The Indian Star Tortoise takes his name from the radiating star patterns on his shell. Each star is centered on a pyramidal bump on the shell. Females are considerably larger than their male counterparts. In addition, the females plastron (underneath) is much flatter than that of the males which has a concave shape.

This species primarily eats grass although it will also eat cactus, flowers, and fruits.

Although not classified as endangered, the Indian star tortoise is a favourite in the pet trade due to it's beauty. It is a relatively rare species and is protected in the wild and its export from its home range of Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan is prohibited, although illegal poaching, as with many protected species still occurs. In early 2006 a shipment of 400 wild-caught Indian Star tortoises bound for Europe was seized.