Grace Meets the Sea: Femina Miss India Stars Visit Gujarat’s Blue Flag Beach

Shivrajpur Beach, Gujarat’s pioneering Blue Flag-certified shoreline, recently welcomed two graceful ambassadors of beauty and poise: Shreya Poonja, 1st Runner-Up of Femina Miss India 2023, and Rekha Pandayy, 1st Runner-Up of Femina Miss India 2024. Their visit brought renewed spotlight to a destination that quietly exemplifies how India can blend pristine natural beauty with disciplined, sustainable coastal management.

Situated just a short drive from the spiritually revered city of Dwarka in Devbhumi Dwarka district, Shivrajpur has earned international recognition for maintaining exceptional standards in water quality, environmental education, safety services, and ecological sensitivity. The Blue Flag award—granted by the Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education—sets Shivrajpur apart as one of the few beaches in Asia to achieve this rigorous global benchmark.

The two pageant titleholders experienced firsthand what makes the beach special: a calm, transparent seabed that invites exploration, wide golden sands kept remarkably clean, and clearly demarcated zones for adventure activities. Jet skiing and other water sports operate in designated areas, allowing thrill-seekers to enjoy the Arabian Sea while lifeguards, signage, and management protocols ensure safety remains paramount. Beyond the adrenaline, the beach offers long, uncluttered stretches perfect for quiet walks and reflection against an unbroken horizon.

Rekha Pandayy, visibly moved by the experience, described the atmosphere with enthusiasm: “There’s an incredible sense of openness here. The adventure activities are exciting, but what stands out is how safe and organised everything feels. I can imagine this place hosting music festivals with the sea as a natural stage.”

Her vision aligns with ongoing plans to develop Shivrajpur into a multi-purpose coastal venue. Authorities have already outlined proposals for an amphitheatre and large event grounds, positioning the beach as a future hub for cultural performances, concerts, and community gatherings framed by the sea.

Shreya Poonja, reflecting on the beach’s current state and potential, observed: “It’s rare to see such a clean and expansive beach space in India. Shivrajpur feels like it’s just at the beginning of its journey.” Her comment captures the sense of measured optimism shared by many who visit: the destination has preserved its natural charm while steadily building infrastructure that respects both visitors and the fragile marine ecosystem.

The beach’s appeal extends beyond its shores. Its proximity to Beyt Dwarka—a sacred island temple now more accessible thanks to the impressive Sudarshan Setu cable-stayed bridge—creates a natural tourism corridor that seamlessly connects devotion, heritage, and leisure. Nearby Madhavpur, with its cultural and historical significance, further enriches the regional experience, allowing travellers to combine spiritual journeys with coastal relaxation in a single itinerary.

For Gujarat Tourism, Shivrajpur represents a deliberate step toward experiential, responsible travel. The beach’s success demonstrates that high environmental standards and thoughtful planning can elevate local destinations to international appeal without sacrificing authenticity or serenity.

As the sun dips toward the Arabian Sea, casting golden and crimson reflections across the water, Shivrajpur quietly continues its evolution. It remains a place where grace meets the sea—not just in the presence of celebrated visitors, but in the careful balance it strikes between adventure, tranquility, sustainability, and promise. For travellers seeking a coastal escape that feels both timeless and forward-looking, this Blue Flag shore in Gujarat offers an increasingly compelling invitation.