Glimpses of the 7 Union Territories of India

Union Territories

Union TerritoriesUnion TerritoriesUnion Territories

Union Territories

Union Territories

Union Territories

Union Territories

Glimpses of the 7 Union Territories of India

We are back after a long hiatus with the remaining part of the tapestry that is India, the 7 Union Territories of India in our concluding part of this series about Incredible India and its states and Union Territories.  Dear readers, we hope you enjoyed traveling with us as we stole glimpses of the different states of India in our earlier posts, Some Glimpses of  The Beautiful Mosaic Called India-Part I, Glimpses of Incredible India: States – Part II, and Glimpses Of Indian States – Part III.

What Are Union Territories

Union Territories are administrative units within the Republic of India which is governed directly by the Union Government. It may be noted that this is unlike the States of the Union which are governed by their own elected governments.

Union Territories

There are 7 Union Territories in India and these are Delhi, the Capital of India, Chandigarh which is the Capital of both the states of Haryana and Punjab. The remaining of the 7 Union Territories include Pondicherry or Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, and Lakshadweep. The Union Territories of India have special rights under the Constitution of the Republic of India.

Delhi

Union Territories

Delhi the capital of India is a Union Territory and 11 million people call it their home. Delhi is a historic city and has been continuously inhabited since the 6th Century BC. Delhi has withstood the ravages of time with remarkable resilience, having been plundered, ransacked and rebuilt a number of times during the passage of history. The icon of Delhi is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Qutub Minar which is also the world’s tallest free-standing brick Minaret.

Union Territories

The rich heritage and long history of Delhi is evidenced by the fact that apart from the Qutub Minar, there are two other UNESCO World Heritage sites in the city, these are the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb. Some of the other must see sights in Delhi are; India Gate which is a war memorial built in the 1920’s, Jama Masjid which is a 17th-century Mosque built in the Mughal style and the Lotus Temple built in the shape of a lotus flower.

Union Territories

The vibrant culture and cuisine of Delhi is something one needs to have an immersive experience of and collate memories to cherish for a lifetime.

Chandigarh

Union Territories

Chandigarh is a union territory and the capital of the states of Punjab and Haryana but is governed directly by the Union Government. Chandigarh is a city that is located about 260 kilometers north of Delhi. Chandigarh is one of the earliest of planned cities and the credit for its design is attributed to the French architect Le Corbusier. The Capitol Complex of Chandigarh which houses the Government offices is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Union Territories

The city is one of the cleanest cities in India. While in Chandigarh one must pay a visit to the unique Rock Garden of Chandigarh, which is one man’s labor of love of transforming waste into art.

Puducherry

Union Territories

Puducherry or Pondicherry as it was earlier known as is a union territory that lies in the southern part of the Indian peninsula. The union territory of Puducherry includes the districts of Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, and Mahe. The history of Puducherry can be traced as back as 2nd Century AD. The French influence is very evident in Puducherry in its streets and buildings as well as cuisine. Aurobindo Ashram in Puducherry is a place which draws spiritual seekers and tourists like a magnet.

Union Territories

On the outskirts of Puducherry is situated a unique commune, called Auroville, an experimental township that is dedicated to ensuring that men and women from of all countries live in peace and harmony.
If you are a foodie then don’t miss out checking out this post – Best Cafes and Restaurants in Pondicherry for foodies.

Andaman and  Nicobar Islands

Union Territories

Two groups of islands in the Bay of Bengal form the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Andaman islands are also home to the only known surviving Paleolithic people who live bereft of contact with other humans.

Union Territories

The capital of the Union Territory is Port Blair and there is a total of about 572 islands in the Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The one and only volcano in India, known as Barren Island is located in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Union Territories

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands with its pristine beaches, turquoise waters and exotic islands is an ideal getaway for a rejuvenating stay. The rich marine life and the clear waters make the place ideal for water sports, especially diving.

Union Territories

The Cellular Jail, Havelock Island, Barren Island and Neil Island are some of the must-see places in the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Dadra & Nagar Haveli

Union Territories

One of the 7 Union Territories of India, Dadra and Nagar Haveli spans an area of 491 square kilometers and is sandwiched between the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra. The capital city of this Union Territory is Silvassa which is about 180 kilometers from Mumbai. The nearest railway station to Silvassa is Vapi which lies about 18 kilometers away. Silvassa was under the Portuguese rule and was also known as Vila de Paço d’Arcos, which is also the name of a town near Lisbon in Portugal. A deer park and a tribal museum are important places to visit when in Silvassa.

Daman and Diu

Union Territories

Daman and Diu are another one of the 7 Union Territories of India and it was a part of the Portuguese colony of Goa till 1961. For a period of over 450 years, Daman and Diu along with the regions of Goa and Dadra and Nagar Haveli were under Portuguese rule. Till 1987 Daman and Diu along with Goa were part of a single Union Territory, however after Goa attained statehood, Daman and Diu remained as a single Union Territory.

Union Territories

Daman and Diu are about 150 kilometers from Mumbai and the nearest railhead is Vapi which is about 12 kilometers away. Both Daman and Diu which are separated by the sea are rich in heritage sites that are relics of the Portuguese era. The forts in both Daman and Diu are very intriguing and tell a story in stone of an era gone by. The churches and other monuments of the place are also silent testimony to a history and blending of cultures.

Lakshadweep

Union Territories

Lakshadweep, one of the 7 Union Territories of India is a group of islands that lie off the South-Western coast of India. Lakshadweep is India’s smallest union territory and the total surface area of the group of islands is just 32 square kilometers.

Union Territories

The capital of Lakshadweep is Kavaratti. The islands have been known to mankind as far back as the first century AD. Only 10 of the islands of Lakshadweep are inhabited and the total population is about 65,000.

Union Territories

Tuna fish happens to be one of the chief exports from this region. Lakshadweep is rich in bio-diversity and marine life and has over 600 species of marine fishes and over 78 species of Corals.

Union Territories

Bangaram island is a spot to be visited for water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking etc. Lakshadweep with its seclusion provides an ideal getaway for a relaxed vacation. Lakshadweep can be reached via a cruise ship from Kochi or one could fly from Kochi to Agatti, the only airport in Lakshadweep.

Incredible India with its states and Union Territories is like a glittering crown encrusted with precious gems. an exploration of India is the exploration of the World itself. From east to west and north to south, the country is filled with treasures, some known and many unknown, waiting to be discovered and explored. The vibrant adventure called India is always happening.

This was a brief glimpse of the 7 Union Territories of India. Delhi, Chandigarh, Pondicherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu & Lakshadweep. We hope you liked this post and our series about the Indian states and union territories.  Have you been to any of these places? Share your experiences in the comments section. Also, do tell us what you think about our travel blog.

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77 thoughts on “Glimpses of the 7 Union Territories of India”

  1. This is my first time of reading much about places in India.There are all beautiful places that I’m stuck on picking. I will read again and choose. Thank you for this great insight.

  2. They are so beautiful and some of them completely unexplored. Planning for Andaman as my next union territory trip. Some of these like Daman and Lakshadweep are so unexplored. Thanks for compiling this list and bringing all their beauty together

  3. Your posts are always so educational! I feel like I know so much more about India from reading your blog, haha. This was a great read, and so many of these territories look stunning! Unexplored areas are always my favorite, never know what will happen.

  4. Fortunately all the Territories are so rich in terms of attractions. some are the even best destinations in India like Andaman which have some of the finest beaches. but i have been to only Delhi and Chandigarh rest of all on my bucket list.

  5. This article comes in handy to me because I am looking for tickets for Christmas time and India is on my list. I love all the pictures, it’s so hard to chose a few destinations because they all look amazing and each one is different. With every post I learn something new about India, thank you for sharing such informative posts.

  6. This is a nice info on the union territories. I would love to visit Lakshadweep Island. They look so beautiful and there are a lot of adventure activities that one can do there. 🙂

  7. This is definitely my go to blog when ever I get a chance to travel to India. And I really want to! There is so much good information here and inspiring photos. I hope I get to visit at least some these places soon.

  8. There’s so much to explore in India itself. Even though have been in India for the past so many years, I have only been able to visit 3 out of the 7 territories. Though I do plan to cover Puducherry, Daman and Diu and Lakshwadeep specially for Scuba Diving .

  9. Such a diverse area. The difference between territory and States for elected officials and government is interesting. Great breakdown of the various regions.

  10. You’ve really helped me understand the territories of India better which will make planning a trip less daunting! India is so big so this is really helping me break down where we should visit. I love the UNESCO sites!

  11. There is so much to see and do in India, it’s quite overwhelming trying to figure out where to start! I hope to spend a year discovering all of the 7 territories soon, particularly excited about getting to Andaman and Nicobar Islands 🙂

  12. This was so fascinating! I had no idea that India was broken up this way and it looks like each territory offers something new and different to see! It makes it easier to plan a trip when it’s broken down this way.

  13. India isn’t short of beautiful destinations at all! Loved your descriptions about the union territory. Unfortunately, I have visited only 2 of these, and I badly want to visit the rest, especially Andaman!

  14. The beaches look so beautiful there. I never really put India and beaches together, but it is surrounded by water so it makes sense. Looks like a great place to visit.

  15. I have never been to India and I had I had no idea there were this many territories. I would love to visit a few of the places you mentioned here! I love to travel and I love to explore, India is somewhere on my list to travel to.

  16. Wow, thank you for this guide. I still have so much more to learn about India. I’d love to visit the Andaman and Nicobar Islands because they look so beautiful — especially underwater.

  17. Debra J Hawkins

    My dad travels to India several times a year. He always brings back the most amazing photos and items for my kids! It makes me want to go so bad!

  18. Wow! There’s so much to see here! The sea life looks awesome! I love that rock garden and some of the architect. I’m mostly drawn to what is on the coastline.

  19. I had heard of several of these territories, but definitely not all. I’m fascinated by the islands with the remaining Paleolithic people on them.

  20. I have never been to any of these places but your pictures make me want to pack a bag and hop on an airplane (if only I had the money.) They all look so unique and full of beauty, it is a no wonder someone would want to visit there.

  21. I’ve never been to India, but it’s always been on my short list.
    As a photographer, I’m moved by the buildings and the water shots. I have only heard of a few territories so this is educational as well.

  22. Nice summaries of the 7 Union Territories. India is so massive and I don’t feel like I’ll ever be able to figure out my itinerary for my month there next year!

  23. Great overview. I’ve been to Calcutta, but like your posts highlights there is sooooo much to see in India. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are totally off most peoples radar and would be amazing to see.

  24. Pondicherry and Andamans are on our list! Andamans look so beautiful! We hope to learn scuba diving this year so that we can do justice to Andamans if we visit next year. We are also waiting for monsoon to get over to head to Pondicherry.

  25. I love visiting UNESCO World Heritage sites. Chandigarh sounds so interesting especially the Rock Garden. It’s amazing how waste can be turned into such beautiful art. Do you happen to know whey Chandigarh is one of the India’s cleanest cities?

  26. I love reading your posts, they are so informative and educational too. Your photos of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are absolutely stunning, especially the one of the trees in the water.

  27. Even though I have traveled across 25 states of India, the union territories of India still elude me except Delhi and Pondicherry. I am keen on visiting Lakshadweep and Diu. My parents want me to show them Chandigarh though.

  28. Wow! I don’t know much about the cities of India, so this was very helpful as I hope to go there one day. This gives good suggestions other than the traditional spots that tourists flock to. Thanks for the recommendations

  29. How intriguing! I had not known about these unions and that the governing of them was different to rest of India. The Rock Garden of Chandigarh is one of those places I’ve seen on TV and would really love to visit. It looks so eccentric and wonderful! Your photos bring each union area alive!

  30. I have been to Delhi, but the other six are unknown to me. India is like a continent. You can always go back and see more. There are so many fascinating sites in this beautiful country.

  31. I didn’t even know about the union territories – fascinating stuff. It’s amazing how different they all are – I suppose reflecting the size and breadth of experience across the country. Wonderful stuff. I particularly fancy a visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

  32. Such amazing diversity in all these regions, historic monuments and natural beauty. I would definitely spend a month visiting all these amazing regions and unwind in the southern coastal areas after such hectic and wonderful visits to all these sites.

  33. There is so much more to India than we know! This blog is so informative! It opens my mind to so much more in India and now I definitely want experience it all. The islands look amazing!

  34. My pick would be Andaman and Nicobar for natural beauty. It looks amazing. Puducherry looks pretty intriguing too. India is such a vast and exciting country to visit. You need years to see it all!

  35. I was drawn to the Andamans right away. I was supposed to dive all day tomorrow but they dive got cancelled do to low visibility. (such is diving in San Diego). Diving in warm, tropical water, even without the tropical fish and corals, would be such a treat.

  36. I always learn something new and interesting about India whenever I come to your blog. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands caught my eye in particular because they look so clean and untouched. I think the Paleolithic people would be interesting to watch because of how they survive with minimal human contact.

  37. Such amazing diversity of regions,! I’ve never been in India but is on my bucket list, and this ost is the perfect introduction: historic monuments and natural beauty.

    thanks for sharing

  38. The underwater photos are spectacular! You’ve really captured the fish and coral. There is such diversity in Indian and you’ve captured it it really well, love the article.

  39. The Andaman Islands have been on my Bucket list for quite some time. I decided to check the flights after reading your post.

  40. I don’t know much about India, so it is great to get a breakdown of the territories and what is there to see and do. Since I love islands I’d like to visit Lakshadweep.

  41. Thanks for much for sharing, this is such an educational post I know very little about India, having never travelled in the area, but I really want to one day! Your guides really help me decide what and where I want to see.

  42. A wonderful glimpse into the union territories! Such a unique compilation! Love Andamans. It is indeed a paradise. Have been to most of these but the one I really want to visit is Lakshwadeep for its sheer pristine untouched beauty:)
    Dadra and Nagar haveli is another off beat gem. Love your pictures. Esp of the rock garden in Chandigarh!

  43. Wow! I never thought that India is divided into 7 Unions. This is very interesting fact. Every unions have different characteristics. Do you have your favorite in India? If Ill visit India. Ill probably stay at the southern part.

  44. Political geography hurts my brain, but these are some amazing places. I love the statues at the Rock Garden of Chandigarh. And those beaches are stunning!

  45. elhi and Lakshwadweep have always fascinated me. Delhi for it’s accessibility and secrets and Lakshwadweep for being the contradictory. So much to dig in while exploring!

  46. Wow! India is in my top ten list and now your post just made me dream!! The only thing give me some doubt is the food! I don’t like Indian cuisine but maybe in the real Indian cuisine is it possible to find more other delicious things? I hope so, otherwise I am in trouble!

  47. Among the ones I have visited Andamans holds a. Major fascination for me with its stunning islands and among the ones I haven’t been to, lakshwadweep is high up on my list. Hoping to get there sooner… And do some scuba. 🙂

  48. What a wonderful and informative overview of the Union Territories of India. Wow, such amazing places to visit. My favorites are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands which would be high on my list. I will pin this for when I take a trip to India. Thanks for sharing 🙂 #feetdotravel

  49. Lakshadweep looks amazing. I could really see myself on one of those beaches. More importantly, thanks for the rundown on the Union Territories!

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