World Rainforest Day is observed globally on June 22 to raise awareness about the vital role these ecosystems play for our planet. These lush landscap…
1/101. Assam: Located within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, Assam’s rainforests are ancient, dense, and highly humid. Known as the “Amazon of the East”, they shelter thousands of species of flora and fauna. The deep jungles are also a vital habitat for the Asian elephant, leopards, gibbons, and the famous Indian one-horned rhinoceros, among other species. (Image: Canva)
2/102. Meghalaya: The Meghalaya rainforests are among the northernmost true tropical rainforests in the world. These dense jungles receive over 11,000 mm of annual rainfall, sheltering endemic species like the pitcher plant and clouded leopard, among others. Instead of government-managed parks, over 90% of the forest is community-owned. The locals protect hundreds of “Sacred Groves” out of reverence for local forest deities. (Image: Canva)
3/103. Karnataka: Located in the central Western Ghats, Karnataka’s rainforests are a UNESCO World Heritage biodiversity hotspot. Often called the “Cherrapunji of South India”, the famed Agumbe rainforest receives some of the highest rainfall in the country, which transforms it into a vibrant, mist-covered place filled with endemic flora and rare wildlife. (Image: Canva)
4/104. Arunachal Pradesh: Arunachal Pradesh’s rainforests are a pristine, biodiversity-rich ecosystem in the Eastern Himalayas. They feature dense canopies, deep river valleys, and over 80% relative humidity. These ancient jungles are an ecological hotspot filled with a tangled web of canes, bamboos, and wild bananas. The region is a haven for over 500 species of orchids and 52 types of rhododendrons. These forests serve as the natural habitat for the Hoolock Gibbon, tigers, clouded leopards, elephants, and the rare red panda at higher elevations. (Image: Canva)
5/105. Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu’s rainforests form the southern extremity of the Western Ghats. The Anamalai Tiger Reserve and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are homes to tigers, leopards, elephants and numerous endemic species. The dense upper canopies often reach 40 metres in height, blocking out direct sunlight. The undergrowth is dense with ferns, mosses, and an estimated 175+ orchid species. (Image: Canva)
6/106. Kerala: Kerala’s rainforests are some of the oldest and most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Filled with towering canopies, year-round lush vegetation, and massive rainfall, they act as a vital ecological anchor and climate regulator for the region. Some iconic endemic wildlife includes the endangered lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr. (Image: Canva)
7/107. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Andaman and Nicobar rainforests are a lush and diverse ecosystem covering about 86% of the islands’ landmass. These dense tropical forests feature a rich mix of Indian, Burmese, and Malaysian plant and animal species. The canopy includes towering trees like the Dipterocarpus and the highly valued Andaman redwood. The undergrowth is thick with epiphytes, rare orchids, and tree ferns. The dense, untouched interiors are also home to indigenous and vulnerable groups, such as the Shompen and Great Andamanese. (Image: Canva)
8/108. Maharashtra: Primarily located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Western Ghats, these lush, mist-covered forests experience over 2500 mm of annual rainfall, creating highly biodiverse ecosystems. This place is packed with dense canopies, rushing waterfalls, and rare wildlife. (Image: Canva)
9/109. Goa: Located in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, Goa’s rainforests are a lush, emerald sanctuary of dense vegetation, towering canopies, and wildlife. This place is home to cascading waterfalls and endemic species. (Image: Canva)
10/1010. Nagaland: Around one-sixth of Nagaland’s total landmass is covered by these dense, moisture-rich forests. The lower elevations feature tropical trees like mahogany and valuable timber, while higher elevations transition into lush subtropical pines. This place is home to 100 species of wild orchids, giant, dense patches of bamboo, hoolock gibbons, Bengal tigers, sloth bears, clouded leopards, the rare pangolin, and the state animal, the Mithun, among other species. (Image: Canva)
