Sandalwood, one of the most precious and aromatic woods in the world, is native to the dry tropical forests of southern India, particularly the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Revered since antiquity, it has been used in sacred rituals, perfumery, and traditional medicine for over 2,000 years. The tree thrives in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils under warm, semi-arid conditions and is now cultivated in parts of Indonesia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands to meet growing global demand. True Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album) remains the most prized variety for its rich, sweet, and creamy aroma, which deepens with age and distillation. Its essential oil, steam-distilled from the heartwood, is among the most valuable in the world, symbolizing purity, serenity, and longevity.