Indigenous communities in India face heightened vulnerability to climate change impacts, including the increasing severity of heat waves due to global warming. The year 2023 was recorded as the second warmest on record since 1901, with extreme temperatures in August and February. Heatwaves pose significant health risks, including heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, exacerbating cardiovascular, respiratory, and kidney disorders, and impacting mental health. Among the most at-risk are indigenous and tribal populations, whose livelihoods and socio-ecological systems are intricately tied to natural resources, often residing in challenging geographies with limited resources and educational opportunities. Despite their vulnerability, indigenous communities exhibit remarkable resilience through nature-based solutions rooted in their traditional knowledge of local ecosystems. Indigenous tribes in India, such as the Baiga, Kharwar, Gond, and Santhal, rely on local flora and herbal remedies to combat heatwaves and associated ailments. For example, the Baiga tribe uses Giloy and Aegle marmelos for cooling and hydration, while the Kharwar tribe utilizes Saraca asoca and Ficus religiosa to address heat-induced conditions. This paper explores the adaptive strategies of indigenous tribes in India and highlights the potential for widespread adoption of their coping mechanisms. Indigenous knowledge not only provides effective and sustainable solutions but also aligns with cultural traditions, making it highly relevant for climate adaptation. However, despite its prevalence and utility, indigenous knowledge faces low acceptance among non-tribal communities. Key barriers to acceptance include the oral transmission and undocumented nature of indigenous knowledge, which hinders its recognition and integration into mainstream systems. By bridging gap between traditional and modern knowledge systems through rigorous research, acknowledgment and recognition of indigenous expertise, we can develop more inclusive and effective strategies for mitigating heatwaves and promoting resilience in the face of climate change.