10 Indian States With The Largest Forest Cover

India, a land of diversity, is also renowned for its diverse array of forest covers spanning across different states of the country.

Ranging from spanning tropical rainforest to the unique Mangrove forest, India showcases a variety of verdant and spanning landscapes that captivate those who visit them.

Today, we are going to look at some of the top Indian states with the largest forest cover. With a unique touch of highlighting the ecosystem of India, we will be commencing a safari along some of the verdant and spanning forest areas of the country.

As per the Indian State of Forest Report(ISFR) 2021, it has been recorded that the total forest cover in India has increased to 7,13,789 sq. km., which is about 21.71% of the whole of India's total geographical area.

Now, let's move on to the list of states that have participated in this verdant achievement of India with a spanning forest area, making them a breathtaking and must-visit destination of the country.

States With The Largest Forest Cover

• Madhya Pradesh

• Arunachal Pradesh

• Chhattisgarh

• Odisha

• Maharashtra

• Karnataka

• Andhra Pradesh

• Assam

• Tamil Nadu

• Uttarakhand

Let's explore these Indian states with the largest forest area in detail!

1. Madhya Pradesh

As per the Indian State of Forest Report(ISFR) 2021, Madhya Pradesh covers a total area of 77,4893 sq. km. of forest cover, which is about 25.14% of its geographical area. But as per the report of the State of Madhya Pradesh, the Recorded Forest Cover(RFC) is raging 94,689 sq. km., which is said to be 30.7% of the total geographical area of Madhya Pradesh. The state has a total of 925 forest villages, whereas the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh has the largest reserved forest cover.

The forest areas in Madhya Pradesh are covered with tropical, moist deciduous forests to teak and miscellaneous forests; after that, there are several national parks having verdant greenery adding to the forest cover of the state. Kanha Tiger Reserve, AKA Kanha National Park, is the largest national park of Madhya Pradesh and one of the prominent tiger reserves in India.

2. Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh, with a total of 83,743 sq. km., is the second Indian state with the largest forest cover. Having said that, as per the Indian State of Forest Report(ISFR) 2021, the total forest area of Arunachal Pradesh is 66,431 sq. km., which is about 79.335 of the total geographical area of Arunachal Pradesh.

With diverse and untouched wildlife and forests, Arunachal Pradesh features the lush fauna of the country, covering approximately 20% of the whole of India. The survey indicates that Madhya Pradesh offers a diversity of forests, from tropic wet-evergreen to alpine meadows.

3. Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh, another state vying for a spot amongst the Indian states with the largest forest cover, boasts an impressive 72,027 sq. km. of forest area, as per the ISFR 2021. This translates to a significant 23.59% of its total geographical area. Interestingly, the state's Forest Department reports a higher Recorded Forest Area (RFA) of 81,659 sq. km., constituting 27.03% of its land. Chhattisgarh is home to over 1,700 forest villages, with Dantewada district claiming the highest share of reserved forest cover.

The verdant tapestry of Chhattisgarh's forests encompasses a diverse range of ecosystems, from moist deciduous forests to Sal forests and mixed bamboo forests. National parks like Kanha National Park (co-managed with Madhya Pradesh) and Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve contribute significantly to the state's rich biodiversity and forest cover.

4. Odisha

Odisha boasts a forest cover of 52,156 sq. km, accounting for 33.50% of its geographical area (2021 ISFR report). This diverse mosaic includes very dense, moderately dense, open, and scrub forests. The state actively manages protected areas like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, contributing significantly to its ecological richness.

Odisha, being one of the top Indian states with the largest forest cover, has become a prominent tourist destination for natural lovers. As the natural wonders in Odisha, this prime location in India has been immersing the visitors amidst the verdant and serenity of the state.

5. Maharashtra

Maharashtra possesses a forest cover of 60,071 sq. km, constituting 20.44% of its land (2021 ISFR report). The state prioritizes conserving its diverse ecosystems, ranging from dry deciduous forests in the central regions to moist deciduous forests in the Western Ghats. Additionally, Maharashtra actively manages a network of protected areas, ensuring the well-being of its flora and fauna.

Maharashtra, with its spanning greenery, is one of the Indian states with the largest forest cover. The state encompasses several tropical forests, including mangrove and thorn forests, ideal for travellers who are keen to relish the natural wonders of this verdant state.

6. Karnataka

Karnataka's forest cover extends over 41,504 sq. km, translating to 22.91% of its geographical area (2021 ISFR report). The state harbours a rich tapestry of forests, including dry deciduous, moist deciduous, and evergreen forests. Karnataka also prides itself on its protected areas, including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, contributing significantly to its biodiversity.

With over 30 wildlife sanctuaries and several Conservation and community reserves, Karnataka embraces immense greenery, making it one of the top Indian states with the largest forest cover. The forest areas of Karnataka have always been attracting tourists and natural enthusiasts

7. Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has a forest cover of 44,718 sq. km, encompassing 22.85% of its land area (2021 ISFR report). The state features a diverse range of forests, including dry deciduous, moist deciduous, and coastal forests. Additionally, Andhra Pradesh actively manages protected areas, fostering the well-being of its unique flora and fauna.

The forest here is spread across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and is part of the Eastern Ghat. Nallamala is one of the ever-spanning forests in Andhra Pradesh, covering approximately 6000 sq. km. This untouched forest in Andhra Pradesh occupies most of the forest area of the state.

8. Assam

Assam boasts a substantial forest cover of 20,517 sq. km, representing 19.28% of its geographical area (2021 ISFR report). The state is known for its diverse ecosystems, including evergreen forests, semi-evergreen forests, and moist deciduous forests. Assam also houses numerous protected areas, playing a crucial role in safeguarding its rich biodiversity.

Home to the Molai Forest, the world's largest single-handedly man-made forest, and many other tropical forests covering the major forest area of Assam; some of the other forests that are impossible to ignore are Patkai, Maas, Dehing, and so on.

9. Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu possesses a forest cover of 23,842 sq. km, which is 24.08% of its land area (2021 ISFR report). The state features diverse forest types, including dry deciduous, moist deciduous, and evergreen forests. Tamil Nadu actively manages protected areas, contributing significantly to the conservation of its unique flora and fauna.

Not just the Nilgiri Hill Station but also several fauna in Tamil Nadu have immensely contributed to making the state one of the top Indian states with the largest forest cover.

10. Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is renowned for its extensive forest cover, encompassing 53,433 sq. km, or 64.33% of its geographical area (2021 ISFR report). The state boasts a variety of forest types, including alpine, sub-alpine, and temperate forests. Additionally, Uttarakhand actively manages numerous protected areas, playing a vital role in conserving its rich biodiversity and ecological significance.

The spanning natural wonders of its exquisite state made Uttarakhand one of the top Indian states with the largest forest cover. Klaudia Forest is the largest forest cover in Uttarakhand and one of the top trekking places in Uttarakhand.

There you go, folks. These are some of the top Indian States with the largest forest cover, embracing the tranquillity and serenity of the natural wonders of the country.

So, pack your bags and explore the serene forest areas in these states of India today.