Seaports in India

India, with its extensive coastline, is home to some of the busiest and most significant seaports in the world. These ports are not only hubs of commercial activity but also gateways to the rich cultural and natural heritage of their regions. Here is a list of the top 30 seaports in India, each with its tourism specialty, locality, and nearby tourist attractions.

1. Mumbai Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, historic significance.

Locality:

• Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus
• Marine Drive
• Colaba Causeway

2. Chennai Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Marina Beach, cultural heritage, Dravidian architecture.

Locality:

• Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Fort St. George
• Kapaleeshwarar Temple
• Santhome Cathedral

3. Kolkata Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Historic architecture, Howrah Bridge, cultural festivals.

Locality:

• Kolkata, West Bengal.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Victoria Memorial
• Indian Museum
• Dakshineswar Kali Temple

4. Cochin Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Backwaters, Fort Kochi, spice markets.

Locality:

• Kochi, Kerala.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Chinese Fishing Nets
• Mattancherry Palace
• Paradesi Synagogue

5. Visakhapatnam Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Scenic beaches, Submarine Museum, hill stations.

Locality:

• Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Kailasagiri
• Rishikonda Beach
• Araku Valley

6. Kandla Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Industrial hub, historical significance.

Locality:

• Gandhidham, Gujarat.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Bhuj
• Mandvi Beach
• Prag Mahal

7. Mormugao Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Beautiful beaches, Portuguese heritage.

Locality:

• Goa.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Dudhsagar Falls
• Basilica of Bom Jesus
• Aguada Fort

8. Paradip Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Gateway to Odisha’s rich cultural heritage.

Locality:

• Paradip, Odisha.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Bhitarkanika National Park
• Jagannath Temple
• Konark Sun Temple

9. New Mangalore Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Coastal beauty, historic temples.

Locality:

• Mangalore, Karnataka.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• St. Aloysius Chapel
• Kadri Manjunath Temple
• Tannirbhavi Beach

10. Ennore Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Modern port facilities, close to Chennai’s attractions.

Locality:

• Ennore, Tamil Nadu.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Pulicat Lake
• Chennai Marina
• Mahabalipuram

11. Tuticorin Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Gateway to Southern Tamil Nadu, pearl fisheries.

Locality:

• Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Tiruchendur Temple
• Manapad Beach
• Kanyakumari

12. Haldia Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Industrial hub, gateway to Sundarbans.

Locality:

• Haldia, West Bengal.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Tamluk Rajbari
• Balughata Riverside Sunset Point
• Mahishadal Rajbari

13. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT)

Tourism Specialty:

• Largest container port, close to Mumbai’s attractions.

Locality:

• Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Elephanta Caves
• Karnala Bird Sanctuary
• Alibaug

14. Port Blair Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Gateway to Andaman Islands, marine life.

Locality:

• Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Cellular Jail
• Ross Island
• Corbyn’s Cove Beach

15. Dahej Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Industrial port, chemical and petroleum industries.

Locality:

• Dahej, Gujarat.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Bharuch
• Sardar Patel Park
• Narmada Park

16. Dhamra Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Modern deep-water port, close to Bhitarkanika.

Locality:

• Dhamra, Odisha.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Bhitarkanika National Park
• Chandipur Beach
• Barabati Fort

17. Karaikal Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Modern facilities, close to cultural attractions.

Locality:

• Karaikal, Puducherry.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Karaikal Beach
• Velankanni Church
• Tranquebar

18. Hazira Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Industrial port, close to Surat’s attractions.

Locality:

• Hazira, Gujarat.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Dumas Beach
• Sarthana Nature Park
• Science Centre

19. Krishnapatnam Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Modern infrastructure, close to cultural sites.

Locality:

• Krishnapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Nellore
• Penchalakona
• Udayagiri Fort

20. Gangavaram Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Deep-water port, scenic coastal area.

Locality:

• Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Kailasagiri
• Yarada Beach
• Borra Caves

21. Gopalpur Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Historical significance, scenic beauty.

Locality:

• Gopalpur, Odisha.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Gopalpur Beach
• Taptapani Hot Springs
• Chilika Lake

22. Mundra Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Largest private port, industrial hub.

Locality:

• Mundra, Gujarat.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Mandvi Beach
• Vijay Vilas Palace
• Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary

23. Kochi LNG Terminal

Tourism Specialty:

• LNG imports, gateway to Kerala’s backwaters.

Locality:

• Kochi, Kerala.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Fort Kochi
• Mattancherry Palace
• Chinese Fishing Nets

24. Vizhinjam Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Upcoming deep-water port, scenic coastal area.

Locality:

• Vizhinjam, Kerala.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Kovalam Beach
• Vizhinjam Lighthouse
• Padmanabhapuram Palace

25. Machilipatnam Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Historical port, cultural significance.

Locality:

• Machilipatnam, Andhra Pradesh.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Manginapudi Beach
• Dattashram
• Panduranga Swamy Temple

26. Karwar Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Scenic coastal town, naval base.

Locality:

• Karwar, Karnataka.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Rabindranath Tagore Beach
• Sadashivgad Fort
• Devbagh Beach

27. Nagapattinam Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Historical significance, close to cultural sites.

Locality:

• Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Velankanni Church
• Nagore Dargah
• Sikkal Singaravelar Temple

28. Okha Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Gateway to Dwarka, fishing activities.

Locality:

• Okha, Gujarat.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Dwarkadhish Temple
• Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
• Bet Dwarka

29. Vadinar Port

Tourism Specialty:

• Oil refinery hub, close to Dwarka.

Locality:

• Vadinar, Gujarat.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Dwarkadhish Temple
• Nageshwar Jyotirlinga
• Bet Dwarka

30. Haldia Dock Complex

Tourism Specialty:

• Major river port, close to cultural heritage.

Locality:

• Haldia, West Bengal.

Nearby Tourist Attractions:

• Mahishadal Rajbari
• Tamluk Rajbari
• Balughata Riverside Sunset Point

These seaports are not only crucial for India’s trade and economy but also serve as entry points to some of the country’s most fascinating and diverse tourist destinations. From historic landmarks and cultural sites to natural wonders and scenic beaches, the regions around these ports offer a rich and varied experience for travelers.