Decades after becoming a world of forest degradation, India stands tall at a growth rate of 0.7% in its forest cover; because of this India has shown its prowess in the list of top 10 nations in the world with the largest forest cover! As of 2015, India had a forest cover of over 7,06,800 sq km which is almost 24% of the total size of the nation! These mystical and alluring forests are a true spectacle of the wonders of nature and are also home to some of the most exquisite and endangered species of birds and wildlife. A Bliss!
Indian Forests are either protected or reserved. Thus, aiming to save the forest lands. Tribal Communities are major contributors to preserving these protected forests. The Forestry in India is the among the most significant contributors in the rural industry and also it is an important environmental resource. But it is not that most of these forests help in wood as a resource but also a lot of non-wood resources are cultivated and produced such as latex, gums, essentials oils, medicinal plants and much more. Though forests are very important for the India economy they are also a great rejuvenation spot. With the increase in the hectic lifestyle of people, forests provide as great recreational spots. Many adventurers thrive in the deep forests of India to find calm and peace. India has some of the most beautiful forests in the world. So, if you are looking for some of the best forests in India, we have compiled the list of 10 Largest Forests in India :
1. Gir Forest, Gujarat
The first name and one of the largest forest areas in India are of the Gir Forests in the state of Gujarat. These forests are the part of the Kathiawar-Gir dry deciduous forests. The Gir Forests have some part of them are the Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary. Though these forests are mostly arid, they are home to a wide range of flora and fauna. These forests are also home to the rare and endangered Asiatic Lions.
2. Sundarban Forests, West Bengal
If you want to find something exotic and want a once in a lifetime kind of experience the Sundarban Forests are just the place for you. These forests are present in the state of West Bengal Sundarbans. These are a type of mangrove forest and they cover an area of about 10,000 km2 (3,900 sq mi). The most unique feature of these forests is the wide range of wildlife which goes from the magnificent White Tigers and Bengals to the rarest Birds and much more.
3. Khasi Hills, Meghalaya
The beauty of the Khasi Hills lies in the fact that these forests can be visited in any time of the year and would still leave you breathless by their picturesque views. These forests are present in Meghalaya and are a type of sub-tropical forests. These forests also receive the highest rainfall in the world and the highest record is of Cherrapunji in East Khasi hills of Meghalaya. These are a number of activities for tourists to engage and thrive in.
4. Kaziranga Forest, Assam
The next name on this list of the most popular and best forests in India is of the Kaziranga Forest. It is a dense tropical moist broadleaf forest with marshland. These forests are present in the state of Assam and have a major part of them as the Kaziranga National Park. It is among the best forests in the world because of the efforts of the government and people to protect these lands and also the wildlife such as the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros.
5. Arunachal Pradesh Forest
If you want to experience the diversity and beauty of forests at its best the Arunachal Pradesh Forests are the best. These are mainly Tropical and Sub-tropical and as you walk through these forests you will find the Temperate forest, Pine forests, and Subalpine forest. Arunachal Pradesh Forest has a variety of flora and fauna which include about 5000 species of plants, 500 different birds, 85 terrestrial mammals and a wide number of insects, butterflies, and reptiles.
6. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu
The next beautiful and one of the most famous forests in India are of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in the state of Tamil Nadu. The blue mountain and the tropical forest attract nature lovers from all over the world. The type forests here are tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests. Some of the oldest tribal groups live here. Also, these forests are home to lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri Tahr.
7. Vandalur Forest Reserve
The next name on this list of most popular forests in India is of the Vandalur Reserve Forest. These forests are located in the suburb of Vandalur, near the centre of Chennai. If you want to plan a holiday out of the mainstream things, this is one of the best options. The views and the journey is a feast for any nature lover. Also, one of the major attractions is the Madras Zoo which was included in this reserves a popular tourist attraction.
8. Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand
The next popular Indian forest is the famous Jim Corbett National Park located in the state of Uttarakhand. The park has 73% forest cover and 10% grassland. The forests are dense moist deciduous forests and thus are home to a wide spectrum of wildlife. Whether you want to see the Royal Bengal Tiger or the beautiful peacocks or the rare Deers, you get a glimpse of it all here in the forests’ of Jim Corbett National Park.
9. Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur
The second last name on this list of the most popular forests in India is the forest of Keibul Lamjao National Park. It is located in the state of Manipur. It is famous as the world’s one and only floating park. The park is surrounded by water and fish farms. These forests were turned into a national park to help with the conservation of the last of the brow-antlered deer in the world. The Keibul Lamjao forms an important part of the Loktak Lake.
10. Kanha National Park, Madhya Pradesh
The last and probably one of the most world-renowned forests of India is the Kanha National Park. These forests are present in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. These forests are the inspiration behind Rudyard Kipling’s famous “The Jungle Book“. The forests on the highland are tropical moist, dry deciduous type and of a completely distinct nature from bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus) on slopes.
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