Ladghar, Guhagar and Shrivardhan become Maharashtra’s first Blue Flag beaches; season starts 15 November

What the certification means

The Hindu reported on 11 November that the International Blue Flag Jury certified the three beaches after they met prescribed standards for environmental conservation, cleanliness, water quality, biodiversity protection, tourist safety, infrastructure and sustainable tourism management. Blue Flag is an internationally recognised eco-label, so the tag puts these Konkan beaches in the same league as certified beaches worldwide.

Across India, 22 beaches hold Blue Flag recognition for the 2026-27 season: 13 renewals and nine new additions. Maharashtra accounts for three of the nine new ones. The official flags are being brought from the Netherlands, and flag-hoisting ceremonies are being planned with the district administrations.

Why it matters for your trip

Blue Flag beaches must maintain clean water, proper toilets and changing facilities, lifeguard and safety arrangements, and environmental management through the season, which runs from 15 November. Ladghar and Guhagar sit on the Ratnagiri coast, roughly a six to seven hour drive from Mumbai, while Shrivardhan in Raigad is closer, about four to five hours. All three are established weekend drives from Mumbai and Pune, and the certification makes them easier to recommend for a family beach trip this winter.

Planning tips

Winter is the best season for the Konkan coast, and the certification period matches it. Book stays early for the Christmas and New Year window, since the new tag will draw crowds. Respect the flagged swimming zones and lifeguard advice, and carry back your waste where bins are full, since the certification depends on exactly those standards being kept.

We track news that makes Indian destinations better and safer for family trips and update this page as the season begins. Last verified: 12 November 2026 against The Hindu and Times of India reports dated 11 November 2026.