India is a large country with 28 states and 8 union territories. These states and UTs are further divided into districts for better administration. There are a total of 732 districts in India (as of 2019). This article lists the top 10 largest districts in India.
- Kutch
- Leh
- Jaisalmer
- Bikaner
- Barmer
- Jodhpur
- Anantapur
- Nagaur
- Kurnool
- Prakasam
1.Kutch (Kachchh)
| State/UT | Area (sq km) | Population | Literacy rate (%) |
| Gujarat | 45,674 | 20,92,371 | 70.59 |
Kutch district of Gujarat is the largest district in India. It is famous for its Rann of Kutch which is one of the largest salt deserts in the world. The district has an area of 45,674 square kilometres. The town of Bhuj serves as the administrative headquarters of the district.
The famous Rann Utsav that is organized every year in Rann of Kutch showcases the natural beauty and culture of Kutch.
2. Leh
| State/UT | Area (sq km) | Population | Literacy rate (%) |
| Ladakh | 45,110 | 1,33,487 | 77.20 |
Leh district is one of the two districts in the newly formed union territory Ladakh, the other being Kargil. As the second-largest district in India, Leh has an area of 45,110 square kilometres. The district has many tourist and trekking destination and is also famous for the Hemis National Park which is the largest National Park in India.
The majority population in Leh is Buddhist and speak the Bauti(Ladakhi) language.
3. Jaisamler
| State/UT | Area (sq km) | Population | Literacy rate (%) |
| Rajasthan | 38,401 | 6,69,919 | 57 22 |
Located in the Thar desert, Jaisalmer is the third largest district in India. The district is sparsely populated and shares a border with Pakistan. The district has an area of 38,401 square kilometres and is the largest district in Rajasthan state.
The city of Jaisalmer servers as the headquarters of the district and is famous for the Jaisalmer Fort which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Jaisalmer is one of the most visited places in Rajasthan.
4. Bikaner
| State/UT | Area (sq km) | Population | Literacy rate (%) |
| Rajasthan | 30,239 | 23,63,937 | 65.13 |
Bikaner district of Rajasthan comes at number 4 on this list. Bikaner has an area of 30,239 square kilometres. Just like Jaisalmer, Bikaner also shares a border with Pakistan. The district headquarters is in Bikaner city which is famous for the Junagadh fort.
5. Barmer
| State/UT | Area (sq km) | Population | Literacy rate (%) |
| Rajasthan | 28,387 | 26,03,751 | 56.53 |
As one of the largest districts in India, Barmer has an area of 28,387 square kilometres. It is the third-largest district in Rajasthan.
6. Jodhpur
| State/UT | Area (sq km) | Population | Literacy rate (%) |
| Rajasthan | 22,850 | 36,87,165 | 65.94 |
Another district from Rajasthan on this list, Jodhpur is large and also has a huge population. The district covers an area of 22,850 square kilometers and has a population of around 37 lakhs.
The city of Jodhpur, popularly known as the “Blue City” is a tourist magnet. A large number of tourist from India and around the world visit Jodhpur every year. The best places to see in Jodhpur are Mehrangarh Fort, Jaswant Thada, Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum, etc.
7. Anantapur
| State/UT | Area (sq km) | Population | Literacy rate (%) |
| Andhra Pradesh | 19,130 | 40,81,148 | 63.57 |
Anantapur is the largest district in Andhra Pradesh and is one of the largest districts in India. Andhra Pradesh has two regional divisions – Coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema. Anantapur is located in the Rayalaseema region.
The district has an area of 19,130 Square kilometres and the administrative headquarters is in Anantapur city. It is the most populous district on this list.
8. Nagaur
| State/UT | Area (sq km) | Population | Literacy rate (%) |
| Rajasthan | 17,718 | 3,307,743 | 62.80 |
Nagaur is the fifth district on this list from Rajasthan. It is the 8th largest district in India. The district has a huge population of 33 lakhs. The administrative headquarters is located in Nagaur city.
9. Kurnool
| State/UT | Area (sq km) | Population | Literacy rate (%) |
| Andhra Pradesh | 17,658 | 40,53,463 | 59.97 |
Another district form the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh, Kurnool is the 9th largest district in India.
10. Prakasam
| State/UT | Area (sq km) | Population | Literacy rate (%) |
| Andhra Pradesh | 17,626 | 33,97,448 | 63.08 |
Praksam comes at number 10 on this list. The district is located in coastal Andhra. It has an area of 17,626 Square kilometers. The city of Ongole is the administrative headquarters of the district.
Some useful information
- Uttar Pradesh has the most, 75 districts. UP also has the most Lok Sabha seats, 80.
- Kutch, the largest district in India is famous for its Rann of Kutch. Rann of Kutch has two parts – the great Rann of Kutch and the little rann of Kutch. The great Rann of Kutch is one of the largest salt deserts in the world.
- Leh is the second-largest district. It is a popular destination for biking adventures. Moreover, it is also famous for its monasteries and breathtaking mountain views.
- 5 among the 10 largest districts in India are in Rajasthan.
- The states are divided into districts to have a better administration. Most districts on this list have a large area as they are less populated.
- Districts are further divided into Tehsils or Talukas
Disclaimer: The stats are as per 2011 census.
Quick question
Which is the newest state in India?
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Answer to quick question
Telangana is the newest state in India. It was carved out of Andhra Pradesh on 2 June 2014.