India has already become the first country to get ‘Blue Flag’ certificates for 8 beaches in a single trial by the prominent international jury, which incorporates members of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), and Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This certification is a global recognition of India’s conservation and sustainable development endeavours.
‘Blue Flag’
The ‘Blue Flag’ is a certification that can be acquired by a beach, marine, or sustainable boating tourism executive and assists as an eco-label. The certificate is bestowed by Denmark based non-profit foundation for environmental education. The applicants must adhere to specific criteria like proper environmental and eco-friendly, following all the safety and security norms and having a clean environment.
In 1985, the Blue Flag Programme was started in France, and in 2001 it was then formed in Europe. The main motive behind this programme is to promote sustainable development in freshwater and marine areas through four main criteria – Water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. In Asia, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, and South Korea have accomplished to acquire Blue Flag certification for a few beaches. But India has now become the first nation in the Asia-Pacific category to attain in around 2 years.
Here are some of the interesting facts about the eight beaches recognised by the ‘Blue Tag’ certification.
Ghoghla Beach, Diu
Situated in the village of Ghoghla, ‘Ghoghla Beach’ is around 15 km from Diu town. The beach is trendy among tourists because of the food and accommodation facilities. Even for the water sports activities also many tourists visit this splendid beach. Parasailing, banana boat rides, jet ski ride and water scooters are the most popular water sports activities at this beach. Ghoghla village is not that crowded and considered as a peaceful place, people who are in search of some pleasant time and this beach is excellent for them. Even this beach is also considered as one of the cleanest beaches. This is Diu’s largest beach and is famous for its astonishing view, temples and citadels. Even the restaurants near the beach serve some of the best dishes which attract many foodies. Due to the fewer number of people on the beach, tourist enjoys the quiet ambience with the gentle breeze and the comforting sound of the waves.
HOW TO REACH – Diu does not have a railway station, so the nearest station is at Veraval which is 90 km from Diu. opt for a taxi after Veraval to reach Diu. Diu also has its own airport and daily flights connect Diu to Mumbai and to Porbandar. After reaching Diu, you can travel to Ghoghla Beach, which is around 15 Kilometre.
Shivrajpur Beach, Gujurat
Situated near the Shivrajpur village, Shivrajpur beach is an excellent place for a holiday of vacationing, pilgrimage and enjoying the beautiful aquatic life. The beach is long and naturally amplified to near the Shivrajpur village with some idiosyncratic appearance, especially during sunset. The beach is also famous for its slender sands and extraordinary maritime life. Even you can spot Dolphins and some exotic birds if you are lucky enough. If you are luckier then sometimes you can also witness flamingos, throngs of painted storks and some other variety of birds.
HOW TO REACH – By road, you can take the state highway from Jamnagar to Dwarka. Even direct buses are available from Jamnagar and Ahmadabad. By train, you can board the Ahmedabad-Okha gauge railway line with trains connecting it to Jamnagar -137 km, Rajkot -217 km and Ahmedabad -471 km.
Kasarkod and Padubidri , Karnataka
The beach is famous for the greywater treatment plants, reliable waste management plants and impairs friendly equipment which helps them to enable them to enter the seawater. There is not a large number of tourists on the beach, but it is an excellent spot for family outings and picnics. The seating systems for the tourist, availability of clean drinking water, bathing facility and disable friendly general toilets makes the beach more attractive. The main attraction of the beach is the beauty of the breeze flowing from Padubidri Endpoint where the Kamini river leisurely drifts and meets the Arabian Sea. The beach is endowed with white sands and verdant green paddy areas. Because of the cleanliness, environment protection and water quality criteria, this beach managed to get the ‘Blue Flag’ tag.
HOW TO REACH – Buses are available from Mangalore to Udupi and Karkala. And the nearest airport is Bajpe which is around a 45-minute drive. Konkan Railway route is available at Padubidri railway station.
Kappad Beach, Kerala
In the history of Kerala, Kappad Beach has played an important historical role as over 500 years ago 170 men accompanied by Vasco-da-Gama first stepped onto Kerala. The beach is located 16 kilometres away from Kozhikode, Kerala. Portuguese adventurer Vasco-da-Gama first discovered the beach during the 15th century. Due to which the beach became very famous because of this fantastic story in history. The beach is also abstract for relaxation and holidaying with your family and friends. The beach has striking large coconut trees and long extents of shimmering sands which make the view even more appealing. Even due to the calmness of the waves and spectacular beauty, many tourists love to visit this beach.
The main attraction of the beach is the 800-year-old temple located near Kappad beach. Other than the temple, you can also explore the boat ride or swim in the natural black water. A houseboat cruise down to the river Kappad is exciting to go for as the black water will unite more charm to the beach tour. The beach is also famous for sunbathing, sightseeing and window shopping. Even the seafood near the restaurants will make you more satisfied. The nearby cabins are always trade-in with excellent local foods and beverages.
HOW TO REACH– The nearest railway station is at Kozhikode, and the nearest airport is Calicut International Airport. By road, you can opt for NH 66 which is connected to Calicut while NH 17 is connected from Mumbai via Udupi, Goa and Mangalore.
Rushikonda Beach, Andhra Pradesh
Situated in Visakhapatnam, Rushikonde Beach draws many tourists from all over the country due to the immaculate sandy beaches and delightful beauty. On one side you will find picturesque hills and on the other side sea. The beach is famous for its golden sands and tidy waves of the Bay of Bengal. You will find the nearby surrounded by coconut trees and many green bushes. The beach is perfect for the nature lover as the beauty is picture-perfect. You can also enjoy some water sports like swimming, windsurfing, boating, Parasailing, snorkelling, diving and water skiing. The beach is surrounded by tourists during the evening time as the sunset gives some beautiful scenic views of the beach along with the cool windy breeze. For a night stay the tourism department provides you cottages around the beach along with some fantastic restaurants and other facilities for the tourist.
HOW TO REACH – The beach is 8 Kilometre away from Vizag city. To reach Vizag, many direct buses are available from Visakhapatnam and by railway also.
Radhanagar, Andaman &nicobar Islands
Radhanagar Beach is one of the most prominent affinities in Havelock Island and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In 2004, the beach was named Asia’s best beach and World’s 7th best beach by Time Magazine. The beach was also incorporated in the Top 25 beaches in Asia by Tripadvisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards in 2016. The beach is encircled with Coconut trees from all sides and even covered with sultry jungle from both sides. The tourist finds the place very peaceful and visits for relaxation. The complete tranquillity gives a different aurora to the place. The delicate white sand and the long beach provide a full panoramic view of the sea.
You will find many huts, benches and chairs to sit and spend your time with your loved ones. There is no such restriction for swimming, and because of the medium waves, the risk is also less. The island also has approximately 12 hotels and a one-holiday rental option for tourists. The beach is also known as each Number 7. The best time to visit is the early morning as you will get to enjoy the beautiful sunrise in its crudest…
HOW TO REACH- Radhanagar Beach is located around 12 kilometres from the Havelock Jetty. The Beach is quickly approachable from Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory. You can reach Port Blair via a 2-hour long plane journey from Chennai.
Puri Beach, Odisha
Puri beach, also known as the golden beach, is situated in one of the Chaar Dham- Puri districts. The elegant golden sand with nearby lavishing seafood is the major attraction of this beach. Puri district is the most prominent place for the pilgrims who come to visit Lord Jagannath temple located nearby. Lakhs of people from all across the country visit Lord Jagannath temple along with the golden beach. Due to the pilgrims, the beach is surrounded by many tourists. Near the beach, you will find many hotels and resorts to stay by. Another attraction is the sand sculptures made by internationally acknowledged local artist Sudarshan Patnaik. The gratifying local dishes are crabs, prawns and pomfrets, which are delicious enough to make you visit this place quite often.
HOW TO REACH – You can travel by road as buses are available from Bhubaneswar or Cuttack. By train, you can also travel as Puri is a major Railway junction.
