There is a famous saying,” If you visit all the states of India, you will get a taste of the whole world”. Planet Earth blessed India with unparalleled natural resources. She can offer you anything you want to see, rainforests, falls, sea, mountains, deserts, lakes, snowfall, and whatnot. In other words, visiting this wonderful country can provide you with the experience of seeing the world. In this article we will give you a brief overview about the provinces of India.
India is the largest South Asian country, filled with natural and cultural diversity. Due to its unique geolocation, the country has always been the center of attraction. It is the seventh largest country in the world and second in Asia. She has a total land area of 1,269,219 square miles (about twice the size of Alaska). The Indian Ocean bounds it in the south, the Arabian sea in the west, and the Bay of Bengal in the east. 400 rivers crisscrosses the country like a spider web. Most come from the Himalayas, where melting snow and glaciers created them. The Indo-Australian plate, often known as the Indian plate, is located in the north.
- Official Name: Republic of India
- Spoken language: India has more than 447 languages, including 22 official languages, but Hindi is the most widely spoken language.
- The official unit of currency: the Indian Rupee (INR)
- Capital: New Delhi
- Population: 1.38 billion
- Average International Tourist: 17 million per year
- Parliament Type: Bicameral
- UNESCO Heritage Sites: 40, including Sundarbans national park, Taj Mahal, etc.
States of India
The Indian government divided the country into 29 states and eight unions by the empowerment of the Constitution. A chief minister rules every state. Every state and union territory in India has administrative, legislative, and judicial capital. Maharashtra is the richest among the states, with a high GDP (Gross domestic product).
Andhra Pradesh:
Andhra Pradesh is the seventh largest state in India and covers approximately 62,000 square miles (about twice the area of Kentucky). The state is in the country’s south-eastern coast, beside Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Chhattisgarh. People refer to Andhra Pradesh as the Kohinoor of India. Some even address AP as The Rice Bowl of India. Amravati will serve as the state capital after Hyderabad gets de jure in 2024. Andhra Pradesh consists 13 districts.
Arunachal Pradesh:
Arunachal is one of the greenest states in the country and the largest of the seven sisters. It is popular as The Land of Rising Sun or The Land of Dawn-lit Mountains. The state has an area of 32,300 square miles (about the size of South Carolina). Itanagar is the state capital of Arunachal Pradesh. If you are looking forward to visiting a place with untouched raw beauty, then Arunachal is the place you are finding. Arunachal shares a border with China, Myanmar, and its sister state Assam. Arunachal Pradesh has 26 districts.
Assam:
Assam, one of the members of the member of seven sisters, is a part of Northeast India. It is the 16th largest state of India and has an area of 30,300 square miles. Dispur serves as the capital of Assam. Assam sits on the bank of the mighty Brahmaputra River and shares its border with seven states.
Assam has a direct connection with two of the neighboring countries, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. It has an Interstate border with Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Arunachal, Mizoram, West Bengal, and Meghalaya. Assam has 35 districts.
Bihar:
Bihar, historically one of the wealthiest states of India, is a part of Eastern India and is the 12th largest state in the country. The state has strong ties with Buddhism and Jainism, as Buddha and Mahavira visited this state while preaching. In fact, according to the Hindu scripture Ramayana, Sita was born in Mithila in Bihar. Patna is the capital of Bihar. The state has an area of 36,300 square miles (about the size of Ohio). Bihar is bordered by the neighboring country Nepal and three Indian states, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. Bihar is divided into 38 districts.
Chhattisgarh:
Chhattisgarh, a state in central India, is the 9th largest state of India. Like Andhra Pradesh, it is known as The Rich Bowl of India. The total area of Chhattisgarh is about 52,200 square miles (nearly half the size of Arizona). Raipur, the central city of Chhattisgarh, is the state’s capital.
Chhattisgarh has the country’s widest waterfalls, caverns, beautiful green woods, historical monuments, uncommon wild species, artistically curved temples, Buddhist sites, and mountainous plateaus. The state is bordered by Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh. The state of Chhattisgarh is split into 33 districts.
Goa:
Goa, also known as The Pearl of The Orient, is the 28th largest state in India. It is located on the nation’s southern coast. Its size is around 1400 square miles. The state’s capital is in Panaji. In India, Goa resembles a little Caribbean Island.
Awe-inspiring beaches, delectable seafood, thrilling water sports, sea and cruise, nightclubs, architectural wonders, and more may be found there. Between Maharashtra and Karnataka, the state is located. Goa is split into the North and South Goa districts.
Gujarat:
Gujarat, a part of the Western Coast of India, is known as the Land of Legends. The state is referred to be Western India’s Jewel. With a surface size of 75,700 square miles, it is the fifth-largest state in India. Gujarat’s state capital is Gandhinagar.
I consider Gujarat the cultural capital of India because of its awe-inspiring cultural heritage. The state is famous for its traditional Garba Dance, the white desert of Kutch, Mouthwatering foods like Dhokla, Thepla, and the list. The state of Gujarat has 33 districts.
Haryana:
Haryana, also known as The Denmark of India, is the 20th largest state in India. It is situated in Northern India and is bordered by Punjab and Rajasthan. Uttar Pradesh and Himachal. It has an area of 17,000 square miles (about twice the size of Vermont). Chandigarh serves as the state’s capital. Haryana is famous for its folk music, dancing, handicrafts, ceramics, and many types of needlework and knitting. Haryana is split into 22 districts.
Himachal Pradesh:
Himachal Pradesh is often regarded as Dev Vumi or The Land of Gods. It is the 17th largest state in India, with an area of 21,500 square miles. The state sits between Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh and is bordered by Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, and Tibet. Some of you might be surprised, but Himachal Pradesh has two capitals, Shimla in the summer and Dharamshala in the winter. This state is widely famous for its Himalayan landscapes and popular hill stations. Himachal Pradesh consists of 12 districts.
Jammu and Kashmir:
Jammu and Kashmir, also known as The Paradise on Earth, is India’s 2nd largest union territory. It has an area of 16,300 square miles. Jammu is the winter capital of the state, and Sri Nagar follows as the capital in the summer. Jammu and Kashmir are split into 22 districts. The state’s natural beauty and breathtaking sites make it a preferred tourist hotspot worldwide. The temples of Jammu are well-known; meanwhile, the lakes and orchards of the Kashmir Region are so famous.
Jharkhand:
Jharkhand, sometimes regarded as The Land of Forests, is the 15th largest state in India. The state is a part of Eastern India, featuring an area of 30,800 square miles. Ranchi serves as the state capital of Jharkhand. Jharkhand could be called Little Russia because of its stock of Mineral and natural resources like Uranium, Bauxite, Gold, Graphite, Magnetite, Fireclay, Quartz, Coal, etc. Jharkhand is divided into 24 districts.
Karnataka:
Karnataka, previously known as The State of Mysore, is the 6th largest state in India. The size of this Southern state is 74,100 square miles. The state is famous for its stunning architecture and historical sites. The state capital of Karnataka is the well-known city of Bengaluru (Bangalore). Karnataka consists of 34 districts.
Kerala:
Kerala, alternatively known as Malabar, is the 21st largest state in India. This state sits in Southern India and features an area of 15000 square miles. Kerala is praised for its distinctive qualities, tranquil backwaters, immaculate beaches, artistic techniques, and spices. Kerala’s state capital is Thiruvananthapuram. There are 14 districts in Kerala.
Madhya Pradesh:
Madhya Pradesh is called The Heart of India because of its position on the Indian map. It is the 2nd largest state in India, with an area of 119,000 square miles (about half the size of Texas). Bhopal serves as the capital of the state.
Madhya Pradesh is incredibly famous for its ease of access to other states. The state has harbored the social and traditional legacy of every faith. Across the state, many artifacts exist, intricately carved temples, pagodas, citadels, and castles. There are 50 districts in Madhya Pradesh.
Maharashtra:
Maharashtra, also known as the Gateway of India, is the 3rd largest state in India. The state has an area of 118,800 square miles. Mumbai is the state capital of Maharashtra. Maharashtra is the country’s commercial capital, so the state is called The Gateway of India. Bollywood, one of the most famous film cities in the world, is situated in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This state also features a lot of stunning beaches and UNESCO Heritage sites. There are 36 districts in Maharashtra.
Manipur:
Manipur, the 23rd largest state in India, is sometimes considered the Jewel of India. The state is a part of Northeastern India, featuring an area of 8,600 square miles. Imphal serves as the state’s capital and is the central district. The province has a rich cultural history that extends back hundreds of years.
It is the birthplace of Ras Lila, a well-known type of classical dance developed by Maharaja Bhagya Chandra. Manipur is also the birthplace of modern polo, which the locals refer to as ‘Sagol Kangjei.’ Manipur is divided into six administrative districts.
Meghalaya:
Meghalaya, a part of Northeastern India, is called The Abode of Clouds because of its ever-white clouded sky. It is India’s 22nd biggest state. The state covers around 8,800 square miles. Shillong is the state capital of Meghalaya. This state is very famous for its magnificent monsoons, several elaborate traditional celebrations, and stunning scenery. There are 11 districts in Meghalaya.
Mizoram:
Mizoram, a Northeastern state of India, is also famous by the name, The Land of Hills. It is the 24th largest state in India, featuring an area of about 8,100 square miles. Aizawl, the central district, serves as the state capital. Mizoram, located in the southernmost corner of northeastern India, is famous for its emerald mountains and lush bamboo jungles.
The highlands, poplar as the Land of Blue Mountains, are in converge with flowing rivers and magnificent dazzling waterfalls. Mizoram has 11 districts.
Nagaland:
Nagaland, the 25th largest state of India, also goes by the name, The Falcon of the word or the Switzerland of the East. The state of Nagaland has an area of 6,400 square miles. Kohima is the state capital of Nagaland.
Every ethnic event is celebrated with grandeur and joy, decorated in rich and colorful traditional costumes. Nagaland is divided into 16 districts.
Odisha:
Odisha, the 8th largest state of India, is also known as the Land of Lord Jagannath. It is 60,100 square miles in size. In Odisha, there are 30 districts. The state capital of Odisha is Bhubaneswar.
Odisha is well-known for its cultural treasures and breathtaking scenery. From beaches to holy sites, Odisha has a wealth of tourism possibilities for visitors worldwide.
Punjab:
Punjab, an essential part of Northern India, is the 19th largest state in India. The state is also in demand as The Land of Rivers. Punjab has an area of about 19,400 square miles. The state is the heart of the Indian Sikh community. It shares Chandigarh as the state capital with Haryana.
Punjab has always produced great preachers and warriors. Sikhism originated in Punjab. The Sri Harmandir Sahib (or Golden Temple), the grandest of Sikh sanctuaries, is in Amritsar. Three of Sikhism’s five Takhts (Temporal Seats of Religious Authority) are in Punjab. There are 36 districts in Punjab.
Rajasthan:
Rajasthan, featuring an area of about 132,100 square miles, is the largest state in India. The state of Rajasthan is renowned for its textiles, semi precious stones, craftspeople, and distinctive and bright art. The state also goes by the epithet “Land of Kings.” Rajasthan’s state capital is Jaipur.
Rajasthani interiors are famous for their beautiful carvings and vibrant hues. Famous prints include block patterns, tie, and dye lithographs, Bagaru designs, Sanganer etchings, and Zari needlework. Rajasthan has.
Sikkim:
Sikkim, the 27th largest state in India, is quite popular as The Hidden valley of Rice. The state of Sikkim, a region of the Eastern Himalayan Mountains, is popular for its bio-diversity, encompassing glacial and subtropical temperatures, and being home to Kangchenjunga, India’s tallest peak and the third highest on the planet. It has an area of 7,100 square miles. Gangtok is the state capital of Sikkim. There are six districts in Sikkim.
Tamil Nadu:
Tamil Nadu, famous for its temples, is the 10th largest state in India. The Land of Temples is the state’s well-known nickname. The size of Tamil Nadu is around 50,200 square miles. The capital of Tamil Nadu is Chennai.
Tamil Nadu is well-known for its temples, festivities, and cultural gatherings. Mamallapuram’s Hindu temples and monuments have become popular tourist destinations. There are 38 districts in Tamil Nadu.
Telangana:
Telangana, a southern state of India, is the 11th largest state in the country. Due to the existence of three ancient temples there, people refer it as Trilinga Desa. The size of the state is around 43,300 square miles. Telangana’s state capital is Hyderabad. Telangana is well-known around the globe for its magnificent copper sculptures, which need promising talents to create great idols.
Nirmal is famous across the globe for its diverse range of handicrafts, which they created using the most incredible traditional skills to produce wonders. Telangana has 33 districts.
Tripura:
Tripura, also known as Hill Tipperah, is the 26th largest state in India. This state is famous for its stunning natural views, but it is also popular for its ethnic culture and cuisine. Tripura is famous for its parks, toy trains, beautiful meadows, and other attractions. Tripura’s state capital is Agartala. The size of Tripura is 4,100 square miles. Tripura consists of eight districts.
Uttarakhand:
Uttarakhand is the 18th largest state in India. Like Himachal Pradesh, People also refer Uttarakhand as the Land of Gods because there are different deities in every village. Uttarakhand features an area of about 20,700 square miles. Like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand has two state capitals. Dehradun is the winter capital, and Gairsain is the summer capital.
Uttarakhand is popular for its majestic Himalayas, holy rivers, spirituality centers, and enthralling terrain. The state is popular for adventurous activities, an enthralling variety of plants and wildlife, a fascinating history written in archaic stones, and the humblest people. Uttarakhand has 13 districts.
Uttar Pradesh:
Uttar Pradesh is also familiar as the United provinces of Agra and Oudh. It is the 4th largest state of India, featuring an area of about 93,900 square miles. Lucknow is the state capital of Uttar Pradesh. The Taj Mahal and Varanasi, the holiest city in Hinduism, are two of India’s most popular tourist attractions. One of the eight types of Indian classical dance, known as Kathak, has its roots in Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh consists of 75 districts.
West Bengal:
Even Though West Bengal sits in the Eastern part of India, people refer to is as West Bengal, because it is in the west of Bangladesh, previously popular as East Bengal. West Bengal covers 34,300 square kilometers of land. The state capital of West Bengal is Kolkata. West Bengal is famous for its extensive choice of sweets and Terracotta writings. In West Bengal, there are 23 districts.
How to get Visa
India has 89 Embassies and 108 Consulates spread all over the world. People from 156 countries can get the Indian E-visa service. Citizens of several countries cannot apply online and must obtain a visa from an Indian embassy instead. According to the visa policy of India, some nationals like- Nepal and Bhutan can enter the country visa-free and stay indefinitely. The citizens of Maldives can enter and stay in India without a visa for up to 90 days (about three months). It also provides on-arrival access for 75 countries. These are some of the requirements:
- Must have six months of a valid passport beyond the date of visa application.
- Two blank pages on your passport are needed.
- Travelers must enter on a paper visa, valid for ten years for U.S. citizens, or an e-tourist visa.
For more information about Indian Visa, Please visit Indian Visa Online Portal.
Entering India
There are 137 airports in India, including 34 international airports, which they also use for domestic flights. India have 103 airports only for domestic transportation.
The number of operational land ports in India is 12; five directly connects India with Bangladesh. Anyone from Bangladesh can travel to India by air, bus, and train. Tourists from Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan can also enter India by train. There is also a train service for Bangladeshis, which operates on two routes.
When to visit India
As India has its geographical diversity, you can visit India throughout the year. But if you want perfect weather, you can travel between late October and March. During this period, the climate stays cool, dry, and sunny. Monsoon is the best season for you if you want to enjoy the beauty of rain and the hills.
In the middle of the summer, May is the hottest time you should avoid if you are not comfortable with summer outings.
Indian Cuisine
The cooking method varies from county to county, and Indian cuisine has an intoxicating fragrance, fresh blend of spices, and affluent ingredients, making it unique and special. Locals refer India as the “Land of spices.” India produces more than 70 percent of world’s spices.
Sour, sweet, and salty are the most common flavors of Indian cuisine. Locals like Dosas, Biriyani, Butter paneer, and samosas. They like curry (especially fish curry) with Rice for their lunch and dinner. They usually like Laddu, Golap Jamun, Sandesh, Barfi, Halwa, and Payas for dessert. The specialty of Indian food is that it is healthy and easy to prepare at home.
Culture and Tradition
Since it has been evolving for thousands of years and differs from region to region, India has a rich and distinct culture. India is the origin of some of the greatest faiths in the world, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. India has an extensive range of Languages as it is the world’s second most populated country.
Dhoti, Punjabi (for men), and saree (for women) are traditional Indian clothes. Experts refer to Bharatanatyam is as the most conventional Indian dance style.
Local Transport
There is no deficiency in transport in India. There are an enormous number of domestic airports in India, which I mentioned earlier.
Anyone can use flights for their transportation. On the other hand, everywhere you can get a vehicle at a low and affordable price. I mentioned some of the vehicles below:
Bus:
If you want the cheapest ride from one place to another in a brief time bus is the best choice for you. Before boarding the bus, you might ask the locals to get the right bus for your destination.
Taxi:
You can hire a cab from a taxi stand or find one on the road as there are plenty of taxis. If you want you can hire a luxurious one from any travel agency
Auto:
Auto is a three-wheeled Yellow and green colored vehicle you will find in India. Before hiring an auto, you should fix the price as most drivers do not use meters (which calculate rental fees).
Rideshare:
There are plenty of ride-sharing apps in India. If you want a safe and comfortable journey, you can always hire a car from any ride-sharing app. Bikes are also available in this service.
Metro rail:
The major cities of India have the service metro rails, such as Delhi and Kolkata (Calcutta) (the oldest metro network). The connection for the Mumbai metro is under construction.
Conclusion
There are countries you can enjoy the scenic views of up-top mountains. There are some other countries where you can enjoy the snowfall or just get on cruise ships. But, in India, you can enjoy it all at once. Planet earth gifted India with natural resources like none. But, like all other countries, India also has some drawbacks. India still must do a lot about tourist safety protocols. But they are working and getting better. So, we should visit this beautiful country and join the journey to the peak.
