The 10 Most Beautiful Trees Of India

Indian coral tree in Munnar, Kerala. Image credit: Sanu N via Wikimedia Commons.

India, with its diverse geography and climate, is home to some of the world’s most magnificent and beautiful tree species. These trees not only add charm to the landscapes but also hold ecological, cultural, and spiritual significance. From the Himalayas to the coasts, the beauty of India’s trees reflects the country’s natural wealth. While every tree is endowed with unique beauty, some have an extremely impressive presence. Below are ten of the most beautiful trees found across India.

1. Banyan Tree (Ficus benghalensis)

The Great Banyan Tree in West Bengal. Image credit: McKay Savage from London, UK, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The national tree of India, the banyan is revered for its grandeur and longevity. Its vast canopy and aerial roots create a majestic appearance, symbolizing eternal life and shelter in Indian culture.

2. Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa)

The sacred peepul tree in Bodh Gaya. Image credit: Bholi.aman via Wikimedia Commons.

Also called the sacred fig, the peepal tree is both beautiful and sacred. With its heart-shaped leaves that shimmer in the wind, it has been venerated since ancient times. It is closely linked with Buddhism, as the Buddha attained enlightenment under a peepal tree.

3. Flame Of The Forest (Butea monosperma)

The Flame of the Forest in Andhra Pradesh. Image credit: Lalithamba from India via Wikimedia Commons.

Known as Palash or Dhak, this deciduous tree sets dry forests aflame in spring with its brilliant orange-red flowers. It is a source of natural dye and has a strong place in folklore and festivals.

4. Amaltas (Cassia fistula)

Beautiful flowers of Amaltas. Image credit: Dr. Raju Kasambe via Wikimedia Commons.

The “golden shower tree,” native to the Indian subcontinent, dazzles in summer with cascades of bright yellow blossoms. It is also Kerala’s state flower and is used in traditional medicine.

5. Rhododendron (Rhododendron arboreum)

Rhododendron in Arunachal Pradesh. Image credit: A. J. T. Johnsingh, WWF-India and NCF, CC BY-SA via Wikimedia Commons.

Found in the Himalayan states, this tree turns mountain slopes into carpets of crimson in spring. It is the state tree of Uttarakhand and has medicinal as well as cultural significance.

6. Indian Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata)

The beautiful flower of the Indian Coral Tree. Image credit: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India via Wikimedia Commons.

With its scarlet blossoms and unique branching form, the coral tree adds brilliance to rural landscapes. It is often planted along village boundaries and is important in traditional medicine.

7. Kadamba Tree (Neolamarckia cadamba)

The kadamba tree. Image credit: Tatiana Gerus via Wikimedia Commons.

Sacred in Vaishnav traditions, the kadamba produces fragrant, spherical, golden-orange flowers during the monsoon. It is linked to Lord Krishna and widely celebrated in poetry and art.

8. Sal Tree (Shorea robusta)

Beautiful sal forest in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh. Image credit: Ajaynioding via Wikimedia Commons.

Dominant in central and eastern Indian forests, the sal is admired for its strength, tall straight trunk, and lush green canopy. It holds cultural value in Buddhism, as the Buddha is believed to have been born under a sal tree.

9. Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)

Deodar forest in the Himalayas. Image credit: Rohit Gosain via Wikimedia Commons.

Native to the Western Himalayas, this majestic evergreen is revered as the “tree of the gods.” Its tall, graceful form and aromatic wood make it both sacred and scenic.

10. Mango (Mangifera indica)

A mango tree in Kolkata, India. Image credit: Biswarup Ganguly via Wikimedia Commons.

Fragrant white blossoms in spring; lush green canopy; sacred, cultural, and ecological importance.

Major Western Ghats Destinations In Goa To Visit This Year

The Western Ghats in Goa. Image credit: Cajetan Barretto via Flickr.com.

The Western Ghats in Goa form the state’s eastern boundary and are part of one of the world's biodiversity hotspots. Covered with lush forests, these mountains are the source of Goa’s major rivers like the Mandovi, Zuari, and Mhadei. The region hosts rich wildlife in sanctuaries such as Bhagwan Mahavir, Mhadei, Netravali, Cotigao, and Bondla, and is home to iconic sites like Dudhsagar Falls and the Tambdi Surla Temple. Goa’s share of the Western Ghats plays a vital role in regulating the climate, supporting unique species, and sustaining the natural beauty and culture of the state.

Here’s a list of Western Ghats destinations in Goa that combine wildlife, waterfalls, treks, and cultural heritage:

🌿 Wildlife Sanctuaries And National Parks

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary & Mollem National Park (South Goa)

The trek to the Dudhsagar Waterfall in the Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Goa. Image credit: Vinayaraj,  via Wikimedia Commons.

• Largest protected area in Goa, rich in biodiversity.
• Famous for Dudhsagar Waterfall, Tambdi Surla Temple, jeep safaris, forest walks, herping activities, birdwatching, etc.
• Home to species like gaur, leopards, Malabar giant squirrel, and several endemic birds, reptiles, and amphibians, and arthropods.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary (North Goa)

Inside the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. Image credit: Joegoauk69 via Flickr.com.

• Smaller sanctuary with a zoo, botanical garden, and eco-tourism cottages.
• Popular for birdwatching and school excursions.
• Good for spotting deer, wild boar, and peafowl.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (South Goa, Canacona)

Lush nature in the Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa. Image credit: Paul778899 via Wikimedia Commons.

• Known for its tall forest trees and giant watchtower overlooking waterholes.
• Less crowded, peaceful forest trails.
• Good chance of seeing flying squirrels, slender loris, and exotic butterflies.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (North Goa, Valpoi)

A flame-throated bulbul. Image credit: Prajwalkm via Wikimedia Commons.

• Biodiversity hotspot, important tiger corridor.
• Trekking and birdwatching haven (Goa’s state bird, the flame-throated bulbul, is found here).
• Famous waterfalls: Virdi & Vazra Sakla.

Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary (South Goa, Sanguem)

A waterfall inside the Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary. Image credit: Solarisgirl via Flickr.com.

• Connected to Cotigao, forming a continuous forest stretch.
• Known for the Netravali Bubbling Lake (Budbud Tali) and waterfalls like Savari & Mainapi.
• Popular among trekkers and nature lovers.

💧 Waterfalls In The Ghats

The Dudhsagar Falls in Goa. Image credit: Samson Joseph via Wikimedia Commons.

• Dudhsagar Falls – Iconic 4-tiered cascade on the Goa-Karnataka border, among India’s tallest.
• Tambdi Surla Falls – Near the 13th-century Mahadev Temple, Mollem.
• Savari & Mainapi Falls – Inside Netravali Sanctuary.
• Vazra Sakla Falls – Inside Mhadei Sanctuary, less explored.

🛕 Cultural And Heritage Spots In The Ghats

The Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple in Goa. Image credit: Savika Gomes via Wikimedia Commons.

• Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple (13th century) – Ancient Kadamba-style temple nestled in Mollem forests.
• Budbud Tali (Bubbling Lake), Netravali – Mysterious lake with bubbles rising continuously.

Major Western Ghats Destinations in Maharashtra To Visit This Year

A global biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Western Ghats is an incredible natural wonder of India. This mountain chain runs parallel to India's western coast, around 30 to 50 km from the coastline. It covers parts of six Indian states, starting from a small portion of Gujarat in the north and southwards to Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. The mountain range runs for around 1,600 km and covers an area of around 140,000 km². The only notable gap in its length is the Palghat or Palakkad Gap of around 30 km between Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore and Kerala's Palakkad. Located in Kerala, the 2,695 m Anamudi Peak is the highest peak of this range.

🌿 Major Western Ghats Destinations in Maharashtra

1. Mahabaleshwar (Satara district)

Breathtaking views in Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra. Image credit: Vinayaraj via Wikimedia Commons.

• Known as the "Queen of Hill Stations" in Maharashtra.
• Famous for: Strawberry farms, Venna Lake, Wilson Point (the highest point at 1,439 m), Pratapgad Fort trek, Arthur's Seat, spectacular waterfalls, birdwatching, nature trails.

2. Matheran (Raigad district)

The mysterious beauty of Matheran, Maharashtra. Image credit: Sharmagourav27 via Wikimedia Commons.

• Asia’s only vehicle-free hill station.
• Known for toy train rides, Charlotte Lake, and 30+ viewpoints (like Panorama Point).
• Herping in the monsoon season

3. Lonavala And Khandala (Pune district)

View of Pawna Lake/Reservoir from the top of Lohagad fort, near Lonavala, Maharashtra. Image credit: Harsh243919 via Wikimedia Commons.

• Popular twin hill stations.
• Attractions: Bhushi Dam, Karla and Bhaja Caves, forts like Lohagad Fort, Rajmachi, and Tiger’s Leap and other viewpoints.

4. Amboli (Sindhudurg district)

The Amboli bush frog. Image credit: Dr. Raju Kasambe via Wikimedia Commons.

• A biodiversity hotspot with heavy rainfall.
• Known for: Amboli Waterfalls, Mahadevgad Fort, rare amphibians and reptiles.

5. Tamhini Ghat (Pune district)

Tamhini Ghat in the rainy season. Image credit: Abhijeet Safai via Wikimedia Commons.

• A scenic mountain pass connecting Pune to Konkan.
• Known for: Waterfalls, lush valleys, birdwatching, and Mulshi Lake.

6. Kaas Plateau (Valley of Flowers of Maharashtra) (Satara district)

Beautiful flowers in bloom at the Kaas Plateau. Image credit: Ashishshetty111 via Wikimedia Commons.

• UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
• During the monsoon, it blooms with hundreds of species of wildflowers.

7. Bhimashankar (Pune district)

Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple. Image credit: Udaykumar PR via Wikimedia Commons.

• Famous for: Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga temple (one of 12 sacred Jyotirlingas).
• Surrounded by the Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary, home of the endangered Malabar giant squirrel.

8. Ajanta and Ellora Caves (Aurangabad district)

Ellora Caves, Maharashtra. Image credit: Y.Shishido via Wikimedia Commons.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites carved into basalt cliffs of the Ghats.
• Famous for Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain rock-cut temples and paintings.

9. Torna And Rajgad Forts (Pune district)

The impressive Rajgad Fort, Maharashtra. Image credit: Rohan sangodkar, via Wikimedia Commons

• Historic forts linked with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Popular trekking and heritage destinations.

10. Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary And Shivsagar Lake (Satara district)

The Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra. Image credit: Bangal Priti via Wikimedia Commons.

• Rich in biodiversity, also part of the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve.
• Known for its hydroelectric dam and boating opportunities.

🌄 Other Notable Spots

• Panhala Fort (Kolhapur) – historic Maratha stronghold.
• Harishchandragad Fort (Ahmednagar) – famous for the Konkan Kada cliff.
• Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary (Kolhapur) – known for Indian bison (gaur).
• Chikhaldara (Amravati) – only hill station in Vidarbha, on the Satpura extension of Ghats.

✅ In short: Maharashtra’s Western Ghats region is a mix of hill stations, forts, temples, caves, biodiversity hotspots, and trekking destinations, making it ideal for both tourism and ecological exploration.