The Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is a 5,500 square kilometer protected area in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka in southern India. Established in 1986, Nilgiri is the oldest Biosphere Reserve in India. The reserve contains over 100 species of mammals (including tigers, Asian elephants, and the Nilgiri Tahr), 3300 species of flowering plants, and 10 indigenous tribal groups. The reserve is under consideration for designation as a World Heritage Site because of its unique biodiversity. This is an amazing place.