Discover all 8 Union Territories of India, their capitals, locations, and key facts. Learn about India’s Union Territory administration with a complete list and map.
Table of Contents
Introduction
India is made up of 28 states and 8 Union Territories. While states have their own constitutional government structures, Union Territories are generally administered by the Union Government. Some Union Territories also have legislatures with specific powers.
India’s Union Territories represent a wide range of geographical landscapes, from the Himalayan regions of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir to the tropical islands of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Each has its own administrative identity, geographical features, and cultural significance.
India’s administrative geography includes 28 states as well as 8 Union Territories. For the complete state-wise list, capitals, and map, read our guide to States of India: Complete List, Capitals and Map.
This guide provides a complete list of India’s 8 Union Territories, their capitals, and important geographical and administrative details.
List of Union Territories of India and Their Capitals
India has 8 Union Territories. The following table lists their capitals and administrative headquarters.
| No. | Union Territory | Capital / Administrative Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair) |
| 2 | Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| 3 | Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu | Daman |
| 4 | Delhi (National Capital Territory) | New Delhi |
| 5 | Jammu and Kashmir | Srinagar (summer); Jammu (winter) |
| 6 | Ladakh | Leh |
| 7 | Lakshadweep | Kavaratti |
| 8 | Puducherry | Puducherry |
Union Territories of India on the Map
India’s Union Territories are spread across different parts of the country. Some are located on the mainland, while others are island territories in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
The map below can help readers understand the geographical distribution of India’s Union Territories and their locations in relation to neighbouring states and countries.
Key Facts About India’s Union Territories
1. Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Located in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an archipelago known for tropical forests, coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity. Sri Vijaya Puram, formerly known as Port Blair, serves as the capital.
2. Chandigarh
Chandigarh is a Union Territory and serves as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana. It is known for its planned urban design and modern architecture.
3. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu
This Union Territory was formed through the merger of Dadra and Nagar Haveli with Daman and Diu in 2020. Daman is its capital. The territory includes areas on the western coast of India.
4. Delhi
Delhi, officially the National Capital Territory of Delhi, is the seat of India’s central government. New Delhi, located within Delhi, is the national capital of India. Delhi has its own legislative assembly and government with constitutionally defined powers.
5. Jammu and Kashmir
Located in the northern part of India, Jammu and Kashmir is known for its Himalayan landscapes, valleys, and cultural diversity. Srinagar serves as the summer capital, while Jammu serves as the winter capital.
6. Ladakh
Ladakh is a high-altitude Union Territory in the northernmost region of India. It is known for its mountain landscapes, cold desert climate, monasteries, and unique cultural traditions. Leh is its administrative headquarters.
7. Lakshadweep
Lakshadweep is India’s smallest Union Territory by area. It is an island group in the Arabian Sea, known for coral atolls, lagoons, and marine ecosystems. Kavaratti is its capital.
8. Puducherry
Puducherry is a Union Territory comprising four geographically separate regions: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. It is known for its coastal setting, cultural diversity, and French colonial heritage. Puducherry is its capital.
Difference Between States and Union Territories
States and Union Territories are both administrative divisions of India, but their governance structures differ.
- States: Have their own elected governments and constitutional powers.
- Union Territories: Are generally administered by the Union Government through an appointed administrator or Lieutenant Governor.
- Legislatures: Some Union Territories, including Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir, have legislatures with specific powers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Union Territories are there in India?
India has 8 Union Territories.
2. What is the capital of Lakshadweep?
Kavaratti is the capital of Lakshadweep.
3. Which is the largest Union Territory in India by area?
Ladakh is the largest Union Territory in India by geographical area.
4. Which is the smallest Union Territory in India by area?
Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory in India by geographical area.
5. Which Union Territory is the capital of two states?
Chandigarh serves as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana.
6. Which Union Territory is an island group in the Arabian Sea?
Lakshadweep is an island group located in the Arabian Sea.
7. Which Union Territory is located in the Bay of Bengal?
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located in the Bay of Bengal.
8. Which Union Territories have legislatures?
Delhi, Puducherry, and Jammu and Kashmir have legislatures with specific constitutional powers.
Conclusion
India’s 8 Union Territories reflect the country’s geographical and administrative diversity. From the Himalayan landscapes of Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir to the island ecosystems of Lakshadweep and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, each territory has a distinct identity.
Understanding their capitals, locations, and administrative structures provides a useful foundation for learning about India’s political geography.
Leave a Reply