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.