Mangaluru: In a major push to strengthen coastal tourism infrastructure, the Karnataka government has identified 11 additional beaches across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts for development under the internationally recognised Blue Flag beach programme. The initiative is aimed at enhancing environmental standards, visitor amenities and global visibility of Karnataka’s coastline.
The newly identified beaches include Someshwar, Ullal and Sasihithlu in Dakshina Kannada district; Asare, Kodikanyana, Padukere, Kodi Kundapura and Shiruru in Udupi district; and Bailur, Apsarakonda and Rabindranath Tagore Beach in Uttara Kannada district. These locations were selected based on their tourism potential, accessibility and scope for meeting Blue Flag certification norms.
Proposal presented at coastal tourism conference
The proposal was formally presented at the Karnataka Coastal Tourism Conference, where senior officials and industry stakeholders discussed strategies to unlock the untapped potential of the State’s 320-km-long coastline.
Karnataka Tourism Department Secretary Trilok Chandra said an estimated ₹142.06 crore would be required to upgrade the identified beaches to Blue Flag standards. He noted that the investment would focus not only on infrastructure creation but also on long-term sustainability and environmental protection.
“The Blue Flag programme is not just about beautification. It involves strict compliance with global standards related to cleanliness, safety, water quality, accessibility and environmental education,” Chandra said.
What Blue Flag development entails
According to officials, the proposed development plans for the 11 beaches include the installation of multilingual information boards, deployment of trained lifeguards, and the creation of public amenities such as toilets, changing rooms and drinking water facilities. Regular beach cleaning mechanisms, scientific waste management systems and continuous testing of seawater quality will be mandatory components.
In addition, the government plans to promote adventure sports and regulated water sports activities at select beaches, organise beach festivals to attract tourists, and introduce environmental awareness programmes for visitors and local communities.
Officials said these measures would help Karnataka compete with other coastal states that have already gained international recognition through the Blue Flag certification.
Rising tourist footfall drives infrastructure push
The renewed focus on coastal tourism comes at a time when Karnataka has witnessed a steady rise in tourist arrivals. Official data shows that domestic tourist visits increased from 28 crore in 2023 to 30 crore in 2024. During the same period, foreign tourist arrivals rose from 4.09 lakh to 4.85 lakh.
Tourism department officials pointed out that despite this growth, the coastal belt’s tourism potential remains significantly underutilised. “There is immense scope for developing hospitality services, leisure activities and nature-based tourism along the coast,” an official said, adding that better infrastructure would also generate employment opportunities for local communities.
₹718 crore worth coastal tourism projects approved
Under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–25, the government has already approved 45 coastal tourism projects involving a total investment of ₹718 crore. These projects span accommodation facilities, eco-tourism initiatives, adventure tourism hubs and supporting infrastructure.
Officials said the Blue Flag beach development would complement these projects by creating world-class public beaches that meet international benchmarks, thereby encouraging longer tourist stays and higher spending.
River cruise tourism on the anvil
In another major initiative, the government plans to promote river cruise tourism across Karnataka by leveraging its extensive river network. Several river stretches have been declared National Waterways, including parts of the Gurupura–Phalguni river (10 km), Netravati (30 km), Kali (53 km), Sharavathi (29 km) and Kabini (23 km).
The tourism department plans to introduce cruise services, riverfront amenities and experiential tourism activities along these waterways. Officials said river cruises would offer a new dimension to tourism by combining natural landscapes, local culture and leisure travel.
Key initiatives proposed for Coastal Karnataka
As part of a broader vision for coastal development, the government has proposed several strategic initiatives. These include designating the entire 320-km coastline as a multi-product tourism zone supported by a special economic package, and promoting beach shacks and hospitality infrastructure to enhance visitor experience.
The government also plans to implement a comprehensive Coastal Master Plan and simplify Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance procedures to encourage responsible private investment. Integrated tourism zones offering multiple activities, such as water sports, wellness tourism and cultural experiences, are also being planned.
In addition, the State aims to launch a dedicated “Coastal Karnataka” brand, supported by focused promotional campaigns and an annual Coastal Karnataka festival to showcase the region’s natural beauty, cuisine and cultural heritage.
Conclusion
With the identification of 11 new beaches for Blue Flag development and a series of complementary tourism initiatives, Karnataka is positioning its coastline as a major driver of sustainable tourism growth. Officials believe that these measures, backed by significant investment and policy support, will help transform Coastal Karnataka into a globally competitive tourism destination while ensuring environmental conservation and inclusive development.