# Top 5 Longest Coastline In India
When I talk about the longest coastline in India, I always find the topic fascinating because India is truly blessed with a vast and diverse coastal geography. From busy ports to peaceful beaches, the Indian coastline plays a crucial role in trade, culture, climate, and livelihoods.
In this article, I will clearly explain which state has the longest coastline in India, while also covering the top 5 longest coastlines in India in a simple, SEO-friendly, and easy-to-read way.
Overview of India’s Coastline
To begin with, the total length of India’s coastline is 7,516.6 km. Out of this, the mainland coastline measures 5,422.6 km, while the island coastline accounts for 2,094 km.
Several Indian states and Union Territories lie along the coast, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and West Bengal. In addition, India’s island territories—Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep—also contribute significantly.
Now, let me walk you through the top 5 states and regions with the longest coastline in India, one by one.
1. Gujarat – Longest Coastline in India
What truly stands out is Gujarat’s strong port infrastructure. The state has 41 ports, which include:
1 major port – Kandla
11 intermediate ports
29 minor ports
Moreover, Kandla Port is one of the busiest ports in India in terms of cargo handling. Along with it, ports like Mundra, Porbandar, Navlakhi, and Okha play a key role in international trade.
Because of its long coastline, Gujarat has become a major hub for shipping, fishing, salt production, and coastal tourism.
2. Andhra Pradesh – Second Longest Coastline in India
Although Andhra Pradesh has a long coastal stretch, it currently has 12 ports. Among them:
Visakhapatnam Port is the major port on the east coast
Krishnapatnam is another major deep-water port
Other important ports include Kakinada, Machilipatnam, and Gangavaram
Thanks to its coastline, the state supports fishing communities, port-based industries, and maritime trade, while also offering scenic beaches and rich marine biodiversity.
3. Tamil Nadu – Third Longest Coastline in India
The state has 15 ports, out of which three are major ports:
Chennai Port
Ennore (Kamarajar) Port
Tuticorin (V.O. Chidambaranar) Port
In addition to trade and shipping, Tamil Nadu’s coastline is vital for tourism, temple towns, fishing villages, and cultural heritage. As a result, the coastal belt contributes significantly to the state’s economy.
4. Maharashtra – Major Ports and Busy Coastline:
The state has 50+ ports, including two major ones:
Mumbai Port
Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Nhava Sheva)
Notably, Jawaharlal Nehru Port handles around 55% of India’s container traffic, making it the country’s leading container port. Coastal districts such as Sindhudurg, Ratnagiri, Raigad, Palghar, Mumbai, and Thane benefit greatly from maritime activities.
Furthermore, Mumbai Harbour is a natural deep-water port that was modernized during British and Portuguese rule, adding historical importance to the coastline.
5. Andaman and Nicobar Islands – Longest Coastline Among Islands
However, this coastline is spread across 247 islands, many of which are uninhabited. Despite this, the region is extremely important for:
Marine biodiversity
Strategic defense
Eco-tourism and coral reefs
Even though they are not counted among mainland states, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands contribute significantly to India’s overall coastal length.
Final Thoughts:
To sum up, Gujarat has the longest coastline in India, followed by Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Each coastal region plays a vital role in India’s economy, trade, culture, and environmental balance.
Personally, I believe India’s coastline is not just about numbers—it represents opportunity, diversity, and natural beauty. Whether it’s bustling ports or serene beaches, the Indian coastline continues to shape the nation in countless ways.
If you are preparing for exams, writing a geography article, or simply curious about India’s coastal states, I hope this detailed guide helped you understand the topic clearly and confidently.
FAQs:
Q. Which state has the longest coastline in India?
A. Gujarat has the longest coastline in India, with a total length of 1,214.7 km. Because of this vast coastline, Gujarat plays a major role in maritime trade, ports, and coastal industries.
Q. What is the total length of India’s coastline?
A. The total length of India’s coastline is 7,516.6 km. This includes:
5,422.6 km of mainland coastline
2,094 km of island coastline
As a result, India ranks among the countries with the longest coastlines in the world.
Q. Which state has the second-longest coastline in India?
A. Andhra Pradesh has the second-longest coastline in India, measuring 974 km. Its coastline runs along the Bay of Bengal and supports major ports like Visakhapatnam.
Q. Which Indian state has the longest coastline on the east coast?
A. On the east coast of India, Andhra Pradesh has the longest coastline. It stretches from Ichchapuram in the north to Tada in the south, making it a key state for east coast maritime activities.
Q. Which Indian state has the longest coastline on the west coast?
A. Gujarat again tops the list on the west coast. Facing the Arabian Sea, Gujarat’s coastline is the longest not only on the west coast but in the entire country.
Q. Which island group has the longest coastline in India?
A. Andaman and Nicobar Islands have the longest coastline among India’s island regions, with a total length of 1,962 km. This coastline is spread across 247 islands.
Q. How many states and union territories in India have a coastline?
A. India has 9 coastal states and 4 coastal union territories. Together, they form the long and diverse coastline that supports fishing, tourism, ports, and international trade.
Q. Which port handles the highest container traffic in India?
A. Jawaharlal Nehru Port in Maharashtra handles around 55% of India’s container traffic, making it the largest container port in the country.
Q. Is the coastline length important for competitive exams?
A. Yes, questions related to the longest coastline in India are very common in UPSC, SSC, State PSC, and other competitive exams. Knowing the rankings and key facts can help you score better in geography sections.