India, the second most populated country in the world is a land full of diversity. There are many cities in our country large enough to accommodate the growing population. India possesses more than 27 cities acclimatizing more than a million residents. The cities of the country hold 43% of the total population. Researchers have predicted the population will rise to higher than 1.5 billion in the next 50 years. Most of these numbers are based on the official census conducted in the year 2011 and the next census is scheduled for 2021. The main reason why India’s population soar is due to the increase in fertility rate. India’s fertility rate is above 0.2 and the majority of India’s growth is attributed to urbanization and increasing level of literacy. India is divided into 28 different states and seven union territories. Several capital cities in our country are the largest cities in the world. Here are given the list of the top 10 largest cities in India based on area.
Table of Contents
1. Delhi
Delhi stands first in the top 10 largest cities in India based on area. The city Delhi is spread across a total area of 1484 km square. The national capital territory of Delhi is a city and union territory bordered by the state Haryana and Uttar Pradesh to the east. The city makes the world’s second-largest urban area according to the United Nation. As per the 2011 census, the city’s population is more than 11 million. Delhi is the second-highest city in India after Mumbai is based on population. Delhi’s urban area extends beyond the boundaries and includes neighboring cities of Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, and Noida in an area called NCR and has a population of more than 26 million people. Recently three more districts have been added to NCR which are Jind, Karbal, and Muzzaffarnagar. Delhi is the second most productive metro area of India and the second wealthiest city of India after Mumbai.
2. Bengaluru
Bengaluru, the capital of Karnataka stands 2nd position in largest cities in India covering an area of 709 km square. The city located in the southern part of India at a height of 900m above the sea level has a population of more than 8 million. Bengaluru is known as the Silicon Valley of India because the city is an IT hub. The second fast-growing metropolis in India is the headquarter for many technological organizations such as ISRO, HAL, Wipro, and Infosys. Recently the urban area has been ranked fourth or fifth most productive metro area of India. The city is a home for many education and research institutions and numerous state-owned aerospace and defense organizations. The city consists of two parts, the urban district and rural district. The two parts were formed in the year 1986 when the city was divided. The urban district is more populated than the rural and has a population of more than 65 lakhs.
3. Vishakhapatnam
Vishakhapatnam is the capital of the state of Andhra Pradesh and the city covers an area of 681 km square. Vishakhapatnam is the most populated and largest city of Andhra Pradesh. It is the third-largest city on the east coast of India and the fourth largest city in South India. Vizag is the smartest city and the most populous city too. Based on archeological records, the city was built around the 11th and 12th centuries. The city is home to the oldest shipyard and Vishakhapatnam port is the fifth busiest cargo port in India. The city is a major tourist destination and known for its beaches. Vizag is home to the headquarters of the Indian navy and south coast railway zone. The city remains top contributing to India’s GDP and has a GDP of more than $25 billion.
4. Ranchi
Ranchi is the capital of state Jharkhand and 4th largest city of India by area. Ranchi covers an area of 652 km square and the smart city has an average literacy rate of 87.68%. The city is popular for conducting numerous sports activities. Ranchi used to be the center of the Jharkhand movement and the city has been selected to be developed as a smart city under PM Narendra Modi flagship Smart Cities Mission. Ranchi has a hilly topography with dense tropical forests and has a relatively moderate climate. It is one of the major industrial cities in Eastern India. It has the presence of many govt and private organizations. As per studies, Ranchi is the highest employment generating tier-III cities in India.
5. Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the capital and largest city of India, Telangana. The city occupies 625 square km along the banks of the Musi river. Hyderabad is located northern part of south India, situated on hilly terrain around artificial lakes. Hyderabad is the fourth most populous city in India with a population of 6.9 million residents with in the city and has a population of 9.7 million in the metropolitan region. The city is quite popular for pearl, perfumes, and major landmark Charminar. Hyderabad is the fifth-largest urban economy in India. The city lies at an altitude of 542 meters, dotted with small hills and the highest remains Banjara hills at 672 meters. The city has 140 lakes and 834 ponds. Hyderabad has a tropical wet and dry climate and heavy rain from southwest monsoon fall between June and September.
6. Mumbai
Mumbai is the capital city of state Maharashtra and covers an area of 600 km square. Mumbai is the most populous city in the country and seventh populous city in the world with a population of more than 20 million. Around 12.5 million population lives under the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai. Mumbai lies on the Konkan coast of the western coast of India and possesses a deep natural harbor. It is the city where a higher number of millionaires and billionaires live. It is the home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is one of the most diverse cities in the country that doesn’t sleep. Mumbai was formed from a group of many islands. The city has lots of tourist attractions like marine drive, the gateway of India, Juhu Beach, Elephanta caves, Prince of Wales Museum, and much more. The city is financial. Commercial and entertainment capital of India. The city is one of the world’s top 10 centers of commerce in terms of global financial flow. The city is home to Bollywood cinemas and it attracts migrants from all over India.
7. Dhanbad
Dhanbad is the city located in the state of Jharkhand covering an area of 577 km square. It is the second most populated city in India and also ranks 33rd largest city in India. It is the fastest-growing urban area sharing its land border with Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal. Dhanbad is the coal capital of India and it has one of the largest coal mines in India. The reputed and esteemed institute Indian school of mines is situated in the city. Dhanbad is one of the cleanest cities in India and ranked as one of the highest cities in 4G availability. Dhanbad rail division is the second-largest in generating revenue. The city features a humid subtropical climate and tropical wet and dry climate. Damodar is the main river flowing through the district.
8. Indore
Indore is a popular city located in the state of Madhya Pradesh and covers an area of 530 sq km. It is the most populous and largest city in Madhya Pradesh. It is considered as an education hub of the state with the presence of IIM and IIT. It is one of the major cities of central India densely populated in the central province. Indore act as the financial capital of Madhya Pradesh. Indore has been developed as a smart city and ranked as one of the cleanest cities for the last four years. Indore has a population of 1994397 in Municipal Corporation and 2170295 under the urban area.
9. Jaipur
Jaipur is the largest city in the India state of Rajasthan. The pink city covers an area of 467 km sq and holds a population of 3.1 million. It is the 10th most populous city in the country and the city is located 268 km from New Delhi. The city Jaipur was founded in 1727 by the Rajput ruler Jai Singh II who was the ruler of Amer after whom the city is named. Jaipur is a popular tourist destination and serves as a gateway to other tourist destinations such as Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur, Kota, and Mount Abu.
10. Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad is the largest city and capital of India state of Gujarat. The city covers an area of 464 sq km and the fifth most populous in India. Ahmedabad is located on the banks of the Sabarmati River. The city is an important economic and industrial hub and the second-largest producer of cotton in India. Cricket is a popular sport in Ahmedabad. The newly built Sardar Patel Stadium can accommodate 110,000 spectators. The smart city has been ranked third in Forbes list as the fastest growing city of the decade. It is one of the best cities in India to live in.