From a distance from afar, it could seem to you that India is a busy place and there are virtually any forests or wildlife in the country. But, you’re completely wrong. There are a lot of national parks and forests in India that will be awe-inspiring and enthralling by the diversity of wildlife, terrain vegetation, and other things like that. That is the primary reason we’re providing you with the 10 largest forests in India at the time of 2024. Let’s not drag this introduction thing on and start with the real stuff will we?
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Top 10 Largest Forests In India
1. Sundarbans – 10,277 km2
With an area of 10,277 square kilometers The Sundarbans is the largest Indian forest. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the confluence point of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, which flow down to the Bay of Bengal. This area is important not just due to its immense diversity, but also because it has natural protection from cyclones and tsunamis, thereby saving millions of people who live in the coastal areas. The Sundarbans are the habitat of Royal Bengal Tigers, which are specially adapted for the watery landscape that is comprised of canals of tidal and mudflats.
2. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve – 5,520 km2
The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve extends over 5,520 square kilometers within the Western Ghats, spanning Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. The term ‘Nilgiris’, or “blue mountains” is derived from the blue-purple blooms of called ‘Strobilanthes Kunthiana that blooms every twelve years. National parks, sanctuaries and national reserves which form an integral part of the reserves include Mudumalai, Bandipur, Nagarhole and Mukurthi that are home to tigers Asian elephants, as well as elephants, and the Nilgiri tahr.
3. Namdapha National Park – 1,985.23 km2
Namdapha National Park, located in Arunachal Pradesh which covers 1,985.23 acres of land. It is one of the biodiverse areas of Eastern Himalayas. The elevation ranges between 200 and 4,500 meters, and has habitats that range from tropical rainforests to alpine and temperate forests. The unique collection of wildlife comprises four species of big cats: the tiger leopard, snow leopard as well as the clouded leopard. It is also famous for its unique species like the red panda, as well as the Namdapha flying squirrel, which is found only in this area.
4. Gir National Park – 1,410.30 km2
Gir National Park in Gujarat which covers 1,410.30 km2 is the sole residence for the Asiatic lion. Due to the nature of the conservation efforts that are being implemented in the sanctuary and the lion population that were at the brink of extinction have been resurrected and now number around 700. The landscape of Gir’s dry deciduous forest dotted with grasslands and scrubs creates a stunning backdrop, not only for predators but also leopards, hyenas and Chital. The teak forests of the park as well as its extensive bird species makes it a perfect habitat for birds.
5. Jim Corbett National Park – 1,318 km2
Jim Corbett National Park, located in Uttarakhand and covering 1,318 sq km It is India’s first national park founded in 1936. It was founded primarily to safeguard Bengal tigers which are extremely sensitive and endangered species. They played crucial roles in the development of Project Tiger in 1973. The landscape is hilly with large riverine belts, swamps, and grasslands. The park is home to a varied variety of types of vegetation and ecosystems, too.
6. Kanha National Park (Kanha Tiger Reserve) – 940 km2
The park is located in Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is 940 sq km. It’s not a national park, but instead the most crucial region for the protection of Bengal tigers. Since its inception during the year 1955, and its designation as an official Tiger Reserve in 1973, the national park has become an area with thick Sal forests, lush bamboo and vast grasslands. The vast area of grassland is perfect for a variety of animals to thrive as well as the barasingha species that is endangered, and is now, with the help of conservation efforts is experiencing a resurgence. Bird-lovers will certainly not be disappointed You can even spot an eagle with a crested crest as well as an Indian roller in the middle of the forest as well.
7. Bandipur National Park – 868.63 km2
In Karnataka in the larger Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, lies Bandipur National Park, covering 868.63 km2. It is located at the crossroads between the Western Ghats and the Deccan Plateau and is home to mixed species of moist and dry deciduous forests. Bandipur was one of the first selected sites for protection of The Bengal Tiger under Project Tiger. The other major species in the park include the Indian gaur, elephant, and Dhole. This is a significant park for the preservation of over 200 bird species, among them the threatened Indian Vulture.
8. Saranda Forest – 820 km2
Saranda Forest in Jharkhand, described as Asia’s biggest sal forest, covers 820 square kilometers. It is a place of high biodiversity both fauna and flora, and is of paramount significance for the survival of the local people. Additionally, it is home to an enormous amount of iron ore. This is a source of controversy for the site for mining and mining and conservation. The forest supports leopards, elephants, as well as a variety of bird species, that all indicate the necessity of an equilibrative approach to conservation of this natural treasure.
9. Mawphlang Sacred Grove – 302 km2
In Meghalaya in Meghalaya, there is the Mawphlang Sacred Grove encompasses approximately 302 sq km and is a remarkable instance of the traditional conservation practices used from the regional Khasi tribes. The Khasi consider the grove as sacred, unspoilt by humans which is why the ecosystem has been flourishing. It is awash with medicinal plants as well as other uncommon species that are protected as a result of the traditional customs of the Khasi tribes.
10. Pichavaram Forest – 110 km2
In the vicinity near the coast of Tamil Nadu, the Pichavaram Forest is spread over around 110 square kilometers and is considered to be one of India’s most vital mangrove ecosystems. It is home to many species of birds, fish and marine species due to the water channels and islands that arise out of it. It also fulfills the defense function as naturally-formed defense from cyclones as well as tsunamis. It provides one of several best examples of the protection function mangroves play against erosion of coastlines.
Conclusion
Yes, this list has been completed however, there are plenty in these forests and national parks that you can discover in India. If you’re interested enough, you’ll find plenty of fascinating facts about the forests of India.
