Maharashtra, located in the western part of India, is one of the country’s most industrialized and populous states. The state is divided into districts for administrative purposes, each with its own unique characteristics in terms of geography, culture, population, and economic activities. Maharashtra has a total of 36 districts and 6 administrative divisions.
We will delve into various topics related to the districts of Maharashtra, including the number of districts, talukas, population statistics, the largest and smallest districts, and more.
About Maharashtra State
Maharashtra, located in western India, is the second-most populous state. It has a rich cultural heritage, with Mumbai as its capital, known as the financial hub. The state boasts diverse landscapes, from beaches to mountains, historical landmarks, and a thriving economy, playing a key role in India’s development.
How Many Districts are in Maharashtra?
As of 2025, Maharashtra has 36 districts. These districts are further divided into smaller administrative units called talukas or tehsils. The districts are grouped into 6 divisions for better governance and administration.
These 6 divisions are:
- Mumbai (Konkan)
- Pune (Western Maharashtra)
- Nashik (Khandesh)
- Aurangabad (Marathwada)
- Amravati (Vidarbha)
- Nagpur (Vidarbha).
List of All Districts in Maharashtra (2025)
Here is a list of all 36 districts of Maharashtra as of 2025:
1. Ahmednagar | 2. Akola | 3. Amravati |
4. Aurangabad | 5. Beed | 6. Bhandara |
7. Buldhana | 8. Chandrapur | 9. Dhule |
10. Gadchiroli | 11. Gondia | 12. Hingoli |
13. Jalgaon | 14. Jalna | 15. Kolhapur |
16. Latur | 17. Mumbai City | 18. Mumbai Suburban |
19. Nandurbar | 20. Nanded | 21. Nashik |
22. Osmanabad | 23. Palghar | 24. Parbhani |
25. Pune | 26. Raigad | 27. Ratnagiri |
28. Sangli | 29. Satara | 30. Sindhudurg |
31. Solapur | 32. Thane | 33. Wardha |
34. Washim | 35. Yavatmal | 36. Nagpur |
How Many Talukas in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra is divided into 355 talukas (sub-districts). Each taluka serves as a local administrative unit within the districts. Talukas are responsible for revenue administration, and they play a key role in the implementation of government schemes and policies.
Maharashtra Districts Map
A district map of Maharashtra visually represents the 36 districts and their geographical locations. The map highlights the division boundaries and provides a clear understanding of where each district is situated in the state. Some of the key districts in Maharashtra include Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, and Nashik, which are prominent in terms of economic development, industry, and culture.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Districts of Maharashtra with Area and Population 2025
The population of Maharashtra’s districts varies significantly, with urban districts typically having higher populations compared to rural districts. Here is a table with the districts of Maharashtra and their population according to the 2011 Census.
S. No. | District | Area | Population |
1. | Ahmednagar | 17,048 | 4,543,159 |
2. | Akola | 5,428 | 1,813,906 |
3. | Amravati | 12,235 | 2,888,445 |
4. | Aurangabad | 10,100 | 3,701,282 |
5. | Beed | 10,693 | 2,585,049 |
6. | Bhandara | 3,707 | 1,200,334 |
7. | Buldhana | 9,661 | 2,486,258 |
8. | Chandrapur | 11,443 | 2,204,307 |
9. | Dhule | 7,195 | 2,050,862 |
10. | Gadchiroli | 14,412 | 1,072,942 |
11. | Gondia | 5,234 | 1,322,507 |
12. | Hingoli | 4,526 | 1,177,345 |
13. | Jalgaon | 11,765 | 4,229,917 |
14. | Jalna | 7,687 | 1,959,046 |
15. | Kolhapur | 7,685 | 3,876,001 |
16. | Latur | 7,157 | 2,454,196 |
17. | Mumbai City | 157 | 3,085,411 |
18. | Mumbai Suburban | 446 | 9,356,962 |
19. | Nagpur | 9,892 | 4,653,570 |
20. | Nanded | 10,528 | 3,361,292 |
21. | Nandurbar | 5,955 | 1,648,295 |
22. | Nashik | 15,582 | 6,107,187 |
23. | Osmanabad | 7,569 | 1,657,576 |
24. | Palghar | 5,344 | 29,95,428 |
25. | Parbhani | 6,251 | 1,836,086 |
26. | Pune | 15,643 | 9,429,408 |
27. | Raigad | 7,152 | 2,634,200 |
28. | Ratnagiri | 8,208 | 1,615,069 |
29. | Sangli | 8,578 | 2,822,143 |
30. | Satara | 10,480 | 3,003,741 |
31. | Sindhudurg | 5,207 | 849,651 |
32. | Solapur | 14,895 | 4,317,756 |
33. | Thane | 4,214 | 11,060,148 |
34. | Wardha | 6,310 | 1,300,774 |
35. | Washim | 5,150 | 1,197,160 |
36. | Yavatmal | 13,582 | 2,772,348 |
36 Diverse Districts of Maharashtra
Ahmednagar
Ahmednagar, known for its historical forts and temples, is a prominent district in Maharashtra. It has a rich cultural legacy and is also an important agricultural region, especially known for sugarcane and dairy farming.
Akola
Akola is a major cotton-producing district, often called the ‘Cotton City’ of Maharashtra. Located in the Vidarbha region, it is also known for its vibrant markets, historic temples, and growing educational institutions.
Amravati
Amravati is a spiritual and cultural hub in Vidarbha, home to the famous Ambadevi Temple. The district also has a strong agricultural base and plays a significant role in Maharashtra’s education and administration.
Aurangabad
Aurangabad is a historical city known for UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Ajanta and Ellora Caves. It is also a fast-developing industrial city with a strong presence in textiles, tourism, and manufacturing.
Beed
Beed district lies in the Marathwada region and is primarily agricultural. It is known for its resilience despite frequent droughts and is home to ancient temples and historical sites reflecting its medieval past.
Bhandara
Bhandara, located in the Vidarbha region, is popularly known as the “Rice Bowl of Maharashtra” due to its rich paddy fields. The district is also known for its natural beauty and significant forest cover.
Buldhana
Buldhana is home to the famous Lonar Crater Lake, formed by a meteor impact. Located in the Vidarbha region, it’s known for religious sites, agriculture, and its role in Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
Chandrapur
Chandrapur is known for its coal mines and is a hub for thermal power generation in Maharashtra. The district also houses the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, one of India’s top wildlife destinations.
Dhule
Dhule is situated in northwestern Maharashtra and is known for its strategic location and textile industry. The district also features historical forts, religious landmarks, and a growing economy based on agriculture and trade.
Gadchiroli
Gadchiroli is a tribal-dominated district known for its dense forests, rivers, and natural beauty. While it’s an underdeveloped area economically, it plays a key role in Maharashtra’s forest conservation efforts.
Gondia
Gondia is a rice-producing district and is often called the “Rice City” of Maharashtra. It borders Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and serves as a significant rail and trade junction in eastern Maharashtra.
Hingoli
Hingoli is a small but culturally significant district in Marathwada. Known for its religious importance, it houses famous temples like Aundha Nagnath, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva.
Jalgaon
Jalgaon is famous for its banana production and is often referred to as the “Banana City” of India. It also has a strong presence in the textile industry and educational institutions.
Jalna
Jalna, located in central Maharashtra, is an important industrial and agricultural district. Known for steel and seed industries, it also plays a key role in Marathwada’s economic development.
Kolhapur
Kolhapur is a culturally rich district known for the Mahalaxmi Temple, Kolhapuri chappals, and spicy cuisine. It’s also an important center for wrestling, sugar production, and tourism in southern Maharashtra.
Latur
Latur is an educational and political hub in Marathwada. Despite being drought-prone, it has emerged as a major center for agro-based industries and is known for producing quality pulses and oilseeds.
Mumbai City
Mumbai City is the financial capital of India, home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, Bollywood, and countless businesses. It’s a melting pot of cultures, offering a dynamic lifestyle and iconic landmarks.
Mumbai Suburban
The Mumbai Suburban district covers the northern part of Mumbai and includes major residential and commercial areas. It is densely populated and serves as the backbone of Mumbai’s urban and industrial growth.
Nagpur
Nagpur, the winter capital of Maharashtra, is known for oranges and its central location in India. It is a major logistics and political center and also houses the Vidhan Bhavan for the winter session.
Nanded
Nanded is a significant spiritual center for Sikhs, home to the Hazur Sahib Gurudwara. Located in Marathwada, the district also plays a vital role in agriculture and religious tourism.
Nandurbar
Nandurbar is a tribal district located in northwestern Maharashtra. It is known for its tribal culture, hill stations like Toranmal, and efforts in rural development and forest preservation.
Nashik
Nashik is a holy city situated on the banks of the Godavari River. Known for the Kumbh Mela and India’s wine capital, it is also a thriving industrial and agricultural hub.
Osmanabad
Osmanabad lies in the drought-prone Marathwada region and is known for its historical architecture and temples. Despite agricultural challenges, it remains culturally vibrant and agriculturally active.
Palghar
Palghar, carved out of Thane district, is a growing industrial and coastal district. It features scenic beaches, tribal culture, and is fast emerging as a satellite hub for Mumbai’s expansion.
Parbhani
Parbhani is an agricultural district in Marathwada, known for growing cotton, pulses, and jowar. It also holds religious significance and is steadily improving its infrastructure and education facilities.
Pune
Pune is an education and IT hub, known for its historical landmarks, vibrant student population, and cultural heritage. It is one of Maharashtra’s fastest-growing cities with a rich Maratha legacy.
Raigad
Raigad district is known for its forts, including the historic Raigad Fort of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Its coastline, agriculture, and growing connectivity make it a key district in the Konkan region.
Ratnagiri
Ratnagiri is part of the scenic Konkan coast, known for Alphonso mangoes, beaches, and cultural heritage. The district also plays a significant role in the fishing and cashew industries.
Sangli
Sangli is famous for its turmeric production and sugar factories. Located in western Maharashtra, it has a strong agricultural economy and is also known for its classical music and education.
Satara
Satara is home to the scenic Kaas Plateau and historic forts. The district has a rich Maratha history and plays a key role in sugarcane farming and wind energy production.
Sindhudurg
Sindhudurg is a coastal district known for its unspoiled beaches, seafood, and forts like Sindhudurg Fort. It is a tourism hotspot and has a strong presence of Malvani culture and cuisine.
Solapur
Solapur is known for its textile industry, especially Solapuri chaddars and towels. It is also a religious destination with famous temples and plays a crucial role in the state’s economy.
Thane
Thane is a rapidly urbanizing district near Mumbai, with a blend of natural lakes and industrial growth. It is one of the most populous districts and a key residential and commercial center.
Wardha
Wardha is associated with Mahatma Gandhi and has historical importance due to Sevagram Ashram. It is an agricultural district with a strong focus on cotton and is part of the Vidarbha region.
Washim
Washim is a smaller district in Vidarbha, known for its religious temples and agricultural activities. It is gradually growing in terms of infrastructure and educational opportunities.
Yavatmal
Yavatmal, located in the Vidarbha region, is primarily known for cotton production. It is also known for its tribal population and efforts in agro-based development and rural welfare.
Smallest District in Maharashtra by Population
The smallest district in Maharashtra by population is Sindhudurg, with a population of approximately 849,651, is the least populous district in Maharashtra. Situated along the western coast, it is known for its scenic beauty, including beaches, forests, and a rich cultural history, making it a popular tourist destination despite its smaller population.
Highest Population District in Maharashtra
The highest population district in Maharashtra is Thane with a population of approximately 11.06 million as per the latest available data. Located near Mumbai, Thane is a rapidly growing urban area, benefiting from its proximity to the financial capital of India, which has led to substantial urban migration and development.
Smallest District in Maharashtra by Area
The smallest district in Maharashtra by area is Mumbai City.
- Area: 603 km²
- Overview: Mumbai City, although geographically small, is the most densely populated district in Maharashtra and serves as the center of economic and cultural activities in the state.
Largest District in Maharashtra by Area
The largest district in Maharashtra by area is Ahmednagar.
- Area: 17,048 km²
- Overview: Ahmednagar, located in the western part of Maharashtra, is one of the largest districts by land area. It is known for its historical significance, educational institutions, and agricultural land.
Image Credit- www.mapsofindia.com
Top 5 Largest Districts in Maharashtra by Area
Here are the Top 5 Largest Districts in Maharashtra by Area:
- Ahmednagar – 17,048 km²
- Gadchiroli – 14,412 km²
- Solapur – 14,895 km²
- Yavatmal – 13,582 km²
- Amravati – 12,235 km²
Districts of Maharashtra with Significant Industries
Many districts in Maharashtra are known for their thriving industries and commerce. Some of the prominent industrial districts include:
- Pune: Known for its automobile, IT, and education sectors.
- Mumbai: The financial capital of India, hosting a variety of industries, including finance, entertainment, and textiles.
- Nagpur: A hub for agriculture, trading, and power generation.
- Nashik: Famous for its grape cultivation, winemaking, and manufacturing industries.
- Aurangabad: Known for its automotive and engineering industries, and also for historical tourism.
Maharashtra Districts Map 2025
How many districts are there in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra has 36 districts as of 2025, organized into six administrative divisions for effective governance.
How many talukas are in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra is divided into 355 talukas, which are administrative subunits under each district.
What is the list of all districts in Maharashtra (2025)?
The state has 36 districts, including prominent ones like Pune, Thane, Mumbai City, Nagpur, and Nashik.
Which is the largest district in Maharashtra by area?
Ahmednagar is the largest district in Maharashtra by area, covering 17,048 km².
Which is the smallest district in Maharashtra by area?
Mumbai City is the smallest district in Maharashtra by area, covering only 157 km².
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