Blue Flag Beaches In India To Explore Once In Your Lifetime

Explore the beauty of the famous blue flag beaches in India and have a fun-filled vacation

The vast Indian coastline boasts a stunning array of beaches, each offering a unique experience to the visitors. However, for the tourists who prioritise clean, untouched, and eco-friendly beaches, visiting the Blue Flag beaches will add to a rewarding travel experience. At present, there are 12 Blue Flag beaches in India across the 7500 km extensive coastline. The Blue Flag certification is an international recognition provided to beaches meeting high standards of environmental management, safety, and water quality. As you plan your next beach vacation, consider visiting one of the pristine sandy beaches with this recognition.

Top 10 Blue Flag Beaches In India

The Indian Blue Flag beaches are not just picturesque destinations but also embody superior cleanliness, facilities, and conservation efforts. Here is a list of the Blue Flag beaches in the country:

1. Shivrajpur Beach, Gujarat

An evening view at Shivrajpur Beach in Gujarat with people strolling along the coastline

Photo: VasuVR / Wikimedia Commons

Shivrajpur Beach, located near Dwarka in Gujarat, is renowned for its pristine white sands and clear blue waters. Ideal for families or solo travellers, it is one of the most popular beaches in Gujarat and boasts the immaculate beauty of nature. Beyond the golden sands and turquoise seawater, the beach is also home to a wide range of native and migratory birds. The visitors might get to spot dolphins from the beach as well. Different kinds of water sports and activities, including island tours, scuba diving, snorkelling and sea bathing are a must-try on this beach.

Location: Shivrajpur, Gujarat
Timings: 8 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: ₹30 onwards

Suggested Read: Famous Beaches In India To Help You Take A Dive In Natural Beauty

2. Ghoghla Beach, Diu

Visit India’s Blue Flag beaches to explore and enjoy the mesmerising beauty of nature

Photo: Vika Glitter / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Known for its golden sands and serene ambience, Ghoghla Beach in Diu is another blue flag-certified beach in India. Beyond the stunning natural beauty, it also offers access to a wide range of amenities to ensure a great travel experience for visitors. There are ergonomically designed bio-toilets and changing rooms on the beach, making it a great spot for tourists to explore. Shower panels are available too, allowing visitors to get refreshed once they finish sea bathing. There are gyms, gardens, and a children’s park area around the beach for fun and recreational activities.

Location: Ghoghla, Diu
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: None

3. Kasarkod Beach, Karnataka

An evening view of sunset with a cloudy backdrop at the Kasarkod Beach in Karnataka

Photo: Akhil / Wikimedia Commons

With white sand and a long stretch of coastline of 5 km, Kasarkod Beach in Karnataka is another popular beach in India with blue-flag certification. Some of the unique features of the beach include an old lighthouse, a solar-powered lighting facility, a solid waste treatment plan, and a greywater treatment plan. Beyond these, basic tourist amenities like filtered drinking water, changing rooms, washrooms, first aid rooms, etc. are also available. There are administrative professionals available in case of an emergency on the beach.

Location: Kasarkod, Karnataka
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: None

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4. Padubidri Beach, Karnataka

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Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Padubidri Beach in Udupi is another popular Blue Flag beach In India. It is located in Karnataka and is considered ideal to witness some of the most alluring sunsets and sunrises. The beachfront is pristine, clean, and well-maintained with no trace of trash anywhere. Also, there are well-maintained amenities like clean washrooms, changing rooms, food stalls, and much more. You can bathe in the seawater or simply take a stroll down the beach, collect shells, or enjoy a picnic with family or friends.

Location: Padubidri, Karnataka
Timings: 9:30 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: None

5. Kappad Beach, Kerala

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Photo: Irvin Calicut / Wikimedia Commons

The natural beauty and serene environment of Kerala don’t require an introduction. Among multiple beaches in the state, Kappad Beach is blue flag certified and has a lot of historical significance too. According to legends, Vasco Da Gama, on his first voyage, landed on this beach in India. It is one of the cleanest beaches in India with eco-friendly practices like the use of solar energy, efficient waste management, and preserving the local biodiversity. You can enjoy stunning sunsets on the beach or explore the Vasco Da Gama museum nearby.

Location: Kappad, Kerala
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fee: None

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6. Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh

A jaw-dropping aerial view of Rushikonda Beach with waves striking the rocks ashore

Photo: iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons

Located in Visakhapatnam, Rushikonda Beach received the blue flag certification in 2023. It was awarded to this beach for the ongoing efforts of the authorities to keep the beach & its surroundings clean and their contribution to eco-friendly practices. There are beach safety centres in addition to all the basic amenities for tourists visiting the place. It is a popular spot for water sports, including swimming, water skiing, and windsurfing. For someone who wishes to immerse in the stunning Andhra coastline, visiting this beach is an absolute must.

Location: Rushikonda, Andhra Pradesh
Timings: 24 Hours
Entry Fee: None

7. Golden Beach, Odisha

Explore alluring sunsets with the sounds of sea waves at the Blue Flag beaches in India

Photo: Mitulmadhu / Wikimedia Commons

Spread across a length of 870 metres, the Golden Beach in Puri is one of the first beaches that received the Blue Flag certification in India. The beach starts from Digabareni Square and ends at the back of the Mayfair Hotel. It has also been awarded as the ‘Cleanest Beach’ in India and it reflects in the way it is maintained by the authorities. It is fairly less crowded compared to the popular Puri Sea Beach, which makes it a secluded Blue Flag beach in India perfect for tourists seeking peace and tranquillity.

Location: Puri, Odisha
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 onwards

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8. Radhanagar Beach, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Breathtaking view of a beach with amazing views of rain clouds in the background

Photo: Shristi Shreyasi / Wikimedia Commons

Hands down one of the most popular beaches, the Radhanagar beach in Havelock Island is another one of the beaches in India that are blue flag certified. Beyond its beauty, this beach also stands out for its cleanliness and hygiene. Water sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, parasailing, etc. are available for visitors to enjoy on the beach. With the low currents and tides, swimming in the sea is also a popular activity among tourists. It is also equipped with modern amenities like changing rooms, restrooms, and seating areas for the convenience of the travellers.

Location: Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Timings: 6 AM – 05 PM
Entry Fee: None

9. Kovalam Beach, Tamil Nadu

Scenic view of Kovalam Beach, a Blue Flag beach in India, with a backdrop of cloudy skies

Photo: Georgeumartin / Wikimedia Commons

Around 40 km from the main town of Tamil Nadu, Kovalam Beach is of prime importance for tourists. With the beautiful beach and its surroundings, it is a no-brainer that it has received the blue flag certification already. From clean bathing facilities to eco-friendly waste management, it is one of the most sustainable beaches in the country. There is a wide range of thrilling water activities available for visitors on the beach. The authorities ensure that the beach remains clean and safe, adhering to the strict standards required for the certification.

Location: Kovalam, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 24 Hours
Entry Fee: None

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10. Eden Beach, Puducherry

 View of women sitting on a beach and looking at mesmerising sunset hues in the sky

Photo: Roger Green / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Eden Beach in Puducherry is the first beach to receive the blue flag certification in the town. Located in Chinna Veerampattinam, it is also the most popular bird-watching spot in the area. Visitors can enjoy swimming or go beachcombing to collect shells from the surroundings. Water activities are not available on the beach but people enjoy playing beach sports, arranging picnics, and sunbathing. While swimming is safe, going too deep into the sea isn’t recommended on this beach, especially for kids. Beyond the beach, there are designated areas for kids to play, open gyms, and a food court.

Location: Chinna Veerampattinam, Puducherry
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: None

With a large number of beautiful blue flag beaches in India, there come unique and fun-filled experiences all across the country awaiting the visitors’ presence. For someone who has been planning a beachside vacation for a while now, visit one of these eco-friendly and sustainable beaches to be able to make the most out of your travel plans. For amazing offers & deals, make the bookings with TripXL and have the time of your life.

Cover Photo: Martin Kraft / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Blue flag certification is an international accreditation that’s given to beaches that meet the high standards of environmental management, safety, and water quality.
The activities vary by beach but the typical common options include swimming, sunbathing, water sports, and nature walks.
Most blue-flag beaches are free to enter except for a few beaches. The entry fee for these few beaches is quite minimal, making it affordable for everyone.
Yes, many Blue Flag beaches like Eden Beach and Kovalam Beach offer multiple water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and kayaking.
The pet policy varies by the beach one is visiting. Usually, most beaches in India have strict policies, so it is important to refer to the authorities before visiting.

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