Introduction
India is a vibrant, diverse and culturally rich country with a lot to offer for first-time visitors and seasoned travelers alike. With 28 states and 8 union territories, each with their unique history, culture, cuisine, and tourist attractions, it can be challenging to know where to start. In this comprehensive guide, we provide an overview of each of the 28 states in India, highlighting their unique cultural heritage, food, tourism, geography, and much more.
A Comprehensive Guide to the 28 States of India
India is home to an incredible array of diversities in culture, geography, food and festivals. Let’s take a closer look at each state in India.
1. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is located in the southeastern region of India and its capital is Amaravati. This state is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical monuments such as Golconda Fort, and scenic beaches like Ramakrishna Beach. Visiting the state a must-try is the flavorful Hyderabadi biryani, a dish synonymous with the state.
2. Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is located in the northeastern part of India and is known as the “Land of the Rising Sun.” This state has some of the most beautiful and unexplored mountain ranges, treks, and national parks like Namdapha National Park. The state is mostly inhabited by tribal communities with their unique languages, customs, and rituals.
3. Assam
Located in the northeastern region, Assam is known for its tea, wildlife sanctuaries, and beautiful rivers. This beautiful state is home to the one-horned rhinoceros, the largest river island in the world, and the famous Kamakhya Temple. Not to mention, the delicious Assamese cuisine, which boasts a variety of dishes like fish curry and pitha, a dessert made with rice flour, coconut, and jaggery.
4. Bihar
Bihar is an eastern state of India that is home to some of the most historic landmarks, including the Mahabodhi Temple and Bodh Gaya, the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. The state is known for its cuisine, including the famous Litti-Chokha, a dish made with roasted wheat balls, and baingan bharta, a dish made of roasted eggplant.
5. Chhattisgarh
Chhattisgarh is located in central India and is known for its dense forests, waterfalls, and fascinating tribal culture. This state has many hidden gems like the Chitrakote Falls, the Tirathgarh Falls, and the Kanger Valley National Park. The food of Chhattisgarh is a blend of various influences from the neighboring states, and mainly comprises vegetables and rice.
6. Goa
Goa is one of the smallest states in India, known for its vibrant nightlife, fantastic beaches, and rich colonial history. With its scenic beaches, beautiful churches, and iconic landmarks, Goa is undoubtedly a popular tourist destination in India. Popular Goan cuisine includes seafood dishes like prawn curry and fish rechaeado, a spicy and tangy dish.
7. Gujarat
Gujarat is located in western India and is known for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, world-famous textiles, and a wide variety of vegetarian cuisines. With architectural wonders like Rani Ki Vav and the Sun Temple, Gujarat is a perfect destination for tourists interested in both history and culture. Gujarat is also known for its delicious vegetarian cuisine, including dishes like dhokla and theplas.
8. Haryana
Located in northern India, Haryana is known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful temples. The state is also home to various amusement parks and water resorts, including Wet n Wild Resort and the Oysters Beach Water Park. Haryana is famous for its authentic North Indian cuisine, including dishes like chole bhature, kadhi, and sarson ka saag.
9. Himachal Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh, situated in northern India, is famous for its stunning hill stations, adventure activities, and beautiful temples. It is the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The state is home to famous attractions like Kullu, Manali, and Shimla, making it one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. Himachali cuisine is famous for its richness and flavors like dishes like chha ghosht, dhaam, and sidu.
10. Jharkhand
Jharkhand, located in eastern India, is known for its beautiful tribal culture, rich wildlife, and waterfalls. The state has more than 50% of India’s mineral reserves, with mines extracting over 29% of the country’s coal. Famous attractions include the Hundru Falls, the Palamau Tiger Reserve, and the Betla National Park. The local cuisine includes dishes like rosh, thekua, and litti-chokha.
11. Karnataka
Karnataka is located in Southwestern India and is known for its beautiful cities, rich history, and beautiful temples. With its capital at Bengaluru, it is one of the most technologically advanced states of India. Karnataka has many attractions like the Mysore Palace, Hampi, and Jog falls, making it a tourist destination. Karnataka food includes famous South Indian dishes like Bisi Bele Bath, Mysore Pak and Udupi cuisine.
12. Kerala
Located in southern India on the Malabar Coast, Kerala is famous for its backwater canals, beautiful beaches, and scenic hill stations. With a rich tradition of Ayurveda, Kerala is known for its spas, massage centers, and health resorts. Famous attractions include the hill station of Munnar, the backwaters of Alleppey, and the beautiful beaches of Kovalam. Kerala cuisine has flavors heavily influenced by seafood, including fish curry, prawn fry, and crab masala.
13. Madhya Pradesh
Madhya Pradesh, located in central India, is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful national parks. The state has world heritage sites like Khajurao, the Great Stupa of Sanchi and the Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka. Madhya Pradesh is also home to some of the magnificent national parks like Kanha National Park, Bandhavgarh National Park, and Pench Tiger Reserve. The local cuisine includes dishes like dal bafla, bhutte ki kees and sabudana khichdi.
14. Maharashtra
Maharashtra, located in western India, is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. With Mumbai as its capital, Maharashtra is also the financial and economic powerhouse of India. Maharashtra is known for the Elephanta Caves, the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple, among many other attractions. Popular food includes spicy street food like vada pav, pav bhaji, and missal pav.
15. Manipur
Located in northeastern India, Manipur is known for its beautiful green hills, rich culture, and world-class polo players. Known as the “Switzerland of India,” Manipur boasts a vibrant culture, including intricate dances like the Pung Cholam. Famous attractions include the Serou Garden, the Loktak Lake, and the Khonghampat Orchidarium. The local cuisine includes dishes like bamboo shoot pickle, chamthong, and ngari.
16. Meghalaya
Meghalaya, located in northeastern India, is known for its beautiful mountains, forests, waterfalls, and caves. It is also known as the “Scotland of the East” due to its scenic beauty and misty hills. Famous attractions include the root bridges of Cherrapunji, the waterfalls of Shillong, and the boating at Umiam Lake. Meghalayan cuisine comprises dishes like Jadoh, bamboo shoot pickle, and sakkin gata.
17. Mizoram
Mizoram, located in northeastern India, is known for its vibrant culture, scenic landscape, and rich wildlife. The state’s capital is Aizawl, and its famous attractions include the Dampa Tiger Reserve, the Vantawng Falls, and the Mizoram State Museum. Mizoram cuisine is known for its delicacies and healthy ingredients like bamboo shots, smoked meats, and fish.
18. Nagaland
Nagaland, located in northeastern India, is known for its diverse tribal culture, vibrant festivals, and beautiful landscapes. The state’s capital is Kohima, and its famous attractions include the Dzukou Valley, the Khonoma Village, and the Intanki National Park. The Naga cuisine comprises dishes like bamboo shoot pickle, smoked meats, and akibiye.
19. Odisha
Odisha, located in eastern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples, and scenic beaches. With its capital at Bhubaneswar, Odisha is home to many famous tourist attractions, including the Konark Sun Temple, Puri Beach, and Chilika Lake. The local cuisine includes dishes like dalma, chhena poda, and macha ghanta.
20. Punjab
Located in northern India, Punjab is known for its warm hospitality, vibrant culture, and lush green fields. It is known as the land of the five rivers and is home to famous tourist attractions such as the Golden Temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and the Wagah Border. Popular Punjabi cuisine includes dishes like butter chicken, chole bhature, and sarson ka saag.
21. Rajasthan
Rajasthan, located in northwestern India, is known for its rich historical and cultural heritage, stunning palaces, and beautiful deserts. With its capital at Jaipur, Rajasthan is home to famous attractions such as the Amber Fort, the Jaisalmer Fort, and the Thar Desert. Famous Rajasthani cuisine includes dishes like Laal Maas, dal baati churma, and sweet ghewar.
22. Sikkim
Sikkim, located in northeastern India, is known for its natural beauty, beautiful monasteries, and stunning peaks like Kanchenjunga. The state is home to world-famous tourist attractions like the Rumtek Monastery, the Tsomgo Lake, and the Zero Point. The local cuisine uses a lot of fermented products, and popular dishes include momos, gundruk soup, and thukpa.
23. Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu, located in southern India, is known for its beautiful temples, lush green cities, and pristine beaches. The state’s capital is Chennai, and it is home to famous attractions like the Brihadeeswarar Temple, Meenakshi Amman Temple, and Mahabalipuram Beach. Famous Tamil cuisine includes dishes like dosa, idli, and vadai.
24. Telangana
Telangana, located in southern India, is known for its history, culture, and beautiful natural beauty. The state’s capital is Hyderabad, and it is famous for its landmarks like the Golconda Fort, the Charminar, and the Ramoji Film City. The famous Telangana cuisine includes biryani, haleem, and bagara baingan.
25. Tripura
Tripura, located in northeastern India, is a state known for its natural beauty, beautiful temples, and rich tribal culture. Famous attractions include the Ujjayanta Palace, the Neermahal Palace, and the Tripura Wildlife Sanctuary. Tripuri cuisine comprises of dishes like wahan mosdeng, fish stew, and chakhwi.
26. Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh, located in northern India, is known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful temples, and historical landmarks. It is home to famous tourist attractions such as the Taj Mahal, the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and the Dwarkadhish Temple. The cuisine of Uttar Pradesh includes dishes like kebabs, biryani, and chaat.
27. Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand, located in northern India, is known for its beautiful mountain ranges, stunning hill stations, and rich cultural heritage. Famous tourist attractions include Auli, Mussoorie, and the Valley of Flowers. Uttarakhandi cuisine is famous for its use of spices, and popular dishes include kumaoni raita, chainsoo, and bal mithai.
28. West Bengal
Located in eastern India, West Bengal is known for its rich culture, beautiful temples, and historic landmarks. Kolkata, the state’s capital, is famous for the Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, and the Dakshineswar Kali Temple. The famous cuisine of West Bengal includes dishes like macher jhol, luchi, and rasgulla.
Top 5 Must-Visit States in India
While there’s so much diversity across all 28 states in India, several stand out as “must-visits” for first-time visitors to the country. Here are our top five picks, based on their unique culture, food, and tourism.
1. Rajasthan
Rajasthan, known as the land of kings, is one of the most popular states for tourists in India.