8 Lesser-Known Mangrove Forests in India That Deserve to Be on Your Radar

When most Indians think of mangroves, one name comes to mind: the Sundarbans. And yes, it is magnificent. But India has nearly 5,000 square kilometres of mangrove cover spread across its entire coastline, and the overwhelming majority of it is simply not talked about enough. These are forests that grow where the land runs out, where saltwater and freshwater negotiate a slow, complicated truce, and where some of the most specialised ecosystems on the planet quietly go about their business. If you love nature, wildlife, slow travel, or just landscapes that feel genuinely unlike anything else, these eight lesser-known mangrove forests deserve your full attention.

Here Are 8 Underrated Mangrove Forests In India

1. Bhitarkanika, Odisha

Photo Credit: https://odishatourism.gov.in/

Bhitarkanika, spanning 672 square kilometres in Kendrapara district, is India's second-largest mangrove ecosystem and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. It hosts 62 of India's 69 known mangrove species, making it one of the world's most botanically rich forests. For wildlife enthusiasts, Bhitarkanika is renowned for its saltwater crocodiles, boasting the largest recorded population globally. Observing these crocodiles from a boat is unforgettable. The forest also supports diverse water birds, and nearby Gahirmatha Beach is a major site for Olive Ridley sea turtle nesting, one of the largest on Earth.

How to get there: The nearest major town is Bhubaneswar, about 130 km away. From Bhubaneswar, drive or take a bus to Rajnagar, which serves as the entry point to the forest. Boat rides through the creeks are the primary way to explore. The best time to visit is November to March.

2. Pichavaram, Tamil Nadu

Photo Credit: Tamil Nadu Wetlands Mission

Nestled between the Vellar and Coleroon estuaries near Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, Pichavaram is India's second-largest mangrove forest, spanning about 1,100 hectares. This labyrinth of waterways and mangrove islets offers a serene morning boat experience in South India. Pichavaram gained global recognition after the 2004 tsunami, as its mangrove belt absorbed the wave's energy, protecting nearby villages and becoming a model for nature-based coastal protection. The forest is lush, with deep greenish-brown waters from leaf tannins. Kayaking and boat rides through narrow channels are popular, along with birding, featuring kingfishers, herons, cormorants, and egrets.

How to get there: Pichavaram is about 65 km from Pondicherry and around 225 km from Chennai. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department operates boat services at the site. The best time to visit is October to March.

3. Chorao Island, Goa

Most visitors to Goa overlook Chorao Island, just a ten-minute ferry ride from Panaji. Home to the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, this protected mangrove forest is named after India's renowned ornithologist. Despite its modest size, it boasts over 170 bird species, including the rare Brahminy kite and oriental darter. Chorao offers a tranquil escape from Goa's usual noise, with quiet mangrove creeks and dense forests. It's an ideal half-day trip for those in North Goa seeking more than beaches. The surrounding Mandovi-Zuari estuary is one of India's most productive estuarine ecosystems on the west coast.

How to get there: Take the ferry from Ribandar (a short drive from Panaji). The crossing takes about ten minutes. The sanctuary is a short walk from the ferry point. Hire a local guide or a boat for the best experience.

4. Gulf of Kutch, Gujarat

Gujarat's Gulf of Kutch mangroves are a conservation success, growing from under 1,000 hectares in the 1980s to over 3,000 hectares today, thanks to the Gujarat Forest Department and local communities. The dominant species, Avicennia marina, thrives in the high salinity and arid conditions. The restored forest supports vast flamingo breeding colonies, attracting tens of thousands of flamingos seasonally. These mangroves also protect the coastline from erosion and sustain local fishing communities reliant on the intertidal zone's health. Despite their significance, they deserve more attention from ecologists nationwide.

How to get there: The Gulf of Kutch is best accessed from Jamnagar or Bhuj. The Marine National Park and Sanctuary in the Gulf of Kutch is one of India's few marine national parks. Boats can be arranged from Jamnagar for wildlife watching excursions. The best time to visit is October to March for flamingos.

5. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh

The Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, is India's second-largest mangrove forest on the eastern coast, spanning 235 square kilometres. Located at the Godavari delta's mouth, it hosts 24 mangrove species and over 120 bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot often overlooked by Indian travellers. Notable residents include the fishing cat, smooth-coated otter, and critically rare white crocodile. The forest is a vital nesting site for wading birds and raptors. Over two decades of community-based conservation have significantly improved its ecological health. The surrounding Godavari estuary is one of India's most productive coastal zones.

How to get there: Coringa is about 15 km from Kakinada, which is well-connected by road and rail from Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam. Boat rides through the sanctuary can be arranged locally. The best time to visit is October to February.

6. Muthupet, Tamil Nadu

Muthupet, a quiet mangrove lagoon near Tiruvarur in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta, is a vital coastal ecosystem. Spanning 6,880 hectares, it acts as a buffer against storm surges and salinity, safeguarding the delta's fertile farmland. Renowned for flamingo sightings, the lagoon hosts flocks during migration season, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Its shallow backwaters draw large numbers of wading birds and waterfowl, making it an ideal spot for serious birders seeking species diversity without the crowds. The flat, open landscape, exceptional late afternoon light, and serene atmosphere make Muthupet an underrated gem.

How to get there: Muthupet is about 55 km from Thanjavur. Regular bus services connect Thanjavur and Muthupet. The best time to visit is November to February for flamingos and migratory birds.

7. Vembanad Wetlands, Kerala

Kerala's Vembanad Lake, over 96 km long, spans Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. Its mangrove forests along the edges and backwaters create a culturally and ecologically rich wetland complex in South India. Recognised as a Ramsar Wetland, Vembanad holds international importance. The mangroves form a distributed network, appearing as dense fringes, islands, and buffer zones between water and paddy fields. Traditional fishing communities have long practised mangrove-integrated fishing. Birdwatching from a houseboat along the backwaters offers a lovely experience, often unnoticed by tourists as they explore this unique mangrove ecosystem.

How to get there: Alappuzha (Alleppey) is the main entry point for the Vembanad backwaters. Houseboats and small country boats can be hired for exploring the wetland edges. Kochi is the nearest airport.

8. Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands boast some of India's most pristine mangrove forests, spanning about 966 square kilometres. Due to their remote location and strict access, these forests have faced minimal human impact, maintaining a dense, complex ecosystem. Rare species like Rhizophora stylosa, Bruguiera cylindrica, and Lumnitzera littorea thrive here. The mangroves are vital nurseries for reef fish, supporting the vibrant coral ecosystems nearby. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor offers accessible mangrove boat rides, alongside snorkelling and glass-bottom boat tours. Baratang Island, with its limestone caves and dense mangroves, is a must-visit for longer stays.

How to get there: Flights from Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi connect to Port Blair. From Port Blair, boats and ferries reach different islands. Baratang is about 100 km from Port Blair by road and ferry. Permits are required for many inter-island journeys. The best time to visit is November to May.

Why These Forests Matter

Beyond their beauty, these eight ecosystems perform vital environmental work. Mangroves store up to four times more carbon per hectare than tropical rainforests, protect coastlines from cyclones, and serve as nurseries for marine life crucial to India's coastal populations. They sustain over four million livelihoods through fisheries and eco-tourism. India has about 4,992 square kilometres of mangrove cover, with a net increase of 17 square kilometres recently. However, they face threats from coastal development, aquaculture, and rising sea levels. Visiting responsibly, by following guidelines and hiring local guides, can highlight their economic and cultural value, as tourism can aid conservation.

Coastal Guardians

India's mangroves are not all in one place, and they are not all famous. From the crocodile-filled creeks of Bhitarkanika to the flamingo-visited lagoons of Muthupet, from Chorao Island's birdwatching canopy to the untouched forests of the Andamans, the country has a mangrove story that stretches the full length of its coastline and touches nearly every major river delta. These forests are quieter than the Sundarbans, less visited than most hill stations, and in many ways more surprising than either. They are also, in a very real sense, holding the coastline together. That alone is a good enough reason to go and see them.