India is a land of diversity, and every Indian city has a unique charm, culture, and its own story, which is reflected in their names. Take Jaipur, for instance—a city in Rajasthan famously known as the ‘Pink City’ because, in 1876, Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the city to be painted pink to welcome King Edward VII. This vibrant colour became a symbol of its identity.
But Jaipur is just one example. Across India, there are several cities that have special nicknames. These nicknames aren’t just words—they are clues to the city’s identity, people, and journey through time.
As parents, sharing these stories and facts about Indian cities’ nicknames with your children is a wonderful way to help them learn about India’s rich heritage in a fun and engaging manner. In this article, we take you on a journey through Indian cities and their nicknames, offering interesting facts and insights that will not only educate but also deepen your child’s connection to our nation’s incredible history and culture. Let’s dive in together!
Indian Cities and Their Nicknames
Sr. No. | City Name | Nickname |
1 | Jaipur | The Pink City |
2 | Jodhpur | The Blue/Sun City |
3 | Udaipur | The City of Lakes |
4 | Ahmedabad | The Manchester of India |
5 | Bangalore | The Silicon Valley of India, The Garden City of India |
6 | Jamshedpur | The Steel City |
7 | Kolkata | The City of Joy, The Science City |
8 | Coorg | The Scotland of India |
9 | Lucknow | The City of Nawabs |
10 | Varanasi | The City of Temples |
11 | Amritsar | The Golden City |
12 | Chennai | The Detroit of South |
13 | Hyderabad | The City of Pearls |
14 | Mumbai | The Financial Capital of India |
- Jaipur – The Pink City
- Jodhpur – The Blue/Sun City
- Udaipur – The City of Lakes
- Ahmedabad – The Manchester of India
- Bangalore – The Silicon Valley of India, The Garden City of India
- Jamshedpur – The Steel City
- Kolkata – The City of Joy, The Science City
- Coorg – The Scotland of India
- Lucknow – The City of Nawabs
- Varanasi – The City of Temples
- Amritsar – The Golden City
- Chennai – The Detroit of South
- Hyderabad – The City of Pearls
- Mumbai – The Financial Capital of India, Gateway of India
Jaipur got its nickname when Maharaja Sawai Ram Singh ordered the entire city to be painted pink to welcome Prince Albert II in the 1870s. Pink was also the queen’s favourite colour. To this day, Jaipur’s government buildings are painted pink as per city laws.
In Jodhpur’s older areas, many houses are painted blue, which helps keep mosquitoes away and the interiors cool. Jodhpur is also called the “Sun City” because it enjoys bright sunshine throughout the year.
Formerly known as Mewar, Udaipur is surrounded by stunning lakes, both man-made and natural. Famous lakes like Pichola, Fateh Sagar, and Dhebar make Udaipur a popular destination for scenic beauty and film shoots.
Ahmedabad became famous in the late 1800s as a hub for cotton textiles, much like Manchester in England. It is located along the Sabarmati River and thrives as a manufacturing and industrial centre.
Bangalore earned the title “Silicon Valley of India” due to its booming IT sector and startups. It’s also known as the “Garden City” for its lush green parks, like Cubbon Park and Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.
Jamshedpur is home to India’s largest steel plants, including Tata Steel, established in 1912. This city played a crucial role during World War I by supplying steel and continues to be a leader in industrial development.
Kolkata is called the “City of Joy” because of its festive spirit and celebrations, like Durga Puja and Christmas. It’s also known as the “Science City” for its museums and science parks that attract visitors.
Nicknamed by the Scottish during the colonial era, Coorg’s cool climate, rolling hills, and coffee plantations resemble the scenery of Scotland, making it a popular hill station.
Lucknow was once ruled by Nawabs, whose culture of music, literature, and culinary art still influences the city today. Walking through its streets gives you a glimpse of its royal past.
Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world. With thousands of temples, it holds great significance in Hindu mythology and spirituality.
The Golden Temple, or Harmandir Sahib, is the heart of Amritsar and gives the city its nickname. This holy Sikh shrine is visited by millions every year, making it a symbol of faith and unity.
Chennai earned this nickname because it is a hub for automobile manufacturing, with major global players like Ford, BMW, and Nissan setting up factories here.
Hyderabad is famous for its pearl trade, especially in areas like Chandrampet, where pearls are polished and drilled. It’s also a tech hub, often referred to as “Cyberabad.”
Mumbai is India’s financial powerhouse, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. The Gateway of India, built to welcome King George V and Queen Mary, is a symbol of the city’s historical significance.
Summing Up
We have tried to cover as many Indian cities’ nicknames as possible. If your little one loves listening to stories, check out our blog- Wisdom Tales of Panchatantra– Moral Stories for Kids. It can be a fun way to learn valuable life lessons through engaging narratives.
You can also check out the EuroKids blog for more engaging and informative articles on your child’s development, health, and early learning milestones. Also, check out EuroKids Preschools, where your little one can embark on a joyful and enriching learning adventure with the perfect start!
