Jamnagar
Ghoghla (DamanDiu)
Ghoghla Beach is located in the village of Ghoghla, about 15 kilometers from Diu's main town. This beach is a popular tourist destination with all of the requisite amenities such as food and lodging. This beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Diu District, has a tourist complex with all basic amenities. In comparison to the golden skyline, the azure water is a visual feast.
You can partake in water sports such as parasailing, banana boat rides, and surfing, as well as visit a few restaurants and shacks while you're here. It also has spectacular views of the surrounding fishing villages, temples, and other buildings. There are a number of complexes that provide basic services to travelers.
Location- Ghogla Village, North Diu ( Daman and Diu)
Kasarkod (Karwar, Karnataka)
This environmentally friendly beach grew out of a large park in this village that was redeveloped by the Kasarkod village forest committee, the forest department, and the tourism department. The beach was built to promote eco-tourism in Karnataka and to draw visitors from all over the world.
The Kasarkod beach is a 5-kilometer long stretch of sand. This pristine beach is surrounded by Casuarinas and paved in white sand. Those who want to walk along Kasarkod Beach will enjoy the scenic beauty and peace that surrounds it.
This beach is not at all crowded as compared to most of Karnataka's famous beaches. This would be a great place to visit if you're looking for some peace and quiet. This beach does not have public transportation, but taxi services are accessible.
By Rail:
Honnavar Railway Station (8.8 km) and Manki Railway Station (8.8 km) are the closest railway stations to Kasarkod (14 Kms).
By Air:
Hubli Airport (179 kilometers), Mangalore International Airport (181 kilometers), and Belgaum Airport are all accessible from Kasarkod (247 km)
Roadways:
The NWKRTC is the state transportation department for Uttara Kannada district (North West Karnataka Transport Corporation). NWKRTC's excellent network links all of the district's villages and cities. In addition, daily intrastate and interstate services are available.
Padubidri (Udupi,Karnataka)
Padubidri Beach is situated in the Karnataka district of Udupi. This beach is located in Padubidri, a small town known for the Dakkebali ritual, which takes place every two years.
The Tuluva ethnic community makes up a large portion of the Padubidri population. The National Highway 17 (NH 17), which runs between Udupi and Mangalore, passes through this small town.
The Padubidri beach is ideal for those seeking fun and adventure while relaxing by the sea. Padubidri beach is known for water sports and adventure trips, despite being less crowded than the more popular beaches along Karnataka's coastline.
The beach is well-kept and tidy. This is also a great spot for individuals and families who want to enjoy a relaxing evening while watching the spectacular sunset.
The Padubidri beach, in comparison to the other beaches in the Udupi district, is more enjoyable and lively, with all the adventurous activities it has to offer visitors. The town of Padubidri is a kilometer away from this beach.
By Rail:
The nearest railway stations to Padubidri beach are:
Padubidri Railway Station
Mulki Railway Station
By Air:
Nearest airport: Mangalore
By Road:
Padubidri is well connected by road, with public, private, and luxury buses running to and from almost all Indian cities.
Rushikonda (Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh)
Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh's beach city, attracts a large number of visitors from all over the world who come to relax on the pristine sandy beaches. The beautiful Rushikonda beach, about 8 kilometers from Vizag city, is a famous Vizag beach that attracts both tourists and locals.
Rushikonda Beach is popular for its golden sands and calm Bay of Bengal waves. Rushikonda beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and attracts a large number of nature lovers. Rushikonda beach is ideal for water sports such as swimming, water skiing, and windsurfing due to its wide expanse of water.
Rushikonda beach, known as one of South India's virgin beaches, is without a doubt one of Vizag's best beaches. This blue flag beach is surrounded by nature lovers and adventure seekers enjoying some beautiful moments amidst the scenic view of the beach with a cool breeze caressing them in the evening.
Tourists enjoying water sports in the crystal clear waters of the beach are a common sight. AP Tourism has also developed cottages around the beach, as well as restaurants and other facilities, making it a popular tourist destination.
How to reach:
Nearest airport:
Vishakhapatnam
Nearest Railway station:
Nearest Railway station:
Vishakhapatnam
By Road:
By Road:
Vishakhapatnam is well connected by roadways from all the major cities of India.
Tawang-Unexplored wonderland of North-East India
Golden Beach (Puri, Odisha)
Puri Beach, also known as the Golden Beach, is a beach in the city of Puri, Odisha, India. It is located on the Bay of Bengal's coast. It is a popular tourist destination as well as a Hindu holy site.
The Puri Beach Festival, which is co-sponsored by the Indian Ministry of Tourism, the city of Odisha, the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, and the Eastern Zonal Cultural Center in Kolkata, takes place on the beach every year. Sand art displays can be found on the beach, including work by Sudarshan Pattnaik, a local sand artist who has won international awards. The Foundation for Environmental Education awarded the coveted 'Blue Flag' title to the Golden Beach in Puri on October 11, 2020.
How to reach:
Puri Beach is located in the city of Puri, and it is just 2 kilometers from the Puri railway station to the beach. The nearest airport is in Bhubaneswar, which is 60 kilometers away. Local transportation is provided by buses and taxis.
Radhanagar (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)
Radhanagar Beach is one of Havelock Island's and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands' most well-known attractions. Radhanagar, also known as Beach No. 7, was named the best beach in Asia and the seventh best beach in the world by Time Magazine in 2004.
It goes without saying that it is one of the most beautiful blue flag beaches of India you can see on your trip to the Andaman Islands. The Radhanagar Beach, surrounded on all sides by coconut trees and bordered on both sides by tropical forest, welcomes tourists to a world of total serenity and relaxation.
As soon as you pass through the doorway, you are greeted by one of the island's most breathtaking views. A panoramic view of the sea, complemented by soft white sand that stretches as far as the eye can see, instantly raises your spirits and gives you a sense of renewal. The emerald blue waters with just enough splash coupled with the perfect blue sky merging into the horizon make you want to go for a swim almost instantly.
The beach is littered with huts, tables, and chairs, as well as tall trees, where you can relax, take in the scenery, and unwind with some snacks and drinks. One of the best parts is that you are allowed to bring food and water inside the gate, so you can sit and enjoy the view with your friends and family while the kids play in the sand.
Radhanagar is one of the few beaches in the Andaman Islands where swimming is permitted. The waves are medium in size and there isn't a lot of currents. Furthermore, the sea's depth is sufficient and steadily increases, allowing you to spend long hours in the ocean with your loved ones.
How to reach:
The beach is 10.8 km from the jetty on Havelock Island and is easily accessible via the SH4 route, which passes through both open areas and jungles. Depending on the mode of transportation, it normally takes no longer than 20-30 minutes to get there. Here's how to get to the beach quickly.
Tourists can avail the following mode of transportation:
Bus
Prebooked cabs
Rental scooters
Shared Jeep
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