In a country known for its diversity and multiple languages from state to state, it is important to note that cultures, landscapes and histories changed too! One of the simplest yet most important ways to understand this diversity is through the states and capitals of India. It builds awareness of how each region carries its own story.
As of 2026, India has:
- 28 States
- 8 Union Territories
Your comprehensive list of States & Capitals in India
| State | Capital city | Interesting trivia |
| Andhra Pradesh | Amaravati | One of the first places in India to see sunrise, home to over 26 tribes and 100+ sub-tribes, each with distinct traditions |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar | Dispur is one of the smallest state capitals in India. Assam produces over 50% of India’s tea |
| Assam | Dispur | Patna was once known as Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan Empire. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world |
| Bihar | Patna | Known as the “Rice Bowl of India” due to its vast rice production, it is home to one of the richest mineral reserves in the country |
| Chhattisgarh | Raipur | Goa has the highest per capita income in India. Panaji still reflects a strong Portuguese architectural influence |
| Goa | Panaji | Gandhinagar is one of India’s greenest planned cities. Gujarat is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi |
| Gujarat | Gandhinagar | Chandigarh is India’s first planned modern city post-independence. Designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier |
| Haryana | Chandigarh | Shimla was once the summer capital of British India. Known for its colonial architecture and toy train routes |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shimla | Called the “City of Waterfalls”, Rich in mineral resources like coal and iron ore |
| Jharkhand | Ranchi | Called the “City of Waterfalls”, Rich in mineral resources like coal and iron ore |
| Karnataka | Bengaluru | Known as the “Silicon Valley of India”One of the few cities globally with a pleasant climate year-round |
| Kerala | Thiruvananthapuram | Called the “Heart of India” due to its central location, Bhopal is famous for its natural and artificial lakes |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | Mumbai is India’s financial capital. Home to Bollywood, one of the largest film industries in the world |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai | Home to the world’s only floating national park (Loktak Lake), known for the classical dance form Manipuri |
| Manipur | Imphal | One of the wettest places on Earth (nearby Mawsynram/Cherrapunji), famous for living root bridges |
| Meghalaya | Shillong | One of the wettest places on Earth (nearby Mawsynram/Cherrapunji)Famous for living root bridges |
| Mizoram | Aizawl | Site of the historic Battle of Kohima (WW II), known for the vibrant Hornbill Festival |
| Nagaland | Kohima | Known as the “Temple City of India” Home to ancient architectural marvels like Lingaraj Temple |
| Odisha | Bhubaneswar | Known as the “Temple City of India”, Home to ancient architectural marvels like Lingaraj Temple |
| Punjab | Chandigarh | India’s first fully organic state offers views of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the Himalayan range |
| Rajasthan | Jaipur | Chandigarh serves as the capital of two states. Punjab is known as the “Granary of India” |
| Sikkim | Gangtok | Chennai is a hub for classical arts like Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest continuously active urban centres in India |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai | Known as “Cyberabad” for its IT industry, Famous for Hyderabadi biryani and Charminar |
| Telangana | Hyderabad | Home to the Ujjayanta Palace. Shares a long border with Bangladesh |
| Tripura | Agartala | Gateway to famous hill stations like Mussoorie, known for prestigious schools and institutions |
| Uttar Pradesh | Lucknow | Known for its Nawabi culture and etiquette (tehzeeb) Houses iconic structures like Bara Imambara |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun | Known as India’s cultural capital, the birthplace of many literary and artistic movements |
| West Bengal | Kolkata | Known as India’s cultural capitalBirthplace of many literary and artistic movements |
Read More: Seasons in India: Climate, Food and Festivals Guide
Union Territories- small in size, big in stories
| Union Territory | Capital city | Interesting trivia |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | Port Blair | India’s first planned city after independence, designed by Le Corbusier. Known for its unique urban design, sectors instead of traditional neighbourhoods, serve as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh | Houses all three branches of government, executive, legislature, and judiciary. A city of contrasts: ancient monuments like the Red Fort alongside modern infrastructureOne of the most historically layered cities in the world |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Daman | Formed by merging two Union Territories in 2020 for better administration. Strong Portuguese cultural influence seen in architecture and churches. Known for its coastal landscapes and quieter beaches |
| Delhi (NCT) | New Delhi | Houses all three branches of government, executive, legislature, and judiciary. A city of contrasts: ancient monuments like the Red Fort alongside modern infrastructure. One of the most historically layered cities in the world |
| Jammu & Kashmir | Srinagar (Summer), Jammu (Winter) | Former French colony, still reflecting French architecture and culture. Streets are divided into the French Quarter and the Tamil QuarterKnown for Auroville, an experimental township focused on global unity |
| Ladakh | Leh | One of the most highly inhabited regions in the world, known for its stark landscapes, is often called a “cold desert” Home to ancient Buddhist monasteries and unique cultural traditions |
| Lakshadweep | Kavaratti | India’s smallest Union Territory by area. It consists of coral islands and atolls, making it ecologically unique. Access is restricted to protect its fragile marine ecosystem |
| Puducherry | Puducherry | Former French colony, still reflecting French architecture and culture. Streets are divided into the French Quarter and the Tamil Quarter. Known for Auroville, an experimental township focused on global unity |
Easy ways to learn States and Capitals
- Group by region (North, South, East, West, Northeast)
- Use maps and visuals to connect place with location
- Associate facts or stories with each capital
- Practice through quizzes and games
Read More: National Symbols of India Explained: A Student-Friendly Guide
Discover India through the myriad states and union territories
The states and capitals of India are not just names on a list; they represent the country’s diversity, governance, and history. From the tech-driven streets of Bengaluru to the heritage lanes of Jaipur, each capital reflects the spirit of its state.
Because each tells a story and together, they tell the story of India.
