How many States and Union Territories in India
India has 28 states and 8 union territories as of 2024. Each state is different, with its own culture, language, and traditions. They also have unique wildlife, clothes, and festivals. Every state plays a role in building the country. In this article, we’ll give you a quick overview of India’s states and union territories.
How many states are in india? Here is the list Of 28 States of India and 8 Union Territories:
Union Territories of India – Complete List
| Delhi | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu |
|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Lakshadweep |
| Chandigarh | Jammu & Kashmir |
| Puducherry | Ladakh |
1. Delhi
Delhi is the capital of India. It is a major city with a rich history and diverse culture. In Old Delhi, you will find ancient landmarks like the Red Fort, Purana kila and Jama Masjid. New Delhi has modern sites like India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan. The city offers a mix of experiences, from the busy markets of Chandni Chowk to delicious street food and colorful festivals.
Here are some interesting facts about Delhi:
- Capital City: Delhi is the capital of India.
- Two Parts: The city is divided into Old Delhi, known for its historic sites, and New Delhi, which is the government hub.
- Historic Landmarks: Delhi is home to famous landmarks like the Red Fort, Qutub Minar, India Gate, and Lotus Temple.
- Political Center: New Delhi houses important government buildings like the Parliament House and Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s residence).
- Population: It’s one of the most populated cities in the world, with over 30 million people.
- Diverse Culture: Delhi is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions from all over India.
- Metro System: The Delhi Metro is one of the largest and most efficient public transport systems in the world.
- Food Hub: The city is famous for its street food, like chaat, parathas, and kebabs, especially in areas like Chandni Chowk.
- Education and Research: Delhi is home to top educational institutions like Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT).
- Climate: The city experiences extreme weather—very hot summers and cold winters.
2. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of over 500 islands in the Bay of Bengal. This Union Territory is famous for its beautiful beaches, thick tropical forests, and colorful marine life.
Port Blair is the capital and the main hub for exploring the islands. Many tourists visit Havelock Island to enjoy its amazing beaches and water sports.
History lovers often go to the Cellular Jail, a prison from the colonial times that played a key role in India’s fight for independence.
3. Chandigarh
Chandigarh is known as India’s first planned city. It is a Union Territory that serves as the capital for both Punjab and Haryana. It was designed by famous architect Le Corbusier. Chandigarh is known for its modern buildings, wide roads, and green parks.
The Capitol Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has important government buildings like the legislative assembly. The Rock Garden, made from recycled materials by artist Nek Chand, is a popular spot that shows off the city’s creative side.
4. Puducherry
Puducherry, once a French colony, has a unique mix of Indian and European influences. The French Quarter, with its colonial buildings, cozy cafes, and tree-lined streets, shows off its colonial history. Auroville, an international township, is known for its spiritual retreats and focus on sustainable living, drawing people who are looking for peace and self-reflection. The Aurobindo Ashram, started by Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, is also a popular spot for those interested in spirituality.
5. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu is an area in India that is now joined together as one union territory. This happened by combining the earlier regions of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. The government shared plans to merge them in July 2019, and the necessary laws were approved by the Indian Parliament in December 2019. This change officially started on January 26, 2020.
Dadra and Nagar Haveli houses 62% of the tribal population like Kokana and Dublas. The Daman Ganga River watershed flows through it. It is comprised of 70 villages. The Tarpa dance constitutes of people holding each other’s waists, and dancing to the sound made by instruments made of gourd. The Vasona is a place for all the brave people who want to go and see the ferocious lions roaming around.
Daman and Diu feature massive Portuguese and Gujrati cultural influences. The Zampa Gateway, not only features an inscription dated to 1702; but also intricate carvings of lions and angels. The Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata had spent a couple of days in Daman. The Diu Museum was actually the St Thomas Church; as there wasn’t enough space to build a proper museum to hold the dear antiques! Diu is the only place in India to house African palm trees.
6. Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is a group of 36 coral islands nestled in the Arabian Sea. Known for its turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and pristine beaches, this Union Territory offers a tranquil retreat for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. Kavaratti, the capital city, serves as the administrative center and gateway to the islands’ natural wonders. Visitors can indulge in activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping, exploring the rich marine biodiversity of the region.
7. Jammu and Kashmir
Nestled in the northern part of India, Jammu and Kashmir captivates with its breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness.
The Centre revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and brought in the J&K Reorganisation Bill 2019 which splits the state into two new Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, which will have a legislature, and Ladakh, without a legislature.
The region boasts the majestic Himalayan mountain ranges, serene lakes, and lush valleys. Srinagar, the summer capital, is renowned for its houseboats on Dal Lake and intricately designed Mughal gardens, offering a picturesque setting.
8. Ladakh
Established as a Union Territory in 2019, Ladakh is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including the Himalayas, high-altitude deserts, and pristine lakes. The capital city, Leh, serves as the gateway to Ladakh’s natural wonders, including Pangong Lake, Nubra Valley, and the Hemis Monastery. The region is also known for its vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries, and colorful festivals, offering a unique blend of adventure and spirituality for visitors.
Indian states Names
There are total states in India are 28. These States are the primary administrative units with significant powers for governance. Each State has its own government, headed by a Chief Minister, and a legislative assembly that enacts laws on matters specified in the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India.
List of 28 States of India
| State | State | State | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | Arunachal Pradesh | Assam | Bihar |
| Chhattisgarh | Goa | Gujarat | Haryana |
| Himachal Pradesh | Jharkhand | Karnataka | Kerala |
| Madhya Pradesh | Maharashtra | Manipur | Meghalaya |
| Mizoram | Nagaland | Odisha | Punjab |
| Rajasthan | Sikkim | Tamil Nadu | Telangana |
| Tripura | Uttar Pradesh | Uttarakhand | West Bengal |
1. Andhra Pradesh – Amravati
2. Arunachal Pradesh – Itanagar
3. Assam – Dispur
4. Bihar – Patna
5. Chhattisgarh – Atal Nagar (Naya Raipur)
6. Goa – Panaji
7. Gujarat – Gandhinagar
8. Haryana – Chandigarh
9. Himachal Pradesh – Shimla/Dharamshala
10. Jharkhand – Ranchi
11. Karnataka – Bengaluru
12. Kerala – Thiruvananthapuram
13. Madhya Pradesh – Bhopal
14. Maharashtra – Mumbai
15. Manipur – Imphal
16. Meghalaya – Shillong
17. Mizoram – Aizawl
18. Nagaland – Kohima
19. Odisha (Orissa) – Bhubaneswar
20. Punjab – Chandigarh
21. Rajasthan – Jaipur
22. Sikkim – Gangtok
23. Tamil Nadu – Chennai
24. Telangana – Hyderabad
25. Tripura – Agartala
26. Uttar Pradesh – Lucknow
27. Uttarakhand – Dehradun
28. West Bengal – Kolkata
States and Union Territories in India – FAQs
1. How many states are there in India?
India has 28 states.
2. How many Union Territories are there in India?
There are 8 Union Territories in India.
3. What is the difference between a state and a Union Territory?
States have their own governments with elected officials, while Union Territories are directly governed by the central government. Some Union Territories, like Delhi and Puducherry, have partial statehood with their own legislatures.
4. Which is the largest state in India by area?
Rajasthan is the largest state in India by area.
5. Which is the smallest state in India by area?
Goa is the smallest state in India by area.
6. What is the capital of India?
New Delhi is the capital of India.
7. Which is the most populous state in India?
Uttar Pradesh is the most populous state in India.
8. Are there any Union Territories with special status?
Yes, Delhi and Puducherry have special status with their own legislative assemblies and certain powers similar to states.
9. Can Union Territories become states?
Yes, Union Territories can be upgraded to statehood through an act of Parliament. For example, Goa was a Union Territory before becoming a state in 1987.
10. Which is the newest Union Territory in India?
Ladakh is one of the newest Union Territories, formed in 2019 when Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized.