Biosphere Reserves of Tamil Nadu
Three biosphere reserves touch Tamil Nadu, and one of them is a national first, the kind of superlative TNPSC loves.
| Biosphere Reserve | Year | Signature fact |
|---|---|---|
| Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve | 1986 | India's first biosphere reserve; spans TN, Kerala and Karnataka |
| Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve | 1989 | India's first marine biosphere reserve; 21 islands, coral ecosystem |
| Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve | 2001 | Southern Western Ghats; UNESCO listing 2016; Kani tribal habitat |
Keep the years straight, Nilgiri 1986, Gulf of Mannar 1989 and Agasthyamalai 2001 (UNESCO-listed 2016): year-to-reserve matching is how this trio is usually asked.
Frequently asked questions
Which was India's first biosphere reserve?
Which is India's first marine biosphere reserve?
Related lists
National Parks of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu's 5 national parks: Guindy, Gulf of Mannar Marine, Indira Gandhi (Anamalai), Mudumalai and Mukurthi, with the distinguishing fact TNPSC asks about each.
Ramsar Sites of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu holds India's largest count of Ramsar wetlands. The full list with districts, from Point Calimere (first) to the newest additions.
Districts of Tamil Nadu
All 38 districts of Tamil Nadu in one list, with the newest districts and their carve-outs, the way TNPSC asks them.
Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu
Every Chief Minister of Madras State and Tamil Nadu since 1946, with tenures, the exact list TNPSC draws sequence questions from.
Compiled from official Tamil Nadu government sources and standard references. Time-sensitive counts carry an as-of note on the page. Sources: TNPSC official notifications. Figures are indicative and may change with each official notification. Data last reviewed: July 2026.
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