Top 10 Largest Districts of India

When we talk about the biggest district in India, we need to understand how big these places really are. Districts are important administrative divisions that help manage local government and services. We will explore the top 10 largest districts in India by area. We will learn about each place, what makes it special, and why these districts matter for India's development. Whether you are a student, teacher, or someone curious about India's geography, this will help you.
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India's Largest Districts
India's largest districts are in Rajasthan's western deserts, Ladakh's high altitudes, and parts of southern India. These areas show India's diverse geography, including Gujarat's salt marshes and Ladakh's cold deserts. Size matters because larger districts often face unique challenges. They may have fewer people per square kilometer, making it harder to provide services like schools, hospitals, and roads. Understanding these districts helps us appreciate India's diversity and geographic complexity.
Top 10 Largest Districts by Area in 2025
Rank |
District |
State/Union Territory |
Area (sq km) |
Population (2011) |
Density (/sq km) |
1 |
Kutch (Kachchh) |
Gujarat |
45,674 |
2,092,371 |
46 |
2 |
Leh |
Ladakh |
45,110 |
133,487 |
3 |
3 |
Jaisalmer |
Rajasthan |
38,401 |
669,919 |
17 |
4 |
Bikaner |
Rajasthan |
30,239 |
2,363,937 |
78 |
5 |
Barmer |
Rajasthan |
28,387 |
2,603,751 |
92 |
6 |
Jodhpur |
Rajasthan |
22,850 |
3,685,681 |
161 |
7 |
Anantapur |
Andhra Pradesh |
19,130 |
4,081,148 |
213 |
8 |
Mahbubnagar |
Telangana |
18,432 |
4,053,028 |
220 |
9 |
Nagaur |
Rajasthan |
17,718 |
3,307,743 |
187 |
10 |
Kurnool |
Andhra Pradesh |
17,658 |
4,053,463 |
230 |
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1. Kutch District, Gujarat - The Biggest District in India
Kutch district in Gujarat holds the title of India's biggest district. This massive area covers 45,674 square kilometers. To put this in perspective, Kutch is larger than entire Indian states like Haryana and Kerala, and even larger than the country of Estonia. With a population of about 20.9 lakh people, it has a very low population density of just 46 people per square kilometer.
Located in western India, Kutch is famous for the Rann of Kutch, which is the world's largest salt desert. The district also houses the ecologically important Banni grasslands. The area becomes a stunning white desert during certain months of the year, attracting visitors from around the world.
The district has 10 talukas, 939 villages, and 6 municipalities. Despite being the largest district of India, it has a relatively small population compared to its size, which means there is lots of open space and natural beauty to explore.
2. Leh District, Ladakh
Leh district covers 45,110 square kilometers, making it the second-largest district in India. This high-altitude region sits in the Himalayan mountains and is known for its breathtaking landscapes. With only about 1.3 lakh people living here, it has the lowest population density at just 3 people per square kilometer.
The district includes some of the world's highest motorable roads and passes. Buddhism has a strong presence here, with many ancient monasteries dotting the landscape. The weather is extreme, with very cold winters and short, mild summers.
Tourism plays a big role in Leh's economy. People from around the world visit to see the stunning mountains, experience the unique culture, and challenge themselves with adventure activities.
3. Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan
Jaisalmer district spans 38,401 square kilometers in the heart of the Thar Desert. This is India's 3rd largest district in Rajasthan is famous for its golden sandstone architecture and desert culture. The district has about 6.7 lakh people with a population density of 17 people per square kilometer.
Known as the "Golden City," Jaisalmer lies entirely within the Thar Desert. The district is home to the magnificent Jaisalmer Fort, which is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This living fort still houses thousands of people within its walls.
The district has the lowest population density among all Rajasthan districts due to its desert landscape. The area is known for camel safaris, folk music, and traditional Rajasthani hospitality that attracts tourists from around the world.
4. Bikaner District, Rajasthan
Bikaner district covers 30,239 square kilometers. This desert district is another example of how Rajasthan contributes to India's largest districts. With about 23.6 lakh people, it has a population density of 78 people per square kilometer.
The city of Bikaner is famous for its well-preserved forts, palaces, and temples. The district is also known for its unique breeds of camels and the famous Karni Mata Temple, where thousands of rats are considered sacred.
The district lies within the Thar Desert and benefits greatly from the Indira Gandhi Canal, which provides much-needed irrigation water. This canal has transformed agriculture in the region, allowing farmers to grow crops that would otherwise be impossible in the desert climate.
5. Barmer District, Rajasthan
Barmer district extends over 28,387 square kilometers. This district showcases the vastness that makes people wonder which is the biggest district in India when they see Rajasthan's contribution to large districts. The district has about 26 lakh people with a density of 92 people per square kilometer.
Located in the southwestern part of Rajasthan, Barmer forms part of the Thar Desert and shares a border with Pakistan. The district has gained attention for its recent oil discoveries, which have boosted the local economy significantly.
Barmer is also known for its pomegranate cultivation, which has adapted well to the desert conditions. Traditional crafts like pottery, weaving, and woodcarving remain important parts of the local economy and culture.
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6. Jodhpur District, Rajasthan
Jodhpur district covers 22,850 square kilometers. Known as the "Blue City" because of its blue-painted houses, Jodhpur is both historically significant and economically important. With about 36.9 lakh people, it has a population density of 161 people per square kilometer.
The magnificent Mehrangarh Fort overlooks the city and stands as one of India's most impressive fortifications. The district balances traditional culture with modern development, hosting various industries and educational institutions.
Jodhpur serves as a major commercial center for western Rajasthan and has good connectivity to other parts of India.
7. Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh
Anantapur district spans 19,130 square kilometers, making it the largest district in Andhra Pradesh. This district demonstrates that large districts exist beyond Rajasthan too. With about 40.8 lakh people, it has a population density of 213 people per square kilometer.
The district is known for its groundnut production and is often called the groundnut bowl of India. Anantapur faces challenges related to drought and water scarcity, but the people have shown great resilience in adapting their farming methods.
The district also has historical importance with several ancient temples and monuments that attract visitors from different parts of India.
8. Mahbubnagar District, Telangana
Mahbubnagar district covers 18,432 square kilometers in Telangana state. With about 40.5 lakh people, it has a population density of 220 people per square kilometer. This district shows how biggest district of India rankings include states from different regions.
The district is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical sites. Agriculture is the main occupation, with farmers growing various crops including cotton, maize, and rice.
The district has several irrigation projects that help farmers during dry periods. It also has potential for tourism development due to its natural beauty and historical attractions.
9. Nagaur District, Rajasthan
Nagaur district spans 17,718 square kilometers. This district demonstrates how Rajasthan dominates the list when discussing the biggest district of India by area. With about 33.1 lakh people, it has a population density of 187 people per square kilometer.
The district is known for its historic forts, palaces, and temples. Agriculture plays a significant role in the local economy, with farmers growing various crops suited to the semi-arid climate.
Nagaur also hosts one of India's largest cattle fairs, attracting traders and visitors from across the country.
10. Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh
Kurnool district covers 17,658 square kilometers, completing our list of India's ten largest districts. With about 40.5 lakh people, it has a population density of 230 people per square kilometer. This district shows how India's largest district rankings include both northern and southern states.
The district is known for its historical significance and natural resources. It has several important rivers flowing through it, which help with agriculture and water supply.
Kurnool also has industrial development with cement plants and other manufacturing units contributing to the local economy.
Why These Large Districts Matter
Understanding India biggest district and others helps us appreciate the country's geographic diversity. These large districts face unique challenges in governance, infrastructure development, and service delivery.
Rajasthan dominates the list with five districts in the top 10, accounting for half of India's largest districts. This shows how the state's location in the Thar Desert region creates the need for larger administrative units due to sparse population and dry conditions.
The total area covered by these top 10 districts is about 283,599 square kilometers, which is roughly the same size as the country of Ecuador. This shows the massive scale of India's largest administrative divisions.
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Challenges Faced by Large Districts
Managing large districts requires special attention to several issues:
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Transportation and Connectivity: Moving people and goods across vast distances can be difficult and expensive. Building and maintaining roads, railways, and communication networks requires significant investment.
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Service Delivery: Providing healthcare, education, and other government services becomes more challenging when people are spread across large areas. It takes more resources to reach everyone.
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Governance: Administrative control becomes complex when districts are very large. Local governments must work harder to stay connected with all communities within their boundaries.
The Future of India's Largest Districts
These districts have great potential for future development. Many are rich in natural resources, have unique cultural attractions, or offer opportunities for renewable energy projects.
Technology is helping bridge the gap created by distance. Mobile phones, internet connectivity, and digital services are making it easier to provide government services and connect remote communities.
India's largest districts display the country's diverse geography. They range from Rajasthan's deserts to Ladakh's mountains. These districts reflect varied aspects of Indian life and culture. Kutch, Gujarat's biggest district in India, is among the ten largest. These districts are vital to India's development. Their size presents challenges but also opportunities. Understanding them clarifies the complexities of governing India. Each district is unique and contributes to national progress.
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India Largest Districts FAQs
1. Which is the biggest district in India?
Kutch district in Gujarat is the biggest district in India, covering 45,674 square kilometers. This makes it larger than entire states like Haryana and Kerala, and even bigger than some countries.
2. Which state has the most largest districts in India?
Rajasthan has the most largest districts in India, with 5 districts in the top 10 list. These are Jaisalmer, Bikaner, Barmer, Jodhpur, and Nagaur districts.
3. Which is the largest district in Rajasthan?
Jaisalmer is the largest district in Rajasthan, covering 38,401 square kilometers. It is also the third-largest district in all of India and lies entirely within the Thar Desert.
4. Which union territory has the largest district?
Ladakh union territory has the largest district among all union territories. Leh district in Ladakh covers 45,110 square kilometers, making it the second-largest district in India.


