Biosphere Reserves

India’s 18 biosphere reserves are vibrant sanctuaries where nature and culture coexist in a delicate, sustainable balance. More than just protected areas, these reserves are internationally recognized as living laboratories for conservation and sustainable development. As of 2025, twelve of these have earned a place on UNESCO’s esteemed Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme World Network, highlighting their global ecological significance.

From the high-altitude cold deserts of the Himalayas to the lush marine ecosystems of the Gulf of Mannar, each reserve is a biodiversity hotspot. Discover the complete, updated list of these natural treasures, their unique wildlife, and their vital role in preserving India’s rich environmental heritage.

UNESCO Recognized Biosphere Reserves in India

These 12 reserves are part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, recognized for their unique ecosystems and commitment to sustainable development.

1. Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka)

• First in India: Established in 1986, this was the first biosphere reserve in India and was added to the UNESCO MAB list in 2000.
• Location: Situated at the tri-junction of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka in the Western Ghats.
• Key Wildlife: A critical habitat for the endangered lion-tailed macaque and the Nilgiri tahr.
• Protected Areas: Includes Mudumalai, Bandipur, Nagarhole, Mukurthi, and Silent Valley National Parks.

2. Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve (Tamil Nadu)

• Marine Wonderland: The first marine biosphere reserve in South and Southeast Asia.
• Location: Lies off the Coromandel coast of Tamil Nadu.
• Key Wildlife: Famous for its rich coral reefs and as a crucial habitat for the vulnerable Dugong (sea cow), sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins.

3. Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (West Bengal)

• Land of Mangroves: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for having the world’s largest mangrove forest.
• Location: Forms a part of the vast delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers.
• Key Wildlife: The kingdom of the Royal Bengal Tiger, which has uniquely adapted to an amphibious life. Also home to saltwater crocodiles and chital deer.

4. Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (Uttarakhand)

• Himalayan Sanctuary: A breathtakingly beautiful high-altitude reserve crowned by India’s second-highest peak.
• Location: Located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
• Key Wildlife: A critical habitat for the elusive Snow Leopard, Himalayan Musk Deer, and Himalayan Tahr.

5. Nokrek Biosphere Reserve (Meghalaya)

• Garo Hills Gem: Located on the highest peak of the Garo hills, this reserve is a vital biodiversity hotspot.
• Location: Situated in the Western Garo Hills district of Meghalaya.
• Key Wildlife: Known for its significant population of the Red Panda and Asian elephants.

6. Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)

• Heart of India: Nestled in the scenic Satpura Range, known for its lush forests and stunning gorges.
• Location: Spans across the Hoshangabad, Betul, and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• Key Wildlife: A prime habitat for Tigers, Leopards, Gaur (Indian Bison), and various species of deer. Includes the Satpura National Park.

7. Simlipal Biosphere Reserve (Odisha)

• Land of Silk Cotton: Named after the abundance of ‘Simul’ (red silk cotton) trees, this reserve is a vast expanse of forests.
• Location: Found in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.
• Key Wildlife: Home to the Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, and chausingha (four-horned antelope). Features the stunning Barehipani and Joranda waterfalls.

8. Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh)

• Source of Life: The origin point of three major Indian rivers: the Narmada, Johilla, and Son.
• Location: Spans across parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
• Key Wildlife: A safe haven for Chital, Sambars, and Barking Deer, set within the Maikal, Vindhya, and Satpura hill ranges.

9. Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (Andaman & Nicobar Islands)

• Island Ecosystem: A pristine and isolated reserve located on the southernmost island of the Nicobar archipelago.
• Location: The southernmost point of India.
• Key Wildlife: Home to unique species like the Nicobar megapode and the saltwater crocodile. Includes Campbell Bay and Galathea National Parks.

10. Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve (Kerala, Tamil Nadu)

• Hub of Endemism: A biodiversity hotspot in the Western Ghats known for its high concentration of plant species found nowhere else.
• Location: Spans across the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Cultural Heritage: The traditional homeland of the Kanikaran tribes, who possess deep knowledge of the local ecology.

11. Khangchendzonga Biosphere Reserve (Sikkim)

• Mixed World Heritage Site: India’s first “Mixed-Criteria” World Heritage Site, recognized for both its natural and cultural significance. Added to the UNESCO MAB list in 2018.
• Location: Home to the world’s third-highest peak, Mount Khangchendzonga.
• Key Wildlife: A prime habitat for the Red Panda, Snow Leopard, Himalayan tahr, and Sloth Bear.

12. Panna Biosphere Reserve (Madhya Pradesh)

• A Story of Revival: The most recent Indian reserve to be included in the UNESCO MAB Programme (2020).
• Location: Situated in the Vindhyan mountain range, with the scenic Ken River flowing through it.
• Key Wildlife: Celebrated for its remarkable success in tiger reintroduction and conservation.

Other Designated Biosphere Reserves in India

These six reserves are designated by the Indian Government and are vital for national conservation efforts, though they are not currently on the UNESCO-MAB list.

13. Manas Biosphere Reserve (Assam)

• Rhino Haven: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its conservation of the Indian rhinoceros.
• Key Wildlife: Critical habitat for endangered species like the Hispid Hare, Golden Langur, and Pygmy Hog.

14. Dihang-Dibang Biosphere Reserve (Arunachal Pradesh)

• Eastern Frontier: A vast and largely unexplored wilderness at the high altitudes of the Eastern Himalayas.
• Protected Areas: Includes Mouling National Park and Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary.

15. Great Rann of Kutch (Gujarat)

• Salt Desert: A unique and vast salt marsh ecosystem on the India-Pakistan border.
• Key Wildlife: The last global refuge of the Indian Wild Ass.

16. Cold Desert (Himachal Pradesh)

• High-Altitude Wilderness: A stark and stunning landscape in the trans-Himalayan region.
• Key Wildlife: A prime habitat for the Snow Leopard and its prey, such as the Ibex. Includes Pin Valley National Park.

17. Dibru-Saikhowa Biosphere Reserve (Assam)

• Riverine Island: Bounded by the mighty Brahmaputra and Lohit rivers, this reserve is a unique river island ecosystem.
• Key Wildlife: Supports a variety of feline predators, including the Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, and Clouded leopard.

18. Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve (Andhra Pradesh)

• Land of Red Gold: Located in the Eastern Ghats, this reserve is famous for its unique geology.
• Key Feature: Holds large, valuable reserves of Red Sandalwood, a rare and protected tree species.