Districts of Karnataka: Population, Area, Talukas, Map, FAQ’s

Karnataka sits in southern India and is divided into 31 administrative districts, which makes it one of the largest states in the country by area. The state covers 191,791 square kilometers, and according to the 2011 Census, it was home to 61,095,297 people, working out to a density of 319 people per square kilometer. That population grew by 15.6% between 2001 and 2011. A new national census is currently underway, but until it’s finalized, the 2011 Census remains the most reliable source for district-wise population figures.

Not all districts in Karnataka look alike when you dig into the numbers; population, area, literacy, and development levels swing quite a bit from one district to another. Bengaluru Urban, for example, posted the highest population growth of the 2001–2011 decade, driven mainly by fast-paced urbanization. Chikkamagaluru went the opposite direction, standing out as the only district to see a slight dip in population. Then there’s Vijayanagara, the newest name on the map carved out of Ballari district in 2021, with Hosapete serving as its headquarters.

Below is a full rundown of all 31 districts of Karnataka, covering their headquarters, population, area, population density, literacy rate, and other key administrative and demographic details.

District Map of Karnataka

Note: Use Ctr+mouse wheel to zoom in and out or use + and – symbol on the map.

Districts of Karnataka – Population, Area (Sq km)

#	Districts	Population	Density (per km²)	Total Area (sq km)
1	Bangalore	9,621,551	4,381	2,196
2	Belgaum	4,779,661	356	13,415
3	Mysore	3,001,127	476	6,854
4	Tumkur	2,678,980	253	10,598
5	Gulbarga	2,566,326	234	10,954
6	Bellary	2,452,595	290	8,439
7	Bijapur	2,177,331	207	10,517
8	Dakshina Kannada	2,089,649	430	4,859
9	Davanagere	1,945,497	328	5,924
10	Raichur	1,928,812	228	8,440
11	Bagalkot	1,889,752	288	6,552
12	Dharwad	1,847,023	434	4,260
13	Mandya	1,805,769	364	4,961
14	Hassan	1,776,421	261	6,814
15	Shimoga	1,752,753	207	8,477
16	Bidar	1,703,300	313	5,448
17	Chitradurga	1,659,456	197	8,437
18	Haveri	1,597,668	331	4,823
19	Kolar	1,536,401	386	3,969
20	Uttara Kannada	1,437,169	140	10,291
21	Koppal	1,389,920	250	5,565
22	Chikkaballapura	1,255,104	296	4,251
23	Udupi	1,177,361	329	3,582
24	Yadgir	1,174,271	223	5,273
25	Chikmagalur	1,137,961	158	7,201
26	Ramanagara	1,082,636	308	3,573
27	Gadag	1,064,570	229	4,656
28	Chamarajanagar	1,020,791	181	5,648
29	Bangalore Rural	990,923	431	2,298
30	Vijayanagara	1,353,628	320	4,230
31	Kodagu	554,519	135	4,102

Note: The population figures provided here are approximate and based on available estimates. For precise and updated data, please refer to the Karnataka State Census Directorate website. Always verify critical numbers from authoritative government sources.

Districts of Karnataka – Capital City, Talukas, Literacy

#	District	Headquarters (Capital)	Taluks	Literacy Rate (2011)
1	Bagalkot	Bagalkot	Badami, Bagalkot, Bilgi, Hungund, Jamkhandi, Mudhol	68.82%
2	Bangalore	Bengaluru	Bengaluru North, Bengaluru South, Bengaluru East, Anekal, Yelahanka	87.67%
3	Bangalore Rural	Bengaluru	Devanahalli, Doddaballapur, Hoskote, Nelamangala	77.93%
4	Belgaum	Belagavi	Athani, Bailhongal, Belagavi, Chikodi, Gokak, Hukkeri, Khanapur, Kittur, Nippani, Raibag, Ramdurg, Savadatti	73.48%
5	Bellary	Ballari	Ballari, Hospet, Kampli, Kudligi, Sandur, Siruguppa	67.43%
6	Bidar	Bidar	Aurad, Basavakalyan, Bhalki, Bidar, Humnabad	70.51%
7	Bijapur	Vijayapura	Basavana Bagewadi, Bijapur, Indi, Muddebihal, Sindgi	67.15%
8	Chamarajanagar	Chamarajanagar	Chamarajanagar, Gundlupet, Hanur, Kollegal, Yelandur	61.08%
9	Chikmagalur	Chikmagalur	Chikmagalur, Kadur, Koppa, Mudigere, Narasimharajapura, Sringeri, Tarikere	79.25%
10	Chikkaballapura	Chikkaballapur	Bagepalli, Chikkaballapur, Chintamani, Gauribidanur, Gudibanda, Sidlaghatta	69.76%
11	Chitradurga	Chitradurga	Challakere, Chitradurga, Hiriyur, Holalkere, Hosadurga, Molakalmuru	73.82%
12	Dakshina Kannada	Mangaluru	Bantwal, Belthangady, Mangaluru, Moodbidri, Puttur, Sullia	88.57%
13	Davanagere	Davanagere	Channagiri, Davanagere, Harapanahalli, Harihar, Honnali, Jagalur	76.23%
14	Dharwad	Dharwad	Alnavar, Dharwad, Hubli, Kalghatgi, Kundgol, Navalgund	80.31%
15	Gadag	Gadag	Gadag, Mundargi, Nargund, Ron, Shirhatti	75.12%
16	Gulbarga	Kalaburagi	Afzalpur, Aland, Chincholi, Chitapur, Gulbarga, Jevargi, Sedam, Shahbad, Yadgir	64.85%
17	Hassan	Hassan	Alur, Arkalgud, Arsikere, Belur, Channarayapatna, Hassan, Holenarasipura, Sakleshpur	76.07%
18	Haveri	Haveri	Byadgi, Hangal, Haveri, Hirekerur, Ranibennur, Savanur, Shiggaon	77.60%
19	Kodagu	Madikeri	Madikeri, Somwarpet, Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Ponnampet	82.61%
20	Kolar	Kolar	Bangarapet, Kolar, Malur, Mulbagal, Srinivaspur	74.39%
21	Koppal	Koppal	Gangamoola, Koppal, Kushtagi, Yelbarga	67.28%
22	Mandya	Mandya	Krishnarajpet, Maddur, Malavalli, Mandya, Nagamangala, Pandavapura, Srirangapatna	70.40%
23	Mysore	Mysuru	Hunsur, Krishnarajanagara, Mysuru, Nanjangud, Piriyapatna, Saraguru, T.Narsipur	72.56%
24	Raichur	Raichur	Devadurga, Lingsugur, Manvi, Raichur, Sindhanur	59.56%
25	Ramanagara	Ramanagara	Channapatna, Kanakapura, Magadi, Ramanagara	69.22%
26	Shimoga	Shivamogga	Bhadravati, Hosanagara, Sagar, Shikaripura, Shivamogga, Sorab, Thirthahalli	80.50%
27	Tumkur	Tumakuru	Chiknayakanhalli, Gubbi, Koratagere, Kunigal, Madhugiri, Pavagada, Sira, Tiptur, Tumakuru, Turuvekere	75.14%
28	Udupi	Udupi	Brahmavar, Byndoor, Hebri, Kundapura, Karkala, Udupi	86.24%
29	Uttara Kannada	Karwar	Ankola, Bhatkal, Haliyal, Honnavar, Karwar, Kumta, Mundgod, Siddapur, Sirsi, Yellapur	84.06%
30	Vijayanagara	Hospet	Harapanahalli, Hoovina Hadagali, Hospet, Kottur, Kudligi	67.15%
31	Yadgir	Yadgir	Gurmitkal, Shahpur, Shorapur, Yadgir

Note: Many headquarters city names are the same as the district names; those often serve as the administrative headquarters of their respective districts.

2 Most Literate Districts

1. Dakshina Kannada (88.57%)
   Why High Literacy? Strong educational infrastructure, coastal trade-driven economy, and cultural emphasis on education (especially Tulu and Konkani communities). Home to premier institutions like NITK and MAHE.
2. Udupi (86.24%)
   Why High Literacy? Influenced by progressive social reforms, missionary education legacy, and the thriving tourism/IT sector. Houses renowned universities like Manipal.

2 Least Literate Districts

1. Yadgir (51.83%)
   Why Low Literacy? An agrarian economy with high poverty, migrant labor dependence, and inadequate school access in remote areas. Part of the historically underdeveloped Hyderabad-Karnataka region.
2. Raichur (59.56%)
   Why Low Literacy? Drought-prone, with challenges in infrastructure and gender disparity in education. Heavy reliance on mining and subsistence farming.

Karnataka Administrative Divisions and Their Districts

Karnataka’s districts are grouped into four administrative divisions primarily to streamline governance and improve regional management. This structure also accounts for efficient administration, geographical diversity, historical evolution, and distinct cultural & economic identities.

1. Bengaluru Division: Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapur, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Kolar, Ramanagara, Shivamogga
2. Mysuru Division: Chamarajanagar, Chikkamagaluru, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Kodagu, Mandya, Mysuru, Udupi
3. Belagavi Division: Bagalkot, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Dharwad, Gadag, Haveri, Uttara Kannada
4. Kalaburagi Division: Ballari, Bidar, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur, Yadgir

Districts Classified by Geographical Direction

This classification isn’t official but is widely used in cultural, political, and developmental contexts and used during official functions and public speeches. It’s a bit like saying “North Karnataka” or “South Karnataka,” widely understood but not part of any legal framework. From a directional standpoint, Karnataka comprises distinct zones; frequently used are North, South, and Coastal.

Karnataka’s Three Major Geographical Regions

Karnataka is divided into three major geographical regions: Karavalli (coastal plains), Malenadu (Western Ghats), and Bayalu Seeme (Deccan Plateau).

Region Name	Description	Districts
Karavalli	Coastal plains along the Arabian Sea, known for beaches, seafood, and high literacy.	Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada
Malenadu	Hilly terrain of the Western Ghats, Western Ghats terrain, rich in forests, coffee estates, and rainfall.	Shivamogga, Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Hassan, Parts of Uttara Kannada, Parts of Dakshina Kannada, Parts of Belagavi
Bayalu Seeme	Elevated plains of the Deccan Plateau	Bagalkot, Ballari, Belagavi, Bidar, Vijayapura, Chitradurga, Davanagere, Dharwad, Gadag, Kalaburagi, Koppal, Raichur, Yadgir, Vijayanagara, Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikkaballapur, Mandya, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, Tumakuru

FAQ’s about Districts of Karnataka

Little bit about all 31 districts of Karnataka

Bagalkot
Located on the North Karnataka Plateau, covers 6,593 km². Rivers: Krishna, Ghataprabha, Malaprabha. Agriculture includes cotton, jowar; mineral wealth includes copper and iron. Home to Yadahalli Wildlife Sanctuary.

Ballari (Bellary)
Major iron ore producer playing a crucial role in India’s steel industry, also rich in historical forts and temples.

Belagavi (Belgaum)
Not only is it Karnataka’s largest district by area (13,415 km²), but it also serves as a key horticultural hub for grapes, pomegranates, and sugarcane. Additionally, its strategic location near the Maharashtra–Goa border enhances its significance.

Bengaluru Urban
Despite being the smallest district by area (2,190 km²), it stands as India’s vibrant IT capital and a global tech and education powerhouse.

Bengaluru Rural
While known for its serene lakes and parks, this district also supports suburban expansion and acts as a spillover zone for Bengaluru’s IT growth.

Bidar
Steeped in a rich historical legacy with forts and monuments, it further shines for its exquisite Bidriware handicrafts.

Vijayapura (Bijapur)
Famous for the iconic Gol Gumbaz (the world’s second-largest dome), it also holds horticultural importance as a major pomegranate producer.

Chamarajanagar
Ecotourism hotspots, including Bandipur and Biligiri Rangaswamy Wildlife Sanctuaries, are key silk production centers.

Chikkaballapur
This district is not only a major grape-producing region with scenic vineyards offering wine tours, but it is also emerging as a prominent education hub.

Chikkamagaluru
Renowned for its lush coffee plantations, it produces some of India’s finest coffee.

Chitradurga
A historical treasure, it attracts enthusiasts with its imposing Chitradurga Fort.

Dakshina Kannada
This coastal gem boasts pristine beaches, ancient temples, thriving cashew production, and high social progress indicators.

Davanagere
A key textile and cotton hub, it earned the nickname “Manchester of Karnataka” for its industrial legacy.

Dharwad
Industrially vibrant (especially Hubli), it balances a strong cultural-educational presence with agriculture like jowar and maize.

Gadag
Home to Chalukya-era marvels like Trikuteshwara Temple, it also thrives in sugarcane and cotton farming.

Hassan
Primarily famed for the Belur and Halebid temples, this district also blends rich heritage with sprawling coffee plantations and breathtaking scenic beauty.

Haveri
While best known as a cradle of Chalukya architecture, it further claims distinction as the birthplace of cultural icons like Kanakadasa and Sudha Murthy.

Kodagu (Coorg)
Affectionately dubbed “Scotland of India”, this region not only leads India in coffee production but also dominates pepper cultivation.

Kolar
Historically famed for its gold fields, the district continues to be known as the “Golden Land” of Karnataka.

Koppal
Home to Hampi’s heritage sites like Anegondi, this area additionally earns recognition as Karnataka’s “Rice Bowl” for its agricultural output.

Mandya
While sugarcane dominates its economy, the district also boasts impressive landmarks including the KRS Dam and Shivanasamudra Falls.

Mysuru (Mysore)
As Karnataka’s premier cultural icon, it simultaneously dazzles visitors with Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hills while maintaining thriving silk and sandalwood industries.

Raichur
Steeped in history with Raichur Fort and Ek Minar ki Masjid, it’s also a textile-cotton hub.

Ramanagara
Renowned for silk and handlooms, it’s home to Shivagange Hills and Janapada Loka.

Shivamogga (Shimoga)
A nature lover’s paradise featuring Jog Falls and Shivappa Nayaka Palace.

Tumakuru (Tumkur)
Known for horticulture (grapes, pomegranate) and landmarks like Madhugiri Fort.

Udupi
A coastal jewel, it’s famed for its temples, beaches, and cultural vibrancy since 1997.

Uttara Kannada
Biodiversity-rich, it spans Jog Falls, Dandeli Sanctuary, and lush forests.

Yadgir
Famed for its historic fort and Karez irrigation system, it cultivates jowar and sunflower.

Vijayanagara
Karnataka’s newest district (2021), carved from Ballari, it safeguards Hampi’s UNESCO heritage.