Forest-Rich States of India: A 2025 Guide to the Greenest Regions

Step into the green heart of India, where forest cover shapes landscapes, supports wildlife, and sustains communities. From Central India’s Sal forests to the cloud forests of the Northeast, these biodiverse regions are vital to forestry in India. Experience this beauty up close by staying at Club Mahindra forest resorts in places like Kanha and Maharashtra, where comfort meets the wild in the most memorable way.

In this blog, you will

• Know the Forest Cover in India
• Top 5 States with the Largest Forest Cover
• Forest Adventures: Things to Do and Places to See
• Forest Adventures with Club Mahindra

Understanding Forest Cover in India

Forest cover in India is classified into three key categories by the Forest Survey of India: Very Dense Forest, Moderately Dense Forest, and Open Forest. These classifications help in assessing the health, distribution, and conservation needs of forested regions.

According to the Forest Survey of India (FSI) 2023 report, India’s total forest cover is approximately 21.7 per cent of its geographical area. This includes a variety of forest types such as tropical rainforests, dry deciduous forests, and mangroves.

Forestry in India plays a critical role in maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, supporting rural and tribal livelihoods, and contributing to climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration.

Understanding how forest cover is measured and managed helps to appreciate the importance of preserving these natural assets for future generations.

Top 5 Forest Cover in India State-wise

India’s forest landscape is as diverse as its culture. While some states lead in total forest area, others stand out for the proportion of their land under green cover. Here’s a look at both:

By Total Forest Area

1. Madhya Pradesh: Known as the Forest Capital of India, it has the largest forest area in the country, covering over 77,000 sq. km.
2. Arunachal Pradesh: Home to vast Himalayan forests, this northeastern state has a forest area of around 66,000 sq. km.
3. Chhattisgarh: With rich Sal and teak forests, Chhattisgarh’s green cover spans nearly 56,000 sq. km.
4. Odisha: The Eastern Ghats and coastal forest belts contribute to Odisha’s approximately 52,000 sq. km of forest area.
5. Maharashtra: Forests stretch across the Western Ghats and central regions, covering close to 50,000 sq. km.

Forest Cover By Percentage

1. Mizoram: With over 84 per cent of its land under forest, this is the most densely forested state in India.
2. Arunachal Pradesh: Forests cover more than 79 per cent of the state’s area, ranging from alpine to tropical types.
3. Meghalaya: Known for sacred groves and misty woodlands, over 76 per cent of Meghalaya is forested.
4. Manipur: Around 74 per cent of this hilly state is under green cover, supporting diverse flora and fauna.
5. Nagaland: Forests make up over 73 per cent of its area, much of it preserved through community-led efforts.

Forest Adventures: Things to Do and Places to See

Madhya Pradesh: The Forest Capital of India

Madhya Pradesh is one of the best states to experience forest cover in India in its raw, untamed form. Known as the Forest Capital of India, it is home to some of the country’s most celebrated national parks, including Kanha, Bandhavgarh, Pench, and Satpura. These parks are blanketed in Sal and bamboo forests, open meadows, and river systems that support a diverse range of wildlife like tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild dogs, barasingha, and countless bird species.

Kanha National Park, in particular, gained global fame as the setting that inspired Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book. Visitors can explore these wilderness zones through jeep safaris, nature trails, and birdwatching expeditions. Photography tours and tribal village experiences offer a deeper look into the forestry in India, where people and nature have coexisted for centuries. The forests of Madhya Pradesh offer a rich blend of biodiversity, culture, and conservation.

Stay at Club Mahindra Kanha or Club Mahindra Bundela Resort Bandhavgarh, two of the finest resorts in Madhya Pradesh. Surrounded by rich forest cover, these stays offer comfortable access to jungle safaris, tribal culture, and immersive wildlife experiences in the heart of India’s most iconic tiger reserves.

Chhattisgarh: Heart of Green India

Chhattisgarh’s forests feel untouched and deeply rooted in tradition. The state’s green cover includes rich Sal and teak forests, which stretch across Bastar, Dhamtari, and the Kanger Valley. It is one of the few places where nature and indigenous life still coexist in harmony.

Kanger Valley National Park is the star attraction here, known for its dense canopy, limestone caves, underground springs, and the Tirathgarh waterfalls. Wildlife includes tigers, leopards, bears, and rare species like the Bastar Hill Myna. Barnawapara and Udanti Wildlife Sanctuaries are also known for peaceful, less-crowded safari experiences.

Cultural exploration goes hand in hand with nature here. Tribal art, markets, and local folklore are part of every journey through the forests. Treks, cycling, and nature photography are popular activities that let visitors absorb the essence of Chhattisgarh’s wilderness.

Odisha: Coastal Greens and Tribal Heartland

Odisha is a richly diverse state when it comes to forest cover in India, blending coastal mangroves, dense sal forests, and the rolling hills of the Eastern Ghats. Its forested regions are deeply intertwined with the lives of tribal communities who have preserved these ecosystems for generations, making Odisha a cultural and ecological gem in forestry in India.

Simlipal National Park, a designated tiger reserve and biosphere, stands out with its thick canopy, waterfalls like Barehipani and Joranda, and wildlife such as elephants, leopards, and antelopes. The Satkosia Tiger Reserve, carved by the Mahanadi River Gorge, is ideal for boat safaris and birdwatching. Additionally, Chilika Lake adds a coastal wetland dimension to Odisha’s biodiversity.

With wildlife safaris, tribal heritage trails, migratory birdwatching, and scenic treks, Odisha offers one of the most immersive forest experiences in India, rich in both nature and tradition.

Maharashtra: Western Ghats to Central Forest Belts

Maharashtra stands out for its unique blend of landscapes, offering significant forest cover in India across two distinct zones. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO-recognised ecological hotspot, line the state’s western edge with lush, evergreen forests. In contrast, the central and eastern regions open into dry deciduous forests and active tiger corridors, contributing richly to forestry in India.

The Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve is Maharashtra’s oldest and most prominent wildlife sanctuary, known for regular sightings of tigers, leopards, sloth bears, marsh crocodiles, and wild dogs. In the Sahyadris, Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary offers serene hikes and is home to the rare giant Indian squirrel. Koyna and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuaries, with their waterfalls and dense greenery, are perfect for monsoon treks and birdwatching.

Whether it's jeep safaris, canopy walks, or riverbank camping, Maharashtra's forests offer a diverse range of immersive and scenic nature experiences for every kind of traveller.

Stay at a variety of forest resorts in Maharashtra by Club Mahindra, including Tungi Lonavala, Saj Mahabaleshwar, Hatgad, Forest Escape Koyna, and Riverside County Resort Amba Ghat to enjoy tranquil forest settings with all the comforts of a premium getaway.

Mizoram: Over 80% Forested

Mizoram ranks highest in the percentage of forest cover in India, with more than 84 per cent of its land draped in lush greenery. The forests here are a vibrant mix of tropical evergreen and moist deciduous types, dominated by bamboo, canes, and hardwood trees.

The state’s largest protected area, Dampa Tiger Reserve, shelters leopards, Himalayan black bears, and a wide variety of bird species. The forested hills and valleys of Mizoram are ideal for nature walks, butterfly trails, and immersive treks through remote tribal areas.

Many sacred groves in Mizoram are protected by local communities and play a vital role in preserving biodiversity. With strong community-led conservation and serene landscapes, Mizoram is a shining example of sustainable forestry in India, perfect for travellers seeking solitude and untouched wilderness.

Arunachal Pradesh: Wide Forest Spread Meets High Density

Arunachal Pradesh features one of the most expansive and biologically rich forest covers in India, with over 79 per cent of its land cloaked in dense greenery. Its diverse terrain ranges from lowland tropical forests to alpine meadows, making it a sanctuary for rare and endangered species.

Namdapha National Park, located near the Myanmar border, is a vital ecological zone and the only park in India that is home to all four big cats (tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, and snow leopard). Pakke Tiger Reserve is another forest jewel, famous for its thriving population of hornbills and elephants.

Travellers can enjoy forest treks, birdwatching, and river rafting, alongside cultural exchanges with indigenous tribes. Arunachal Pradesh is a leading example of sustainable forestry in India and a rewarding destination for eco-conscious exploration.

Meghalaya: Sacred Groves and Cloud Forests

Meghalaya is home to some of the most enchanting cloud forests in India, with over 76 per cent of its land under forest cover. These forests are rich in sacred groves, protected for centuries by Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia tribes, and known for their ecological and spiritual importance.

The state’s natural beauty is reflected in places like Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary and Balpakram National Park, where one can spot elephants, hoolock gibbons, leopards, and hornbills. The terrain is also famous for its underground caves, waterfalls, and forest trails.

Trekking to living root bridges in Cherrapunji and Mawlynnong offers a surreal walk through dense greenery. With butterfly watching, cultural tours, and deep respect for the land, Meghalaya blends nature and tradition seamlessly, showcasing how forest cover in India thrives when protected by indigenous wisdom.

Forest Adventures with Club Mahindra

When it comes to embracing the wild without giving up on comfort, Club Mahindra resorts offer a perfect mix of nature and elegance. For those seeking immersive forest experiences, Club Mahindra Kanha is a top choice among resorts in Madhya Pradesh, placing you right in the heart of tiger country. In the Western Ghats, scenic forest getaways await at Club Mahindra Tungi Lonavala, Saj Mahabaleshwar, Hatgad, Forest Escape Koyna, and Riverside County Resort Amba Ghat are some of the most serene resorts in Maharashtra.

For wildlife lovers, Club Mahindra Gir stands out among resorts in Gujarat, offering access to the Asiatic lion’s habitat. Club Mahindra Hotel Tiger Kingdom in Sawai Madhopur is one of the most exciting resorts in Rajasthan near Ranthambore. Down south, Club Mahindra Thekkady is a peaceful retreat amid Kerala’s evergreen forests and a highlight among resorts in Kerala. All these properties are perfect for safaris, forest walks, birdwatching, and cultural immersion in India’s most biodiverse regions.

Conclusion: Rooting for Green Futures

India’s forest-rich states are not only ecological treasures but also living legacies of harmony between nature and people. Exploring them mindfully supports conservation and deepens our connection to the planet. For unforgettable stays in these green havens, consider a Club Mahindra Membership and enjoy exclusive access to some of the finest forest resorts in India.