Most Beautiful Mangrove Forests in India You Have to Explore

When planning a holiday, you may rarely think of going to a mangrove forest. But these forests are a treasure trove just waiting to be explored. Whether you like watching wild animals roaming freely in their natural habitat, trekking through the thick jungles, or want to know about different plant species, these forests will fulfil your wishes. 

There are many mangrove sites in India that you can enjoy visiting and exploring. Most of these forests in India are home to wildlife sanctuaries, and on your expedition, you can meet wild animals while admiring the natural beauty. There are many lodging options available nearby where you can stay overnight and be charmed by the unique flora and fauna. 

If you are unsure where to find these mangrove forests, we have you covered. We have put together a list of the five beautiful mangrove forests in India that are worth exploring. 

Sundarbans, West Bengal

The mangrove forest in India list would be incomplete and unjust without the mention of the stunning Sundarbans. The vast expanse of the wilderness of the Sundarbans, which is also one of the largest mangrove forests in India, will surely entrance you. 

Spread over a whopping 10,000 sq. km area, a portion of the Sundarbans Forest lies in Bangladesh. Home to some of the most unique and exquisite flora and fauna, this forest gets its name because of the Sundari trees that are in abundance here. 

Apart from the towering trees, here you can encounter many wild animals and birds (both migratory and local) and, of course, the Royal Bengal Tigers and the rare and special White Tiger. You can take a jeep safari or opt for a boat safari that takes you on an exciting tour in the heart of the forest as you sail over the mighty Brahmaputra.

Baratang Island Mangroves, Andaman Islands

Located about 100 km from Port Blair, the capital of Andamans, this mangrove forest covers an area of 616 square kilometres. As you walk through the woods amidst the verdant of trees, you will come across one of nature’s most unique wonders, mud volcanoes. 

Next, look out for the limestone caves here, an extraordinary natural creation that would leave intrigued and mesmerised at the same time. You can spend some time in the caves admiring their beauty. If you are lucky, you may even have a personal meeting with saltwater crocodiles. 

Bhitarkanika Mangrove Forests, Odisha

Bhitarkanika mangrove forest lies in the delta region of the Brahmani and Baitarani rivers, and it sprawls over an area of 251 sq km. These forests are an integral and critical part of the coastal ecosystem and are home to Bhitarkanika National Park and Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary. 

This pristine mangrove forest has the distinction of having the largest population of estuarine crocodiles in the Indian sub-continent. According to the reptile census conducted by the Odisha Forest Department in 2020, there are about 1757 saltwater crocodiles in the region. 

It also boasts unique avifauna with more than 250 species of birds. Some most commonly sighted birds are grey heron, black-tailed godwit, oriental white ibis, and more. 

Gulf of Kutch Mangroves, Gujarat

This is the second-highest mangrove forest in India after the Sundarbans in West Bengal, spreading over 1177 square kilometres. The grey mangrove is the most dominant mangrove species found here in Gujarat. 

If you are looking for an off-beat tourist place and thing to do, you can explore this mangrove forest, and the best way to do that is to visit the Marine National Park, which is situated along the Jamnagar coast in the Gulf of Kutch. It is a unique archipelago consisting of 42 smaller islands. 

You can easily access some of these islands by ferry and see the many mangrove swamps there. It is one of the best National Parks in Gujarat to see marine life, including different types of fishes, lobsters, crabs, and corals that are a common sight here. 

Pichavaram Mangrove Forest, Tamil Nadu

Nestled between the Vellar estuary and the Coleroon estuary in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, this mangrove forest extends to about 11 square kilometres. There are many forest islands here of different sizes. 

The backwaters of the Coleroon and Vellar rivers attract many tourists looking for adventure. Here you can participate in various water activities like boating, canoeing, and kayaking. You can also ride on the motorboats, and as you sail through the thick canopies of mangroves, you come across many magical creations of mother nature.

Because of the abundant mangrove vegetation that grows here, the forest draws myriad migratory and native bird species like openbill storks, pond herons, cormorants, and little egrets. It is one of the most spectacular mangrove forests in India that is worth exploring. 

Are you already curious about visiting these amazing mangrove forests in India and exploring the treasure inside? Then, why wait? Choose a destination and get set going right away!