The top 12 largest cities in India by area are as follows: 1. Delhi – India’s Administrative & Urban Titan 2. Bangalore 3. Hyderabad 4. Lucknow 5. Mumbai 6. Visakhapatnam
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Education
Largest Cities in India by
Area: A Complete Urban
Geography Guide (2025
Edition)
Source: aqletrealty.com
India, with its astonishing diversity and vast landscape, is home to some of the most
expansive cities in the world. While population often dominates headlines, another
critical metric defines urban growth—area. Understanding the largest cities in India by
area offers valuable insight into how cities sprawl, manage infrastructure and
accommodate growth.
This article explores not just numbers, but the unique identity, development, and
potential of each city. From capital powerhouses to emerging industrial hubs, these
cities offer a fascinating look at India’s evolving urban footprint.
Why Does City Area Matter?
When evaluating urban growth, the report tells a more expansive story than just crowd
density. The largest cities in India by area often lead to planning potential, green space
allocation, zoning flexibility, and economic dispersion. They can house more diverse
ecosystems, ranging from IT parks and education corridors to residential neighborhoods
and industrial belts.
These large-area cities are better poised to handle urban stress and future scalability,
especially when backed by strong governance and infrastructure.
The top 12 largest cities in India by area are as follows:
1. Delhi – India’s Administrative & Urban Titan
Attribute Detail
City Delhi
State Delhi
Area (sq km) 1,483
Official Language Hindi
International Airport Indira Gandhi International Airport
Delhi is the heart of India’s political landscape and one of the largest cities in India by
area. As a Union Territory and a bustling metropolis, it boasts a rich historical heritage
while serving as the nucleus of modern Indian governance and economy. The city’s
sprawling suburbs, heritage zones, diplomatic enclaves, and emerging tech corridors
paint a complex yet cohesive urban fabric.
2. Bangalore – Where Innovation Meets Urban Expansion
Attribute Detail
City Bangalore
State Karnataka
Area (sq km) 741
Official Language Kannada
International Airport Kempegowda International Airport
Among the largest cities in India by area, Bangalore plays a crucial role in India’s digital
economy. Its urban sprawl houses numerous global IT giants, tech parks, educational
institutes, and thriving residential sectors. Known for its greenery and climate, it is also
rapidly transforming with the emergence of modern infrastructure like Namma Metro
and tech campuses.
3. Hyderabad – Heritage & Hi-Tech Coexist
Source – www.tripadvisor.in
Attribute Detail
City Hyderabad
State Telangana
Area (sq km) 650
Official Language Telugu
International Airport Rajiv Gandhi International Airport
Hyderabad ranks high among the largest cities in India by area. The city has masterfully
combined its historical roots—like Charminar and Golconda—with rapid modernization,
including IT zones in HITEC City and aerospace sectors. The Telangana government
has also invested heavily in infrastructure, public transport, and smart city initiatives.
4. Lucknow – A Blend of Culture and Governance
Attribute Detail
City Lucknow
State Uttar Pradesh
Area (sq km) 631
Official Language Hindi
International Airport Chaudhary Charan Singh International
Airport
Lucknow, known for its Nawabi culture and architecture, is also growing rapidly in terms
of urban infrastructure and smart city planning. As one of the largest cities in India by
area, it plays a key role in central India’s urban growth story with its metro, ring roads,
and IT corridors enhancing its urban sprawl.
5. Mumbai – Compact Yet Powerful
Source – www.andbeyond.com
Attribute Detail
City Mumbai
State Maharashtra
Area (sq km) 603.4
Official Language Marathi
International Airport Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International
Airport
Although limited geographically, Mumbai is one of the most influential urban zones. It
spreads into adjoining areas like Navi Mumbai and Thane, and its economic contribution
is unmatched. As one of the largest cities in India by area when combined with the
metro region, it remains a prime destination for finance, media, and trade.
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Places in India
6. Visakhapatnam – East Coast Industrial Powerhouse
Attribute Detail
City Visakhapatnam
State Andhra Pradesh
Area (sq km) 540
Official Language Telugu
International Airport Visakhapatnam International Airport
Visakhapatnam is a vital port city that’s emerging as a regional economic engine. As
one of the largest cities in India by area, it hosts major industries, naval bases, and now
ambitious smart city projects. Its beachside charm adds to its appeal for tourists and
investors alike.
7. Indore – Clean, Green, and Growing
Attribute Detail
City Indore
State Madhya Pradesh
Area (sq km) 530
Official Language Hindi
International Airport Devi Ahilyabai Holkar International
Airport
Indore is consistently ranked as India’s cleanest city and is also one of the largest cities
in India by area. It balances aesthetics and practicality with its rising IT sector, real
estate development, and reliable public transport systems.
8. Pune – Youthful, Smart, and Strategic
Source – factsverify.com
Attribute Detail
City Pune
State Maharashtra
Area (sq km) 516.18
Official Language Marathi
International Airport Pune International Airport
Pune is a leading educational and industrial hub, known for its student population and
defense establishments. It’s among the largest cities in India by area and is witnessing
massive infrastructure growth through the Metro, ring roads, and IT clusters in
Hinjewadi.
9. Ahmedabad – Heritage Meets Industrial Might
Attribute Detail
City Ahmedabad
State Gujarat
Area (sq km) 505
Official Language Gujarati
International Airport Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International
Airport
Ahmedabad thrives on textile legacy, industrial strength, and smart city vision. As one of
the largest cities in India by area, it balances old-world charm with modern facilities like
riverfront development, metro rails, and startup incubators.
You Must Read: Famous Historical Places That Shaped the World
10. Bhopal – The City of Lakes
Attribute Detail
City Bhopal
State Madhya Pradesh
Area (sq km) 463
Official Language Hindi
International Airport Raja Bhoj Airport
Bhopal is not only picturesque but also rapidly urbanizing. Known for its green zones
and educational institutions, it is among the largest cities in India by area and continues
to attract businesses, thanks to improving infrastructure.
11. Chennai – Coastal Capital of the South
Attribute Detail
City Chennai
State Tamil Nadu
Area (sq km) 426
Official Language Tamil
International Airport Chennai International Airport (MAA)
Chennai is South India’s cultural and commercial capital, making it a top player among
the largest cities in India by area. With major ports, an automobile hub, and expanding
urban borders, it’s a strategic city for trade and technology.
12. Warangal – Telangana’s Emerging Smart City
Attribute Detail
City Warangal
State Telangana
Area (sq km) 407
Official Language Telugu
International Airport Warangal Airport
Warangal is quickly evolving with smart city funding, improved connectivity, and
educational institutions. As one of the largest cities in India by area within Telangana, it
is gaining prominence as a future-ready tier-2 city.
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Connectivity
Conclusion: Mapping India’s Urban Giants
From the national capital to coastal powerhouses and the cleanest cities, the largest
cities in India by area reveal fascinating patterns of growth, governance, and geography.
Each city brings its unique character and potential to the table.
Understanding the largest cities in India by area is not just about knowing how much
land they occupy; it’s about recognizing the urban engine that powers India’s economy
and future. These cities, each expansive in its way, provide the blueprint for how India is
moving forward on its journey to urban excellence.
If you’re planning to move, invest, or simply explore, these urban giants will offer you
space, scope, and endless opportunities.