India has 18 Biosphere Reserves these reserves protect ecosystems, biodiversity, and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development.
Here are the major biosphere reserves, along with key facts and tourist attractions –
- Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka
Nilgiri is first Biosphere Reserve in India 1986 part of the Western Ghats. Tourist Attractions places are Ooty, Bandipur National Park, Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park.
- Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve Uttarakhand
Nanda Devi Biosphere reserve includes Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks. Tourist Attractions places are Nanda Devi Peak, Valley of Flowers, Hemkund Sahib.
- Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve Tamil Nadu
Gulf of Mannar is First marine biosphere reserve in South Asia. Tourist Attractions places are Rameswaram, Adam’s Bridge Ram Setu, Coral Reefs.
- Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve West Bengal
Sundarbans Biosphere reserve is largest mangrove forest, home to Royal Bengal Tigers. Tourist Attractions places are Sajnekhali Bird Sanctuary, Sunderbans Tiger Reserve, Dobanki Watchtower.
- Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Great Nicobar Biosphere reserve is largest island in Andaman and Nicobar, home to indigenous tribes. Tourist Attractions places are Indira Point southernmost point of India, Campbell Bay National Park.
- Simlipal Biosphere Reserve Odisha
Simlipai Biosphere reserve is Largest biosphere reserve in India, famous for waterfalls and tigers. Tourist Attractions places are Simlipal National Park, Barehipani & Joranda Waterfalls.
- Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve Madhya Pradesh
Pachmarhi Biosphere reserve Includes Satpura National Park, a UNESCO site. Tourist Attractions places are Pachmarhi Hill Station, Bee Falls, Dhoopgarh.
- Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere reserve is Source of Narmada River. Tourist Attractions places are Amarkantak Temple, Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Agasthyamala Biosphere reserve are named after Sage Agastya, known for Ayurveda plants. Tourist Attractions places are Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Neyyar Dam, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve Assam
Dibru Saikhowa Biosphere reserve are Riverine island ecosystem, home to feral horses. Tourist Attractions places are Maguri Beel, Dolphin Watching in Brahmaputra River.
- Nokrek Biosphere Reserve Meghalaya
Nokrek Biosphere reserve are Home to the rare Red Panda. Tourist Attractions places are Nokrek National Park, Balpakram National Park.
- Dehang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve Arunachal Pradesh
Dehang Dibang Biosphere reserve are Least explored, home to Mishmi Hills. Tourist Attractions places are Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Dibang Valley.
- Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve Sikkim
Khangchendzonga Biosphere reserve Includes Mount Khangchendzonga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourist Attractions places are Yuksom, Dzongri Trek, Gurudongmar Lake.
- Manas Biosphere Reserve Assam
Manas Biosphere reserve is UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the rare Golden Langur. Tourist Attractions places are Manas National Park, River Rafting in Manas River.
- Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve Andhra Pradesh
Seshachalam Biosphere reserve is first biosphere reserve in Andhra Pradesh, home to Red Sanders. Tourist Attractions places are Tirupati, Sri Venkateswara Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve Himachal Pradesh
Cold Desert Biosphere reserve Covers Spiti and Pin Valley. Tourist Attractions places are Key Monastery, Chandratal Lake, Pin Valley National Park.
- Panna Biosphere Reserve Madhya Pradesh
Panna Biosphere reserve is UNESCO-listed (2020), famous for diamond mines. Tourist Attractions places are Panna National Park, Ken River.
- Sunderban Biosphere Reserve West Bengal
Sunderbans Biosphere reserve are Largest delta in the world, home to Royal Bengal Tigers. Tourist Attractions places are Sunderban National Park, Sajnekhali Watchtower.