Five Years Strong: Kovalam Beach Leads India In Clean & Sustainable Tourism

For travellers who have long associated Chennai’s coast with its busy city beaches, Kovalam—just a short drive away—has quietly been charting its own path to global acclaim. This year, the serene stretch in Chengalpattu district has done it again. Kovalam has retained the coveted International Blue Flag Certification for the fifth consecutive cycle (2025–26), reaffirming its reputation as one of India’s cleanest and most sustainably managed beaches. What began in 2021 as a breakthrough moment for Tamil Nadu has now matured into a consistent benchmark of excellence.

The announcement, made earlier this week, has stirred both pride and confidence among the state’s environmental authorities, who see Kovalam as proof that Indian beaches can meet and maintain the world’s toughest eco-standards. It has also delighted the growing community of travellers who return to this stretch specifically for its cleanliness, calm waters, and thoughtful amenities.

A Sustainable Edge

The Blue Flag, awarded by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education, is among the most recognised international eco-labels for beaches. To secure it even once is no small feat; to hold it for five straight years is a testament to rigorous upkeep and continuous community engagement. Kovalam cleared all 33 global criteria covering everything from water purity and waste management to environmental education and public safety.

A look at the beach today makes it clear why it continues to shine. The coastline has been sensitively developed with sustainable materials and thoughtful design—bamboo shelters offer shade without disturbing the landscape, while well-maintained restrooms and changing rooms blend into the environment. There are lounge chairs for day trippers, and even floating wheelchairs that allow visitors with disabilities to enter the water safely, a feature rarely found on Indian beaches.

Over the past year alone, Kovalam welcomed more than 5.5 lakh visitors—an impressive figure that highlights its transformation into a model eco-tourism destination. Yet despite the rising footfall, the beach exudes a sense of order: trained lifeguards keep watch, surveillance systems enhance safety, and regular clean-up routines ensure the sand remains pristine.

Expanding The Vision

What makes Kovalam’s success even more significant is the momentum it has generated across Tamil Nadu. Inspired by this achievement, the state government has now set its sights on securing Blue Flag certification for 10 additional beaches. The list spans the coastline: four stretches in Chennai, two in Cuddalore, and one each in Villupuram, Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, and Tuticorin.

Each of these beaches is at a different stage of development, but the direction is clear—the state wants to replicate Kovalam’s model of clean tourism, inclusivity, and environmental stewardship. Officials involved in the initiative describe it as the outcome of sustained teamwork between government departments, district administrations, and local communities, all of whom have played a part in nurturing Kovalam’s standards year after year.

The effort has also encouraged new conversations about how tourism infrastructure can coexist with natural ecosystems. The goal, they emphasise, isn’t simply to beautify beaches but to build long-term systems that protect coastal environments while making them more enjoyable and accessible for visitors.

A Model For India

Kovalam’s achievement comes at a moment when India is increasingly focusing on sustainable travel. As more travellers seek eco-friendly experiences, beaches like Kovalam offer a refreshing example of what is possible when environmental discipline meets good design and community participation.

For visitors, the appeal lies not just in the clean water and tidy shores but in the feeling of being in a place where nature is respected. For the state, it marks a growing presence on the global map of sustainable tourism.

And for the rest of India, Kovalam stands as proof that world-class beaches do not have to lie thousands of kilometres away—they can, with effort and vision, flourish right at home.

The Information

When To Visit

The ideal time to visit Kovalam beach in Chennai is during the winter season, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant. 

Getting There

For a trip to Kovalam Beach, venture southwards from the heart of Chennai along East Coast Road (ECR) for about 40 kilometres. You can also opt for a cab or public transport for a convenient journey to the beach.

(With inputs from multiple sources.)

FAQs

1. What is the Blue Flag certification?
An international eco-label for beaches, awarded based on 33 criteria including water quality, safety, and environmental education.

2. How many times has Kovalam Beach received the Blue Flag?
Kovalam has retained the Blue Flag for five consecutive cycles (2021–26).

3. What makes Kovalam Beach sustainable?
The beach features eco-friendly infrastructure, waste management systems, accessibility for all, and regular environmental upkeep.

4. How many visitors does Kovalam attract annually?
Over 5.5 lakh visitors visited Kovalam Beach in the past year alone.

5. Is Tamil Nadu planning to expand Blue Flag beaches?
Yes, the state aims to secure certification for 10 more beaches along its coastline, replicating Kovalam’s model.