India is r in orchid dversity with about 1200 species in 167 genera. They are found in almost all the phy to-geographical regions of the country nue enre stretch of the Indian Himalayas is home to nearly 900 species, the Eastern Himalayas alone harbours +/-839 species Western Ghats nhas about 283 species. Besides, the orchids are also dietributed in the Western Himalayas with more than 250 species. The very cttnat orchids are so large in number speaks of their diverse distribution pattrn and hatbitat preference from sea level up to the snow peaks the imalayas in varied climatic conditions. Similarly, there is a great diversity in their habit too. They may be saprophy tic, leafy terestral, itnopnyc or epiphytic. Depending upon the ecological situations, orchids exhibit great adaptations and modifications in their morpholagical and fHoral characters which are diagnostic to a particular species, In this paper, diversity of orchids, their habit and habitat, in various phyto-geographical regions has been presented. In view of high endemism and RET status of several species, it is highly desirable to conserve the orchid resource of the country under both in situ and ex situ conditions. Need for adopting biotechnological approaches in conserving and propagating the endangered species has been emphasized. International rule and law in conser ving the orchids around the worid especialy of lUCN and CITES has been dealt in brief and the role of Orchid Specialist Group (OSG) around the world and in india in promcting oonservation of orchids has also been presented. Further, efforts made so far in India in conserving the orchids have been deait along with future course of action to be taken for effective conser vation of this unique group of plants.