Indian States & Territories
A comprehensive directory of India's 28 sovereign states and 8 union territories. Journey through historic fortifications, biological reserves, high-altitude passes, and pristine archipelagos.
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Day-by-Day Itinerary Outline
Andhra Pradesh
South IndiaThe long coromandel coastline, sacred hill temples of Tirumala, ancient Buddhist centers like Amaravati, and delta basins of Krishna and Godavari.
| Capital: | Amaravati |
| Area: | 162,970 km² |
| Districts: | 26 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Tirupati Hills, Araku Valley, Belum Caves
- Iconic Dish: Hyderabadi-style Biryani, Gongura Pachadi
- Best Season: October to March
Arunachal Pradesh
Northeast IndiaLand of the rising sun. Misty mountains, ancient Tibetan monasteries like Tawang, orchid-filled valleys, and rich tribal custom ranges.
| Capital: | Itanagar |
| Area: | 83,743 km² |
| Districts: | 26 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Tawang Monastery, Ziro Valley, Namdapha Park
- Iconic Dish: Thukpa, Zan (millet porridge)
- Best Season: October to April
Assam
Northeast IndiaThe mighty Brahmaputra river plains, green tea estates, and marshy grasslands of Kaziranga harboring the Indian one-horned rhinoceros.
| Capital: | Dispur |
| Area: | 78,438 km² |
| Districts: | 31 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Kaziranga Park, Majuli Island, Kamakhya Temple
- Iconic Dish: Masor Tenga (sour fish curry), Khar
- Best Season: November to April
Bihar
East IndiaThe seat of ancient empires and spiritual philosophies. Where Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi Tree and Vardhamana Mahavira preached.
| Capital: | Patna |
| Area: | 94,163 km² |
| Districts: | 38 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Bodh Gaya Stupas, Nalanda Ruins, Sasaram Tomb
- Iconic Dish: Litti Chokha, Sattu Sharbat, Khaja
- Best Season: October to March
Chhattisgarh
Central IndiaThe dense forest tracts of Bastar, gushing waterfalls, ancient tribal arts and crafts, and historic ruins of Sirpur.
| Capital: | Raipur |
| Area: | 135,192 km² |
| Districts: | 33 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Chitrakote Falls, Bastar Forests, Sirpur Ruins
- Iconic Dish: Chila, Muthia (rice flour rolls)
- Best Season: October to March
Goa
West IndiaPristine white sand coastlines, baroque Portuguese churches, tropical spice plantations, and laid-back coastal villages.
| Capital: | Panaji |
| Area: | 3,702 km² |
| Districts: | 2 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Dudhsagar Falls, Old Goa Churches, Palolem Beach
- Iconic Dish: Fish Curry Rice, Bebinca, Pork Vindaloo
- Best Season: November to February
Gujarat
West IndiaThe salt flats of Rann of Kutch, ancient trading ports of Lothal, sanctuaries of Asiatic lions in Gir, and rich stepwells (Adalaj).
| Capital: | Gandhinagar |
| Area: | 196,024 km² |
| Districts: | 33 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: White Rann of Kutch, Gir Forest, Rani ki Vav
- Iconic Dish: Dhokla, Undhiyu, Gujarati Thali
- Best Season: October to March
Haryana
North IndiaAncient battlegrounds of Kurukshetra, archaeological sites of Indus civilization, and contemporary financial corridors bordering the national capital.
| Capital: | Chandigarh |
| Area: | 44,212 km² |
| Districts: | 22 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary, Kurukshetra, Pinjore Gardens
- Iconic Dish: Kachri ki Sabzi, Bajra Khichri
- Best Season: October to March
Himachal Pradesh
North IndiaAlpine valleys, apple orchards, and snow-capped Himalayan ridges. Home to deep-running rivers and high-altitude Buddhist outposts like Spiti.
| Capital: | Shimla |
| Area: | 55,673 km² |
| Districts: | 12 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Spiti Valley, Triund Meadow, Palampur Tea Gardens
- Iconic Dish: Siddu, Chha Gosht, Trout Fry
- Best Season: March to June & October to November
Jammu & Kashmir
Union TerritorySnowy pine valleys of Gulmarg and Pahalgam, houseboats on Dal Lake, Sufi shrines, and sacred mountain routes.
| Capital: | Srinagar/Jammu |
| Area: | 42,241 km² |
| Districts: | 20 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Dal Lake, Gulmarg Snow Peak, Shalimar Gardens
- Iconic Dish: Wazwan, Kahwa tea, Rogan Josh
- Best Season: March to October
Jharkhand
East IndiaThe land of dense forests, cascading waterfalls, mineral-rich plateaus, and age-old tribal communities honoring nature spirits.
| Capital: | Ranchi |
| Area: | 79,716 km² |
| Districts: | 24 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Hundru Falls, Netarhat Hills, Parasnath Peak
- Iconic Dish: Dhuska, Handia, Rugra Mushroom curry
- Best Season: October to March
Karnataka
South IndiaCradle of stone-carved empires like Hampi, dense coffee plantations in Coorg, pristine beaches of Gokarna, and high-tech urban valleys.
| Capital: | Bengaluru |
| Area: | 191,791 km² |
| Districts: | 31 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Hampi Ruins, Coorg Highlands, Badami Caves
- Iconic Dish: Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore Pak, Ragi Mudde
- Best Season: October to March
Kerala
South IndiaTropical backwaters lined with coconut palms, misty spice hills of Munnar, ayurvedic traditions, and ancient maritime trade links.
| Capital: | Thiruvananthapuram |
| Area: | 38,863 km² |
| Districts: | 14 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Alleppey Backwaters, Munnar Hills, Wayanad Caves
- Iconic Dish: Appam with Stew, Karimeen Pollichathu
- Best Season: September to March
Ladakh
Union TerritoryHigh-altitude cold deserts, crystal alpine lakes (Pangong), ancient cliffside monasteries, and Hanle dark sky reserves.
| Capital: | Leh / Kargil |
| Area: | 59,146 km² |
| Districts: | 2 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Pangong Lake, Thiksey Monastery, Nubra Valley
- Iconic Dish: Thukpa, Skyu (millet pasta), Butter Tea (Gur Gur)
- Best Season: June to September
- Transit: Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport (IXL), Manali-Leh Highway
Delhi
National Capital TerritoryThe ancient imperial capital. From Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar to colonial avenues and vibrant modern street markets.
| Capital: | New Delhi |
| Area: | 1,484 km² |
| Districts: | 11 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort, Chandni Chowk
- Iconic Dish: Butter Chicken, Paranthas, Chole Bhature
- Best Season: October to March
- Transit: Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), New Delhi Junction (NDLS)
Lakshadweep
Union TerritoryAn archipelago of coral islands in the Laccadive Sea. Pristine white sand lagoons, diving spots, and coconut woodlands.
| Capital: | Kavaratti |
| Area: | 32 km² |
| Districts: | 1 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Agatti Island Lagoon, Bangaram Resort, Kadmat Diving
- Iconic Dish: Coconut Tuna Curry, Mus Kavaab, Kadalakka sweet
- Best Season: October to May
- Transit: Agatti Airport (AGT), Passenger ships from Kochi
Andaman & Nicobar
Union TerritoryTropical rainforest islands, volcanic active spots, white sand beaches (Radhanagar), coral reef zones, and historic prison monuments.
| Capital: | Port Blair |
| Area: | 8,249 km² |
| Districts: | 3 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Havelock Island (Radhanagar), Cellular Jail, Ross Island
- Iconic Dish: Seafood Platters, Coconut Prawn Curry, Grilled Fish
- Best Season: October to May
- Transit: Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), Ships from Chennai/Kolkata
Puducherry
Union TerritoryFrench-colonial quarters by the sea, spiritual sanctuaries of Auroville, and tranquil coastal boulevards.
| Capital: | Puducherry |
| Area: | 479 km² |
| Districts: | 4 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Promenade Beach, French Quarter, Auroville Ashram
- Iconic Dish: Kadugu Yerra (shrimp curry), Baguette sandwiches, Crepes
- Best Season: October to March
- Transit: Puducherry Airport (PNY), Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Madhya Pradesh
Central IndiaHeart of India. Famous for dense teak forests housing tigers in Kanha and Bandhavgarh, and stone-carved temples of Khajuraho.
| Capital: | Bhopal |
| Area: | 308,252 km² |
| Districts: | 55 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Khajuraho Temples, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Gwalior Fort
- Iconic Dish: Poha Jalebi, Bhutte Ka Kees
- Best Season: October to March
Maharashtra
West IndiaRock-cut sanctuaries of Ajanta and Ellora, hill forts of Chhatrapati Shivaji, long Konkan shores, and bustling industrial urban centers.
| Capital: | Mumbai |
| Area: | 307,713 km² |
| Districts: | 36 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Ajanta & Ellora Caves, Western Ghats Forts, Konkan Coast
- Iconic Dish: Vada Pav, Misal Pav, Puran Poli
- Best Season: October to March
Manipur
Northeast IndiaThe floating islands (phumdis) of Loktak lake, classical Manipuri dance heritages, and valleys surrounded by pine-forested peaks.
| Capital: | Imphal |
| Area: | 22,327 km² |
| Districts: | 16 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Loktak Lake, Sendra Island, Kangla Fort
- Iconic Dish: Eromba, Chamthong (vegetable stew)
- Best Season: October to April
Meghalaya
Northeast IndiaThe abode of clouds. Wettest places on Earth (Cherrapunji & Mawsynram), bio-engineered living root bridges, and deep limestone caverns.
| Capital: | Shillong |
| Area: | 22,429 km² |
| Districts: | 12 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Cherrapunji root bridges, Mawlynnong, Laitlum Canyons
- Iconic Dish: Jadoh (spiced rice), Doh-Khlieh
- Best Season: September to May
Mizoram
Northeast IndiaGently rolling blue hills, bamboo groves, mist-covered valleys, and traditional Mizo lifestyles centered on forest conservation.
| Capital: | Aizawl |
| Area: | 21,081 km² |
| Districts: | 11 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Vantawng Falls, Phawngpui Blue Mountain, Reiek Hill
- Iconic Dish: Bai (mixed vegetable stew), Vawksa Rep
- Best Season: October to April
Nagaland
Northeast IndiaHills carpeted in seasonal flowers, home of the diverse Naga tribes, historic WWII relics, and annual cultural celebrations.
| Capital: | Kohima |
| Area: | 16,579 km² |
| Districts: | 16 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Dzukou Valley, Kisama Heritage Village, Khonoma Green Village
- Iconic Dish: Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoots
- Best Season: October to May
Odisha
East IndiaAncient temples of Kalinga dynasty, saltwater lagoons like Chilika, nesting shores of olive ridley turtles, and deep tribal forest zones.
| Capital: | Bhubaneswar |
| Area: | 155,707 km² |
| Districts: | 30 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake, Gahirmatha Beach
- Iconic Dish: Dalma, Pakhala Bhat, Rasagola
- Best Season: October to March
Punjab
North IndiaThe land of five rivers, fertile wheat plains, and vibrant folklore. Renowned for spiritual sanctuaries, historic landmarks, and rich culinary traditions.
| Capital: | Chandigarh |
| Area: | 50,362 km² |
| Districts: | 23 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Golden Temple, Wagah Border, Jallianwala Bagh
- Iconic Dish: Sarson Ka Saag, Makki Ki Roti, Butter Chicken
- Best Season: October to March
Rajasthan
West IndiaThe vast Thar desert, golden sandstone forts, lake palaces of Udaipur, and the deep chivalric tales of Rajput kingdoms.
| Capital: | Jaipur |
| Area: | 342,239 km² |
| Districts: | 33 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Jaisalmer Fort, Udaipur Lakes, Bundi Stepwells
- Iconic Dish: Dal Baati Churma, Laal Maas, Ker Sangri
- Best Season: October to March
Sikkim
Northeast IndiaSovereign heights of Kangchenjunga, glacial lakes, blooming rhododendron hills, and high monasteries overlooking valleys.
| Capital: | Gangtok |
| Area: | 7,096 km² |
| Districts: | 6 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Gurudongmar Lake, Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery
- Iconic Dish: Momos, Thukpa, Gundruk (fermented greens)
- Best Season: March to May & October to December
Tamil Nadu
South IndiaDravidian temple capitals adorned with soaring gopurams, classical musical heritages, and coastlines along the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean.
| Capital: | Chennai |
| Area: | 130,058 km² |
| Districts: | 38 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Madurai Meenakshi Temple, Ooty Hills, Mahabalipuram Ruins
- Iconic Dish: Idli Sambar, Chettinad Chicken, Filter Coffee
- Best Season: November to March
Telangana
South IndiaImperial monuments of Golconda and Kakatiya, rugged Deccan plateaus, rich tribal weaves, and historic Nizami cultures.
| Capital: | Hyderabad |
| Area: | 112,077 km² |
| Districts: | 33 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Golconda Fort, Warangal Fort, Charminar
- Iconic Dish: Hyderabadi Haleem, Biryani, Sarva Pindi
- Best Season: October to March
Tripura
Northeast IndiaNeermahal water palace in the middle of Rudrasagar, rock carvings of Unakoti, and deep forests filled with rich bamboo craft works.
| Capital: | Agartala |
| Area: | 10,491 km² |
| Districts: | 8 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Unakoti Rock Carvings, Neermahal Palace, Ujjayanta Palace
- Iconic Dish: Mui Borok, Wahan Mosdeng (pork salad)
- Best Season: October to March
Uttar Pradesh
North IndiaThe cultural heartland of Gangetic civilization. Home to the oldest continuously inhabited city of Varanasi, grand medieval architecture, and historic ruins.
| Capital: | Lucknow |
| Area: | 243,286 km² |
| Districts: | 75 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Varanasi Ghats, Agra Taj Mahal, Bateshwar Temples
- Iconic Dish: Tunday Kababi, Petha, Awadhi Biryani
- Best Season: October to March
Uttarakhand
North IndiaLand of the gods, soaring alpine meadows (bugyals), and deep gorges. Cradle of the sacred Ganges and Yamuna rivers with dense oak and pine forests.
| Capital: | Dehradun |
| Area: | 53,483 km² |
| Districts: | 13 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Valley of Flowers, Rishikesh Ghats, Chopta Meadows
- Iconic Dish: Kafuli, Phaanu, Aloo ke Gutke
- Best Season: March to June & October to November
West Bengal
East IndiaFrom tea plantations of Darjeeling to mangrove forests of Sundarbans. Center of colonial architecture, literary renaissances, and art.
| Capital: | Kolkata |
| Area: | 88,752 km² |
| Districts: | 23 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Darjeeling Hills, Sundarbans Mangroves, Shantiniketan
- Iconic Dish: Machher Jhol (fish curry), Rosogolla, Sandesh
- Best Season: October to March
Andaman & Nicobar
Union TerritoryTropical rainforest islands, volcanic active spots, white sand beaches (Radhanagar), coral reef zones, and historic prison monuments.
| Capital: | Port Blair |
| Area: | 8,249 km² |
| Districts: | 3 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Havelock Island, Cellular Jail, Ross Island
- Iconic Dish: Seafood Platters, Coconut Prawn Curry
- Best Season: October to May
Chandigarh
Union TerritoryLe Corbusier's modern city planning, Rock Garden, and tree-lined avenues sitting at the base of Shivalik hills.
| Capital: | Chandigarh |
| Area: | 114 km² |
| Districts: | 1 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Rose Garden, Sector 17 Plaza
- Iconic Dish: Butter Chicken, Amritsari Kulcha, Lassi, Chole Bhature
- Best Season: October to March
- Transit: Chandigarh Airport (IXC), Chandigarh Junction (CDG)
Dadra & NH & DD
Union TerritoryPortuguese coastal forts, sun-kissed sands of Diu, forest rivers of Silvassa, and ancient trading channels.
| Capital: | Daman |
| Area: | 603 km² |
| Districts: | 3 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Diu Fort, Naida Caves, Devka Beach in Daman, Silvassa Gardens
- Iconic Dish: Seafood Platters, Dhokla, Local fish curry, Toddy
- Best Season: November to February
- Transit: Surat Airport (STV), Vapi Railway Station (VAPI)
Delhi
Union TerritoryThe ancient imperial capital. From Humayun's Tomb and Qutub Minar to colonial avenues and vibrant modern street markets.
| Capital: | New Delhi |
| Area: | 1,484 km² |
| Districts: | 11 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Qutub Minar, Humayun's Tomb, Chandni Chowk
- Iconic Dish: Butter Chicken, Paranthas, Chole Bhature
- Best Season: October to March
Lakshadweep
Union TerritoryAn archipelago of coral islands in the Laccadive Sea. Pristine white sand lagoons, diving spots, and coconut woodlands.
| Capital: | Kavaratti |
| Area: | 32 km² |
| Districts: | 1 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Agatti Island Lagoon, Bangaram Beach, Kadmat Diving
- Iconic Dish: Coconut Tuna Curry, Mus Kavaab
- Best Season: October to May
Puducherry
Union TerritoryFrench-colonial quarters by the sea, spiritual sanctuaries of Auroville, and tranquil coastal boulevards.
| Capital: | Puducherry |
| Area: | 479 km² |
| Districts: | 4 |
Highlights & Gastronomy
- Top Sights: Promenade Beach, French Quarter, Auroville
- Iconic Dish: Kadugu Yerra (shrimp curry), Baguette sandwiches
- Best Season: October to March