Shivrajpur: Gujarat’s Coastal Future Seen by Miss India Stars

Shivrajpur Beach continues to draw attention as Gujarat’s flagship Blue Flag destination, most recently through a visit by two prominent figures from the Femina Miss India platform: Shreya Poonja, 1st Runner-Up of Femina Miss India 2023, and Rekha Pandayy, 1st Runner-Up of Femina Miss India 2024. Their time at the shoreline highlighted not only its present-day appeal but also its emerging role as a thoughtfully planned coastal landmark with significant cultural and tourism potential.

Located in Devbhumi Dwarka district, roughly 12 kilometers from the sacred city of Dwarka, Shivrajpur received Blue Flag certification in 2020 from the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), becoming the first beach in Gujarat—and one of very few in India—to meet the program’s 33 demanding criteria. These cover water quality testing, environmental management, public safety services, accessibility features, and ongoing ecological monitoring. The certification must be renewed annually, ensuring sustained performance.

The visiting titleholders experienced a beach that balances natural tranquility with regulated adventure. The calm, clear seabed supports safe swimming and snorkeling, while clearly marked zones allow jet skiing, scuba diving, and other water-based activities to proceed under supervision. Lifeguard stations, emergency response systems, and environmental signage contribute to an environment where thrill and responsibility coexist. The wide, clean expanse of golden sand and unobstructed views across the Arabian Sea have also made the location attractive to filmmakers and content creators seeking authentic, uncluttered coastal settings.

Rekha Pandayy captured the distinctive atmosphere during her visit, noting, “The openness of Shivrajpur is what truly stands out. There’s adventure, but also order and care. It’s the kind of place where you’d want to gather friends for a sunset concert or simply unwind by the water.” Her comment points directly to the beach’s planned evolution into a venue capable of hosting larger public events.

Development authorities have already outlined proposals for an amphitheatre and expansive open grounds designed specifically for cultural performances, live music, and community gatherings. These additions would position Shivrajpur as more than a leisure spot—it would become a dynamic stage where the natural beauty of the sea serves as a dramatic backdrop for artistic and social events.

Shreya Poonja emphasized the deliberate planning behind the site, observing, “It’s inspiring to witness a beach space that is clean, expansive, and clearly built with long-term vision.” Her perspective reflects growing recognition that sustainable coastal tourism in India can succeed when guided by foresight rather than rapid, unregulated growth.

The beach’s strategic placement within a broader tourism circuit further amplifies its value. Beyt Dwarka, an island revered for its ancient Krishna temple, lies just offshore and is now more accessible thanks to Sudarshan Setu—India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, inaugurated in early 2024. This infrastructure improvement has shortened travel times and enhanced comfort for pilgrims and tourists alike. Nearby Madhavpur, with its deep cultural and mythological roots, adds another layer of heritage, allowing visitors to combine spiritual exploration with seaside relaxation in a single, cohesive itinerary.

Through Shivrajpur, Gujarat Tourism is advancing a model of experiential travel that prioritizes environmental stewardship, visitor safety, and long-term regional development. The destination’s ability to attract both leisure travelers and high-profile visitors underscores its rising stature along the Arabian Sea coast.

As twilight settles over the water, painting the horizon in soft hues, Shivrajpur quietly embodies a forward-looking narrative for Indian beaches—one rooted in sustainability, enriched by thoughtful infrastructure, and poised to grow into a vibrant cultural and recreational hub for years to come.