Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks
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Overview
The Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers national parks in Uttarakhand became a natural World Heritage Site in 1988.
Nanda Devi National Park was inscribed in 1988, and the Valley of Flowers was added in 2005.
Nanda Devi, at about 7,816 m, is the highest peak wholly within India.
The Valley of Flowers is known for its alpine meadows, and both parks lie in Chamoli district.
Nanda Devi National Park is surrounded by a ring of peaks.
Access to the core is restricted since 1983.
The Valley of Flowers was made known by Frank Smythe in the 1930s.
The area is part of the Nanda Devi biosphere reserve.
Geography and key facts
- Uttarakhand
- WHS 1988
- 1988; extended 2005
- Nanda Devi about 7,816 m
- Chamoli district
Why it matters for UPSC
Asked on natural heritage.
Note for UPSC
Natural World Heritage Site, inscribed 1988 · Uttarakhand.
UPSC asks about the state, the dynasty or period, and whether a site is cultural or natural.
Asked in PYQs
No question in our Prelims bank names Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks yet.
Key facts
- Type
- World Heritage Site
- State / UT
- Uttarakhand
- Heritage type
- Natural
- Inscribed (UNESCO)
- 1988
- Coordinates
- 30.717°N, 79.667°E
From the Map Explorer data; positions are for orientation.
In the lessons
- Indian Architecture and Temple Styles (map lesson)
- Performing Arts, Paintings and Heritage (map lesson)
- Hindu Temple Architecture: Nagara, Dravida and Vesara (map lesson)
- Indo-Islamic, Mughal and Colonial Architecture (map lesson)
- Mughal Culture: Architecture, Painting, Literature and Music (map lesson)
More world heritage sites nearby
Other places in Uttarakhand
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