Coastal States of India

The coastal states of India, or the coastline, play a major role and are simultaneously important for the country’s economy. It also presents a splendid blend of landscapes and cultures. It is long and runs approximately 7516 kilometers (7,516.60 kilometers exactly), consisting of 2184.1 kilometers of island territories and 5332.5 kilometers of mainland coastline. The coastline of India runs along the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean to the west and the Bay of Bengal to the east.

In this article, we will discuss the List of Coastal States of India and their Impacts on our Economy. Continue reading to find out more.

Coastal States of India

List of Coastal States of India

There are nine coastal states and four coastal union territories in India. Above we have mentioned the list of coastal states of India.

Coastal States in India	Coastal Union Territories in India
Gujarat Maharashtra Goa Karnataka Kerala Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh Odisha West Bengal	Daman and Diu Puducherry Andaman and Nicobar Islands Lakshadweep Islands

Coastal Lengths of the States and Union Territories of India

The coastal states of India are becoming more important due to a growing population, increased urbanization, and rapid development. Here, we have listed the 13 major coastal states and union territories with their Indian coastline length (in kilometers).

Coastal States of India: State-Wise

In this table, you can see nine Indian coastal states with their coastline lengths. Gujrat holds the honor of being the longest coastline state in India, and Goa has the shortest one.

Indian State Name	Indian Coastline Length (in kilometers)
Gujarat	1214.7
Andhra Pradesh	973.7
Tamil Nadu	906.9
Maharashtra	652.6
Kerala	569.7
Odisha	476.4
Karnataka	280
West Bengal	157.5
Goa	101
	Total – 5332.5

Coastal States of India – Union Territory Wise

The table mentioned below will explain to you the coastline length of India as per Union Territories. Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the longest coastline, and Daman and Diu have the shortest.

Union Territory Name	Indian Coastline Length (in kilometers)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands	1962
Lakshadweep	132
Puducherry	47.6
Daman & Diu	42.5
	Total – 2184.1

Features of Major Coastal States in India

In these tables below, we will explore the distinctive features of the major coastal states of India. To understand the features of these coastal states in a better way, we will divide them into two subparts.

Eastern Coastal States of India

The Eastern Coastal Plains of India stretch from West Bengal in the north to Tamil Nadu in the south and pass through the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. It is wider and flatter than the Western Coastal Plains.

West Bengal	Situated in the eastern part of India, it boasts a rich cultural heritage, history, and literature. The state shares its border with Bangladesh to the east (2,217 kilometers). The state features only one major port, and it is India’s sixth-largest state economy. The coastal plain spans 158 km and is primarily located in the districts of Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas. The Sundarbans delta is home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, known for its royal Bengal swamp tigers and diverse flora. Mojor Ports: Haldia Dock Complex (HDC), Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (India’s First Oldest Port), Digha
Odisha	Situated in the eastern part of India. The state is famous for its temples (Puri Jagannath Temple and Konark Sun Temple) and scenic beauty (Chandipur and Gopalpur beach). The state has a 485-km shoreline, known as coastal Odisha or the Utkal Plains. The coastline of this state is framed by the Lower Ganges Plain, Bay of Bengal, Tamilnad Plains, and Eastern Ghats. Noteworthy attractions include Chilka Lake, the nation’s largest lake, which is present here. There are so many historic sites present, like the former kingdom of Kalinga. Bhitarkanika is the second-largest mangrove ecosystem in the country, which is a natural charm of the region. Despite its coastal expanse, Odisha features only one major port, contributing to its economic activities and connectivity. Major Port: Paradip Port
Andhra Pradesh	A coastal state in south-east India, renowned for its cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is the third-longest coastline in India. It stretches around 972 km along the Eastern Ghats and the Bay of Bengal, including the Coromandel Coast. It is one of India’s most fertile agricultural areas along the coastline. This area has been formed by the deltas of the Godavari, Krishna River, and Penna. Major crops like rice, pulses, and coconuts are cultivated here a lot. There are 14 major ports, which enhances economic activity and connectivity in the state. Major Ports: Bhavanapadu, Kakinada Port, Nakkapalli, Meghavaram, S Yanam – Rawa, Kalingapatnam, Machilipatnam, Nizampatnam, Bheemunipatnam, Narsapur, Gangavaram, Kakinada SEZ, Vodarevu and Krishnapatnam.
Tamil Nadu	Tamil Nadu is a coastal state in southeast India. The state boasts a coastline spanning 1,076 km. Tamil Nadu holds the second-longest coastline area in India. Tamil Nadu is bounded by the Eastern Ghats, the Bay of Bengal, the Kaveri Delta in the south, and the Utkal Plains. Rice, legumes, sugarcane, cotton, and peanuts are some major crops in this state. Flourishing coconut plantations characterize the landscape along the Coromandel coast. Marina Beach, the largest natural urban beach in India, graces the coastline of Tamil Nadu. The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park contributes to the ecological significance of the region; it is the largest natural urban beach in India. Major Ports: Chennai Port, Kamarajar Port and Ennore Port

Western Coastal States of India

The western coastal plains of India extend from the State of Gujarat in the north to Kerala in the south direction. The coastal plains also cover the states of Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka in it. Let us discuss this in detail.

Gujarat	Gujarat is widely recognized for its thriving textile and diamond-cutting industries and bustling commercial centers. Ahmedabad, Gujarat’s largest city, stands with a rich history, vibrant culture, and architectural heritage. The Kathiawar region in Gujarat is India’s longest coastline, stretching around 1,600 km long. Major Ports: Kandla, Mundra, Navlakhi, Magdalla, Pipavav, Porbandar
Maharashtra	Maharashtra is famous for beautiful beaches like Juhu, Alibaug, and Ganapatipule. Mumbai is the capital of Maharashtra, known for its culture, Bollywood industry, and fun in India. The Konkan Coast is Maharashtra’s 720-kilometer-long coastline. It is between mountains, the Arabian Sea, the Daman Ganga River, and the Gangavalli River. Major crops in Maharashtra are rice, millet, lentils, and coconuts. Maharashtra has 53 ports, including two big ones and 51 smaller ones. Major Ports: Jawahar Lal Nehru Port (JNPA) and Mumbai Port (India’s second oldest port)
Goa	Goa is the smallest coastal state in the west of India. Panaji is known for its old-style buildings and interesting history related to the Portuguese. Goa has a 131-kilometer-long coastline. Goa is situated along the western coast. It is surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. Goa’s soil is really good for farming. Major Port: Mormugao Port Authority (MPA)
Karnataka	The coastal region of Karnataka stretches for 300 km. The coastal region of Karnataka is surrounded by the Konkan, the Western Ghats, the Kerala Plains, and the Arabian Sea. Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina are three districts where the coastline falls. Major Ports: New Mangalore Port
Kerala	Kerala is also known as the Malabar Coast. It has the fifth-longest coastline in India. It spans around 590 kilometers. The coastline begins on the southwestern coast of Maharashtra, passes through Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala, and ends in Kanyakumari. Kerala is surrounded by the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea. The Malabar Coast is a major tourist site for its picturesque landscapes, serene brackish water lakes, and sandy beaches. Tea, coffee plantations, and chocolate production are famous in this state. Major Ports: Azheekal, Beypore, Ponnani, Alappuzha and Kollam.

Geomorphology of Coastal Region of India

The geomorphology of the coastal region of India is diverse and influenced by a combination of many factors, as mentioned below.

• The East Coast region spreads from Kanyakumari to the Sunderbans. It is wider than the West Coast.
• The East Coast is comparatively sandy, alluvial, and has a gentle slope. It also features sand dunes, marshy areas, and lagoons.
• The West Coast runs from Rann of Kutch to Kanyakumari. It is a narrow strip present between the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats.
• The West Coast is rocky with sand.
• The eastern coast has large deltas from rivers with abundant sediment.
• The western coast has estuaries due to rapid river flow.

Physiography of Indian Coastline (Mainland)
Sandy Beach	43%
Muddy Flats	36%
Rocky Coast	11%
Marshy Coast	10%
Coastline affected caused by erosion	1624.435 KM (Mainland)
Coastal States and UTs Population	560 M
Coastal Delta Information
Length of Coastline	7516 kilometers (7,516.60 kilometes exactly)
Total Land Area	3,287,263 km2
Continental shelf Area	372,424 km2
The territorial sea up to 12 nautical miles ahead from the coastline	193,834 km2

Difference Between Eastern Coastal States of India and Western Coastal States of India

Now we will discuss what are the main differences between Eastern Coastal States of India and Western Coastal States of India.

Eastern Coastal States of India	Western Coastal States of India
Starches along the Bay of Bengal.	Starches along the Arabian Sea.
Longer coastline with broader plains.	Shorter coastline and narrower than eastern plains.
Major rivers are Ganges, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Krishna, Mahanadi.	Major rivers are Narmada, Tapti, Mandovi, Zuari, Godavari.
Prominent deltas.	Less prominent deltas.
Bay of Bengal influence the climate here.	Arabian Sea and Western Ghats regulates the climate here.
Biodivesity includes sundarbans mangrove forest, diverse flora and fauna.	Biodivesity includes Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, diverse ecosystems.
Agriculture, fisheries, industries are major economic activities.	Agriculture, fisheries, industries, tourism are the major economic backbone.

Conclusion

India boasts a 7516-kilometer-long coastline running along the Arabian Sea, Indian Ocean, and Bay of Bengal. In India, there are 13 coastal states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, excluding four union territories. In the above article, we have provided complete information about these coastal states in depth.

FAQs on Coastal States of India

Which state has the longest coastline in India?

The state of Gujarat has the longest coastline in India.

What is the overall extent of India’s coastline in terms of its total length?

India has a total coastline of approximately 7,516 kilometers.

What factors contribute to cyclones in coastal areas of India?

The warm oceanic waters, especially in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, provide the necessary heat and moisture for cyclonic formations.

Which state of India has the shortest coastline?

Among the states, the state of Goa has the shortest coastline in India.