Top 10 Forests to Explore for Nature Lovers in India

Let’s start the list of forests in India with the majestic Sunderbans. Spread across India and Bangladesh, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its coastal mangrove forest. The striking natural wonder is the abode of the royal Bengal tiger, over 250 bird species and other endangered species, like the Indian python and estuarine crocodile. While in Sunderbans, make sure you take the chance to enjoy a boat safari that will take you through creeks and canals. All in all, a visit to this tropical forest in India will truly be a magical experience! Here’s how you can reach the Sunderbans! Take a flight to Kolkata and then reach your destination via roadways or railways.

Did you know that there is a sacred forest from where you cannot take anything out? Let’s get more details! Combining physical majesty with indigenous cultures and religious beliefs, Mawphlang Sacred Forest in Shillong is a paradise for those fascinated by different types of forests in India. The local Khasi tribes believe that Labasa, the local deity, stays here, preserving the forests for thousands of years. So, if you try to take a stone or wood log or anything else in that matter, out from this forest, you might upset the deity. But, it isn’t just the legends that attract tourists! The interconnected network of trees and plants has been a crowd puller as well. In case you are wondering, take a flight to Shillong and then hire a cab to reach Mawphlang Sacred Forest.

Next on our list is one of the world’s largest mangrove jungles, the Pichavarm mangrove forest. The region boasts over 50 islands and 4400 canals of various sizes. And there are over 20 different varieties of trees, 200 bird species and several varieties of amphibians and reptiles as well. You can explore this natural paradise by motor boar or rowboat. A friendly tip - opt for a rowboat if you wish to venture deep inside the captivating jungle. And be prepared to be charmed by the sounds of birds, water, and the rustling of paddles. If you plan to visit the Pichavaram mangrove forest, you will have to board a flight to Tiruchirapalli. Chennai international airport is another convenient airport to reach here.

The prominent abode of Asiatic lions, Gir forest national park, does not need any introduction! Catching a glimpse of the rare Asiatic lions is truly a magical experience. But there is more! You can also spot Indian leopards, jungle cats, Bengal fox, golden jackal and Asiatic wildcats. During your trip, make sure to plan a stay in luxury resorts located nearby. After all, some of the best wildlife resorts in India are situated close to Gir Forest. What’s more to enjoy? Vibrant and colourful tribal festivals that will fill your heart with enthusiasm. If you plan to reach there via flight, Keshod airport (70 km) and Rajkot airport (160 km) are the most convenient airports nearby.

Verdant greenery, tropical forests and exotic wildlife, the famous Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve has it all! For those who don’t already know, this spectacular reserve forest in India hosts a bunch of forest systems, including seasonal rain forests, tropical forests, moist deciduous forests and dry deciduous forests. More than 100 species of mammals, 350 bird species, and 80 species of reptiles call the reserve their home. In short, there is so much to explore and experience. Oh, we forgot to mention that the Bandipur Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai National Park and Nagarhole National Park are just some of the wildlife hotspots situated within the Nilgiri reserve. You must be excited already. So don’t wait, book your flight tickets to Coimbatore and reach the nature park via roadways. Because a thrilling adventure awaits you!

Famous for a significant population of Bengal tigers, Jim Corbett often finds its way to tourists’ travel bucket lists. While the Bengal tigers are the centre of attraction, some of the other species residing here are wild elephants, sloth bears, sambars, hog deer and langurs. What else makes Jim Corbett a popular tourist attraction is the perfect mix of nature and adventure. The array of thrilling activities, like safari, rating, camping and river cross, capture the imagination of every adventurous soul who has set foot there. To approach this iconic national park, you will have to fly to Pantnagar airport, located at a distance of 50 km.

Kanha tiger reserve or Kanha-Kisli national park is the largest national park in Madhya Pradesh. The region is popularly known for its barasingha population. This tiger reserve also has a mascot named Bhoorsingh the Barasingha. Apart from this, there are significant numbers of royal Bengal tigers (quite obvious), sambars, sloth bears, leopards and Indian wild dogs, along with about 300 bird species. Also, Kanha national park was the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s iconic Jungle Book. If you wish to explore this enchanting region, you can book a flight to Jabalpur airport (175 km) or Raipur airport (185 km).

With more than 1000 floral and 1400 faunal species, Namdapha National Park is among the most biologically rich regions in the Eastern Himalayas. Here, you can spot Asiatic black bears, red panda, slow loris, capped langurs, Assamese macaques and Namdapha flying squirrels. Housing a wide array of wildlife and plant species, Namdapha national park stands as an epitome of nature’s retreat. Besides natural therapy, you can also treat the adventure lover in you with activities like trekking, boating, river crossing, safari, and elephant ride. If you are planning to visit, fly to Dibrugarh and then hit the roadways towards Namdapha National Park.

Situated in Maharashtra’ Pimpri region, Andharban literally translates to ‘Dark Forest’. A dense forest covered with thick foliage, misty landscapes and massive waterfalls, Andharban forest is a must-visit for every nature lover. While the serene beauty of this region is enough to draw tourists, the Andharban jungle trek is another highlight. The trek will take you through the dense jungle amidst lush greenery and rocky terrain, definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are coming from a different part of the country, booking a flight to Mumbai or Pune can be the most hassle-free way to reach here. From the airport, you can take cabs.

Our list ends in Jharkhand’s Saranda Forest! The forest is renowned for housing a large number of elephants. You don’t have to go far to encounter other wild animals, including leopards, sambars and bison. The best part? The forest is blessed with stunning waterfalls and towering hills, binding this enchanting place together. To explore the mighty Saranda forest, take a flight to Ranchi. From here, you can hire a taxi to reach the Saranda forest.

We hope you must have chosen the forests you wish to explore. Go, make the plans and then let the dense greens take over!