Natural heritage refers to the sum total of the elements of biodiversity, including flora and fauna, ecosystems and geological structures. India’s natural heritage is unique and varied. It includes features like mountains, forests, deserts, rivers, streams, oceans, trees, plants, creepers, flowers, leaves, insects and varied landscapes, wide range of minerals, vegetation, plants and animals.

Our natural heritage includes:

(1) Landscapes: The different shapes and forms of land give rise to beautiful landscapes. The Himalaya is one of them. It has blessed us abundantly with useful vegetation and minerals. A large variety of beautiful and unique birds and animals and mountain peaks covered with snow, brimming rivers are also part of gifts of Himalaya. Forests of Terrai and the holy pilgrimage places such as Amarnath, Badrinath, Kedarnath and summit like Nandadevi are in Himalayas.

(2) Rivers: Indian rivers have been providing natural waterways since ancient time. Indian culture has flourished on the river banks of Indus, Narmada, Godavari Krishna, etc. have largely influenced the people of India. Rivers also work as the source of drinking water, domestic works, irrigation producing electricity, etc. They have also helped man to develop industries for making clay utensils. They also provide water to construct houses. The landscape scenes of rivers and mountains at dawn and dusk are very fascinating. They have inspired artists to create paintings and hence enrich our heritage.

(3) Vegetation: Indians are environment lovers. Their love for nature can be seen in their artistic works, worship of trees, rivers forms an important part of our natural heritage. Banyan, Pipal trees and Basil (Tulsi) plants are worshipped in India. Its rich vegetation produces cereals, pulses, oil-seeds plants, several herbs and medicinal plants, fruits and vegetables.

Harde, Amla, Aloe-vera, Ardusi, Neem, etc. are some of the several medicinal plants grown in India. Flowers like Rose, Lotus, Mogra (Jasmine), Damaro (Sweet Basil), Sunflower, Champa (Plumeria), Jui (polyanthus tuberose), etc. have spread fragrance. Together these plants have made our lives beautiful healthy and prosperous. Humans, animals, birds, etc. are dependent on vegetation for their food. Our social and religious life is greatly influenced by Indian vegetation.

(4) Wildlife: Indians are nature, lovers too. They have sympathy, care and love for the animals. They also worship several animals such as tiger, lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, fox, bear, deer, sambhar, rabbit, python, snake, mongoose, porcupine are some of the animals found in India. India is the only place in the whole Asia to be blessed with Asian lions. These lions are found in Gir Forest of Gujarat.

Several wild animals such as tigers, peacocks, crocodiles, eagles, etc. have been given as the status of vehicles for various God and Goddesses. Our love for animals can be also seen in our national emblem which carries the figure of four lions, horse and bull. To protect and preserve such rich wildlife, the government has created several wildlife reserves and laws in order to protect them.