From Abandoned Farmland to Thriving Wilderness
What began as an act of love for nature turned into one of India’s most inspiring stories of restoration.
More than two decades ago, Pamela Gale Malhotra and her husband, Anil Malhotra, purchased abandoned farmland in southern India, land that had once been lush rainforest before deforestation stripped it bare.
Determined to bring life back to the land, the couple began planting trees and protecting the area from further destruction. Over 26 years, their dedication transformed the desolate fields into a thriving forest once again.
The Birth of SAI Sanctuary
Located in the Western Ghats of Southern India, the SAI Sanctuary now spans over 300 acres of protected rainforest. The region is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, recognized by the United Nations, and serves as the heart of the watershed for the entire South Indian Peninsula.
When the Malhotras first began in 1991, they started with just 55 acres of degraded land, abandoned rice paddies and overused coffee and cardamom fields.
“When we first came here, most of the lands that were sold to us were abandoned”, Pamela recalled. “A lot of deforestation had taken place. It took a lot of care, energy, and years to bring it back.”
A Safe Haven for Endangered Species
Today, the sanctuary is home to over 200 globally endangered species of plants and animals, including Asian elephants, Bengal tigers, and countless birds, insects, and native plants. The forest has become a living ecosystem where every species plays a vital role in maintaining balance.
“We both feel a tremendous amount of joy when we walk through the sanctuary”, Pamela said. “I’ve never felt this kind of joy in anything else I’ve done in my life.”
The Circle of Life Restored
As the trees returned, so did the insects. The insects nourished the soil, which allowed new growth to flourish. Soon after, monkeys, elephants, and tigers came back, drawn by the rebirth of their natural home.
What was once barren land is now a vibrant, self-sustaining rainforest, proof that patience, compassion, and human dedication can heal even the deepest environmental wounds.
