List of Union Territories of India

India now has 28 states and 8 union territories. Jammu and Kashmir, the previous state, was split into two Union Territories: J&K and Ladakh. Reorganization legislation enacted by the parliament on the 5th and 6th of August 2020 created the newly established union territories. Thus, India now has eight Union Territories. In this article, we will discuss each in detail.

1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of 572 islands off the coast of India. Only 37 islands out of a total of 572 are inhabited. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are known for their stunning beauty, making them a relaxing destination for travelers. With a population of 3,80,520 people, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an area of 8,250 km2. As per the 2011 Indian Census, the population density of the union territory was 46 people per square kilometer. There are taluks and subdivisions in each of the three districts. Port Blair is the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have an area of 8,249 km2 geographical area.   A 150-kilometer-wide channel separates the Andaman and Nicobar islands. The Andaman group, for example, spans 6,170 km2 and includes 325 islands. On the other hand, the Nicobar Islands are smaller (1,765 km2) and have fewer islands (247). The union territory is the closest to Chennai, covering 1190 kilometers to Port Blair.

Bengali is the first language spoken by 28.49 percent of the population, as per the 2011 census. Hindi is the official language and is spoken by 19.29% of the people, followed by Tamil (15.20%), Telugu (13.24%), Nicobarese (7.65%), and Malayalam (7.65%).

Tourism accounts for a lot of the Union Territory's revenue. Andaman and Nicobar are some of India's and Asia's most attractive tourist destinations. Hills, a diverse range of flora and wildlife, beaches, national parks, sanctuaries, and much more can be found on the islands. Water sports, walking, island camping, swimming, and skydiving are all popular activities of this territory.

1. Cellular Jail
2. Havelock Island
3. Radhanagar Beach
4. Ross Island
5. Long Island
6. Diglipur
7. Chatham Island

2. Chandigarh

Punjab and Haryana both have their capitals as this Union Territory. For administrative purposes, the Union Territory is divided into three subdivisions. Chandigarh, located on the Punjab-Haryana border, is 260 kilometers from New Delhi and 229 kilometers from Amritsar. Chandigarh has a land area of 114 km2 and is ranked 34th in terms of size. At the same time, its population is comparable to that of a considerably larger state. The density of the population of the city is 9,262/km2 as per the 2011 Census.

The Union Territory is located in the Shivalik Himalayan Range's foothills. Punjab shares its northern, western, and southern borders with Chandigarh. It has a border with Haryana by the east. Ambala is 44 kilometers north of Chandigarh, Amritsar is 229 kilometers south of Chandigarh, and Delhi is 250 kilometers north of Chandigarh. Mohali, Patiala, New Chandigarh, and Rupnagar, as well as Panchkula and Ambala in Haryana, are all close to Chandigarh.

According to the 2011 census, Hindi is the first language spoken by 73.60 percent of the people. Punjabi is the city's second most widely spoken language, with 22.03 percent of the population speaking it. Urdu, which is spoken by 1% of the population, is the city's second most prevalent language. Nepali (0.62%), Bengali (0.59%), and Tamil (0.53%) are among the languages spoken in the Union Territory.

Chandigarh is one of India's most attractive cities since it is one of the finest cities built following its independence. It is well-known for its good living standards. The city was planned with the idea that infrastructure should include buildings and roads and trees and flora.

1. Rose Garden
2. Pinjore Gardens
3. Rock Garden
4. Sukhna Lake
5. Art Gallery and Government Museum
6. Terraced Garden
7. Dolls Museum
8. Museum of the evolution of life
9. Japanese Garden

3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu

Four geographical segments make up this union territory. Daman and Diu share a border with Gujarat and the Arabian Sea. The Dadra and Nagar Haveli, on the other hand, share borders with Gujarat and Maharashtra. Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli were two distinct Union Territories that united in January 2020. Dadra and Nagar Haveli, together with Daman and Diu districts, became one of the districts.

The union territory covers a total size of 603 km2 and shares its borders with Gujarat and Maharashtra.  In the west of India, Dadra Nagar Haveli and Daman Diu are split into four different areas:

1. Daman
2. Diu
3. Nagar Haveli
4. Dadra

Daman is a small enclave on Gujarat's coast. Diu is a Gujarati island off the coast. Nagar Haveli is an enclave in a 'C' that lies between Gujarat and Maharashtra. Dadra, on the other hand, is a small enclave within Gujarat's state.

Previously, the union territory was separated into two territories, each with its own set of people who spoke different languages and worshiped various religions.  The official languages of the union territory are English, Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi. People in various areas, on the other hand, speak separate languages.

Dadra and Nagar, a wonderful and quiet region, is a tourist destination for a fantastic break with friends and family. With beautiful green woods, huge waterfronts, flowing rivers, and diverse flora and fauna, the pleasant location allow travelers to enjoy nature at its utmost. Apart from that, tourists to Silvassa, the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, will be treated to exquisite Portuguese architecture as well as tribal culture.

1. Silvassa
2. Dadra
3. Dudhni
4. Luhari
5. Khanvel
6. Satmalia
7. Vasona

4. National Capital Territory of Delhi

The National Capital Territory of Delhi is India's capital. Haryana and Uttar Pradesh share a boundary with it. The state covers 1484 square kilometers. The weather in India's capital is subtropical and is divided into 11 districts. It is also connected with surrounding major cities such as Faridabad, Noida, Gurgaon, and others. Many individuals may now go large distances for a low price because of the Delhi Metro system's efficient transportation links. The Delhi Metro also helps the state's economic development. The city is well-connected by roads, airways, and railways. Buses, rickshaws, and the metro link the various parts of the city.

This city is surrounded on the southwest by Haryana and on the east by Uttar Pradesh. The Yamuna floodplains are well-known in this state. Another well-known location in Delhi is the Ridge, which derives from the Aravali range. Due to the existence of the Yamuna River, the state is covered with alluvial soil.

A large portion speaks the Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu languages of the Delhi population. These are considered the city's first languages. These are the first languages spoken in the city. However, English is the National and official language in Delhi. The state is diverse in terms of ethnicity and culture. As a result, several different languages are spoken in Delhi. Punjabi, Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, Sindhi, Marathi, Persian, Arabic, and other languages are among the many available.

Delhi, India's capital, is a multicultural metropolis with a historic old Delhi and a trendy New Delhi. Delhi has many personalities and is known as a city with a heart. Everything from ancient monuments to busy commercial malls, a vast network of modernized metro systems, and the Delhi University campus.

5. Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir is a union territory in Northern India with many valleys and beautiful sceneries. It has a total size of 42,241 square kilometers and is also known as the "Paradise of India" because of its luxury and peacefulness. This union territory is bordered to the north by the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab and to the west by Ladakh. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act restructured the state of Jammu and Kashmir into a union territory on October 31, 2019. The area is divided into 20 districts.

The Kashmir Valley, Tawi Valley, Chenab Valley, Sind Valley, Lidder Valley, and Poonch Valley are among the valleys found in this union territory. The Kashmir valley stretches for 100 kilometers and covers an area of 15,520.3 square kilometers. The Kashmir valley is separated from the Tibetan plateau by the Himalayas. Jhelum is a prominent Himalayan river that flows across Kashmir's valley. The Tawi, Ravi, and Chenab are the other major rivers that run through the area.

Although Urdu is the official language of Jammu and Kashmir, Kashmiri is spoken by the vast majority of the population.  Punjabi, Pahari, Gojri, Dadri, Bhaderwahi, Bateri, Shina, Burushaski, and Khowar are among the other languages spoken in Jammu and Kashmir. With over 9 million speakers, Kashmiri is the most widely spoken language in Jammu and Kashmir. It is also the only Dardic language recognized as an official language by the government.

Kashmir Valley is one of India's most popular tourist attractions. The world's highest green golf course is located in Gulmarg, one of India's most well-known ski resort locations. Jammu and Kashmir are also known for their scenic beauty, flower gardens, apple farms, and other attractions.

1. Sonmarg
2. Gulmarg
3. Gurez Valley
4. Srinagar
5. Vaishno Devi
6. Yusmarg
7. Sanasar
8. Pahalgam
9. Patnitop
10. Doda
11. Kishtwar

6. Ladakh

After the government of Jammu & Kashmir abolished Article 370 on October 31, 2019, Ladakh, located in the western Himalayas, became a Union Territory. Because of its cultural and historical similarities to Tibet, Ladakh is frequently referred to as "Little Tibet." The region is a famous tourist attraction due to its stunning scenery and river valleys. Saltoro Kangri, at 7742 meters, is the highest point in the region.

Ladakh is India's highest plateau, including the upper Indus River valley and spanning from the Himalayan to the Kunlun Ranges. The territory's backbone is the Indus River. There are no major peaks in the Ladakh Range. Its average height is a little around 6,000 meters. The Dras, Suru valley, and Zangskar Himalayan areas all receive significant snowfall for several months of the year.  Summers are short and pleasant, with plenty of sunshine. Summer temperatures range from 3 to 35 degrees Celsius, whereas winter temperatures range from -20 to -35 degrees Celsius.

Ladakh's official languages are English and Hindi. Ladakhis who have received an education are typically fluent in Hindi, Urdu, and English. Because Ladakh has a variety of accents, the Chang-pa language may differ substantially from that of the Purig-pa in Kargil or the Zangskaris, yet they are all mutually comprehensible.

Ladakh is visited by tourists who want to see the natural beauty of this area. The districts of Leh and Kargil make up the area. There are important Buddhist sites in the area, as well as an ecotourism business. In Ladakh, the government has set out Rs. 47.50 crore for tourism. Ladakh's attractions include the Rass Valley, Razi Khar, Kargil, Suru Valley, Zangskar, Zangla, Padum, Rangdum, Phukthal, Sani Monastery, Shayok Valley, Stongdey, Sankoo, Salt Valley, and others.

7. Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is a collection of islands in the Laccadive Sea that are also known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi Islands. Lakshadweep is the smallest union territory, having a size of 32.62 km sq., and was established on November 1, 1956. According to the 2011 census, the territory's population is 70,365 people. With ten sub-divisions, the area comprises a single district. The capital of the union territory is Kavaratti. The main occupations of the people of Lakshadweep are fishing and coconut agriculture.

The area has a total population of 70,365 people. Lakshadweep is placed 36th in terms of area among states and union territories, with a total size of 32.62 km2. The wildlife of Lakshwadeep is diverse. There are 600 marine fish species, 78 coral species, 82 seaweed species, 52 crab species, 2 lobster species, 48 snail species, 12 bivalve species, and 101 bird species.

Malayalam, Jeseri, and Mahl are the language spoken in Lakshadweep. The residents of the northern islands speak a Malayalam variant with Tamil and Arabic influences, comparable to Arwi. Jeseri is a Malayalam variant spoken in the Lakshadweep Islands.

It is a 36-island cluster with something special to offer on each of them. Whenever it comes to Lakshadweep's tourist attractions, there is a big selection to choose from. From pristine beaches and well-managed resorts to rich flora and quiet moods, the islands have a lot to offer. The highlight, though, is the various water sports and diving activities available to you.

1. Minicoy Island
2. Kadmat Island
3. Kavaratti Island
4. Marine Museum
5. Pitti Bird Sanctuary
6. Thinnakara Island
7. Kalpeni Island
8. Bangaram Atoll
9. Agatti Island

8. Puducherry

Puducherry, sometimes known as the "Paris of the East," is one of India's Union Territories. On November 1, 1954, the state was established, and in 1962, it was designated as a Union Territory. It has a total area of 483 km2. It has a 45-kilometer shoreline. This state, once known as Pondicherry, is India's most populated union territory. 1,394,467 individuals are living there. People would notice that the state's residences are built in a French and Tamil style infrastructure. Art, music, and culture dominate in this state. Classical dance styles such as Bharatnatyam are promoted throughout the state.

This wonderful location has breathtaking geography along the seashores, coconut trees, and a diverse range of fauna and plants. The state is divided into four districts: Karaikal District, Puducherry District, Mahe District, and Bay of Bengal District. Pockets are the names given to these divisions. Tamil Nadu enclaves Puducherry and Karaikal district, Kerala enclave Mahe, and Andhra Pradesh enclave Yanam district.  The state's climate is often warm and sunny. Puducherry greets visitors with breezy, relaxing weather due to its geography, which encircles the sea's beach.

For a long time, the French colony of Puducherry was under its authority. This state used to have just French as its official language. This state has deep links to French culture, with up to 6000 individuals registered in the nation's southern regions speaking French. Puducherry's official languages are Tamil, English, French, and Hindi. Malayalam and Telugu are only two of the numerous additional languages spoken in Puducherry.

Indian culture is distinct, but did you know that you may taste France in India? Pondicherry, India's most popular Union territory and one of the eight, is a beautiful holiday resort. The old French colony on the Bay of Bengal is a fascinating place to visit. Pondicherry's top attractions will provide you with a wonderful trip filled with fascinating sights and activities.

1. Paradise Beach
2. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple
3. Seaside Promenade
4. Rock Beach
5. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
6. Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed one of the confusing topics for most people. Because before the Reorganization legislation enacted by the parliament on the 5th and 6th of August 2020, there were only seven union territories. Due to less attention on this sort of information, many of us move with the outdated information. Here in this article, we discussed all of the eight union territories of India in detail, considering a few of the parameters like the Geography, languages spoken, and the places to visit in all those territories.