Blue Flag Beaches are special beaches recognized worldwide for being clean, safe, and environmentally friendly. These beaches follow strict rules for water quality, waste management, safety, and awareness about protecting nature. India has been steadily increasing its number of Blue Flag beaches, making these coastal spots internationally recognized for responsible tourism.
What is a Blue Flag Beach?
A Blue Flag Beach is a beach, marina, or boat tourism operator that meets high international standards in four key areas:
- Water Quality – Regular testing ensures clean and safe water for swimming.
- Environmental Management – Proper waste management, cleanliness, and adherence to coastal rules.
- Safety and Services – Lifeguards, first aid, toilets, safe pathways, and drinking water for visitors.
- Environmental Education – Signboards and awareness programs about nature conservation and eco-friendly practices.
In simple words, a Blue Flag Beach is one of the cleanest, safest, and most environmentally responsible beaches in the world.
Why is the Blue Flag Certification Important?
- Boosts Tourism – International recognition attracts more visitors and helps the local economy.
- Ensures Safety – High standards of cleanliness and lifeguard services protect tourists.
- Protects Nature – Encourages eco-friendly practices and preserves coastal ecosystems.
- Global Recognition – Shows India’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible tourism.
Which Organization Awards the Blue Flag Certification?
The certification is awarded by an International Jury managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a Denmark-based NGO. Other global bodies involved include:
- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
- United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO)
- International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Criteria for Blue Flag Status
To get the Blue Flag eco-label, a beach must follow 33 strict rules in four categories:
- Water Quality – Regular testing for cleanliness and bacteria.
- Environmental Management – Proper waste bins, coastal rules, and maintenance.
- Safety and Services – Toilets, clean changing rooms, drinking water, safety equipment, and trained personnel.
- Environmental Education – Awareness boards, eco-education programs, and visitor guidance.
List of Blue Flag Beaches in India by 2025
As of 2025, India has 19 beaches listed under the Blue Flag program, but only 18 are fully certified, as Eden Beach in Puducherry is not yet fully certified. These beaches are recognized for cleanliness, safety, and eco-friendly practices.
Here is the list of blue flag beaches in India by 2025:
| State/ UT | Beach Name | Location |
| Odisha | Puri Beach |
Puri, Asia’s first Blue Flag beach |
| Odisha | Pati Sonepur Sea Beach | Ganjam District |
| Andhra Pradesh | Rushikonda Beach | Visakhapatnam |
| Tamil Nadu | Kovalam Beach | 40 km south of Chennai |
| Andaman & Nicobar | Radhanagar Beach | Havelock Island |
| Lakshadweep | Minicoy Thundi Beach | Minicoy Island |
| Lakshadweep | Kadmat Beach | Kadmat Island |
| Kerala | Kappad Beach | Kozhikode |
| Kerala | Chal Beach | Kannur |
| Karnataka | Kasarkod Beach | Uttara Kannada |
| Karnataka | Padubidri Beach | Udupi District |
| Diu & Daman | Ghoghla Beach | Diu |
| Gujarat | Shivrajpur Beach | Near Dwarka |
| Maharashtra |
Shrivardhan Beach | Raigad |
| Maharashtra | Nagaon Beach | Raigad |
| Maharashtra | Parnaka Beach | Palghar |
| Maharashtra | Guhagar Beach | Ratnagiri |
| Maharashtra | Ladghar Beach | Ratnagiri |
Eden Beach, Uncertified Blue Flag Beach
Eden Beach is located in Chinna Veerampattinam near Puducherry, India. It is listed under the Blue Flag program but is not yet fully certified. The beach is about 10 km from Puducherry city, situated between Paradise Beach and the Arts & Crafts Village, and is easily reachable via Ariyankuppam–Veerampattinam Road with parking available.
The beach features white sands, clear waters, and nearby coconut groves, along with the scenic Chunnambar Backwaters. It has designated swimming areas with lifeguards and promotes eco-friendly tourism, making it a popular and beautiful coastal spot even before full certification.


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