Forest Bathing in India: Explore the healing power of the woods

Discover the ancient Japanese practice of forest bathing, now taking root in India. Explore serene jungle trails, wellness benefits, and the best forest bathing experiences near you.

Picture yourself barefoot on a mossy trail in Sikkim, the mist curling around ancient trees. Or sitting still in a Satpura forest, heart slowed to the rhythm of rustling leaves. You never thought lying on the fern-covered forest floor and looking up at the sliver of sunlight peeping through the trees could be a heavenly experience. Let the forest get into your every pore and relax and rejuvenate you. That’s what forest bathing stands for. This is not tourism. It’s transformation.

“There’s a language older than words, spoken by the wind through leaves.” — Robin Wall Kimmerer

This is so true. Did you ever think that just staring at the different shades of green in the forest, hearing the wind blowing through the leaves, the birds chirping and coming home and the squirrels prancing around could have the most calming effect on you.

“The forest doesn’t ask you to be productive. It just asks you to be present.” – A Suriko, Japanese forest bathing expert

As wellness becomes a trend, forest bathing in India is evolving into an exclusive inner journey. Don’t just travel. Transcend.

Imagine a moment when the trees don’t just sway, they whisper. When sunlight doesn’t just shine, it dances upon your skin bringing back memories of playing, cycling for hours in the sun. But when was the last time you lookd up from the laptop and witnessed a magnificent sunset? Welcome to the world of forest bathing, where nature holds up a mirror and invites you to remember who you truly are.

As city life stretches us thin and drains us dry, many are seeking something deeper, quieter, slower. Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku, is becoming that sacred pause. In Japan, where this practice began, it was a solution to burnout. In India, it’s becoming a soulful rebellion against screens, speed, and stress.

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” — John Muir

In this blog, you will be guided through

1. What is forest bathing

2. Benefits of forest bathing

3. Who should try forest bathing

4. Best forest bathing destinations in India

5. How to practice forest bathing

6. Sustainability and ethical forest bathing

7. Final thoughts

What is forest bathing or Shinrin-yoku?

Forest Bathing in India: Explore the healing power of the woods

While the idea of retreating to nature is as old as humanity, the modern practice of Shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing”, was born in Japan in 1982. Coined by the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, it was introduced as a preventative health care and stress management practice. At that time, Japan was grappling with increasing levels of stress-related illnesses due to rapid urbanization, technological boom, and the relentless corporate work culture.

Shinrin-yoku was a poetic, practical solution: a national prescription to simply spend time in forests. But not as hikers, campers, or even runners, just as silent witnesses. The focus wasn’t on exercise or distance, but on slowing down, noticing, and reconnecting with the more-than-human world. Unlike trekking, which has a destination and often a pace, forest bathing has no goal but to be.

Forest bathing isn’t something you do. It’s something you allow. You wander gently through trees, without goals or urgency. You pause. You breathe. You listen, not just to birdsong or leaves, but to the parts of yourself you’ve neglected in the noise of modern life.

You observe a spiderweb glistening with dew. You close your eyes to the murmur of wind. It’s less of an activity, more of a return to stillness, to self, to soil..

Feel the moist bark beneath your palms. Smell the petrichor rising from the forest floor. Hear the symphony of cicadas and rustling leaves. See the dance of dappled sunlight on moss.

Forest bathing is mindfulness rooted in place. It’s not about clocking miles, but about softening your attention. It’s about inviting the forest to awaken all five senses—sight, sound, smell, touch, and even taste. Feel the velvet of moss, inhale the green perfume of leaves, track the dance of sunlight through branches.

“When you open your senses to the forest, the forest opens its heart to you.” — Japanese Forest Agency

Modern science now backs what ancient cultures have long intuited: that nature heals. Forest bathing is where that wisdom becomes embodied. It gently invites all five senses to awaken and engage with the natural world.

“In the stillness of trees, we find the truth we often seek in chaos.” — Erica, Forest bathing instructor

Benefits of forest bathing backed by science

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” — Lao Tzu

Modern research has confirmed what ancient wisdom always knew: spending intentional time in forests is a form of medicine.

Mental health:

Numerous studies, including those from Japan’s Chiba University and Korea’s Chungnam National University, reveal that forest bathing significantly reduces cortisol levels — the primary stress hormone. Participants in forest therapy walks have reported reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue.

A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology even concluded that just 20 minutes immersed in nature can lower stress hormones. Unlike clinical therapy, there are no white walls or judgment, only quiet observation, presence, and healing.

Physical health:

Forest bathing enhances your parasympathetic nervous system, activating the body’s ‘rest and digest’ state. Physiological effects include:

Lower blood pressure and heart rate
Improved sleep quality
Strengthened immune system through exposure to phytoncides (wood-derived essential oils emitted by trees)
Enhanced activity of natural killer (NK) cells, which help fight infections and tumors

Japanese researchers Dr. Qing Li have demonstrated that phytoncides not only reduce inflammation but also increase the count and activity of NK cells for up to 7 days post exposure.

Balances emotion and energy:

Forest bathing invites emotional release. Tears often come. Laughter too. Without needing to solve anything, nature allows you to just be. It’s purification of energy, an emotional decluttering, and a soulful exhale.

Digital detox:

Our overstimulated nervous system rarely gets a break. Constant scrolling and multitasking flood us with dopamine but leave us drained. Forest bathing offers a space of non-doing, where presence replaces performance. In the silence of trees teaches you how loud your life has become.

How nature heals

Forest bathing is not a trend. It’s a scientifically backed reconnection ritual proven to improve mental clarity, physical health, emotional stability, and spiritual presence.

If you’ve been overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, or just tired, know that the forest is waiting. And it asks for nothing but your attention. Studies show forest bathing reduces cortisol levels, alleviates anxiety, and lifts symptoms of depression. It fosters calm and clarity. The forest isn’t a place to get lost, it’s a place to finally be found.

Who should try forest bathing?

Forest bathing isn’t just a niche wellness trend, it’s a doorway back to your inner compass. But is it right for you?

Who can go for it? Let’s find out.

For urban professionals:

If you’re constantly checking emails, you are exasperated by traffic, or feeling like life is a to-do list, forest bathing can be your pause button. It’s ideal for people living in metros like Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata or Mumbai who crave calm but can’t escape to long vacations.

“I found more clarity in 30 minutes with trees than in weeks of therapy.” — S.Swamy, Bangalore techie

For wellness seekers and mindful travelers:

If you’re someone who seeks retreats, journaling time, sound baths, or yoga,forest bathing adds a new, silent dimension to your self-care. It’s slow travel with the soul. A chance to explore presence over performance.

For nature lovers:

Already enchanted by the smell of rain on earth or the sound of wind in pines? Forest bathing gives you permission to linger. To walk without a rush. To listen without an agenda. In a world obsessed with doing, this is an invitation to simply be.

“I used to climb to reach summits. Now I walk through forests to return to myself.” – Spandan s, Solo backpacker

For eco-conscious explorers:

Sustainable at its core, forest bathing doesn’t leave a carbon footprint. It’s low-impact travel that supports local guides and rural economies while treading gently on the Earth.

For the overwhelmed, the lost, the curious:

You don’t need to be spiritual or scientific. You just need to be human. If you feel drained, disconnected, or numb, forest bathing is a soft landing.

“Forest bathing gave me back a version of myself I didn’t realize I’d lost to the city.” — Sumit Chordia, Delhi-based media professional

Best forest bathing destinations in India: Where nature whispers back

India’s vast and varied landscapes offer some of the richest, most soulful forests to immerse yourself in. From misty mountains to tropical jungles, each region offers a unique forest bathing experience, where the trees breathe stories, and every leaf invites you to slow down.

Western Ghats: The green heartbeat of South India

The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a treasure trove of ancient forests, shola grasslands, and aromatic plantations. Here, forest bathing becomes a journey into vibrant biodiversity and serene solitude.In the Western Ghats, the trees seem to murmur ancient secrets, inviting you to listen with your whole being.

Coorg, Karnataka: Known as the Scotland of India, Coorg’s rolling hills are carpeted with coffee plantations and dense shola forests. As you walk through mossy trails, the scent of wet earth mingles with coffee blossoms, creating an unforgettable whiff.
Wayanad, Kerala: Enveloped in bamboo groves, waterfalls, and the calls of exotic birds, Wayanad offers quiet pockets of untouched forest where the gentle rustle of leaves becomes your meditation.
Nilgiris, Tamil Nadu: From eucalyptus-scented air to the silent, misty cedar woods, the Nilgiris provide a calm, cool forest bathing experience, perfect for reconnecting with your senses.

North East India: Mystical forests and living roots

The northeastern states of India are home to some of the most pristine and magical forests in the country. Ancient trees stand tall amidst rolling hills, sacred groves, and vibrant tribal cultures.

Meghalaya: Known as the “Abode of Clouds,” Meghalaya’s sacred groves and the world-famous living root bridges offer an otherworldly forest bathing experience. Here, the air is thick with mist and the scent of wildflowers.
Sikkim: The rhododendron trails in Barsey and the dense alpine forests of Yumthang valley invite you to slow down and soak in nature’s grandeur with every step.
Arunachal Pradesh: Remote and untouched, forests around Tawang and Ziro valley are rich in evergreen canopies and spiritual energy, perfect for deep, mindful immersion.

The Himalayas: Sacred groves beneath snow-capped peaks

The Himalayan foothills and higher forests hold a sacred stillness that is both humbling and healing. Whether it’s the cedar forests of Uttarakhand or the dense pine woods of Himachal, these places offer sanctuary.

Uttarakhand: Explore the serene cedar woods of Binsar or Ranikhet where ancient trees stand like silent sentinels, inviting you to breathe deeply and listen.
Himachal Pradesh: The Great Himalayan National Park, Jibhi, and Tirthan valley offer lush, pristine forests filled with the aroma of pine and fir—ideal for slow, sensory forest bathing walks.
Darjeeling, West Bengal: Beyond tea gardens, the Senchal Wildlife Sanctuary and Tukvar forest trails provide a peaceful retreat into misty Himalayan woods.

Central India: Wild and untamed forest sanctuaries

Central India’s dense sal and teak forests, often overshadowed by its tiger reserves, are hidden gems for forest bathing seekers who want to immerse in raw, untamed nature.

Satpura Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh: Beyond wildlife safaris, the silent forest trails are ideal for mindful walks where the rustling leaves and distant call of birds soothe the soul.
Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh: Known for its biodiversity, Pench’s lush forests offer peaceful trails to walk slowly and soak in the forest’s healing energy.

No matter where you choose to bathe in India’s forests, each destination offers an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and remember the quiet strength of the natural world.

India’s ancient forests are calling—and not everyone will answer.
Experience healing where Wi-Fi fails and the soul begins to speak.

Tap into serenity now

How to practice forest bathing (Step-by-step guide)

Unlike trekking or hiking, forest bathing has no finish line. It is not a challenge to be conquered, it is a surrender to be felt. Whether you’re in the Nilgiri hills or the rainforests of Meghalaya, the practice remains the same: slow down, open up, and let the forest do the talking.

Here’s how to immerse yourself fully in the art of Shinrin-yoku:

Step 1: Choose your forest wisely

Not all green spaces are equal. While any wooded area is better than none, choose a natural forest trail if possible—free from urban noise, manicured lawns, or crowds.

Ideal spots: Reserved forests, wildlife sanctuaries, hilly jungle trails, or even quiet groves within city peripheries.
Avoid: Places which might be green but serve as picnic spots, where music blares and voices drown natural sounds.

Step 2: Leave the agenda behind

Before entering, pause. Breathe deeply. This is not a fitness walk. You’re not here to count steps, take selfies, or tick off birds. You’re here to arrive — in your body, in the present, in the forest.

Turn off your phone (or put it on airplane mode)
No music, podcasts, or multitasking
Let go of expectations, this is not about doing, but about being

Step 3: Enter slowly, intentionally

Take your first few steps as if you’re crossing into sacred space. Walk slowly, with awareness. Feel the ground beneath your feet. Notice how your breathing begins to shift.

Walk at 1/4th your normal pace
Pause often, stand still, sit if you’re drawn to a spot

Step 4: Awaken the senses (One by one)

Forest bathing is a sensory immersion. Activate each sense mindfully:

Sight: Observe patterns of light and shadow, colors of bark, moss, leaves.
Sound: Tune in to birdsong, insect hum, the hush of wind.
Smell: Breathe deeply — notice the damp earth, wildflowers, resinous trees.
Touch: Run fingers over leaves, hug a tree, feel the forest floor.
Taste: If safe, sip spring water or taste forest air with your tongue.

Step 5: Engage in mindful presence

You can sit under a tree, lie on a rock, or simply gaze at the canopy overhead. Let your thoughts come and go without judgment. Notice your emotions. Nature mirrors what we need to feel.

Use breathing techniques to deepen presence; inhale 4 counts, exhale 6.
Try silent observation for at least 10 minutes.
If a thought or emotion arises, let the forest hold it for you.

Step 6: Stay for at least 30–60 minutes

Ideally, spend at least 2 hours. But even 20- 30 minutes can have benefits. The key is not time, but depth of presence.

Don’t rush. Let the session unfold naturally.
Some moments will feel magical. Others may feel quiet or even boring, that’s okay.

Step 7: Reflect and return gently

Before leaving the forest, thank it, either silently or aloud. Acknowledge the space it held for you. Upon returning, journal your experience if possible.

How did your body feel before and after?
Did you notice any emotions rise or soften?
What did you see, hear, smell, or sense?

What to bring (or not bring)

Carry:

A water bottle
A light shawl or mat if you want to sit
Journal or sketchbook (optional)

Avoid:

Phones (unless needed for emergencies)
Cameras (unless you use them mindfully)
Loud conversations or groups

Sustainability and ethical forest bathing practices

To walk into a forest is to enter a sacred contract. You take nothing, and in return, you receive everything.

As forest bathing gains popularity across India, it’s essential to remember that the healing spaces we seek must be protected, both for their sake and ours.

Leave no trace

Respect the land as a living being, not a backdrop. Avoid littering, don’t pluck leaves or flowers, and stay on natural trails to prevent soil erosion and disruption of habitats. Carry reusable water bottles and avoid plastics.

Respect indigenous lands and forest communities

Many of India’s most pristine forests are home to indigenous tribes who have lived in balance with nature for generations. Acknowledge their presence and sovereignty. Always ask before entering tribal areas and consider choosing guides from the local community.

Avoid over-tourism

Don’t turn forest bathing into a checklist experience. Go during off-peak hours or seasons, and choose lesser-known trails. The goal is not just to connect with nature, but to protect it.

Support eco-tourism initiatives

Choose accommodations and retreat centers that prioritize sustainability. Look for those who hire local staff, use organic food, minimize waste, and offer nature-based experiences with ethical intent.

Be silent, be present

Loud noises, music, or large groups disrupt not only the human experience but the ecosystem itself. Forest bathing thrives on silence. Practice it with reverence.

Educate yourself and others

Learning about local flora, fauna, and ecological importance fosters empathy and connection. Share your forest bathing experiences responsibly to inspire, not exploit.

Nature gives freely. But she thrives when we return the favor, with mindfulness, with respect, with love.

Let your healing walk be a gift to the forest as much as it is a gift from it.

Reconnecting with nature, one breath at a time

In a world spinning faster by the hour, where rest feels rebellious and silence is rare, forest bathing invites us to return, not to a destination but to ourselves.

It’s not just about trees, trails, or travel. It’s about remembering. Remembering the language of the wind, the rhythm of your breath, and the ancient bond between human and earth.

This isn’t just a walk. It’s a ceremony. A letting go. A return.

“There’s a language older than words, spoken by the wind through leaves.” — Robin Wall Kimmerer

The science is clear. The wisdom is timeless. Forest bathing heals not just the body, but the spirit. It softens the jagged edges of stress, tunes the heartbeat to the hush of leaves, and clears a path back to stillness.

Whether you’re standing under the sacred groves of Meghalaya, listening to the wind sweep through the Nilgiris, or pausing under a pine in Himachal, what you truly find is presence. And peace.

In the hush of a forest, we meet the parts of ourselves that the world forgot.

At Flying Squirrel Holidays, we believe in journeys that go beyond the itinerary—experiences that linger long after your return. Our curated forest bathing escapes are not just about visiting nature, but communing with it. With every step into the wild, you step closer to something ancient, sacred, and whole.

So, if your soul is weary, if your spirit is searching, if your heart longs to slow down.

Walk into the forest.
Breathe with the earth.
Come back to life.

Let the forest lead you home.

Call us at ‪+91 33 40525777‬ / ‪+91 833 697 8737‬

Email us at connect@flyingsquirrelholidays.com