Hey there, young explorers, Welcome to another exciting journey with Makoons Preschool. Today, we’re going to learn about Union Territories In India– which are special parts of India that are extra unique and need extra care. Just like how you have favorite toys, India has special places called Union Territories (UTs) that are cared for by the central government.
In this blog, we are going to answer questions like:
- How many Union Territories are there in India?
- What makes them different from states?
- Which Union Territories has snowy mountains or sunny beaches?
Grab your imaginary backpacks – we’re off to explore.
What Are Union Territories?
Imagine your school has a big project. Most classes handle their work (like states!), but some special projects are managed by the principal (the central government!). Union Territories are like those special projects – they’re smaller, unique regions governed directly by India’s leaders in New Delhi.
Fun Example:
- States = Your classroom with your teacher.
- Union Territories = The school garden or library, managed by the principal!
Why do Union Territories (UT’s) exist? Some union territories exist because of their small sizes, others have special cultural importance, or some of them need extra care for security and other purposes.
List of Union Territories in Hindi & English (with Capitals)
Let’s learn their names in Hindi and English of all the Union Territories In India! Practice saying them aloud with your parents:
| Sr. No. | Hindi Name | English Name | Capital |
| 1. | दिल्ली | Delhi | नई दिल्ली (New Delhi) |
| 2. | चंडीगढ़ | Chandigarh | चंडीगढ़ (Chandigarh) |
| 3. | पुडुचेरी | Puducherry | पुडुचेरी (Puducherry) |
| 4. | दादरा और नगर हवेली और दमन और दीव | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | दमन (Daman) |
| 5. | लक्षद्वीप | Lakshadweep | कवरत्ती (Kavaratti) |
| 6. | अंडमान और निकोबार द्वीप समूह | Andaman & Nicobar Islands | पोर्ट ब्लेयर (Port Blair) |
| 7. | लद्दाख | Ladakh | लेह (Leh) |
| 8. | जम्मू और कश्मीर | Jammu & Kashmir | श्रीनगर (Srinagar) & जम्मू (Jammu) |
History of Union Territories:
Did you know India’s UTs have changed over time? Let’s hop into our time machine.
- 1956: India started with 6 Union Territories after the States Reorganization Act.
- Fun Fact: Some union territories, like Himachal Pradesh, later became states.
- 1961–1987: New UTs were added! Goa was a UT until 1987 when it became a state.
- 2020: Big changes!
- Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh became two separate UTs (earlier, J&K was a state).
- Today (2024): India has 8 Union Territories.
- 2025? Unless new changes happen, we’ll still have 8!
Why the changes?
Sometimes areas grow bigger (like Goa) and become states. Others, like Ladakh, need special attention, so they become UTs.
Meet the 8 Union Territories and What Makes Them Special
Let’s explore each UT with fun facts, animals, and foods!
1. Delhi – The Heart of India
- Capital: New Delhi
- Language: Hindi, Punjabi, English
- Fun Fact: The only UT with its own elected government!
- What to See:
- India Gate: A giant arch honoring soldiers.
- Red Fort: A 4000 year old historic fort made up of red stones.
- Yummy Food: Chole Bhature is a delicacy made up of spicy chickpeas with fluffy bread.
Activity: Draw the India Gate and Red Fort and color it with crayons
2. Chandigarh – The Clean & Green City
- Capital: Chandigarh
- Shared by: Punjab and Haryana
- Fun Fact: Designed by a French architect.
- What to See:
- Rock Garden: Art made from old bottles, switches, and rocks.
- Sukhna Lake: A sanctuary for all the migratory birds, one can enjoy a peaceful boat ride here.
- Yummy Food: Makki di Roti & Sarson da Saag (cornbread with mustard greens).
Did You Know? Chandigarh’s logo has an open hand symbolizing peace.
3. Puducherry – The Mini France of India
- Capital: Puducherry
- Language: Tamil, French
- Fun Fact: Streets have French names like (Rue de la Marine).
- What to See:
- Paradise Beach: Build sandcastles here!
- Auroville: A golden globe-shaped meditation center. It is made with the purpose to bring human unity, and promote sustainable living.
- Yummy Food: French pastries and coconut curry.
Activity: Say “Bonjour!” (Hello in French) to your family and friends.
4. Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu – Beach Buddies!
- Capital: Daman
- Merged in: 2020 (they were separate earlier!).
- Fun Fact: The Portuguese ruled here 450 years ago!
- What to See:
- Diu Fort: A seaside fort with giant cannons!
- Silvassa: Lush green forests and waterfalls.
- Yummy Food: Seafood curry with coconut!
Activity: Pretend to be a pirate guarding the fort!
5. Lakshadweep – The Coral Wonderland
- Capital: Kavaratti
- Size: Smallest UT (32 sq. km – smaller than your city!).
- Fun Fact: The name means “100,000 islands” in Malayalam, but there are only 36!
- What to See:
- Coral Reefs: Swim with colorful fish!
- Minicoy Island: A lighthouse taller than 10 giraffes!
- Yummy Food: Tuna fish and coconut rice!
Did You Know? Only 10 islands have people living there!
6. Andaman & Nicobar Islands – The Adventure Islands
- Capital: Port Blair
- Islands: 572 (but only 38 have people!).
- Fun Fact: Some tribes here have never met outsiders!
- What to See:
- Cellular Jail: A historic prison with a light show!
- Radhanagar Beach: Voted Asia’s best beach!
- Yummy Food: Coconut prawns and tropical fruits!
Activity: Make a paper boat and float it in a tub!
7. Ladakh – The Land of High Passes
- Capital: Leh
- Height: Some areas are 5,000 meters tall – as high as 50 Qutub Minars stacked!
- Fun Fact: It’s a cold desert with very little rain!
- What to See:
- Pangong Lake: Changes color from blue to green!
- Hemis Monastery: A 300-year-old Buddhist temple.
- Yummy Food: Thukpa (noodle soup) to stay warm!
Activity: Wrap yourself in a blanket and pretend to climb a mountain!
8. Jammu & Kashmir – Heaven on Earth
- Capitals: Srinagar (summer), Jammu (winter)
- Fun Fact: Known for saffron (the world’s most expensive spice!).
- What to See:
- Dal Lake: Ride a shikara (decorated boat).
- Gulmarg: Ski on snowy mountains in winter.
- Yummy Food: Rogan Josh (spicy lamb curry).
Did You Know? Jammu & Kashmir has a flag that is different from India.
Why Are Union Territories Special?
- Cultural Mix: From French cafes in Puducherry to Buddhist monks in Ladakh, make this place a beautiful heaven.
- Nature’s Gifts: Beaches, deserts, mountains, and forests.
- Unique Rules: Some UTs, like Delhi, have more power than others.
Activity for Parents:
Plan a “virtual vacation” – pick a UT and watch a YouTube video about it with your child!
Quiz Time
- Which UT has a Rock Garden made from recycled items?
- How many UTs did India have in 1956?
- Which UT is called “Heaven on Earth”?
(Answers: 1. Chandigarh, 2. 6, 3. Jammu & Kashmir)
Conclusion
Wow, little adventurers, you’ve learned so much about India’s 8 Union Territories. At Makoons Preschool,we’re proud of how India’s diversity makes it beautiful – just like how every child is unique and special. You can Buy best franchise for preschool Here.
Next Time: Try locating these UTs on a map, or make a craft of your favorite UT. For more interesting Makoons blogs, read blogs from Makoons websites like Indian States and Capitals.
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