Longest Coastline in India, Know the Names of Indian Coastlines

India, celebrated for its abundant cultural variety, stunning scenery and deep historical heritage, is further endowed with an expansive coastline stretching for thousands of kilometers. This coastal expanse seamlessly blends natural splendor, maritime traditions and economic importance. Extending approximately 7,516 kilometers, India’s coastline encompasses nine coastal states, Union Territories and tow island groups. To the west, it meets the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean, while to the east, it shares borders with the Bay of Bengal.

Longest Coastline in India

Gujarat is the state which has the longest coastline, covering approximately 1,600 km along the Arabian Sea, followed by Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Here is the list of Longest Coastlines in India:

1.     Longest Coastline in India: Gujarat

Length of Coastline: 1,600 km

Gujarat boasts one of India’s longest coastlines, covering 24% of the nation’s shore. Stretching along the Kathiawar region to the Arabian Sea, it’s a gateway to mesmerizing beaches like Nagao, Dwarka and more. Gujarat has total 41 seaports, amongst which is one is major, 29 minor and 11 intermediate. The Gulf of Kutch is well known for islands like Jamnagar coast, Marine National Park and more.

2. Second Longest Coastline in India: Tamil Nadu

Length of Coastline: 1,076 km

Tamil Nadu stretches 1,076 km along the eastern Coromandel Coast, making it India’s second-largest coastal state. Bounded by Utkal Plains, the Bay of Bengal, Kaveri delta and Eastern Ghat, it thrives with sugarcane, cotton, rice, pulses and peanuts farming. This vibrant coast support coconut agribusiness and boasts significant seaports like Marine Beach, Tuticorin, Chennai, fishing dockyards and the Gulf of Mannar National Park.

3. Third Longest Coastline in India: Andhra Pradesh

Length of Coastline: 973 km

Andhra Pradesh stands as India’s third-largest coastal state, nestled in the Coastal Andhra region. Spanning 973 km, this coastline graces the Coromandel Coast between the Bay of Bengal and the Eastern Ghats. This coastline has prosperous agricultural land due to the Krishna river, Godavari delta and Penna river. This coastline coasts 12 major ports.

4. Maharashtra

Length of the coastline: 720 km

Maharashtra’s coastline of 720 km, also known as Konkan Coast, is the fourth longest coastline of India. It forms 10% of India’s coastline. It is bounded by the mountain range of Western Ghats in the east, the Arabian Sea in the West, Daman Ganga River in the north and the Gangavalli River in the south. It has total 53 ports– 2 major and 51 minor or intermediate. The Konkan coastline is dotted with many beaches and is an ideal gateway for the people of Pune and Mumbai.

5. Kerala

Length of the coastline: 580 km

Kerala boasts India’s fifth largest coastline, spanning 580 km, known as the Malabar Coast. Stretching from Maharashtra’s southwestern edge through Goa, Karnataka and kerala to Kanyakumari, it is flanked by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats to the east. The Malabar Coast is famous for beautiful scenarios, tea and coffee plantations, beaches, brackish water lakes etc. It has 13 major ports.

6. Odisha

Length of the coastline: 485 km

Odisha, often referred to as Utkal Plains, graces the Bay of Bengal with a 485 km coastline, characterised by intricate deltas. It has beaches like Gahirmatha, Chandipur and Gopalpur on the sea. Its treasures include the second-largest mangrove ecosystem. It also features the coastal lagoon in the country called Chilika Lake.

7. Karnataka

Length of the coastline: 320 km

Karnataka’s Coastline, spans 320 km, is also known as Kanara. Its borders touch Konkan in the north, Western Ghats in the east, Kerala Plains in the south and the Arabian Sea in the west. It has several tourist destinations- Maravanthe, St. Mary’s Island Beach etc. Comprising three districts- Uttara Kannada, Udupi and Dakshina, it boasts 10 major ports and 2 minor/ intermediate ports, contributing to its maritime significance.

8. West Bengal

Length of the coastline: 210 km

The coastal plain of West Bengal is located in Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas districts. The famed Sundarbans delta stands as the world’s largest mangrove forest, harboring diverse wildlife, notably the majestic Royal Bengal tiger. Agriculture forms West Bengal’s economic backbone with rice, potato, jute, sugarcane and wheat as prime crops. The state hosts a solitary major port, adding to its maritime significance.

9. Goa

Length of the coastline: 160 km

Goa features one of the country’s shorter coastlines, located on India’s Southwestern coast. This exquisite destination boasts some of the world’s most stunning beaches. It is bordered by Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea embraces its western front. Goa’s reddish soil, abundant in ferric-aluminium oxides, supports lush growth. Enriched with minerals and humus, it nurtures agriculture, particularly along riverbanks. With one major port and 5 minor ports, it maintains its maritime significance.

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