Discover the rich diversity of India’s 28 states, each with its unique culture, landscapes, and heritage. This guide offers quick insights into the highlights, capitals, and official languages of each region, making it a perfect resource for travelers and culture enthusiasts alike.
1. Andhra Pradesh
Capital: Amaravati
Official Language: Telugu
Famous for its rich cultural heritage, Andhra Pradesh delights with its spicy cuisine and the classical dance form, Kuchipudi.
2. Arunachal Pradesh
Capital: Itanagar
Official Languages: English, Nishi
Tucked in the northeastern Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh captivates with its stunning landscapes and diverse tribal cultures.
3. Assam
Capital: Dispur
Official Language: Assamese
Assam, home to lush tea gardens and the mighty Brahmaputra River, offers vibrant festivals and rich wildlife, including Kaziranga National Park.
4. Bihar
Capital: Patna
Official Language: Hindi
Steeped in history, Bihar is the birthplace of Buddhism and houses ancient universities like Nalanda and Vikramshila.
5. Chhattisgarh
Capital: Raipur
Official Language: Hindi
Known for its natural beauty, Chhattisgarh boasts rich forests, diverse wildlife, and the stunning Chitrakote Falls.
6. Goa
Capital: Panaji
Official Language: Konkani
Goa is celebrated for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and unique blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures in its architecture and cuisine.
7. Gujarat
Capital: Gandhinagar
Official Language: Gujarati
Gujarat shines with vibrant festivals, a thriving textile industry, and historical sites like Gir National Park, home to Asiatic lions.
8. Haryana
Capital: Chandigarh
Official Language: Hindi
As a major agricultural hub, Haryana also boasts industrial growth and historical landmarks like the ancient city of Kurukshetra.
9. Himachal Pradesh
Capital: Shimla
Official Language: Hindi
Renowned for its scenic hill stations, Himachal Pradesh is a favorite destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.
10. Jharkhand
Capital: Ranchi
Official Language: Hindi
Rich in minerals and forests, Jharkhand is known for its tribal culture, scenic waterfalls, and national parks like Betla.
11. Karnataka
Capital: Bengaluru
Official Language: Kannada
Karnataka is an IT powerhouse, celebrated for its historical sites like Hampi and landscapes that range from coastal to mountainous.
12. Kerala
Capital: Thiruvananthapuram
Official Language: Malayalam
Known as “God’s Own Country,” Kerala enchants with its backwaters, Ayurveda, and classical art forms like Kathakali.
13. Madhya Pradesh
Capital: Bhopal
Official Language: Hindi
Home to UNESCO heritage sites, Madhya Pradesh combines historical significance with diverse wildlife in parks like Kanha and Bandhavgarh.
14. Maharashtra
Capital: Mumbai
Official Language: Marathi
Maharashtra is India’s wealthiest state, known for its financial capital Mumbai, vibrant culture, and sites like the Ajanta and Ellora Caves.
15. Manipur
Capital: Imphal
Official Language: Manipuri
Manipur captivates with its classical dance forms, lush landscapes, and unique attractions like Loktak Lake.
16. Meghalaya
Capital: Shillong
Official Languages: English, Khasi
With living root bridges and stunning waterfalls, Meghalaya is known for its natural beauty and vibrant tribal cultures.
17. Mizoram
Capital: Aizawl
Official Language: Mizo
Mizoram enchants with scenic hills, colorful festivals, and a deep-rooted cultural heritage, focused on agriculture and handicrafts.
18. Nagaland
Capital: Kohima
Official Languages: English, Nagamese
Nagaland is celebrated for its tribal diversity, lively festivals, and picturesque landscapes.
19. Odisha
Capital: Bhubaneswar
Official Language: Odia
Odisha shines with ancient temples, rich culture, and a beautiful coastline, with Puri’s Jagannath Temple as an iconic landmark.
20. Punjab
Capital: Chandigarh
Official Language: Punjabi
Punjab is the heart of India’s agricultural belt, known for its folk culture and the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar.
21. Rajasthan
Capital: Jaipur
Official Language: Hindi
With majestic forts and palaces, Rajasthan is a tapestry of royal heritage and vibrant festivals, drawing tourists from around the world.
22. Sikkim
Capital: Gangtok
Official Language: Nepali
Sikkim is renowned for its stunning landscapes, biodiversity, and cultural roots in Buddhism, crowned by views of Kanchenjunga.
23. Tamil Nadu
Capital: Chennai
Official Language: Tamil
Known for its classical music and dance, Tamil Nadu boasts impressive temples and a rich culinary heritage.
24. Telangana
Capital: Hyderabad
Official Language: Telugu
Telangana impresses with its historic sites, cultural richness, and signature dishes like Hyderabadi biryani.
25. Tripura
Capital: Agartala
Official Language: Bengali
Tripura, known for its greenery and tribal culture, offers attractions like the Ujjayanta Palace.
26. Uttar Pradesh
Capital: Lucknow
Official Language: Hindi
Home to the Taj Mahal and a tapestry of diverse cultures, Uttar Pradesh is rich in history and tradition.
27. Uttarakhand
Capital: Dehradun
Official Language: Hindi
Famous for its breathtaking Himalayan landscapes, Uttarakhand is a hub for adventure and pilgrimage.
28. West Bengal
Capital: Kolkata
Official Language: Bengali
West Bengal is celebrated for its literary heritage, arts, and festivals, with the vibrant Durga Puja as a highlight.