List of Union Territories of India, Check New UT List 2024

At present, India consists of eight union territories. After losing its status as a sovereign state, Jammu and Kashmir became a union territory. As another union territory, Ladakh was created after being split off from Jammu & Kashmir. October 31, 2019, was the date of implementation. When two distinct union territories-“Daman and Diu” and “Dadra and Nagar Haveli”-were combined, the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu was created on January 26, 2020. Thus, eight union territories exist as of right now. Let’s explore every one of them in detail.

Union Territories of India

The union territories of India are under the direct supervision of the Central Government, which sets them apart from states that have independent administrations. These areas are governed by appointed authorities who report to the Indian President. UTs are very important in the political and administrative structure of India.

India’s capital, Delhi, which is distinct from UT as well, acts as a center for both governmental and commercial activity. Another notable UT is Puducherry, which is well-known for its history of French colonization and its stunning coastal scenery demonstrates the smooth blending of contemporary infrastructure with urban development. With their distinct qualities and accomplishments, all of India’s UTs contribute to the nation’s rich fabric.

List of Union Territories of India

The table above presents a comprehensive list of the Union Territories of India along with their respective years of formation. The Union Territories play a unique role in the administrative framework of the country.

List of Union Territories of India
Union Territory	Year of Formation
Andaman and Nicobar Islands	1956
Chandigarh	1966
Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu	2020
Lakshadweep	1956
Delhi	1956
Puducherry	1964
Ladakh	2019
Jammu and Kashmir	2019

Union Territories of India Geography

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are made up of over 570 islands and are situated in the Bay of Bengal. The islands are a well-liked tourist destination because of their breathtaking scenery. Numerous tribes make up the local population, and the islands are home to a sizable naval facility.
• Chandigarh, a union territory run by the federal government, serves as the capital of two states: Punjab and Haryana. It is a center for business, culture, and education and is renowned for its planned architecture and urban planning.
• Two distinct territories—Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu—were combined into one in 2020. These areas, which lie on India’s west coast, are renowned for both their historical significance and natural beauty.
• The Arabian Sea is home to the archipelago of islands known as Lakshadweep. It is well-known for its white sand beaches, coral reefs, and abundant biodiversity. Numerous ethnic groups make up the local population, and the area has a distinct cultural identity of its own.
• India’s capital city, Delhi, is a union territory with an elected legislature and government. It is renowned for its varied cultures, rich history, and status as a center for business, politics, and education.
• Pondicherry, another name for Puducherry, was formerly a French colony and features a distinctive fusion of French and Indian cultures. It is well-known for its beaches, French food, and gorgeous architecture.
• Before being divided into two distinct union territories in 2019, the state of Jammu and Kashmir included both Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. While Ladakh is renowned for its rough terrain, snow-capped mountains, and distinct culture, Jammu and Kashmir is famed for its rich cultural legacy and natural beauty.

Compared to states, the Union Territories of India have less autonomy over internal affairs. The central government, which designates an administrator as the head of the area, is directly in charge of managing them. In certain situations, a legislative assembly and a council of ministers support the administrator.

Indian Union Territories Map

Union Territories of India are varied regions under the direct administration of the central government. Although they might not possess the identical degree of self-governance as states, they do possess distinct cultural, historical, and geographical importance. An illustration depicting the distribution of India’s Union Territories on a map highlights the dispersion of these territories throughout the nation.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which run from the southern boundary of Myanmar to the northern border of Indonesia, are situated in the Bay of Bengal. Port Blair, the administrative center, is the capital and largest city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. With a total area of over 8,249 square kilometers, it is among India’s largest union territories. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to about 4 lakh people (about). It encompasses a variety of tribes, including indigenous tribes. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to many languages, including Bengali, Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, and Nicobarese. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are significant from a tourism perspective as well. It is well-known for its breathtaking scenery, beaches, forests, places of worship, and marine life..

Chandigarh

Chandigarh, a Union Territory in India, is renowned for its unique urban planning and modern infrastructure. Serving as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends nature with architectural brilliance. Designed by renowned architect Le Corbusier, the city is divided into well-organized sectors, each with its own green spaces and amenities.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

The Indian government created a new union territory by merging Daman and Diu with Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Between 1954 to 1961, when it was known as the “Free Dadra and Nagar Haveli Administration,” the area had a significant impact. These Union Territories are governed by administrators chosen by the Central Government and have the same authority as regular Union Territories, but they also have the unique status of a governor. Daman is the capital of Daman and Diu, while Silvassa is the capital of Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Gujarati and Hindi are the primary languages spoken in these union territories, and the customs, festivals, and local culture present a modernized version of Indian culture.

Lakshadweep

Lakshadweep is a grouped state of India in the Arabian Sea. It is an archipelago of 36 islands, of which only 11 are inhabited; the capital is Kavaratti; the language spoken here is Malayalam; island languages like Jeseri and Mahal are also spoken; the area of Lakshadweep is about 32 square kilometers, and its population is about 64,429; its main sources of income are shipbuilding, fishing, tourism, and palm production. Lakshadweep is recognized for its natural beauty, marine life, and immaculate beaches.

Delhi

India’s capital city, Delhi, is situated on the Indian subcontinent. It is the most populous city in India as well as a large metropolis. Delhi is home to about 1,67,53,235 people and has a land area of 1,483 square kilometers. Delhi holds significant cultural and historical importance in India. With its numerous administrative buildings, historical landmarks, temples, mosques, domes, and imposing government buildings, it is acknowledged as a major religious and tourist attraction. Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, and English are the primary languages spoken in Delhi. There is a diverse community of multilingual and multiethnic inhabitants both in terms of organization and diversity. People of many languages, religions, and cultures coexist together in Delhi, a major hub for trade and events.

Puducherry

Puducherry, the capital of this state, is a popular tourist destination. Puducherry is a desirable location due to its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. With a population of about 12,44,464 people, Puducherry occupies an area of 479 square kilometers. The languages of the state, which include English, French, Malayalam, Tamil, and Telugu, are highly recognized. The French and Tamil languages have also left their mark on Puducherry’s cultural legacy. Historically, Puducherry has been a part of France for a very long time. It is evident how French architecture and culture have influenced both.

Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh

Jammu & Kashmir lost its status as a state and became a union territory on October 31, 2019. Ladakh was declared a distinct union region and split off from Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu is the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The union territory has a 67.16% literacy rate. Hindi, English, Dogri, and Kashmiri are the four most widely spoken languages in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The primary driver of Jammu and Kashmir’s economy is agriculture. Jammu and Kashmir is a major exporter of apples, pears, cherries, plums, saffron, and walnuts. The “land of sapphire and saffron” is how people refer to Kishtwar in Jammu and Kashmir.

Andaman and Nicobar

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal, which are a Union Territory of India. These islands are known for their exotic beauty, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are spread over an area of 8,073 sq km and consist of 572 islands, out of which only 38 are inhabited.

The history of these islands dates back to ancient times, with the first human settlement on the islands believed to have taken place around 26,000 years ago. The islands were ruled by various kingdoms, including the Chola dynasty and the Maratha Empire before they were annexed by the British in the 18th century.

Chandigarh

In addition to being an Indian union territory, Chandigarh serves as the joint capital of Punjab and Haryana. Chandigarh’s official language is English. Hindi is spoken by the majority of inhabitants, followed by Punjabi. The city of Chandigarh is renowned as “Pensioner’s Paradise.” Chandigarh is home to several renowned educational institutions, including elite universities. Chandigarh is well-known for its buildings and urban planning. Chandigarh is one of the first planned cities in post-independence India. French-Swiss architect Le Corbusier created it. UNESCO designated the Chandigarh capitol complex as a World Heritage Site in 2016.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu

Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu are two union territories of India located in the western part of the country. They were merged together on January 26, 2020, to form a single entity. The union territory is bordered by the states of Gujarat to the north and Maharashtra to the south. Despite being small in size, these union territories have a unique history, culture, and attractions.

Dadra and Nagar Haveli were under Portuguese rule for over 450 years until it was liberated by the Indian government in 1954. Similarly, Daman and Diu were also under Portuguese rule until it was annexed by India in 1961. Both territories were merged together to form a single union territory on January 26, 2020.

Puducherry

Puducherry is situated on the eastern coast of the country and is bordered by Tamil Nadu on all sides except for the eastern coast. Puducherry was a French colony until 1954, and this has influenced its culture and architecture.

Puducherry is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. It is known for its beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The city is also famous for its spiritual and religious significance and has many temples, churches, and ashrams.

Indian States and Capital

Ladakh

Leh serves as Ladakh’s capital city. In Ladakh, Leh is the biggest town. Kargil is the town in Ladakh that is the second biggest. Ladakh is home to the well-known Sutta, Indus, and Shyok river basins. Ladakh was divided into a distinct union territory in 2019 when the Indian government enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act. In Ladakh, Muslims make up 46 percent of the population, making up the bulk. The demographics of Ladakh are as follows: 12% are Hindus, and 40% are Buddhists. To the east is the Tibet Autonomous Region; to the south is the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, and to the east is the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir.