Eleven more beaches shortlisted for Blue Flag status in Coastal Karnataka

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 13, 2026: The Karnataka government has identified 11 additional beaches across Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada districts for development under the Blue Flag beach programme.

The beaches include Someshwar, Ullal, and Sasihithlu in Dakshina Kannada; Asare, Kodikanyana, Padukere, Kodi Kundapura, and Shiruru in Udupi; and Bailur, Apsarakonda, and Rabindranath Tagore Beach in Uttara Kannada.

The proposal was presented at the Karnataka Coastal Tourism Conference. According to Karnataka Tourism Department Secretary Trilok Chandra, an estimated ₹142.06 crore will be required to develop these beaches to Blue Flag standards. Planned development includes installing information boards, promoting adventure and water sports, organising beach festivals, implementing beach cleaning and waste management systems, testing water quality, and creating public amenities.

Rising Tourist Footfall

With tourist arrivals increasing along Karnataka’s coast, the government aims to strengthen tourism infrastructure. Domestic visitors rose from 28 crore in 2023 to 30 crore in 2024, while foreign tourists increased from 4.09 lakh to 4.85 lakh during the same period. Officials note that the coastal region’s tourism potential remains underutilised and called for greater development of hospitality and related services.

Tourism Projects Worth ₹718 Crore Approved

Under the Karnataka Tourism Policy 2024–25, 45 coastal tourism projects have been approved, involving a total investment of ₹718 crore.

River Cruise Tourism Planned

Several river stretches in Karnataka, including parts of the Gurupura–Phalguni (10 km), Netravati (30 km), Kali (53 km), Sharavathi (29 km), and Kabini (23 km), have been declared National Waterways. The government plans to promote river cruise tourism along these waterways.

Key Proposed Initiatives

Designating the 320-km coastline as a multi-product tourism zone with a special economic package

Promoting beach shacks and hospitality infrastructure along the coast

Implementing a Coastal Master Plan and simplifying CRZ clearance procedures

Developing integrated tourism zones with multiple activities

Launching a “Coastal Karnataka” brand, focused campaigns, and an annual Coastal Karnataka festival