India’s forests are not only home to diverse flora and fauna but also hold deep spiritual significance for many indigenous communities. Sacred groves, as they are often known, are forested areas preserved by local people due to their spiritual, cultural, and religious importance. These sanctuaries are often hidden away from the bustling cities and mainstream tourism, steeped in centuries-old traditions and myths that have kept them relatively untouched. From towering trees to the silent rustle of leaves, these sacred forests whisper stories of reverence, mythology, and ancient ecological knowledge passed down through generations. Here’s a journey through some of India’s most unexplored sacred forests—where the bond between nature and spirituality thSahyadri Sacred Groves (Maharashtra)
In the heart of the Western Ghats, the Sahyadri mountain range is home to a collection of sacred groves that are revered by the local communities, especially the Koli and Warli tribes. These groves are often dedicated to local deities like Jagdamba and Bhumeshwari and are considered portals to the divine. The sacred groves in Maharashtra are filled with rare and endemic species of plants and trees, and the people believe that the spirits of the forest dwell here. The preservation of these groves is not just a religious act but an ecological one, ensuring the protection of vital biodiversity.
Key Groves to Explore: Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, Torna Fort Sacred Grove, and the forests around Malshej Ghat.
When to Visit: November to March
Khao Lang Sacred Forest (Nagaland)
In Nagaland, the Khao Lang Sacred Forest is one of the most mysterious and lesser-known sacred groves in India. This remote forest is maintained by the indigenous Ao Naga community and is revered as a sacred site for spirits. The forest is rich in diverse flora, including medicinal plants, and its trees are believed to harbor protective deities. The Ao Nagas celebrate a festival every year where they honor the spirits of the forest and make offerings of food and traditional crafts. The forest is largely untouched by modern development, making it an ideal spot for ecotourism and spiritual exploration.
When to Visit: October to
Mawphlang Sacred Forest (Meghalaya)
In the misty hills of Meghalaya lies Mawphlang, a sacred forest that has been protected by the Khasi tribe for centuries. This ancient grove is one of the most well-preserved sacred forests in India and is surrounded by myths and legends. According to Khasi tradition, the forest is the dwelling place of deities, and no trees can be cut down or harmed in any way. Visitors to Mawphlang can walk through the forest, where ancient trees stand tall, and the air is filled with an aura of reverence. The forest is also home to a variety of plant species, some of which are considered sacred and medicinal.
When to Visit: October to
Kailash Sacred Grove (Uttarakhand)
In the picturesque region of Uttarakhand, the Kailash Sacred Grove stands as a testament to the harmony between nature and spirituality. Located near the sacred Kailash Peak in the Kumaon Himalayas, this forest is regarded as the abode of the deities by the local villagers. The trees here are considered to have divine powers, and the grove is a pilgrimage site for those who follow the ancient practices of the region. The sacred grove is rich in biodiversity, with towering deodar and oak trees, and is an important part of the local ecosystem, providing habitat to a variety of wildlife, including the elusive Himalayan black bear.
When to Visit: May to September
Rishikulya Sacred Grove (Odisha)
Tucked away along the Odisha coast, the Rishikulya Sacred Grove is known to the local tribes as the “forest of the gods.” It is a lesser-known site that has been preserved by the Ganjam and Kalahandi tribes for generations. This sacred forest is situated near the mouth of the Rishikulya River, where the forest meets the sea, creating an enchanting blend of ecosystems. The forest is not only a haven for flora but also an important site for bird migration, especially for endangered species like the Olive Ridley turtles that nest along the nearby beaches.
When to Visit: October to Khadakwasla Sacred Grove (Madhya Pradesh)
In the remote regions of Madhya Pradesh, the Khadakwasla Sacred Grove is a lesser-known but vital forest area that is revered by the local Bhil and Gond communities. The forest is dedicated to nature spirits and has long been a site for local festivals and rituals. These sacred groves are often believed to offer protection against natural calamities, and the people here perform regular rituals to honor the spirits of the forest. Khadakwasla is rich in wildlife, with sightings of leopards, wild boar, and a variety of birds, making it an important ecological as well as spiritual location.
When to Visit: October to The Sacred Groves of the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (Uttarakhand)
The Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also home to some of the most sacred forests in India. These groves are tied to the worship of Nanda Devi, the goddess of the mountains, by the local villages of the Chamoli district. The people of the region hold elaborate ceremonies and make pilgrimages to the sacred groves during specific seasons to seek blessings for good harvests and protection from harm. The Nanda Devi Sacred Groves are dense with ancient deodar trees, oaks, and rhododendrons, and they serve as an important sanctuary for wildlife such as the Himalayan tahr and snow leopard.
When to Visit: May to OcAndaman & Nicobar Islands Sacred Forests (Andaman Islands)
The indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have long practiced animistic worship of nature, and the sacred forests on these islands remain some of the least explored in India. Protected by the tribal communities, these forests are thought to be home to the spirits of the land and sea. The forests here are dense and tropical, teeming with unique wildlife and plant species. The tribal groups, including the Great Andamanese and Nicobarese tribes, have a deep, spiritual connection with these forests, which they consider off-limits for outsiders due to their sacred status.
When to Visit: November to March (Note: Access to some islands may be restricted due to tribal protection polici Agasthyakoodam Sacred Forest (Kerala)
At the foot of Agasthyakoodam, the second-highest peak in the Western Ghats, lies one of India’s most important sacred forests. The Agasthyakoodam Sacred Forest is a protected area that is revered by local communities, especially the Mannan and Paliyan tribes. The forest is believed to be the abode of the sage Agasthya, one of the seven great sages of Hindu mythology. The forest is rich in biodiversity, with many endemic species of flora and fauna, and is an ecologically significant area in the Western Ghats, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
When to Visit: November to Sung Valley Sacred Grove (Nagaland)
Deep within the forests of Nagaland, the Sung Valley Sacred Grove stands as a reminder of the spiritual ties that the Ao Nagas have with their environment. This forest is maintained by the community and is protected due to its sacred significance. The valley is dotted with large, ancient trees and is home to a variety of wildlife, including species found nowhere else in the region. Rituals and ceremonies are regularly held by the villagers to honor the spirits of the grove, and it remains a significant site for those seeking a deeper connection with nature.
When to Visit: October to March
