Union Territories of India
Union Territories of India
Here is the list of 8 Union Territories of India
1. Ladakh (Bifurcated on October 31, 2019)
Known For : Pangong Lake Khardung La Nubra Valley
A land like no other with a superabundance of attractions to visit and fabulous landscapes, amazing people and culture, Ladakh is truly a heaven on Earth. Following a long pending demand to make Ladakh a union territory, it was finally bifurcated on 31 October 2019. The Union Territory of Ladakh is without Legislature. It comprise of two districts - Leh and Kargil.
Area - 59,146 km²
Population - 2.74 lakhs
Capital - Leh
Region - North India
UT Established - 31 October 2019
Best Time: April - Mid-July
2. Jammu & Kashmir (Bifurcated on October 31, 2019)
On 5 August 2019, the Government dissolved Article 370 of the Constitution of India, bifurcated the state into two union territories and notified that J&K shall now be one of the new Union Territories in India with its own legislature, similar to how Puducherry and Delhi are administered. In the case of J&K Union Territory, it will be a self-administered government with a legislative government.
Area - 222,236 km²
Population - 1.25 crores
Capital - Jammu (winter), Srinagar (summer)
Region - North India
UT Established - 31 October 2019
3. National Capital Territory of Delhi (Capital Delhi)
Known For : India Gate Red Fort Qutub Minar
Delhi or the National Capital Territory of Delhi is a city and a union territory in India which consists of the national capital, New Delhi. Much like the states of India, Delhi is administered by its own legislature, high court and council of ministers. From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from Mughal gardens to Delhi University campus, the capital city has multiple personalities making it 'The good, the bad and the ugly'.
Area - 1,483 km²
Population - 1,67,53,235
Region - North India
UT Established - 1 November 1956
Best Time: October to March
4. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
Known For : Devka Beach Mirasol Lake Garden Lighthouse, Daman
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu merged into a single union territory on January 26, 2020, with Daman as its capital. Dadra lies in Gujarat, while Nagar Haveli is located between Maharashtra and Gujarat. Known for its Portuguese heritage and the natural beauty of the Western Ghats, it attracts both nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Area - 491 km²
Population - 3,42,853
Region - Western India
Best Time: October to Apr
5. Pondicherry - Puducherry
Known For : Paradise Beach, Pondicherry Aurobindo Ashram Auroville
Pondicherry, formed in 1962, consists of the former French colonies of Mahe, Pondicherry, Karaikal, and Yanam, which are now its districts. Known as Puducherry and often referred to as Pondy, it is one of India's seven Union Territories, located on the southeast coastline of Tamil Nadu. Famous as the "French Riviera of the East," Pondicherry offers a serene and charming destination for travelers seeking tranquility.
Area - 479 km²
Population - 12,44,464
Capital - Puducherry
Region - South India
UT Established - 16 August 1962
Best Time: October to March
6. Chandigarh (Also the Capital of Punjab & Haryana)
Known For : Nek Chand’s Rock Garden of Chandigarh Sukhna Lake Zakir Hussain Rose Garden
Chandigarh, a union territory that is the capital of both Punjab as well as Haryana is a subtle and ideal definition of the word 'city'. Chandigarh is similar to Delhi in that it is granted the status of a city and of a union territory at the same time. Despite being the capital of both the states of Punjab and Haryana, it is governed directly by the central government. Geographically, the state of Punjab lies to its north, south and west while the state of Haryana lies to the east.
Area - 114 km²
Population - 10,54,686
Capital - Chandigarh
Region - North India
UT Established - 1 November 1966
Best Time: August to March
7. Andaman & Nicobar - First union territory of India
Known For : Radhanagar Beach Cellular Jail Scuba Diving In Andaman
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands were the first union territory of India after independence, located at the junction of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Known for its crystal-clear lagoons, scenic beaches, and historical sites, it offers a laid-back holiday experience. From the serene beaches of Neil and Havelock Islands to the lively Port Blair, the islands cater to every type of tourist.
Area - 8,249 km²
Population - 3,79,944
Capital - Port Blair
Region - South India
UT Established - 1 November 1956
Best Time: October to Jun
8. Lakshadweep - Smallest union territory of India
Known For : Minicoy Island Agatti Islands Kalpeni Island
Lakshadweep, meaning 'hundred thousand islands,' is home to some of India's most beautiful and exotic beaches. The smallest Union Territory, it was once part of Madras and became a separate territory in 1973, adopting the name Lakshadweep. Located in the Laccadive Sea, it lies southwest of the Indian mainland.
Area - 32 km²
Population - 64,429
Capital - Kavaratti
Region - South India
UT Established - 1 November 1956
Best Time: September to May
Which of these union territories in India have you visited and which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!