A Look Inside India's Biggest Cities

India, a land of vibrant culture, rapid modernisation, and economic growth, is home to some of the world’s largest and most dynamic urban centres. The biggest cities in India, like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi, represent this transformation with bustling industries, diverse opportunities, and an increasingly global presence. 

List of India’s Biggest Cities

Here is a list of India’s biggest cities, ranked by population and size, along with their USPs.

Let’s explore the characteristics that make these cities in India unique and which ones are forecasted to be the best for real estate investments in 2025.

Biggest Cities In India: Mumbai 

Mumbai, often dubbed the "City of Dreams," is not only India's financial hub but also one of the most expensive real estate markets in Asia. As one of the largest cities in India, its reputation as a global business centre combined with a cosmopolitan lifestyle attracts investors from around the world. Although property prices are high, certain suburban areas like Thane and Navi Mumbai offer more affordable options with significant appreciation potential. Mumbai remains attractive due to consistent demand, excellent infrastructure, and opportunities in sectors like finance, entertainment, and IT. Best localities to invest in Mumbai are Thane, Mahalaxmi, Panvel, Vikhroli 

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Biggest Cities In India: Bengaluru 

Bengaluru, the heart of India’s IT industry, is another one of the largest cities in India, celebrated for its pleasant climate, modern infrastructure, and a high concentration of tech parks. A steady influx of tech professionals fuels demand for residential and commercial properties in this thriving city. Additionally, upcoming infrastructure projects like the Metro expansion and suburban rail service are expected to boost real estate value in outer areas, making Bengaluru a top choice for 2025 investments. Best localities to invest in Bangalore are Whitefield, Sarjapur Road, Devanahalli 

Biggest Cities In India: Delhi NCR 

The National Capital Region (NCR), encompassing Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida, is a major real estate hub among the biggest cities in India. With improved connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and a growing corporate sector, the NCR offers diverse property options. Gurgaon is popular for high-end residential and commercial spaces, while Noida presents more affordable options with significant growth potential. Best localities to invest in Delhi NCR are Okhla, Connaught Place 

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Biggest Cities In India: Pune 

Pune combines a strong industrial base with a growing IT sector, making it an ideal place for real estate investment. Its proximity to Mumbai, well-regarded educational institutions, and relatively affordable property prices contribute to Pune’s appeal. As one of the largest cities in India, demand for residential projects, particularly in well-connected areas, is rising as the city continues to grow. Best localities to invest in Pune are Hinjewadi, Pimpri - Chinchwad, Kharadi 

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Biggest Cities In India: Kolkata 

Kolkata has seen a steady increase in demand for real estate in recent years. Known for its affordability compared to other cities in India, Kolkata offers significant investment potential, particularly in areas around New Town and Salt Lake, which are emerging IT and business hubs. While appreciation rates are moderate compared to other cities, the affordable entry price makes Kolkata a viable option for those with a conservative investment approach. Best localities to invest in Kolkata are Joka, Sodepur.  

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Biggest Cities In India: Chennai 

Chennai, a major industrial and cultural centre among the biggest cities in India, boasts a stable real estate market with a high demand for residential and commercial properties. The city’s coastal location established the manufacturing sector, and its growing IT presence makes it attractive for investors seeking stable returns and long-term appreciation. Best localities to invest in are OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road), Oragadam. 

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India’s Biggest Cities by Population in 2025

Population growth continues to shape the largest cities in the country. Based on current estimates, Delhi leads the list of India’s biggest cities by population with nearly 34 million residents. Mumbai follows with more than 21 million, and Kolkata ranks third with around 15 million. Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad are among the fastest growing centres, while cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, Pune, and Jaipur complete the top 10 biggest cities in India.

These figures highlight the scale at which the biggest metropolitan city in India operates and how demand for housing, transport, and services keeps rising.

India’s Biggest Cities by Area

In terms of land coverage, Delhi leads as India’s biggest city by area with nearly 1,400 square kilometres under its region. Bengaluru follows with 741 square kilometres, while Visakhapatnam and Hyderabad also cover wide stretches of land. Despite being the biggest metro city in India by reputation, Mumbai has a smaller land spread at 438 square kilometres, which explains its higher density.