image credits: Odisha Tourism
At the India Today Tourism Survey and Awards 2025, Odisha Tourism was conferred the coveted “Best Beach Destination Award” (Editor’s Choice) for Odisha’s Puri Blue Flag Beach. This accolade was presented by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister of Tourism & Culture, to Director Tourism Mansi Nimbhal, IAS. This shows state’s unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental excellence.
A Milestone for Puri Blue Flag Beach
Nestled along the Bay of Bengal, Puri Beach (often called Golden Beach) stretches over 8 kilometers, with a pristine 870-meter section earning the Blue Flag certification in 2020. Located just 2 kilometers from the revered Jagannath Temple, this beach seamlessly blends spiritual significance with natural beauty. The India Today award recognizes its transformation into a model of cleanliness, safety, and eco-friendliness, making it a standout destination for tourists. The Puri District Administration deserves special appreciation for its diligent efforts in maintaining the beach’s pristine condition.
The Journey to Blue Flag Certification
The Blue Flag Programme, managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) in Denmark since 1987, is a globally respected eco-label that promotes sustainable development in coastal areas. To earn this certification, a beach must meet 33 rigorous criteria across four key areas: water quality, environmental management, environmental education, and safety. Puri’s Golden Beach achieved this distinction through a concerted effort led by the World Bank-funded Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) under Odisha’s Forest and Environment Department.
The transformation of the 870-meter stretch from Digabareni Square to the back of Mayfair Hotel involved significant investments. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Government of India, allocated Rs. 7.88 crores for core infrastructure, including public toilets, changing rooms, watchtowers, solar lighting, seating areas, and a demarcated safe swimming zone. The state government complemented this with Rs. 3.34 crores for peripheral enhancements like approach roads, fencing with plantations, parking facilities, sand sculptures, water supply, jogging tracks, CCTV, and public address systems. A Beach Management Committee (BMC), chaired by the Puri Collector and registered under the Society Registration Act, oversees daily operations, ensuring the beach meets international standards. This meticulous process culminated in the Blue Flag certification, recommended by India’s National Jury and finalized by FEE’s international jury in 2020.
Also read about SJTA’s initiation of UNESCO Recognition for Puri Ratha Jatra: click here
Why Puri Blue Flag Beach Stands Out?
Puri Blue Flag Beach has a scenic coastline. Open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, it offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, drawing photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With an entry fee of Rs. 20 for three hours (free for children under 10), it remains accessible to all. Safety is paramount, with lifeguards, 24-hour police patrols, and eco-friendly infrastructure like solar-powered facilities and well-managed waste systems.
The beach’s proximity to Puri’s bus stand and railway station, both just 2 kilometers away, enhances its appeal, while the best visiting season starts from November to June ensuring pleasant weather for exploration. The “Best Beach Destination Award” is not merely a recognition; it is a call to action. As stated by Odisha Tourism, “Accolades make us work harder towards our goal.” This honour reflects the state’s dedication to preserving its natural treasures and showcasing them to the world.
To enjoy this blue flag beach, chechkout top luxury beachfront resorts in puri: click here
