The following is a comparison between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, two large states in the southern part of India. Let’s read.
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu – Indian states comparison
Which state is larger in area, Karnataka or Tamil Nadu?
Karnataka is larger than Tamil Nadu in terms of area. Its area is nearly 1.5 times that of Tamil Nadu.
- Area of Karnataka – approximately 191,800 sq km
- Area of Tamil Nadu – approximately 130,060 sq km
Which state has a higher population, Karnataka or Tamil Nadu?
Tamil Nadu has a larger population than Karnataka as per the last census.
- Population of Karnataka – 6.1 crores (2011 census)
- Population of Tamil Nadu – 7.2 crores (2011 census)
GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product)
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are among India’s largest state economies. Tamil Nadu has a larger economy than Karnataka in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) at current prices. The table below compares the GSDP and economic rankings of the two states.
| Karnataka | Tamil Nadu | |
|---|---|---|
| GSDP (at Current Prices), 2025-26 | ₹32.81 lakh crore | ₹35.29 lakh crore |
| GSDP rank in India | 3rd | 2nd |
Source: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation of India
Overview
| Karnataka | Tamil Nadu | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | approximately 191,800 sq km | approximately 130,060 sq km |
| Area rank | 6th | 10th |
| Population | 6.1 crores (2011 census) | 7.2 crores (2011 census) |
| Population rank | 8th (2011 census) | 6th (2011 census) |
| Capital city | Bengaluru | Chennai |
| Largest city | Bengaluru | Chennai |
| Statehood | 1 November 1956 | 18 July 1967 |
| Most spoken language | Kannada | Tamil |
| Second most spoken language | Urdu | Telugu |
Geography
| Karnataka | Tamil Nadu | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Southern India | Southern India |
| Borders | Maharashtra, Goa, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala | Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka |
| Highest mountain peak | Mullayanagiri Peak (1,930 m) | Doddabetta peak (2,637 m) |
| Forest cover (2023) | 20.47% | 20.34% |
| Major rivers | Kaveri, Tungabhadra, Krishna, Sharavati, Bhima, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha, Hemavati, etc. | Kaveri, Ponnaiyar, Palar, Amaravati, Vaigai, Noyyal, Vaippar, etc. |
| Largest district | Belagavi district | Dindigul district |
| Coastline | Yes | Yes |
| Coastline length | 343.30 km | 1.068.69 km |
| International border | No | No |
| Major soil type | Red Soil | Red Soil |
State symbols
| Karnataka | Tamil Nadu | |
|---|---|---|
| State tree | Indian sandalwood | Asian palmyra palm |
| State animal | Indian elephant | Nilgiri tahr |
| State bird | Indian roller | Emerald dove |
| State flower | Lotus | Flame lily |
(Also read: Tamil Nadu vs Kerala – Indian states comparison)
Popular places to visit in Karnataka
Bengaluru, Hampi, Mysuru, Gokarna, Chikkamagaluru, Murdeshwar, Coorg, Badami, etc.
Popular places to visit in Tamil Nadu
Ooty, Brihadeeswara Temple, Mahabalipuram, Chennai, Kodaikanal, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Coimbatore, etc.
