NCERT-aligned UPSC Core Geography topic. Every item is anchored to a real location on India's map — built for boards (CBSE, ICSE, state) and UPSC aspirants.
In what year was Nilgiri designated India's first Biosphere Reserve?
1986 — India's FIRST Biosphere Reserve under the National Biosphere Reserve Programme
In what year was Nilgiri added to UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves?
2000 — India's first BR to receive UNESCO MAB recognition
Across how many states does Nilgiri BR span?
Three — Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala — in the Western Ghats
What does the name 'Nilgiri' (Blue Mountain) refer to?
The purplish-blue blossoms of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which bloom every 12 years
Which National Parks/Sanctuaries fall within Nilgiri BR?
Mudumalai, Mukurthi, Nagarhole, Bandipur, Silent Valley NPs; Aralam, Wayanad, Sathyamangalam WLS
Is Nilgiri BR also a UNESCO World Heritage Site or Tiger Reserve?
The Nilgiri sub-cluster is part of UNESCO Western Ghats World Heritage Site (2012). Contains 5 Tiger Reserves including Bandipur, Mudumalai, Nagarhole.
In what year was Nanda Devi designated a Biosphere Reserve?
1988
In what year was Nanda Devi added to UNESCO's World Network?
2004
Which National Parks does Nanda Devi BR contain?
Nanda Devi NP and Valley of Flowers NP — both UNESCO World Heritage Sites
What is the elevation of Nanda Devi peak?
7,816 metres — second-highest mountain entirely within India
Is Nanda Devi BR also a UNESCO site or NP?
Yes — its core (Nanda Devi NP + Valley of Flowers NP) is UNESCO Natural World Heritage (1988, 2005)
In what year was Nokrek designated a Biosphere Reserve?
1988
This topic is part of the NCERT UPSC Core Geography syllabus. Content is cross-referenced against the latest NCERT textbook editions + standard reference works.
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