Indian forests perfect for forest therapy

Once in a while, we must tear ourselves away from our daily routine and take a nature break. It can be for a few hours or a day or a week, it doesn’t matter as long as it breaks the daily cycle. This is needed for our mental well-being, needed to keep us from burnout.

Of course, we can’t think of anything better than the tried and tested, ageless practice of forest bathing. Forest therapy is an excellent way to rejuvenate our tired mind and body. There is something so special and so therapeutic about being in nature. India is blessed with many beautiful forests, perfect for forest therapy. Here is our handpicked guide to them.

The indigenous communities in Tamenglong district, Manipur, depend on these forest patches for sustenance. These are community protected forests. Locally, these sacred forests are called reangan. Every village has their own reangan, and locals and visitors visit these forest patches to unwind, relax and spend time with nature. Even if you choose to go without a local guide, these pretty forest patches have lovely stone pathways to walk on.

We need to talk about India’s first ever forest healing centre in Kalika, Ranikhet. Spread over an area of 13 acres, this forest healing centre offers a quiet space for its visitors to do some forest walking, tree-hugging and forest meditation. Basically a very peaceful place where you can be one with nature and have some quality quiet time, enjoying the beautiful nature around you.

Locals consider these sites sacred. These are community protected forests. A lot of folktales and religious beliefs are connected with these sacred groves. Open to the public, provided, you follow the rules and regulations that the village authorities have put in place. You can not bring back anything from these forests. Locals believe that if you bring back anything from the forest like a plant or even a rock, it will create imbalance in nature and bad things will happen. The sacred grove in Mawphlang is a wonderful place to be. The area has sacred stone monoliths, a must-visit destination.

Spend time with the critters. It will be fun, you’ll see. Agumbe lies in the Western Ghats, famous for lush forest and a lot of herping opportunities. Nature lovers’ haven, Agumbe is great for forest walks. The tropical evergreen forest with plenty of ravines and waterfalls big and small, is just the place for you if you have a nature holiday in mind.

Let pine, deodar and old oak trees help you relax and rejuvenate. If this sounds good to you, Kalatop-Khajjiar Sanctuary is the perfect place for you. A walk through the forest will bring you to a lush green meadow with a bed of wildflowers. Summer is the best time to visit this place.