India, a land of diversity and wonders, is home to some extraordinary superlatives. From majestic structures to natural marvels, India boasts a range of biggest, highest, smallest, and largest things that captivate the imagination of both locals and tourists. In this article, we will explore the remarkable superlatives of India, delving into the biggest bridges, tallest waterfalls, largest states, and more. Join us on this virtual journey as we uncover the fascinating world of India’s superlatives.
The Superlatives of India: Unveiling the Extremes
India’s superlatives encompass a wide range of geographical wonders and man-made structures that leave a lasting impression. These superlatives showcase the diversity and grandeur of the country’s heritage. From ancient monuments to modern engineering marvels, let’s embark on a journey to discover the biggest, smallest, highest, and largest things in India.
The Largest, Longest, Highest, and Smallest Bridges, Roads, and Rail Routes in India
India’s vast network of bridges, roads, and rail routes connects the nation from end to end. Among these, several stand out for their size and scale. Here are some notable superlatives in this category:
- Biggest Cantilever Bridge: The Rabindra Setu, also known as the Howrah Bridge, in Kolkata, is one of the most iconic structures in India. With its massive span, it stands as the biggest cantilever bridge in the country.
- Tallest Road: The road at Khardungla, located in Jammu and Kashmir, holds the distinction of being the highest motorable road in India. It offers breathtaking views and poses a thrilling challenge for adventure seekers.
- Largest Share of National Highways: Uttar Pradesh boasts the largest share of national highways in India, spanning an impressive distance of 8,483 kilometers.
- Largest Road Density: Kerala holds the record for the highest road density in India, with 5,268 kilometers of roads per square kilometer.
- Largest Road Network: Maharashtra takes pride in having the largest road network among all states in India, covering a staggering 6.08 lakh kilometers.
- Largest Sea Bridge: The Anna Indira Gandhi Bridge, situated in Tamil Nadu, is the longest sea bridge in India, connecting the mainland with the island of Rameswaram.
| Quality | Category | Description of Superlatives of India |
| Biggest | Cantilever bridge | Rabindra Setu (Howrah Bridge), Kolkata |
| Tallest (Highest) | Road | Leh- Manali at Khardungla, (Jammu and Kashmir) |
| Largest in India | Share of national highway | Uttar Pradesh (8483 km) |
| Largest | Road density (KM per unit Area) | Kerala (5268 km/km2) |
| Largest in India | Road Network (state) | Maharashtra ( 6.08 lakhs km) |
| Largest | Sea Bridge | Anna Indira Gandhi Bridge (Tamil Nadu) |
| Longest | longest Elevated Expressway | Chennai Port Maduravoyal Elevated Expressway |
| Longest | Which State has the Longest Highway | Uttar Pradesh (752 km) |
| Longest | Electric railway line | From Delhi to Kolkata via Patna (1532 km) |
| Longest | Road | Grand Trunk road from Delhi to Kolkata. (2500 km; one of the oldest roads in Asia). |
| Longest | National Highway | NH-44 (Srinagar to Kanyakumari, 3745 KM) |
| Longest | Railway Tunnel | Pir Panjal Railway Tunnel (11.215 km), Jammu & Kashmir |
| Longest | Railway platform | Gorakhpur, UP (1355.4m) |
| Longest | Highway Tunnel | Chenani-Nashri Tunnel( also known as Patnitop Tunnel, 11.2 Km ) on NH44, Jammu & Kashmir |
| Longest | Train Route | Vivek Express, Dibrugarh to Kanyakumari (4286 km) |
| Longest | Railway Bridge | Vembanad Rail Bridge, Kerala |
| Longest | Sea bridge | Bandra Worli Sea Link on Mahim bay, Mumbai (5.6km) |
| Longest | Bridge/ River Bridge | Dhola Sadiya Bridge on Lohit river, Assam (also known as Bhupen Hazarika Setu, 9.15km) |
The Longest, Tallest, Largest, and Smallest Coasts, Borders, and States
India’s vast coastline, international borders, and diverse states offer a plethora of superlatives. Let’s explore some of the most noteworthy ones:
- Smallest State (Least Urbanized): Himachal Pradesh stands out as the smallest state in India in terms of urbanization, with only 10% of its population residing in urban areas.
- Smallest State (Population Growth Rate): Sikkim holds the distinction of having the lowest population growth rate among all states in India, with a rate of 12.89%.
- Smallest State (Population Density): Bihar, with its vibrant culture and rich history, is the most densely populated state in India, with 1,106 people per square kilometer.
- Smallest State (Sex Ratio): Haryana has the lowest sex ratio in India, with 879 females per 1000 males.
- Smallest State (Population): Sikkim, nestled in the Himalayas, is the least populous state in India, with a population of approximately 6.1 lakh.
- Smallest State (Area): Rajasthan, known for its majestic forts and palaces, is the largest state in India in terms of area, covering a vast expanse of 3.42 lakh square kilometers.
- Tallest Battlefield: The Siachen Glacier, located in Jammu and Kashmir, holds the title of being the highest battlefield in the world, where Indian and Pakistani forces brave extreme conditions.
| Quality | Category of Superlatives in India | Description |
| Smallest | State (Least Urbanized) | Himachal Pradesh (10%) |
| Smallest | State (Population Growth Rate) | Sikkim (12.89%) |
| Smallest | State (Population Density) | Bihar (1,106 per sq km) |
| Smallest | State (Sex Ratio) | Haryana (879) |
| Smallest | State (Population) | Sikkim (6.1 lakh) |
| Smallest | State (Area) | Rajasthan (3.42 Lakh km2) |
| Tallest (highest) | Battlefield | Siachen Glacier, Jammu and Kashmir |
| Largest | State (Most Urbanized) | Goa (62%) |
| Largest in India | State (Population growth rate) | Meghalaya (27.95%) |
| Largest | State (Sex Ratio) | Kerala (1084) |
| Largest | State (Literacy Rate) | Kerala (94%) |
| Largest in India | State (Population Density) | Bihar (1,106 per sq km) |
| Largest | State (Population) | Uttar Pradesh (204 million) |
| Largest | State (Area) | Rajasthan (3.42 Lakh km2) |
| Largest | State with the maximum number of the neighbouring state | Uttar Pradesh (8 states) |
| Largest | State with the maximum number of international borders | Arunachal Pradesh (3 Countries)> West Bengal (3 Countries) > Sikkim (3 Countries) |
| Longest | International Border (State) | West Bengal (2509 km) |
| Longest | Coastline (South Indian State) | Andhra Pradesh (974 km) |
| Longest | Coastline (State) | Gujarat (1600 km) |
The Longest, Tallest, Largest, and Smallest Man-Made Structures
India is renowned for its architectural marvels and impressive man-made structures. Here are some notable superlatives in this category:
- Biggest Hotel: The Oberoi-Sheraton in Mumbai holds the distinction of being the largest hotel in India, offering luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities.
- Tallest Stadium: The Yuva Bharti Stadium in Salt Lake, Kolkata, stands tall as the highest stadium in India, hosting a range of sporting events and cultural performances.
- Tallest Straight Gravity Dam: The Bhakra Dam, situated on the Satluj River in Himachal Pradesh, is the tallest straight gravity dam in India, harnessing the power of water for irrigation and electricity generation.
- Tallest Civilian Award: The Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, is a testament to exceptional contributions in various fields, including the arts, sciences, and public service.
- Tallest Airport: The Leh airport in Jammu and Kashmir holds the distinction of being the highest airport in India, situated at an altitude of 3,256 meters (10,682 feet).
- Tallest Statue: The Statue of Unity, dedicated to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands as the tallest statue in the world, towering over the landscape of Kevadia, Gujarat.
- Tallest Gateway: The Buland Darwaza, located in Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, is a magnificent gateway that stands as a symbol of victory and grandeur.
- Tallest Dam: The Tehri Dam, built on the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand, is the tallest dam in India, harnessing the power of water for electricity generation and irrigation.
| Quality | Category | Description |
| Biggest | Hotel | Oberoi-Sheraton (Mumbai) |
| Biggest | Stadium | Yuva Bharti Stadium, Salt Lake, Kolkata |
| Tallest | Straight Gravity Dam | Bhakra Dam on Satluj river, Himachal Pradesh |
| Tallest | Civilian Award | Bharat Ratna |
| Tallest | Airport | Leh airport, J&K |
| Tallest | Statue | Statue of Unity (statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel), Kevadia, Gujarat |
| Tallest | Gateway | Buland Darwaza, Fatehpur Sikri, UP |
| Tallest | Dam | Tehri Dam on Bhagirathi River, Uttarakhand (Height 260 m) |
| Largest in India | Monastery | Tawang Monastery, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Largest | Church | Saint Cathedral (Goa) |
| Largest in India | Port | Mumbai (Maharashtra) |
| Largest | Animal Fair | Sonepur (Bihar) |
| Largest | Zoo | Zoological Gardens, Alipur, Kolkata |
| Largest | Gurudwara | Golden Temple, Amritsar |
| Largest | Cave | Amarnath (J & K) |
| Largest | Public Sector Bank | State Bank of India |
| Largest | Museum | Indian Museum, Kolkata |
| Largest | Planetarium | Birla Planetarium, Kolkata |
| Largest | Dome | Gol Gumbaz, Bijapur, Karnataka |
| Largest | Temple | Sri Ranganathaswamy temple, Tamil Nadu |
| Largest | Auditorium | AuditoriumSri Shanmukhanand Hall, Mumbai |
| Longest | Longest Corridor | Corridor of Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu) |
The Longest, Tallest, Largest, and Smallest Dams, Lakes, and Water Bodies
India is blessed with abundant water resources, which have been harnessed through the construction of dams and the formation of beautiful lakes. Here are some notable superlatives in this category:
- Largest Barrage: The Farakka Barrage, built on the Ganga River, is the largest barrage in India, regulating the flow of water and facilitating irrigation and navigation.
- Largest Artificial Freshwater Lake: Shivaji Sagar Lake, formed by the Koyna Dam in Maharashtra, is the largest artificial freshwater lake in India, providing a scenic backdrop for tourists and serving as a source of hydroelectric power.
- Largest Freshwater Lake: Wular Lake, located in Jammu and Kashmir, holds the distinction of being the largest freshwater lake in India, supporting a rich ecosystem and providing livelihoods to local communities.
- Largest Saltwater Lake: Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is the largest saltwater lake in India, renowned for its salt production and unique biodiversity.
- Largest Brackish Water Lake: Chilika Lake, situated in Odisha, is the largest brackish water lake in India and the second-largest in the world. It is a haven for migratory birds and supports a thriving fishing industry.
- Tallest Tower: The Pitampura Tower in Delhi stands as the tallest tower in India, offering panoramic views of the city and serving as a prominent landmark.
| Quality | Category | Description |
| Largest | Barrage | Farakka Barrage, Ganga |
| Largest | Artificial Freshwater lake | Shivaji Sagar lake on Koyna Dam, Maharashtra. (891 km2) |
| Largest | Freshwater lake | Wular lake, J&K. ( 260 km2) |
| Largest | Saltwater lake | Sambhar lake, Rajasthan |
| Largest in India | Brackish (Partial Saline) water lake | Chilika Lake, Odisha |
| Largest | Lake | Chilka Lake, Odisha (Chilika Lake is the largest non-freshwater lake in India and the world’s second-largest brackish lagoon) |
| Tallest (highest) | Tower | Pitampura Tower, Delhi |
| Lake | Tso-Lhamo Lake, Sikkim (Height 5330m) | |
| Longest | Lake | Vembanad lake, Kerala ( length 96.5 KM) |
| Longest | Man-Made lake | Govind Vallabh Pant Sagar (Rihand Dam, 934m), UP. |
| Longest | Dam | Hirakud Dam on Mahanadi River, Odisha (25.8 km) |
| Longest | Glacier | Siachen Glacier, Ladakh, J&K. |
| Longest | Beach | Marina Beach (Chennai) |
| Longest | Canal | Indira Gandhi Canal, Rajasthan (Source Harike barrage, Punjab) |
The Tallest, Biggest, Largest, and Longest Natural Resources in India
India’s natural resources encompass a wide range of geographical features, from towering peaks to mighty rivers. Here are some notable superlatives in this category:
- Biggest Riverine Island: Majuli Island, situated on the Brahmaputra River in Assam, is the largest riverine island in India, known for its serene beauty and vibrant cultural heritage.
- Most Populous City: Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is the most populous city in the country, bustling with energy and offering diverse opportunities.
- Tallest Waterfall: Kunchikal Falls, located on the Varahi River in Karnataka, is the tallest waterfall in India, cascading from a height that mesmerizes visitors.
- Tallest Mountain Peak: Godwin Austin, part of the Karakoram Range in Jammu and Kashmir, stands as the tallest mountain peak in India, reaching a majestic height of 8,611 meters.
- Largest State (Percentage of Forest Area): Mizoram, known for its lush green landscapes, has the highest percentage of forest area among all states in India, with approximately 75% of its total land covered by forests.
- Largest State (Forest Area): Madhya Pradesh boasts the largest forest area in India, spanning an impressive 94,000 square kilometers.
- Largest Delta: The Sundarban Delta, formed by the confluence of the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, is the largest delta in India, known for its rich biodiversity and the majestic Royal Bengal Tiger.
- Largest Desert: The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, stretches across Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat, covering an area of approximately 2 lakh square kilometers.
- Longest River (Estuary): The Narmada River, flowing into the Arabian Sea, holds the distinction of being the longest river in India that forms an estuary.
- Longest Tributary River: The Yamuna River, spanning a distance of 1,376 kilometers, is the longest tributary river in India, flowing into the mighty Ganga.
- Longest River (India): The Ganga River, with a length of 2,640 kilometers, is the longest river in India, revered as a sacred lifeline that nourishes millions of people.
- Longest River (Entirely in India): The Godavari River, spanning a length of 1,465 kilometers, is the longest river that flows entirely within the borders of India.
| Quality | Category | Description |
| Biggest | Riverine Island | Majuli island on Brahmaputra River, Assam |
| Biggest | Most Populous city | Mumbai |
| Tallest (highest) | Waterfall | Kunchikal Falls, Varahi River, Karnataka |
| Tallest (highest) | Mountain peak | Godwin Austin of, Karakoram Range, J&K (8611 m) |
| Largest | State with a maximum percentage of Forest area | Mizoram (about 75%) |
| Largest | State with Maximum Forest Area | Madhya Pradesh ( 94 K km2) |
| Largest | Delta | Sundarban Delta (on the mouth of Ganga – Brahmaputra River) |
| Largest | Desert | The Thar Desert, Northwestern India (2 lakhs km2) |
| Longest | The longest river which forms an estuary | Narmada ( Falls in the Arabian sea,1300 km) |
| Longest | Tributary river of India | Yamuna (1376 km, tributary of Ganga) |
| Longest | River(India) | The Ganga (2640 km. long) |
| Longest | Longest River which Flows entirely in India | Godavari river ( 1465 km) |
India’s superlatives are a testament to the country’s rich heritage, diverse landscapes, and remarkable achievements. From towering statues to ancient temples, from vast coastlines to mighty rivers, these superlatives capture the essence of India’s grandeur. Exploring these wonders is an opportunity to witness the marvels of nature and human ingenuity. As you embark on your journey through India, let these superlatives inspire and ignite your sense of wonder, leaving an indelible mark on your memory.
FAQs
What are Superlatives in India?
Superlatives in India encompass a variety of distinctions such as the largest, smallest, biggest, highest, and longest features including bridges, roads, rail routes, coasts, borders, states, dams, lakes, water bodies, and man-made structures. Notable examples include the Statue of Unity, Gujarat’s coastline, and more.
Which is the largest State in India?
Rajasthan holds the title of the largest state in India in terms of area, covering 3,42,239 sq.Km, which accounts for 10.4% of the nation’s total area. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar are the most populous states, while the largest union territory is Jammu and Kashmir.
Which is the tallest Airport in India?
The Kushok Bakula Rimpochee Airport in Leh, Ladakh, holds the distinction of being the tallest airport in India, situated at an altitude of 3256 m (10,682 ft). Its longest runway measures 2755 m (9039 ft).
Which is the smallest Union Territory in India?
Lakshadweep is the smallest Union Territory in India, comprising 36 islands, including 10 inhabited ones, 5 submerged banks, 3 reefs, and 12 atolls, covering a total area of 32 sq. km.
Which is the largest part of India?
The Peninsular Plateau Region is the largest physical division of India, spanning an area of 16 lakh sq. km. Bounded by various geographical features, it occupies a significant portion of the country’s landmass.
What is the smallest man-made lake in India?
Dhebar Lake, also known as Jaisamand Lake, holds the distinction of being India’s smallest man-made lake. Situated in the Udaipur District of Rajasthan, it covers an area of 87 sq. km.
Which is the tallest tower in India?
The Pitampura Tower in Delhi claims the title of the tallest tower in India, standing at a height of 235 meters. Initially built as a television tower in 1988, it was later dedicated to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
Which is the longest bridge in India?
The Kachchi Dargah Bidupur Ganga Bridge stands as the longest bridge in India, stretching over the Ganga River with a total length of 9760 meters. It facilitates connectivity between NH 31 and NH 322 with six lanes on each side.
