5 Sacred Forests in India You Won’t Believe Exist!
Amanpreet Singh | Mar 11, 2025, 12:12 IST
In a world where nature often battles the pressures of modern life, there exist pockets of pristine wilderness, carefully preserved for centuries by tradition and belief.
Sacred forests, found across India, are living examples of how spirituality and conservation can go hand in hand. Protected by local communities who consider them divine, these green sanctuaries are home to rare biodiversity and ancient wisdom. Here’s a journey through five of India’s most enchanting sacred forests—nature’s best-kept secrets.
Nestled in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a vibrant green expanse where nature thrives untouched. This dense forest, guarded by the Khasi tribe, is protected by age-old customs that prohibit anyone from taking even a twig or stone from the grove. According to local belief, disturbing its sanctity could bring misfortune. The result? An undisturbed ecosystem teeming with rare medicinal plants, orchids, and rich biodiversity. A walk through Mawphlang feels like stepping into a living, breathing temple of nature.
Scattered across the misty hills of Kodagu (Coorg), these sacred groves are deeply woven into the spiritual fabric of the region. Locals dedicate them to deities such as Ayyappa and Bhadrakali, ensuring their protection for generations. Beyond their spiritual value, these groves are critical to maintaining Kodagu’s rich water sources and biodiversity. Rare species like the Malabar civet and giant squirrels find refuge here. For travelers, the Kodagu groves offer a glimpse into a unique culture where reverence for nature is a way of life.
The Sarna groves are sacred spaces for the indigenous Adivasi communities of Jharkhand. These forests are central to their Sarna religion, serving as venues for rituals, festivals, and community gatherings. Preserved through collective effort, Sarna groves act as green lungs, supporting biodiversity and acting as natural carbon sinks. Visiting a Sarna grove is more than a nature walk—it’s an experience of tribal wisdom and respect for the Earth.
In the rugged landscapes of Rajasthan, Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary hides a network of sacred groves known as “Orans.” These green oases are revered by local communities who worship the trees and wildlife that dwell there. Sacred species like the Kadamba tree are treated with utmost reverence. Beyond their spiritual significance, Orans play a vital role in preventing desertification and conserving water in this arid region. They stand as living examples of how traditional practices can safeguard fragile ecosystems.
Tucked away in the Himalayan ranges, the Van Panchayats of Uttarakhand are community-managed forests steeped in both spirituality and sustainable living. Locals view these forests as sacred and take collective responsibility for their upkeep. These groves help protect the delicate Himalayan ecosystem, supporting diverse flora and fauna while ensuring water security. Walking through a Van Panchayat forest is a lesson in how ancient traditions continue to nurture and protect nature’s bounty.
India’s sacred forests are more than just serene landscapes; they are ancient legacies of coexistence between humans and nature. Preserved by faith and tradition, these groves are sanctuaries of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and ecological balance. As travelers, respecting and learning from these sacred spaces can inspire a deeper connection with the environment. Protecting them is not just a duty—it’s a way to honor the wisdom of those who have safeguarded these natural treasures for centuries.
1. Mawphlang Sacred Grove – Meghalaya
Mawphlang Sacred Grove
Nestled in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, the Mawphlang Sacred Grove is a vibrant green expanse where nature thrives untouched. This dense forest, guarded by the Khasi tribe, is protected by age-old customs that prohibit anyone from taking even a twig or stone from the grove. According to local belief, disturbing its sanctity could bring misfortune. The result? An undisturbed ecosystem teeming with rare medicinal plants, orchids, and rich biodiversity. A walk through Mawphlang feels like stepping into a living, breathing temple of nature.
2. Kodagu Sacred Forests – Karnataka
Kodagu Sacred Forests
Scattered across the misty hills of Kodagu (Coorg), these sacred groves are deeply woven into the spiritual fabric of the region. Locals dedicate them to deities such as Ayyappa and Bhadrakali, ensuring their protection for generations. Beyond their spiritual value, these groves are critical to maintaining Kodagu’s rich water sources and biodiversity. Rare species like the Malabar civet and giant squirrels find refuge here. For travelers, the Kodagu groves offer a glimpse into a unique culture where reverence for nature is a way of life.
3. Sarna Sacred Groves – Jharkhand
4. Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary’s Orans – Rajasthan
Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary’s
In the rugged landscapes of Rajasthan, Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary hides a network of sacred groves known as “Orans.” These green oases are revered by local communities who worship the trees and wildlife that dwell there. Sacred species like the Kadamba tree are treated with utmost reverence. Beyond their spiritual significance, Orans play a vital role in preventing desertification and conserving water in this arid region. They stand as living examples of how traditional practices can safeguard fragile ecosystems.
5. Van Panchayats – Uttarakhand
India’s sacred forests are more than just serene landscapes; they are ancient legacies of coexistence between humans and nature. Preserved by faith and tradition, these groves are sanctuaries of biodiversity, cultural heritage, and ecological balance. As travelers, respecting and learning from these sacred spaces can inspire a deeper connection with the environment. Protecting them is not just a duty—it’s a way to honor the wisdom of those who have safeguarded these natural treasures for centuries.