Blue Flag Beaches

Who doesn’t love a serene or a fun moment at the beach? The sea, weather and calmness rejuvenates us to the core. However don’t forget that keeping the beaches clean is our duty as a responsible citizen. Recently Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar announced that the Government of India recommended eight beaches of the country for the coveted ‘Blue Flag’ international eco-label. It is one of the world’s most recognised voluntary eco-labels awarded to beaches, marinas and sustainable boating tourism operators.

Blue Flag Certification
It is for the first time that eight beaches of India have been recommended for the Blue Flag certification. Blue Flag certification is a globally recognised eco-label accorded by an international agency ‘Foundation for Environment Education Denmark’. It is based on 33 stringent criteria in four major heads. They are - environmental education & information, bathing water quality, environmental management & conservation and safety & services in the beaches. The main aim of the programme is to connect the public with their surroundings and encourage them to learn more about their environment. Spain has the highest number of Blue Flag certified sites so far with a whopping 669 blue flag beaches.

Blue Flag beaches are considered the cleanest beaches of the world. The eight beaches recommended under the Beach Environment and Aesthetics Management Services (BEAMS) are Shivrajpur in Gujarat, Ghoghla in Daman and Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri in Karnataka, Kappad in Kerala, Rushikonda in Andhra Pradesh, Golden in Odisha and Radhanagar in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Let us now have a look in detail about the beaches that have been recommended for the “Blue Flag” certification.

1. Shivrajpur Beach, Gujarat
   

   

   Located at a distance of about 10 km from Dwarka, Shivrajpur Beach is one of the ideal holiday destinations with pristine water and white sand. The beach offers stunning sunsets and picturesque views to the tourists. One can also spot Dolphins and some beautiful birds here. For making it an ideal tourist destination the beach management has introduced exciting water sports, food and shopping areas for the visitors.

2. Ghoghla Beach, Daman and Diu
   

   

   Being one of the most beautiful beaches in Diu, it is the perfect place for adventure enthusiasts who want to indulge in swimming, surfing, parasailing and banana boats. Those who are opposed to aquatic sports can laze or loll over its soft and soothing sands. The beach is extremely clean and also one of the less explored beaches of Diu. Since the beach is least explored it catches the attention of the tourists who want to spend some time in solitude.

3. Kasarkod Beach, Karnataka
   

   

   Also known as the Eco beach it is closely guarded by a forest of casuarinas. Kasarkod beach is the most pristine beach on the Konkan coast. This beach stretches up to 5 km and it is a fantastic experience to walk on this sandy turf. It is a must-visit destination for the travel bugs. Don’t forget to carry your camera for capturing marvellous shots of this pristine beach.

4. Kappad Beach, Kerala
   

   

   Kappad beach is a historically significant coastal spot located near Kozhikode City. Over 500 years ago in 1948, Vasco Da Gama landed on this beach and discovered India. A visit to Kozhikode is incomplete without a visit to this legendary site. Kappad coastal strip portrays typical features of most other Kerala beaches - white sands, coconut greenery, beach side fishing village and wooden fishing boats resting on white sand. It is truly a majestic destination which will always hold an important place in our history.

5. Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh
   

   

   Also known as Rishikonda Beach it is located on the coast of the Bay of Bengal in Visakhapatnam. The beach is dotted with mango and palm groves and is covered with white sand. At the Rushikonda Beach you can actually hear the waves each time they crash on the shore. Spend a quiet afternoon here at the beach and stay on till sunset. The beach's natural charms are one of the main reasons for its immense popularity among local as well as foreign tourists. The Rishikonda Beach is an ideal destination for a peaceful weekend getaway.

6. Golden Beach, Odisha
   

   

   Also famous by the name of Puri Beach it is one of the finest coastlines in East India bordering the Bay of Bengal and is located at a distance of 35 km from the Sun Temple. Adorned with fine golden sand and gushing waves this beach is quite popular for its peaceful and calm surroundings. In the evening a part of the beach gets converted into a night market with kiosks selling local handicrafts, plastic toys and local street food including fried seafood-based snacks.

7. Padubidri Beach, Karnataka
   

   

   One of the most stunning beaches in Karnataka is tucked away at the coast of Udupi. It is not only immaculate and calm but also you can participate in thrilling water sports activities. You can ride the waves with a water scooter or try a banana boat ride. If you want to be a beach bum just relax on the coast with a cocktail.

8. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar
   

   

   Radhanagar Beach is located on Havelock Island. It is one of the dream destinations for the Globetrotters who are planning a trip to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The turquoise blue sea and white sand make this beach a perfect spot to bask in the midst of nature's bounty. The lush and verdant trees on the side of the beach offer tourists the opportunity to unwind and relish the serenity and nature's charm. Hugged with Coconut trees from all sides and covered with tropical jungle from both the sides the Radhanagar Beach opens up a world of complete serenity and relaxation for its visitors.

The Indian coastline is dotted with many beautiful beaches - some popular and some lesser-known. But in our bid to enjoy them we often leave them sullied. Hopefully the Blue Flag certified beaches will now act as a reference for other beaches to put their acts together aligning beach recreation with environmentally sustainable practices. Tell us your views about the Blue Flag beaches in the comments below. For an easy-peasy experience, book your train tickets through the Trainman app. Download Trainman App to check PNR Status of your ticket, Train Seat Availability, Running Status of special trains and a lot more.