India has a vast and beautiful coast. It extends for over 11,000 kilometres, playing the sea of Arabia, Bengal Bay and the Indian Ocean. This long coast is shared by nine states and four territories of the Union. It plays a major role in Commerce, Fisheries and Tourism of India.
Among all states, Gujarat has the longest coast. It covers about 2,340 kilometres, which is more than any other state of India. The coast of Gujarat houses many ports, such as Kandla and Mundra, and has a rich marine life and beautiful beaches.
In this article, we will explore the coast of Gujarat in detail. We will see its geography, main ports and why it is important.
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List of States in India with the Longest Coastlines
According to the Annual Report (2014-15) by the Ministry of Home Affairs, here is the list of the states with the longest coastlines in India:
| State/UT | Length (in Km) |
| Gujarat | 1,214.7 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 973.7 |
| Tamil Nadu | 906.9 |
| Maharashtra | 652.6 |
| Kerala | 569.7 |
| Odisha | 476.4 |
| Karnataka | 280.0 |
| West Bengal | 157.5 |
| Goa | 101.0 |
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands | 1,962.0 |
| Lakshadweep | 132.0 |
| Puducherry | 47.6 |
| Daman & Diu | 42.5 |
| Total | 7,516.6 |
Which Indian State Has the Longest Coastline?
India has a long and beautiful coastline. It stretches over 7,516.6 kilometres. This includes the mainland and the coastlines of islands like Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
The Indian coastline touches three major water bodies — the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. It covers nine states and four Union Territories. These coastal regions are important for trade, tourism, fishing, and culture.
Let’s take a closer look at each coastal state and Union Territory of India, starting with the one that has the longest coastline.
1. Gujarat – 1,214.7 km
Gujarat has the longest coastline among Indian states. It is located in the western part of India and touches the Arabian Sea. Gujarat’s coastline is known for its major ports like Kandla, Mundra, and Porbandar. These ports are very important for India’s trade. The coast also has many temples, beaches, and salt pans. Marine National Park in the Gulf of Kutch is India’s first marine park.
2. Andaman & Nicobar Islands – 1,962 km
Though not a state, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands have the longest coastline among all Union Territories. These islands are located in the Bay of Bengal. They are known for their natural beauty, coral reefs, and clear waters. Tourism is a big part of their economy. Places like Havelock Island and Radhanagar Beach are famous among travellers. The islands also play an important role in India’s naval defence.
3. Andhra Pradesh – 973.7 km
Andhra Pradesh has the second-longest coastline among Indian states. It lies on the eastern coast along the Bay of Bengal. This coastline is very fertile and is used for agriculture and fishing. Major ports like Visakhapatnam and Kakinada are located here. Andhra Pradesh’s coast is also known for beautiful beaches like R.K. Beach and natural wonders like Pulicat Lake.
4. Tamil Nadu – 906.9 km
Tamil Nadu also lies on the eastern coast of India along the Bay of Bengal. Its coastline is full of cultural and religious sites. Famous places like Marina Beach (one of the longest urban beaches in the world), Mahabalipuram, and Rameswaram are located here. Chennai, the capital city, has a major port that helps with international trade. Fishing and tourism are also important here.
5. Maharashtra – 652.6 km
Maharashtra’s coastline is along the Arabian Sea. It has a rich history and many beautiful places to visit. Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is located on this coast. Mumbai has two major ports – Mumbai Port and Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva). The coast is also known for forts like Sindhudurg and beaches like Alibaug and Ganpatipule.
6. Kerala – 569.7 km
Kerala is located on the southwestern coast of India. Its coastline is along the Arabian Sea. Kerala is famous for its backwaters, lagoons, and coconut trees. The coastline supports fishing, tourism, and the spice trade. Popular beaches include Kovalam, Varkala, and Bekal. Kochi is an important port city in Kerala and has a strong maritime history.
7. Odisha – 476.4 km
Odisha lies on the eastern coast, touching the Bay of Bengal. Its coastline is known for its natural beauty and religious sites. Puri, famous for the Jagannath Temple, is a major tourist spot. The Chilika Lake, which is Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon, is also on this coast. Odisha’s coastline is rich in fish and supports many fishermen.
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8. Karnataka – 280 km
Karnataka has a small but important coastline along the Arabian Sea. The coastline lies between Goa and Kerala. It is known for beautiful beaches like Gokarna, Karwar, and Murudeshwar. The New Mangalore Port is a key port here. The coast is also rich in marine life and supports fishing activities.
9. West Bengal – 157.5 km
West Bengal has a short coastline along the Bay of Bengal. It is home to the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The port city of Kolkata is connected to the sea through the Hooghly River. Fishing and tourism are part of the coastal economy. Digha is one of the most popular beach destinations in the state.
10. Goa – 101 km
Goa has a small coastline, but it is very famous. Located on the west coast along the Arabian Sea, Goa is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and Portuguese heritage. Beaches like Baga, Anjuna, and Palolem attract tourists from all over the world. The coastal economy is based on tourism and fishing.
11. Lakshadweep – 132 km
Lakshadweep is a group of islands in the Arabian Sea. It is a Union Territory with a small population. The islands have clear waters and coral reefs. Fishing and coconut farming are common here. Tourism is slowly growing in Lakshadweep. It is also important for India’s naval security.
12. Puducherry – 47.6 km
Puducherry is a Union Territory with four separate regions, three of which are coastal – Puducherry, Karaikal, and Yanam. It is known for its French colonial architecture and calm beaches. The coastline supports fishing and tourism. Promenade Beach in Puducherry is a popular attraction.
13. Daman & Diu – 42.5 km
Daman & Diu is a small coastal Union Territory located near Gujarat. Though it has a short coastline, it has a rich Portuguese history. The beaches here are quiet and scenic. Tourism and fishing are key activities in this region.
