Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are two large states in Southern India. The following is a comparison between these two states. Let’s read.
Karnataka vs Tamil Nadu – Indian states comparison
Which state is larger in area, Karnataka or Tamil Nadu?
Karnataka state is larger than Tamil Nadu. Its area is nearly 1.5 times that of Tamil Nadu.
- Area of Karnataka – around 1,91,800 sq km
- Area of Tamil Nadu – around 1,30,060 sq km
Which state has a higher population, Karnataka or Tamil Nadu?
The population of Tamil Nadu is larger as per the last census.
- Population of Karnataka – 6.1 Crores (2011 census)
- Population of Tamil Nadu – 7.21 Crores (2011 census)
GDP – Karnataka vs Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu ranks number 2 in terms of GDP after Maharashtra. Karnataka ranks number 4 (2023 data).
Overview
| Karnataka | Tamil Nadu | |
|---|---|---|
| Area | around 1,91,800 sq km | around 1,30,060 sq km |
| Area rank | 6th | 10th |
| Population | 6.1 Crores (2011 census) | 7.21 Crores (2011 census) |
| Population rank | 8th (2011 census) | 6th (2011 census) |
| Capital City | Bengaluru | Chennai |
| Largest City | Bengaluru | Chennai |
| Statehood | 1 November 1956 | 1 November 1956 |
| 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 (2021) | 20.19 % | 20.31 % |
| 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 with Arabian Sea | Yes with Bay of Bengal |
| International border | No | No |
| Major Soil type | Red Soil and Black 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.
- Tourism ranking (domestic) – 4th (2023 report)
Popular places to visit in Tamil Nadu
Ooty, Brihadeeswara Temple, Mahabalipuram, Chennai, Kodaikanal, Rameswaram, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Coimbatore, etc.
- Tourism ranking (domestic) – 2nd (2023 report)
- Tourism ranking (international) – 6th (2023 report)
