20 Different Types of Gourds in India {with Pictures}

Gourds, like roti or rice, are also a staple food in India. Here’s everything you need to learn about Different Types of Gourds in India.

India is a land of amazing flavors, and you know what plays a starring role in many dishes? Gourds! Yep, those bumpy, curvy things that grow on vines. But here’s the thing–there are tons of different gourd varieties, each with its own unique taste and look. Here are the best ones you can find.

Different Types of Gourds in India

1. Bottle Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

Indian Names: Lauki, Doodhi, Surakkai, Pechura, Sorakkaya, Sorekayi, Ladu, Tumada, Tiktalabu

It gets its name due to its thick, bottle-like appearance. Bottle Gourd is an annual climbing vine known to have multiple health benefits. It is beneficial for gut and heart health, instrumental in weight loss, and makes an excellent post-workout drink. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh are leading producers of Bottle gourd in India.

2. Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia)

Indian Names: Karala, Karelu, Karela, Kathilla, Poraru, Haagalakaay, Kaaraate, Kayppa, Pavaykka, Karon akhabi, Ambalem, Karali, Karelo, Changkha, Kaarvellakah, Kathillah, Paraaru, Sushavi, Urdhvaasitah, Iraca-valli, Pagakkai, Kakara

Karela is named as it originated in Kerala. It is a tropical or subtropical vine of the gourd family. This gourd is helpful in weight loss and aids blood purification. It also helps manage gut health and strengthens the immune system.

3. Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica)

Indian Names: Ghia Torai, Palo, Neyangnattakolu, Bhatkakrel, Aibhi, Thuppada Heere

This round and rigged gourd has various medicinal uses in Ayurveda. Besides blood purification and skin treatment, it is also helpful in curing inflammation and constipation. You can also grow it as a decorative plant in your garden. Uttar Pradesh and Punjab are avidly producing Sponge gourd.

4. Ridge Gourd (Luffa acutangula)

Indian Names: Tita dhundul, Kadvi ghisodi, Ban turai, Kahihireya balli, Kodu ghosale, Kattu peechil, Kattu peechinga, Divali, Kadu-dodaki , Jalini, Tikta-koshataki , Akaca-veni, Tittakocataki, Adavi bira, Chedu bira, Verri bira

Ridge gourds are one of the most loved types of gourds in India. They are used in various ways in the cuisines of different states. These gourds are firm and have ridges all over them, hence the name. They aid in diabetes, digestion, and weight loss.

5. Pointed Gourd (Trichosanthes dioica)

Indian Names: Patol Patola, Parval, Kaadu Padaval, Kadu padavala, Kayi Parval, Patola, Lulka, Tikta, Panduka, Kambupudalai, Kommu Potla, Chedu Potla

The Pointed Gourd is a green gourd with white stripes. Native to the Indian continent, it is a great medicine for various diseases. Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh are major producers of Pointed gourds. Here is how to grow it easily.

6. Snake Gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina)

Indian Names: Chachinda, Chichonda, Adla Balli, Adla kaayi, Bettada padavala, Padavalanga, Kaippam-patolam, Jangli padavala, Amritaphala, Bijagarbha, Pudalankaai, Alakaipputal, Potlakaaya, Adavi potla

These gourds are long and slender in shape, packed with vitamins and minerals, and a great source of energy. Their body is dark green and is covered in light green/white markings. They are an important part of Maharashtrian cuisine.

7. Ash Gourd (Benincasa hispida)

Indian Names: Petha, Pethakaddu, Torobot, Kohla, Neer Poosanikai, Kumbalanga, Gummadikaaya, Budekumbalakayi, Boodu Gumbala, Kumra, Chalkumra, Komora, Brihatphala, Ghrinavasa, Gramyakarkati, Karkaru

Apart from its culinary uses, Ash gourd serves multiple purposes. Highly packed with nutrients, it helps combat acidity and stomach ulcers and keeps the gut healthy. Furthermore, due to its anticoagulant properties, it can help prevent internal bleeding. The climate of the northern Indian states is great for growing Ash gourds.

8. Ivy Gourd (Coccinia grandis)

Indian Names: Kundru, Tondli, Kovai, Kova, Donda kaya, Tondikay, Telakucha, Ban-kundri, Bimbika

Ivy gourd is a tropical vine plant that grows mainly in the southern states of India. It serves many health purposes, including preventing obesity, improving digestion, increasing metabolism, and strengthening the immune system. Moreover, it can help regulate blood sugar levels. We have a guide on growing it here.

9. Spine Gourd (Momordica dioica)

Indian Names: Ban karela, Kartoli, Katwal, Avandhya, Agakara, Kikoda

It is available in India, mostly during the monsoon season. Besides being rich in proteins and vitamins, it has very few calories, thus serving as an excellent diet food. Plus, the commercial cultivation of Spine gourd happens in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Orrisa, and Maharashtra.

10. Apple Gourd (Praecitrullus fistulosus)

Indian Names: Tinda, Dhemase, Bimbi, Kondvalli, Tendli

This easy-to-digest vegetable is one of the favorites in India. Eating apple gourds has many health benefits. They are an excellent diet for diabetes patients, help boost the immune system, and slow down the aging process. Apple gourds can be grown throughout the year.

11. Cucumber (Cucumis sativus)

Indian Names: Khira, Thabi, Kankri, Vellarikkay, Vellari, Dosakaya, Soutekayi, Kakudi Trapushpa, Kantakilata

Cucumber is a highly nutritious vegetable with hundreds of benefits. It is a healthy food and has various other uses in skin treatment and medicines. No salad is complete without cucumbers. Moreover, its high water content and low calorie count make it a favorite of weight watchers.

12. Indian Gourd (Lagenaria siceraria)

Indian Names: Tinda, Dhemase, Kukuraikku, Peerkangaai, Telakucha, Kovakkai, Thokkudu, Tindora

These gourds, locally called Tinda, are small round vegetables that are green or white in color and slightly flattened. They are believed to have originated in India and are really popular in North Indian cuisine.

13. Teasle Gourd (Momordica dioica)