Among the 12 Blue Flag beaches of India, Puri’s Golden Beach is one of the cleanest and well-maintained coastal areas in the state of Odisha. The maintenance of this renowned tourist spot is under the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), and it ensures that there is regular cleaning of the 870-metre stretch from Digabareni square to the back of Mayfair Hotel that falls under the blue flag Golden Beach. Known as the highest level of awards in the world for beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators, the blue flag certification was accorded to the Golden Beach in 2020 by the Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). To qualify for the blue flag award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained by the coastal region that comes under this vicinity.
Entry for the Golden Beach is INR 20 per visitor and it includes facilities like usage of wood and straw huts, chairs, and drinking water. From 4 pm to 6 pm, tourists can also climb up the lighthouse built at the beach and enjoy the views from the top. During the day, one can sit on the golden sand and enjoy the beautiful waves of the Bay of Bengal over scrumptious street food from the nearby vendors. The grilled seafood like fish, prawns, and other fresh catch from the ocean is the most loved delicacies at the shacks. The grand Marine Drive promenade that runs alongside the beach is popular among locals and tourists for walks during sunrise and sunset. Tourists can also come here and enjoy the marvelous sand artworks by globally renowned artist Sudarshan Pattnaik, or make their sandcastles and collect seashells. The beach is famous for hosting the annual Puri Beach Festival in November.
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