The sun was up, may not be the right time to head to the beach you may think, but when it is the Kasarkod beach in Karnataka, a Blue Flag certified beach, the time really does not matter. The Kasarkod Beach is one of the 8 blue flag beaches in India and its immaculate sands and public facilities, a standing tribute to the efforts of all the stakeholders to ensure that the beach sets a benchmark that is as good if not better than international standards.
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Kasarkod Beach Honnavar – An Epitome of Perfection | A Blue Flag Certified Beach
The circumstances so conspired that we found ourselves at another of the 8 Blue Flag certified beaches of India. This time we were in Kasarkod Beach near Honnavar in Karnataka. We were visiting our second Blue Flag certified beach of India within a week. A few days back we were privileged to have visited Shivrajpur Beach near Dwarka In Gujarat.
We were on an exploratory journey of coastal Karnataka as part of the Women Bloggers Travel Program to Coastal Karnataka, organized by India Tourism Bengaluru, an arm of Incredible India under the Ministry of Tourism, Govt. Of India. The program was supported by Karnataka Tourism and Jungle Lodges and Resorts, in association with RR Tours and Travels, Dream Holidays, and Leisure Routes, as well as other local stakeholders.
Kasarkod Beach – Eco Beach Honnavar | A Blue Flag Certified Beach
The harsh rays of the sun beat down on their backs, but the young men and women trudged along the hot sands of the Arabian sea, like people on a mission. And indeed they were on a mission. The mission to ensure that Kasarkod Beach remains spick and span and lives up to its reputation as one of the cleanest beaches in India.
The young men and women walked along the burning sands, keeping a wary eye open for any stray pieces of paper or plastic that may have lodged themselves in the sand. Such was their focus on their job, that they were oblivious even to the loud crashing waves of the Arabian Sea, just a few feet away.
Kasarkod Beach – Beach in Karnataka
Green, leafy trees skirt the main entrance to the Kasarkod beach. The beach lies a little off the main road and is relatively secluded and away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. In fact, the village of Kasarkod (Uttara Kannada, Karnataka) itself is sparsely populated and located in the Honnavar Taluk of the Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka. Though the Kasarkod Beach has always been a clean and gorgeous beach for those looking for some quiet communion with sand and surf, it has shot into prominence of late for being one of the only 8 beaches of India to have won the prestigious and much coveted Blue Flag Certification.
As you enter the beach, you are stunned by the immaculate cleanliness that can be seen everywhere. The second aspect that immediately rivets your attention is the efficient visual management system in place, adequate signages everywhere present visitors with useful information concerning safety measures, directions, and information about the conveniences and facilities of the beach.
Right at the entrance to the beach is a huge, “Beach Information Board”, that provides a mine of information about various aspects in a clear, concise, and colourful manner. The various aspects that are highlighted in the “Beach Information Board”, of Kasarkod Beach are listed below:
- Information about nearby local attractions of Kasarkod
- Information about environmental activities of the beach
- Information about the natural environment of the beach and its vicinity including its flora and fauna
- Beach Eco-System
- Information about the bathing water quality of the beach
- Beach Safety Information
- Beach Do’s and Don’ts for visitors
Kasarkod Beach In Karnataka – A Blue Flag Certified Beach | International Standard Facilities & Systems
The Manager of Kasarkod Beach talks to us about how the beach earned its Blue Flag Certification and what are the parameters on which it was measured.
He tells us that the quality of the water and the sand were important parameters on which the certification was awarded. He informed us that the quality of both at the Kasarkod Beach was much higher than at places like Murdeshwar and Gokarna, down the coast. The Blue Flag certification has been awarded based on 33 stringent criteria that have been followed by Kasarkod beach. These criteria are broadly divided into the categories of Safety, Security, and Cleanliness.
One of the important safety criteria is the quality of bathing water, which is tested regularly and the results are displayed on the Beach information board. Based on the bathing water quality readings, the authorities decide on whether to allow swimming on the beach.
In terms of security, there is a 24/7 vigil kept on the beach through CCTV cameras and seven security personnel. The beach is kept clean by a 23-member strong force of workers, who continuously comb the beach from 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM for plastic and bio-degradable waste. The waste is then segregated and sent for safe disposal. The beach authorities have to report on the nature and quantity of waste on a regular basis to the Central Government authorities.
Kasarkod Beach – Facilities For Visitors
On either side of the entrance to the Karsarkod Beach are long walkways. Public conveniences that are built using environment-friendly material can be seen here.
There are separate toilets and changing rooms with shower facilities for men and women, there is a drinking water facility as well as a first-aid room for emergencies.
Clear signage everywhere helps visitors find their way across the beach. Clearly marked garbage bins help in segregating biodegradable waste from other waste at the source.
It is left to the visitors to enjoy the beautiful beach and also participate in helping to keep it clean for other visitors by adhering to the do’s and don’ts that have been clearly displayed at the beach.
The blue flag fluttering in the breeze is a proud testimony to the efforts of the team in securing the blue flag certification and continuing to sustain it through sheer hard work and dedication.
What is Blue Flag Certification?
The Blue Flag certification is a prestigious international certification that is awarded by the Blue Flag Global organization headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark. International Blue Flag recognition, awarded by the foundation for environmental education, an NGO in Denmark.
It was a proud moment for India when Union Minister For Environment, Prakash Javadekar, virtually hoisted the Blue Flags across the 8 Blue Flag certified beaches of India, virtually, in December 2020.
The Blue Flag certification needs the involvement and sustained efforts of multiple stakeholders including the local communities. To attain Blue Flag certification the beaches need to meet 33 stringent criteria that encompass quality, environmental information and education, safety, service, and facilities.
The effort spearheaded by the local community ensures that visitors can visit a safe and clean beach. It is worth noting that the criteria for Blue Flag beaches are dynamic and evolve over time. What this means is that all the stakeholders have to continuously work towards sustaining and maintaining the beach with international best practices.
How Can Visitors Help In Maintaining A Blue Flag Certified Beach
It is not only the duty of the stakeholders to maintain the Blue Flag beaches. Visitors to the beaches too have a significant role to play here. It is the duty of every eco-friendly traveller to ensure that they follow the do’s and don’ts when visiting the Blue Flag beaches like Kasarkod, Padubidru, Shivrajpur, and others. Here is what the responsible traveller should do to help sustain the pristine environment of these Blue Flag beaches.
- Judiciously make use of the garbage bins and ensure the proper recycling of waste
- Make use of public transport or green transport like walking or cycling to get to the beach
- Ensure to follow the beach code of conduct as prescribed
- Enjoy but treat with respect the environment of the beach
- When choosing a destination travelers should research and pick a destination that cares for its environment
- Choose a hotel that adheres to sustainable and environment-friendly practices for your stay
How To Reach Kasarkod Beach (Honavar) | How To Get There – By Rail, By Road, By Air
Kasarkod Beach Location
Directions From Honnavar to Kasarkod Beach
Directions From Bangalore to Kasarkod Beach
Directions From Gokarna
Directions From Mangalore
Directions From Udupi
- Kasarkod Beach is located in the Honnavar Taluk of Uttar Kannada District in the southern Indian state of Karnataka
- The nearest airport to Kasarkod is the Mangaluru International airport at a distance of 180 kilometres
- The Goa International Airport is about 182 kilometres from Kasarkod Beach
- Kasarkod Beach To Bangalore distance is about 465 kilometres
- The distance of Kasarkod Beach from Mangalore is about 177 kilometres
- The distance of Kasarkod Beach from Udupi is about 124 kilometres
- Distance between the two blue flag beaches of Karnataka, Padubidri and Kasarkod is about 148 kilometres
- Eco Beach Honnavar Distance To Bangalore distance is about 465 kilometres
- Kasarkod is well connected by road to all major cities of Karnataka
So, is your interest piqued by the Eco Beach Images? Do the images for Kasarkod Beach haunt you and compel you to plan a trip to this beautiful blue flag certified beach. If you are thinking of a holiday at the Kasarkod beach, you can book your flights right here! You can book a cheap flight right here through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here. if you are thinking of a road trip to Kasarkod or anywhere in India check out the rental car and bus options.
Where To Stay When Visiting Kasarkod Beach
There are many options for staying near the Kasarkod Beach. You can book the best hotels closest to Kasarkod Beach or Kasarkod beach hotels right here by following these links.
You can book your hotel nearby/Honnavar through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline conveniently right here!
| Click to book the best hotels and best resorts nearby/Honnavar or in Gokarna |
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Places To See Near Kasarkod Beach
There are many places to visit in Honnavar that are not very far from Kasarkod Beach. Here are the nearby attractions to Kasarkod Eco-themed beach.
- The temple and beach town of Gokarna is about 55 kilometres
- The Mirjan Fort is located about 36 kilometres
- Yana is about 53 kilometres
- Apsarkonda Falls is about 5 kilometres away from Kasarkod Beach
- The temple town of Udupi is about 124 kilometres from Kasarkod Beach
Travel Tips On What To Carry – Packing List
- Apply sunscreen lotion
- Carry beachwear clothes
- Carry a towel
- Carry water bottles that are refillable
- Wear a beach hat or a cap since it will be sunny during the day
- Wear slippers or crocs or Flip Flops to walk on the sand
- It is better to wear comfortable clothes – preferably cotton clothes to avoid heat
- Carry your sunglasses or shades
- Carry your Smartphones and DSLRs to click photos at the beach
- Carry a waterproof backpack for your camera, water bottle and other essentials
Kasarkod Beach – What To Know Before You Go | FAQ
Kasarkod Beach is located in which state?
Kasarkod beach is located in the southern Indian state of Karnataka.
Kasarkod Beach is located in which District?
Kasarkod Beach is located in Honnavar Taluk of the Uttara Kannada District of Karnataka.
Which are the Karnataka Blue Flag Beaches?
There are now two blue flag beaches in Karnataka, one is the Kasarkod Beach in Karnataka and the other is Padubidri (Udupi, Karnataka).
How Many Blue Flag Beaches In Karnataka are there?
There are 2 blue flag beaches in Karnataka currently.
What are the Kasarkod Beach Timings?
The Eco Beach Honnavar Timings are from 8.30 AM to 6.30 PM
What is the best time to visit Kasarkod Beach?
The winter months are best for visiting the Kasarkod Beach that has been accorded ‘blue Flag’ Tag. The mornings and evenings are best to enjoy the beach.
Which are the other beaches in Honnavar?
There are many beautiful beaches near Honnavar and apart from Kasarkod Beach, these include the beaches Gokarna, Murdeshwar, Maravanthe, etc..
Is there a Kasarkod Beach Resort?
There is a choice of hotels and beach resorts near Kasarkod.
We were on a 6-day Coastal Karnataka tour. The curation of the tour and logistics were managed by:
Poonam Shetty – MD, Dream Holidays, Manipal, Mobile: +91 9686574959, (0820) 4293039, Email: [email protected] and Roshan Pinto, R.R.Tours & Travels, Mobile: +91 98453 31926.
We hope you liked our Kasarkod Blue Flag certified beach blog post. Have You Visited Kasarkod’s Blue Flag Coast? How did you find the beach and the facilities offered? Do share your thoughts through our comments section. Connect with us on our social media channels to stay updated with our travel stories.
We were hosted by India Tourism Bangalore – Ministry of Tourism Government of India. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.
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Wonderful write up! You took me back to this beautiful beach and how I wish every beach in India becomes a blue flag beach someday.
This post is a revelation. I didn’t know about this Blue certification. And so happy to know that India has 8 such beaches. I hope we are all inspired to get such cleanliness certification in the entire country.
I am a passionate supporter of eco beaches and the Blue Flag certification is wonderful way of rewarding beaches which reach the standard. So pleased that the efforts of the community have been recognised at these beautiful beaches. I would definitely visit. I would also love to check out some of the other attractions nearby, especially the temples and the fort you mention.
I was so glad to hear about the blue flag certification program – definitely an initiative that will improve the environment, but also the desirability of visitors who want to visit the area. I was glad you provided a link to the other blue flag beaches. I think it would be great to plan a trip around all of them!
This sounds so incredible. I was absolutely not aware of this beach. Will surely visit there
I love the beaches that are not over explored or crowded. This one looks really pretty and inviting… A perfect getaway for a vacation
I am so impressed looking at the pictures, the beach looks amazing. It’s so clean and have noted the details you have shared. Hopefully will be able to visit soon.
We are so sorry we missed spending time on the beaches when we visited India. Great to know that there are some great Blue Flag Certified beaches to choose from. I hate when we visit a beach and are not sure how safe the water is. The Kasarkod Beach looks like a great spot with many things to do in the area.
This is the first time i’ve heard of the Blue Flag certification. What a great way to encourage countries to practice sustainability. Plus keeping their beaches clean and educating the public. I’m so glad I learned about this so I can help encourage local areas to become a part of the Blue Flag community!
It’s a surprised to see a public beach this clean and got a Blue Flag recognition. No wonder India and its people are so proud. I hope visitors will follow the rules and keep the beach clean.