We can only skim the surface of India’s vast culture and heritage which can be seen in its 28 states and 8 union territories. Interested in knowing more about the 28 states of India, their capitals, and their languages? You have come to the right place. The following is a detailed list of Indian state capitals and languages.
India is a vast and diverse country with picturesque landscapes to vibrant cities. Each Indian state has something unique to offer. Exploring them all is a journey worth taking!
Each of these states has its own unique culture, language, customs, traditions, and even food. As such, it is impossible to talk about India without talking about its states. Here are some of the most famous things about the Indian states.
What is the number of states in India?
India consists of 28 states and 8 union territories. In the first half of 2019, India had 29 states and 7 union territories, which may cause some of you to reconsider the number of states.
Jammu and Kashmir reorganized into Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh after article 370 was rescinded and the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 was passed.
Talking about the newest addition, Telangana is the newest state on the list. In addition, the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh are included.
List of 28 States of India with Capitals and Languages
| S.No. | Name | Capital | Major Language |
| 1. | Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati | Telugu |
| 2. | Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar | English, Nissi |
| 3. | Assam | Dispur | Assamese |
| 4. | Bihar | Patna | Hindi |
| 5. | Chhattisgarh | Raipur | Hindi |
| 6. | Goa | Panaji | Konkani |
| 7. | Gujarat | Gandhinagar | Gujarati |
| 8. | Haryana | Chandigarh | Hindi |
| 9. | Himachal Pradesh | Shimla | Hindi |
| 10. | Jharkhand | Ranchi | Hindi |
| 11. | Karnataka | Bangalore | Kannada |
| 12. | Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram | Malayalam |
| 13. | Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | Hindi |
| 14. | Maharashtra | Mumbai | Marathi |
| 15. | Manipur | Imphal | Meitei |
| 16. | Meghalaya | Shillong | Khasi, English |
| 17. | Mizoram | Aizawl | Lushai, English |
| 18. | Nagaland | Kohima | English, Ao |
| 19. | Odisha | Bhubaneswar | Odia |
| 20. | Punjab | Chandigarh | Punjabi |
| 21. | Rajasthan | Jaipur | Hindi |
| 22. | Sikkim | Gangtok | Nepali, English |
| 23. | Tamil Nadu | Chennai | Tamil |
| 24. | Telangana | Hyderabad | Telugu |
| 25. | Tripura | Agartala | Bangla |
| 26. | Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow | Hindi |
| 27. | Uttrakhand | Dehradun | Hindi |
| 28. | West Bengal | Kolkata | Bangla |
8 Union Territories and Languages
| S.No | Union Territories | Language |
| 1 | Andaman And Nicobar Islands | Hindi, English |
| 1 | Chandigarh | Hindi, English, Punjabi |
| 2 | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Hindi, English |
| 4 | Lakshadweep | Hindi, English |
| 5 | Puducherry | Tamil, English, French, |
| 6 | Delhi | Urdu, Hindi, English |
| 7 | Jammu & Kashmir | Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, Urdu, English |
| 8 | Ladakh | Hindi, English |
28 States of India – Unity In Diversity
1. Andhra Pradesh | Capital – Amaravati | Language – Telugu
Andhra Pradesh is India’s seventh-largest state by area and tenth-most populous state, with a population of over 50 million. It is known for its longest coastline, the second-largest in India. Popular attractions include Tirupati Venkateswara Temple and Krishna Wildlife Sanctuary.
2. Arunachal Pradesh | Capital – Itanagar | Language – English
Arunachal Pradesh is India’s easternmost state located in the foothills of the Himalayas and known for its natural beauty. Popular attractions include Sela Pass, Ziro Valley, and Pankang Teng Tso Lake.
3. Assam | Capital – Dispur | Language – Assamese
Assam is a state in northeastern India, known for its wildlife, tea plantations, and archaeological sites. Popular attractions include Majuli Island, Kaziranga National Park, Manas Wildlife Sanctuary, and Kamakhya Temple.
It is famous for its tea plantations and wildlife sanctuaries like Kaziranga National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
4. Bihar | Capital – Patna | Language – Maithili, Bhojpuri, Magahi
Bihar is one of the oldest inhabited places in the world with more than 3 million people living in it. Popular attractions include Bodh Gaya Temple Complex, Nalanda University Ruins, Vaishali Stupa, and Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary.
5. Chhattisgarh | Capital: Raipur | Language: Chhattisgarhi
Chhattisgarh is located in central India and is known for its cultural diversity and religious harmony. Popular attractions include Bhoramdeo Temple Complex, Chitrakote Falls, Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary, and Maheshwar Ghat.
6. Goa | Capital: Panaji | Language: Konkani
Goa is the smallest state in India located in western India known for its beaches, churches, and temples. Popular attractions include Old Goa churches, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Anjuna Beach, and Se Cathedral.
It is an extremely popular destination amongst tourists due to its majestic beaches and delicious seafood.
7. Gujarat | Capital: Gandhinagar | Language: Gujarati
Gujarat is a state located in western India known for the Great Rann of Kutch Salt desert, Gir forest national park and Asiatic lion sanctuary, and the Sabarmati Ashram. Popular attractions include Somnath Temple, Dwarkadhish temple at Dwarka city, and Rani Ki Vav stepwell in Patan City.
It is home to the Sabarmati Ashram, where Mahatma Gandhi started his non-violent movement for independence as well as the Rann of Kutch, an extensive salt marsh in India’s westernmost state.
8. Haryana | Capital: Chandigarh | Languages: Hindi and Punjabi
Haryana is a state located in northern India known for its heritage and culture. Popular attractions include Surajkund International Crafts Mela, Sultanpur National Park, Kalesar National Park, and Bahadurgarh Fort.
9. Himachal Pradesh | Capital: Shimla | Language: Hindi
Himachal Pradesh is a state located in northern India known for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture. Popular attractions include Kullu Valley, Churdhar Peak, Shimla Mall Road, Great Himalayan National Park, and Khajjiar Lake.
10. Jharkhand | Capital: Ranchi | Languages: Mundari and Sadri
Jharkhand is a state located in eastern India known for its mineral reserves and tribal culture. Popular attractions include Ranchi Hill, Netarhat Hills, Deoghar Temple, and Parasnath Hills.
11. Karnataka | Capital: Bengaluru | Language: Kannada
Karnataka is a state located in southern India renowned for its historical monuments, temples, and beautiful beaches on the western coast of India. Popular attractions include Mysore Palace, Nandi Hills, Hampi Ruins, Bannerghatta National Park, and Gokarna Beach.
It is home to the IT hub of India – Bangalore and is also known for its Mysore silk sarees and sandalwood oil.
12. Kerala | Capital: Thiruvananthapuram | Language: Malayalam
Kerala is a state located in southwestern India known for its backwaters, Ayurvedic treatments, and tropical greenery. Popular attractions include Munnar, Alappuzha beach, Periyar National Park, Vembanad Lake, and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. The major martyr Sandeep Unnikrishnan hails from this place.
Renowned for its Ayurvedic treatments and backwaters, where boat ride through palm-fringed lagoons are popular.
13. Madhya Pradesh | Capital: Bhopal | Language: Hindi
Madhya Pradesh is a state located in central India known for its wildlife sanctuaries and monuments. Popular attractions include the Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Sanchi Stupa, Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park.
14. Maharashtra | Capital: Mumbai | Languages: Marathi and Hindi
Maharashtra located in the western region of the country which has many historical sites as well as modern cities such as Mumbai. Popular attractions include Elephanta Caves, Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Marine Drive, and Gateway of India.
Home to the iconic Gateway of India, a grand arch located in Mumbai. It is also home to the world’s largest film industry, Bollywood.
15. Manipur | Capital: Imphal | Languages: Meitei, Thadou-Kuki, Nepali, and Kri
Manipur is a state located in the northeastern region of India known for its picturesque landscapes, culture, and festivals. Popular attractions include Imphal War Cemetery, Keibul Lamjao National Park, Loktak Lake, and Sendra Island.
16. Meghalaya | Capital: Shillong | Languages: English and Khasi
Meghalaya is a state located in northeastern India known for its rolling hills, lush valleys, and vibrant tribal cultures. Popular attractions include Cherrapunji – Mawsmai Cave Adventure Tour, Nohkalikai Falls, Shillong Peak Trekking, and Living Root Bridges.
17. Mizoram | Capital: Aizwal | Language: Mizo
Mizoram is a state located in northeastern India known for its tribal culture and scenic beauty. Popular attractions include Phawngpui, Champhai, Reiek Tlang Peak, and Tam Dil Lake.
18. Nagaland | Capital: Kohima | Languages: Angami, Ao Naga, Chang Naga, etc.
Nagaland is a state located in the northeastern region of India known for its various tribes and vibrant festivals such as the Hornbill Festival. Popular attractions include Kohima War Cemetery, Dzukou Valley, Kachari Ruins, and Intangki National Park.
19. Odisha | Capital: Bhubaneswar | Language: Odia
Odisha is a state located on the east coast of India renowned for its magnificent temples, traditional crafts, and delicious cuisine. Popular attractions include Konark Sun Temple, Chilika Lake, Udayagiri and Khandagiri Caves, and Bhitarkanika National Park.
20. Punjab | Capital: Chandigarh | Languages: Punjabi and Hindi
Punjab is a state located in northern India known for its vibrant culture, religious heritage, and scenic beauty. Popular attractions include Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, Wagah Border Ceremony, and Ropar Wetland Sanctuary.
21. Rajasthan | Capital: Jaipur | Languages: Rajasthani and Hindi
Rajasthan is a state located in the northwest region of India known for its colorful cities and majestic palaces. Popular attractions include Jaisalmer Fort, Amer Fort, Hawa Mahal and Ranthambore National Park.
It has a rich cultural heritage with palaces and colorful festivals like Pushkar Camel Fair that attract tourists from all over the world.
22. Sikkim | Capital: Gangtok | Languages: Nepali and English
Sikkim is a state located in the northeastern region of India known for its majestic mountains, beautiful lakes and lush valleys. Popular attractions include Nathula Pass, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgo Lake, and Yumthang Valley.
23. Tamil Nadu | Capital: Chennai | Language: Tamil
Tamil Nadu is a state located in southern India renowned for its architectural monuments and vibrant traditional culture. Popular attractions include Mahabalipuram, Meenakshi Temple, Kanyakumari Beach, and Ooty Hill Station. The famous CEO of Sunrisers Hyderabad Kavya Maran is from this place and owns a whole IPL Team.
24. Telangana | Capital: Hyderabad | Language: Telugu
Telangana is a state located in southwestern India known for its ancient temples, historic sites, and natural beauty. Popular attractions include Golconda Fort, Charminar, Ramappa Temple, and Warangal Fort.
25. Tripura | Capital: Agartala | Languages: Kokborok and Bengali
Tripura is a state located in the northeastern region of India known for its vibrant tribal culture and natural beauty. Popular attractions include Neermahal, Jampui Hills, Ujjayanta Palace, and Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary.
26. Uttar Pradesh | Capital: Lucknow | Languages: Hindi and Urdu
Uttar Pradesh is a state located in northern India renowned for its ancient monuments, spiritual heritage, and beautiful landscapes. Popular attractions include the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Ganges River, and Varanasi Ghats.
It is known for its Taj Mahal, the iconic symbol of love, and also for Lucknow’s famous Awadhi cuisine.
27. Uttarakhand | Capital: Dehradun | Languages: Hindi, Garhwali and Kumaoni
Uttarakhand is a state located in northwestern India known for its Himalayan peaks and picturesque mountain towns. Popular attractions include Nainital Lake, Valley of Flowers National Park, Kedarnath Temple, and Har Ki Dun Trek.
28. West Bengal | Capital: Kolkata | Languages: Bengali and English
West Bengal is a state located in eastern India known for its vibrant culture, architecture and delicious cuisine. Popular attractions include Victoria Memorial Hall, Sunderbans National Park, Digha Beach, and Darjeeling Toy Train Ride.
It is home to Kolkata, the city of joy and one of India’s most important cultural centers. The state is also well-known for its delicious sweetmeats.
8 Union Territories of India
1. Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Capital: Port Blair | Languages: Hindi & English
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal known for their pristine beaches and lush tropical forests. Popular attractions include Radhanagar Beach, Cellular Jail National Monument, Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, and Barren Island Volcano.
2. Chandigarh | Language English, Hindi, Punjabi
Chandigarh is a union territory located in northern India known for its modern architectural designs and cultural vibrancy. Popular attractions include Rock Garden, Zakir Hussain Rose Garden, Sukhna Lake, and International Dolls Museum.
3. Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Language Hindi, English
Dadra & Nagar Haveli are two separate union territories located in western India known for their lush green forests and tribal culture. Popular attractions include Vanganga Lake Garden, Dudhani Dam, Vanvihar National Park, and Swaminarayan Temple Silvassa.
Daman & Diu are two separate union territories that were merged into Dadra and Nagar haveli on 26th January 2020. It is located on the western coast of India known for their serene beaches and colonial architecture. Popular attractions include Devka Beach, Jampore Beach, Diu Fort, and St. Paul’s Church.
4. Lakshadweep | Language Hindi, English
Lakshadweep is a group of islands located in the Arabian Sea known for its spectacular coral reefs, pristine beaches, and diverse marine life. Popular attractions include Bangaram Island, Kadmat Island, Minicoy Lighthouse, and Kavaratti Aquarium.
5. Puducherry | Language Tamil, English, French
Puducherry (formerly Pondicherry) is a union territory located on the southeastern coast of India known for its French-colonial heritage and beautiful coastline. Popular attractions include Paradise Beach, Aurobindo Ashram, Promenade Beach, and Chunnambar Backwater.
6. Delhi | Language Urdu, Hindi, English
Delhi is the capital of India located in northern India known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Popular attractions include Red Fort, Qutub Minar, Rashtrapati Bhavan, and Humayun’s Tomb.
7. Jammu & Kashmir | Language Kashmiri, Dogri, Hindi, Urdu, English
Jammu & Kashmir is a state located in northern India renowned for its natural beauty and diverse cultural heritage. Popular attractions include Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Gulmarg Gondola Ride, and Amarnath Cave Temple.
8. Ladakh | Language Hindi, English
Ladakh is a region located in the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir known for its majestic mountains, serene monasteries, and stunning natural beauty. Popular attractions include Pangong Tso, Nubra Valley, Thiksey Monastery, and Hemis National Park.
Conclusion
India is a country of immense beauty and diversity. From the cultural vibrancy of West Bengal to the beaches of Goa, there is something for everyone in this beautiful country. Whether you are looking to explore historical monuments or experience tranquil nature spot.
India offers a unique travel experience like no other Asian nation. With so many attractions on offer, India is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore its vibrant culture and captivating landscapes.
