Crystal-clear waters, golden sand, and world-class safety standards – that’s exactly what India’s Blue Flag beaches are all about. Awarded for their unmatched beauty and top-notch safety standards and facilities, there are 17 Blue Flag-certified beaches in India. In this blog, we’ll dive deep (pun intended) into these Blue Flag beaches in India – how you can visit them, what to keep in mind when visiting such ecologically sensitive places, and other information.
Blue Flag Beaches In India: What It Is, Eligibility, And List Of Blue Flag Beaches
What Is A ‘Blue Flag Beach’
When a beach is identified as a ‘Blue Flag Beach’, it is awarded the prestigious Blue Flag eco-certification by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
This is an international mark of quality indicating that the beach meets strict standards for environmental management, water safety, cleanliness, and other services. A certified Blue Flag beach guarantees:
- Excellent water quality: The water is pristine, safe for swimming, and regularly tested.
- High safety standards: Lifeguards and other safety measures are easily accessible
- Environmental responsibility: The beach area is kept clean, waste is managed, and fragile ecosystems are preserved.
- Facilities: There are well-maintained restrooms, clean amenities, and facilities designed to be accessible to everyone.
The Blue Flag is a trademark owned by the Foundation for Environmental Education, or FEE, which is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization. India joined the Blue Flag program in 2018. Additionally, a Blue Flag certification is awarded to a sustainable boating tourism operator if it meets its standards.
The awards are announced annually on June 5 for Europe, Canada, Morocco, Tunisia, and other countries in a similar geographic location. The awards are announced annually on November 1for the Caribbean, New Zealand, South Africa, and other countries in the Southern Hemisphere.
History Of The ‘Blue Flag’
Before we take a look at the list of Blue Flag beaches in India, let’s take a look at how the ‘Blue Flag’ certification came to be. It was inspired by the ‘Message to the Sea’ campaign, where students wrote messages and put them inside bottles. They dropped these in the Atlantic Ocean with the intent of them washing up ashore and creating awareness of human action harming the oceans.
The Blue Flag was then officially created in France in 1985. It began as a pilot scheme from the Office of the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe. In 1987, the Foundation for Environmental Education in Europe (FEEE) presented the concept of the Blue Flag to the European Commission.
Over the years, other areas of environmental management, such as waste management and coastal planning, also became part of the eligibility criteria. In 2001, the FEEE changed its rules to allow non-European national organizations to become members, effectively dropping its name to become the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). In 2016, Blue Flag extended its award to sustainable boating tourism operators, including activities like bird watching, recreational fishing, cage diving, crewed charter tours, and more.
Also Read: 7 Beaches In Maharashtra That Deserve A Spot On Your Travel Bucket List
Blue Flag Beaches In India: Complete List
1. Kappad Beach – Kerala
It is known for its historical significance, particularly for being the place where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama first landed in India. The beach has natural rock formations and is equipped with modern facilities.
2. Kovalam Beach – Tamil Nadu
Kovalam Beach in Tamil Nadu is known for its calm environment. There are some ayurvedic spas and yoga retreats here, as well as a famous lighthouse.
3. Eden Beach – Pondicherry
Close to the famous town of Pondicherry, this beach is surrounded by blackwater, river, and sea on three sides. There are several well-maintained amenities and activities to try here.
4. Shivrajpur Beach – Gujarat
Shivrajpur Beach is located near the historic town of Dwarka. It is famous for its pristine blue water, golden sands, water sports activities, and pretty sunsets.
5. Ghoghla Beach – Diu
Ghoghla Beach is known for its secluded beachstrips that see fewer crowds compared to most other beaches on this list. You can spend the day strolling along the beach, swimming in the calm waters, or trying water sports.
6. Padubidri Beach – Karnataka
Located close to the cities of Udupi and Manipal, this is one of the best internationally certified beaches in India, known for its well-maintained amenities, water adventure sports, and a clean atmosphere.
7. Golden Beach – Odisha
Golden Beach is located near the famous Jagannath Temple of Puri. Due to its location, it attracts a lot of tourists and pilgrims. Despite the large crowds, the beach is well-maintained and clean.
8. Radhanagar Beach – Andaman & Nicobar Islands
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are home to a number of clean beaches with turquoise waters. One of them, the Radhanagar Beach, is a Blue Flag beach. It is also often seen as one of the world’s best beaches.
9. Minicoy Thundi Beach – Lakshadweep
Lakshwadweep’s Minicoy Thundi beach is renowned for its crystal clear waters and untouched white sands. This is the perfect paradise for those looking for the ideal summer beach escape in India.
10. Kadmat Beach – Lakshadweep
This beach is a relatively new addition to the Blue Flag list. Featuring a shallow lagoon, the pristine beach is known for its crystal clear waters and a number of water adventure sports.
11. Nagaon Beach – Maharashtra
In 2025, five of Maharashtra’s beaches received the prestigious Blue Flag certification. The Nagaon Beach is popular for its water adventure sports and serene sunsets.
12. Guhagar Beach – Maharashtra
Guhagar, located in Ratnagiri district, is known for its peaceful white sand beach and a couple of temples. It is clean, quiet, and ideal for a calming beach retreat.
13. Ladghar Beach – Maharashtra
Also known as Tamas Teerth, Ladghar Beach near Dapoli stands out for panoramic sunsets, dolphin sightings, water sports, and clean sand stretches.
14. Shrivardhan Beach – Maharashtra
Shrivardhan Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Maharashtra. It is famous for being a pitstop for those going on a road trip through Maharashtra.
15. Parnaka Beach – Maharashtra
Parnaka Beach, located in the coastal town of Dahanu, is known for its exceptional cleanliness standards and environmental management.
16. Kasarkod Beach – Karnataka
Kasarkod Beach is known as India’s first Blue Flag certified beach. It stands out for its well-managed amenities, cleanliness, and calm waters perfect for taking a dip.
17. Chal Beach – Kerala
Chal Beach in Kannur is recognized for high environmental standards, safety, and sustainable tourism. The beach has well-maintained amenities, waste management, and clean stretches of sand.
Rushikonda Beach Loses Blue Flag Certification
Rushikonda Beach in Visakhapatnam was once a Blue Flag-certified beach, ranking among the best internationally certified beaches in India. It lost its Blue Flag status in February 2025, due to several issues such as:
- Stray dogs
- Damaged CCTV cameras
- Waste management issues
- Damaged toilets and changing rooms
- Damaged walkways
In response to these complaints, the organization temporarily revoked the beach’s certification, effective February 13, 2025.
Also Read: Andaman Launches Four New Dive Sites In Diglipur!
Blue Flag Beaches In India: Summing Up
Here we conclude a list of the best Blue Flag beaches in India. We have also shared information about what a ‘Blue Flag’ certification is, how it works, and a brief history of this prestigious recognition.
