INDIA ~Saat Kaman - Gujarat - UNESCO ~

... View of an important part of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park... Saat Kaman is a prominent structure situated on the verge of a hill on the southern tip of Champaner (Pavagadh) that might have been part of a larger fort structure... Saat means Seven and Kaman refers to arches... the gorgeous yellow sandstone area was used as a strategic lookout point by the army... only 6 arches are currently in existence with the other one having demolished...  however, you can still walk through those arches and look down at the valley below... it is a rich heritage site concentration of archaeological, historical, and living cultural heritage sites encased in a stunning landscape... Thanks Nadia!【ツ】

                                                                Photo: Suman Wadhwa
The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is located in Panchmahal District, Gujarat. This Park preserves the remains of a 16th-century capital, showcasing prehistoric sites, a hill fortress, and unique water systems, featuring mosques, temples, palaces, and fortifications, making it India's only intact pre-Mughal Islamic city with rich cultural and religious heritage, including the important Kalikamata Temple on Pavagadh Hill. 

In 2004, UNESCO designated The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park as a World Heritage Site.

 

Stamps:

Definitive - Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj

(Issued 2008)

 Definitive - Bhagat Singh

(Issued 2015)

INDIA ~ Sanchi Stupa - Madhya Pradesh - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of the The Great Stupa at Sanchi a Buddhist complex... one of the oldest stone structures in India... this stupa is the focal point of the entire site dominating the skyline along with other smaller sized stupas... sacred because it holds the enshrined relics of the Buddha and stands as a testament to his teachings... it is surrounded by intricately carved gateways (toranas) that depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and Jataka tales... the Sanchi Stupa is a must-visit destination, which is offering a glimpse into India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage which is there for centuries... it has stayed a place of pilgrimage till today...Thanks Prakashandra!【ツ】

History tells that when emperor Ashoka the last emperor in the Mauryan dynasty once embraced Buddhism he built his first "stupa" (also called stupa no. 1) at Sanchi (in the 3rd century bce) and later several more including ruins of about 50 monuments, among them are three large stupas, temples, a monastery and monolithic pillars. Some centuries later, when Buddhism was slowly absorbed into Hinduism, the site was forgotten and not rediscovered until 1818 by the British army. 

The Great Stupa and Sanchi’s other Buddhist monuments were declared a WHS site by UNESCO in 1989.

Stamps:

Definitives - Makers of India January

(Issued 2016)

Atal Bihari Vajpayee 2r  Definitive Stamp

(Issued 2021)

The 50th Anniversary of Himachal Pradesh Statehood

(Issued 25-01-2021)

INDIA ~ Lakshmana Temple - Khajuraho - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of a very famous Hindu temple... one of the oldest structures and best preserved in the Western group of temples.... the only temple which had 80 percent of its architecture in original form... the wall portion is studded with balconied windows with ornate balustrades... the surfaces of these sandstone temples are beautifully decorated with motifs and sculptures... these depict religious and social life in the time of the Chandellas... some of the sculptures are remarkable because of their erotic displays, a kind of Kama Sutra in stone... the temple not only exemplifies the architectural prowess of the times but also offers insights into the spiritual and cultural aspects of Indian history... Thanks Nagi! (✿◠‿◠)

Between the 10th and 13th centuries, the Chandellas patronized artists, poets, and performers, and built irrigation systems, palaces, and numerous temples out of sandstone. At one time over 80 temples existed at this site, (of which only 22 still exist). including several Hindu temples dedicated to the gods Shiva, Vishnu, and Surya. 

Lakshmana Temple, which is dedicated to Vishnu and was built by the Chandela king, Yashovarmana around 954 CE.The Lakshmana temple was the first of several temples built by the Chandella kings in their newly-created capital of Khajuraho.

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments are on the UNESCO WHS list since 1986.

Photo: Dennis Jarvis

 
 

Stamps:

Definitives - Makers of India 

(10- 2015)

2X G.I. Products of Bihar 

11-03-2025)

INDIA ~ Jaisalmer Fort - Rajasthan - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of a magnificent complex, also known as "Golden Fort" for its gleaming golden sandstone walls and buildings... a splendid example built in the eclectic Rajput cultural tradition... today, Jaisalmer Fort remains a labyrinth of residences, shops, temples, and a palace complex... its walls surround a thriving city,  home to a vibrant community, including descendants of the original Rajput families, who continue to uphold the traditions and culture of their ancestors... the last living fort in India and one of the largest forts in the world... it is one of Rajasthan's most popular tourist attractions with as many as five to six hundred thousand tourists visiting it annually... unfortunately the Fort today faces manifold threats that are a result of the increasing population pressure on it... water seepage, inadequate civic amenities, derelict houses and seismic activity around the Trikuta Hill are some of the major concerns impacting the fort... Thanks a lot Nagi!【ツ】

Jaisalmer Fort, also known as Sonar Quila is located in the Indian state of Rajasthan, near the border of India and Pakistan. Built in 1156 by King Rawal Jaisal from where it derives it name.

The Hill Forts of Rajasthan are six massive fortifications. They reflect the elaborate, fortified seats of power of Rajput princely states that flourished between the 8th and 18th centuries and their relative political independence. The fortresses protected their palaces, temples and often also had urban settlements within their walls.

In 2013 Jaisalmer Fort, along with five other forts of Rajasthan, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the group Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Stamps:

Definitives - Makers of India 

(Issued 10-2015)

The 100th Anniversary of Indian Cinema

(Issued 03-05-2013)

INDIA ~ Pirotan Island - Jamnagar's Marine National Park - Gunjarat ~

... Great aerial view of a small island home to a thriving marine ecosystem with stunning coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, crystal clear waters and soft sandy beaches... it provides a habitat for an incredible variety of marine life, from colorful fish and crabs to starfish, sea horse, octopuses and sea turtles ... of the 42 islands in the park, Pirotan Island is the most popular and one of the two islands where visitors are normally permitted... but only in certain months of the year through special permission... the islands are uninhabited except for the workers at Pirotan Island lighthouse... it's a paradise for nature enthusiasts and marine biologists and all of this with no crowds or chaos... Thanks a lot Prakashchandra!ツ

Jamnagar's Marine National Park is lcated in the Gulf of Kutch in the Arabian Sea established in 1982 and is India's first protected marine area. The Marine National Park (16, 289 ha) and Sanctuary (29,503 ha) is an archipelago of 42 islands.

The history of Pirotan Island dates back to ancient times when it was believed to be a sacred place among the fishermen community of Gujarat. Legend has it that the island was once inhabited by mermaids who would lure fishermen into their underwater kingdom.

Stamps:

Veer Meghmaya 

(Issued 31-12-2024)

The 50th Anniversary of the Central Vigilance Commission 

(Issued 11-02-2014)

Permanent Commising of Women Officers in the Indian Army

(Issued 15-01-2022)

INDIA ~ Great Himalayan National Park - UNESCO ~

... Fantastic maxicard of a stunning natural wonderland... the park boasts an incredible variety of flora and fauna... it is home to over 375 species of fauna, including the rare snow leopard, the Himalayan brown bear, and the Himalayan tahr... it also has over 300 species of birds, making it a great place for birdwatchers... home to snow-capped peaks, lush forests, and crystal-clear rivers... the park is a populare ecotourism and trekkers destination with a number of trekking routes that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape... this National park's amazing scenery, incredible biodiversity, and conservation efforts make it a true gem of India's natural heritage... entrance to the Great Himalayan National Park is strictly by permit... Thanks a lot Siram!(✿◠‿◠)

Located in the Western Himalayas in the Kullu region, the Great Himalayan National Park was built in 1984 and declared a National Park in 1999 and is spread over an area of 1171 km2.  Elevations within the park range between 1500 and 6000 m and it contains 7 named mountains, the highest and most prominent of which is the Pyramid (6,230m).

In 2014, the Great Himalayan National Park was added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.  

Stamps:

2X UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India

(Issued 16-03-2020)

INDIA ~Fatehpur Sikri - Agra - UNESCO ~

.... A beautiful historical structure in the heart of the amazing Fatehpur Sikri fortress... a fort city built by Mughal emperor Akbar the Great... the Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience was used by the emperor as the reception of important guests such as kings, ambassadors and nobles in private... like most of Fatehpur Sikri, it is all in red sandstone, but stands out because of the small, elegant chhatris on each of the 4 corners... the massive ornamental pillar in the center is certainly one of the masterpieces of Mughal architecture.... but the real joy is just to wander around the fortress, take in the views, the gardens, the architecture and the peace and quiet... Thanks Abraham!【ツ】

© Image by Roop Dey

Fatehpur Sikri was founded in 1571 century by Mughal Emperor Akbar. It is essentially a fortified city built by the king and had been the capital of his Empire for fifteen years. This short-lived capital was planned as a dream city for the Mughals in the late 16th century. The city held administrative, residential, and religious buildings, showing a variety of Indo-Islamic styles.  It is home to Jodha Bai's Palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and Tomb of Salim Chisti among many other famous monuments. 

The fort complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1986.

Stamps:

The 550th Anniversary of the Birth of Guru Nanak 

(Issued 09-11-2019)

The 100th Anniversary of the Jallianwal Bagh Massacre 

(Issued 13-04-2019)

INDIA ~ Rajabai Clock Tower - Mumbai - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of a majestic tower that holds a big clock which can be seen from far... one of the earliest landmarks in the city... it is iconic for its Victorian-Gothic architecture modeled on London's Big Ben... with many impressive features and beautifully embellished with oriental figures... the construction was done with locally available buff coloured Kurla stone... the clock chimes every 15 minutes... it has become one of the major tourist destinations in Mumbai... Thanks a lot K.B. Dessai!【ツ】

Rajabai Clock Tower is an 85-metre tall tower in the Fort Campus of the University of Mumbai. 

Sir George Gilbert Scott designed it in the 1860s, and Premchand Roychand, a businessman and a stockbroker, financed its construction as a tribute to his mother Rajabai, hence the name. 

Roychand wanted to ensure his blind mother would be able to have her food on time. And that’s why he got the clock tower built, with a bell to keep track of the time.

 The Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Bombay is a collection of 19th-century Victorian Revival public and 20th-century Mumbai Art Deco private buildings in the Fort precinct of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. This ensemble was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018.

Photo: V.B. Anand

 Stamp:

Stepwells of India

(Issued 29-12-2017)

INDIA ~ Bengal Tiger - Bandhavgarh National Park ~

... Beautiful view of the majestic Royal Bengal tiger... the star attraction at Bandhavgarh National Park... it's the place to visit if you want to spot this big cat... it has the highest density of tigers than at any other national park or wildlife sanctuary in the world... and it is one of the few places on the planet where conservationists can actually relax... Bandhavgarh is that rare tiger reserve where tiger counts have actually increased👍...this, with a large number of tourists annually, makes it one of India’s most popular national parks... Thanks a lot Malathi! (✿◠‿◠)

Bandhavgarh is located in the Vindhya Hills of Umaria district.

Prior to turning into a national park, it was the game reserve of the Maharajas of Rewa. Bandhavgarh, with an area of 105 km2, was declared a national park in 1968 and then became Tiger Reserve in 1993.

 

The three main zones of the national park are Tala, Magdhi and Khitauli. Tala is the richest zone in terms of biodiversity, mainly tigers. Altogether, these three ranges comprise the "Core" of the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve constituting a total area of 716 km2.

This densely forested region has around 50 big cats along with at least 37 other species of mammals, 250 species of birds, about 80 species of butterflies, and few reptiles.

Stamp:

Definitive - Builders of Modern India - Dr B R Ambedkar

(Issued 2015-2019)
 

INDIA ~ Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus - Mumbai - UNESCO ~

... Lovely view the iconic railway station, the former Victoria Terminus... a famous landmark which has become a symbol of Mumbai... this beautiful building stands tall and imposing in the heart of the city...  an outstanding example of Italian Gothic Revival architecture... the unique architectural style was due to the coming together of two cultures- British architects and Indian craftsmen... it still serve the same function as being the headquarters of the Central Railway since the time it was built... the most popular, busiest and important railway station of Indian railways... the station is the most photographed building in the country after Taj Mahal... Thanks a lot Thomas!【ツ】

Its construction began in 1878, in a location south of the old Bori Bunder railway station and was completed in 1887, the year marking 50 years of Queen Victoria's rule, the building being named Victoria Terminus.

The terminus was designed by British born architectural engineer Frederick William Stevens,

The station's name was changed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996 to honour Shivaji, the 17thC founder of the Maratha Empire, whose name is often preceded by Chhatrapati, a royal title. In 2017, the station was again renamed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (code CSTM), where Maharaj is also a royal title.

In 2004, the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO nominated the station as a World Heritage Site.

Stamp:

Tourism - Holiday Destinations
(Issued 15-08-2018)

INDIA ~ Hawa Mahal - Jaipur - Rajasthan - UNESCO ~

...Beautiful view of the most iconic landmark in Jaipur... Hawa Mahal is carved out of red and pink sandstone.... another masterpiece and unique combination of Rajput and Mughal architecture... it is the tallest building in the world without foundation... the five-storey building managed to maintain upright because of it is curved shaped... there are 953 windows... royal ladies were not to be seen by public... despite the large number of windows, each of them are size of a peep hole such that the royal ladies can watch festival celebrations and all other activities on the street without being seen...  the palace is devoted for Krishna and thus in the shape of Lord Krishna’s crown... Thanks Nitesh!【ツ】

Olena Tur
Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh, who ruled Jaipur from 1778 to 1803, built the Hawa Mahal in 1799 as an extension of the zenana (women's quarters) of the City Palace.

The word “Hawa” means wind or breeze and “Mahal” is palace. So Hawa Mahal is the palace of breeze or wind.

Jaipur a city of Rajasthan in India has been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019.

Stamps:

Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj
(Issued 1003-2016)

Handicrafts of India
(Issued 31-12-2018)

INDIA ~ Red Fort Complex - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of Delhi's colossal Red Fort that was home to emperors of the formidable Mughal dynasty for almost 200 years... it is spread over 255 acres, features a mix of architectural styles such as Islamic, Hindi, Timurid, and Persian... its massive, 2.5-km-long enclosing walls are made of red sandstone and that’s where the monument got its name from... the structure, which is in the shape of an irregular octagon, incorporates elements of garden design and also features turrets, bastions, pavilions, two gates, and several other sections... Red Fort holds an important place in the history of India... it is the fort where the National Flag of India was hoisted at the time of Independence... till present, it is hoisted at the same place by the Prime Minister of India every year... Thank you Akhil!【ツ】

Red Fort which is also known as Lal Qila was built by the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan when he took the decision to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. This monument represents the grandeur of the Mughal Court, which was constructed during the 17thC. It was the capital of the Mughal rulers until 1857, when Bahadur Shah Zafar II went in exile after he was defeated by the Britishers.

After 1857 the site was used as the headquarters of the British Indian Army. They introduced new colonial-style buildings and functions over the earlier Mughal structures.

The Red Fort is located next to the historical Salimgarh Fort. These two forts together form "the Red Fort Complex".

 In 2007, Red Fort was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stamp:

Indian Fashion - Sari in Myriad Forms
(Issued 1205-2019)

INDIA ~ Valley of Flowers National Park - UNESCO ~

... A blossomy breathtaking valley surrounded by the mighty Himalayas... a variety of wild flowers, which appear as a bright carpet of color against a backdrop of the mountains... the meadows are filled with orchids, poppies, marigold, daisies, primulas and anemones of nearly 520 species of which 498 are flowering plants... for miles and miles on all four directions, there are flowers🌼🌹🥀.... with exotic floral scents... the Valley of Flowers is only open from the beginning of June until the end of October... pure and untouched nature at its best... the magnificent Valley of Flowers has been a major attraction for trekkers from all over world... once more a stunning new place discovered thanks to *postcard* collecting❤️👍... Thanks a lot Nithesh!❀◕ ‿ ◕❀

© Photo: Natalia Davidovich
The Valley of Flowers National Park is in located northern India's state of Uttarakhand, bordered by Nepal and Tibet. It was declared a national park in 1982.

This valley is situated at an altitude 3.658m in Bhyundar Valley. It's spread over 87.5 square kilometers. The main Valley of Flowers is a glacial corridor of 8km long and 2km wide.

This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, musk deer, brown bear, red fox, and blue sheep. Birds found in the park include Himalayan monal pheasant and other high attitude birds.

Declared as World Heritage Site in 2005 by UNESCO.

Stamps:

2016 Definitives - Makers of India January
(Issued -- 01-2016)

 Handicrafts of India
(Issued 31-12-2018)

INDIA ~ Virupaksha Temple - Hampi - UNESCO ~

... Nice view of a stunning piece of architecture and a great religious place... Virupaksha temple is the only intact temple in Hampi amongst the surrounding ruins... situated in the heart of Hampi... the most famous ancient temple and still remains an active Hindu worship site dedicated to Lord Shiva.... one of the oldest living temples in India... this temple is a major highlight during the tour of Hampi...  the carvings on the main temple facade and structure are absolutely gorgeous...  the temple will always be crowded by  pilgrims and tourists, as its the only one where prayers are offered... Thanks a lot Thomas Abraham! (ヅ)

Hampi is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River in Karnataka near the city of Hosapete, Hampi's ruins are spread over 4,100 hectares.

The Group of Monuments at Hampi represent the ruins of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara empire. This was a South Indian empire, dating from 1336 to 1646. The buildings in the city are mostly built in the original native traditions of southern India, associated with the Hindu religion. Some of them show a certain amount of Islamic influence due the interaction with Islamic kingdoms.

Assumed to be built in the 7thC, Virupaksha Temple it is the oldest temple in Hampi and can be viewed from most places near the bazaar area and across the river. It is constructed in Dravidian architecture style.

The Group of Monuments at Hampi are on the UNESCO WHS list since 1986.

Stamp:

Flowers - Orchids
(Issued 08-08-2016)

INDIA ~ The Ujjayanta Palace - Agartala ~

... Great view of a King's Palace converted into an excellent Museum... one of the major attractions of a visit to Agartala city...  a well maintained full white imposing structure and the reflection in two water bodies on both sides adds to its beauty... spread over an expanse of 28 hectares of parkland, this exotic palace has several Hindu temples... the museum at the palace have preserved the local culture of the North Indians... it showcases the lifestyle, arts, culture, tradition and utility crafts... along with a lot of stone sculptures, coinage of the Manikya dynasty and some other artifacts...Thanks a lot Justin!!【ツ】

The Ujjayanta Palace is a formerly royal palace of the Tripura, situated in the state of Agartala. The palace was constructed between 1899 and 1901 by the King of Tripura, Maharadja Radha Kishore Manikya and stands on the banks of two lakes surrounded by gardens inspired by the Mughal Style.

The name Ujjayanta Palace was given by Rabindranath Tagore, the first Nobel Prize laureate in Literature in Asia and a frequent visitor to the princely state as guest of the Tripura royal family.

Stamp:

UNESCO WHS Hill Forts of Rajasthan
(Issued 29-12-2018)

INDIA ~ Hikkim Village - World's highest post office ~

... Amazing postcard nr2... a lovely post office view coming from a very special place... from the top of the world...  situated in a beautiful valley with the Himalayan mountains all around... a true little ♥gem♥ for a postcard collector... must have been a great feeling to be at the world's highest post office and sending postcards from one of the highest inhabited village... I've seen it on a documentary on TV... with great selection of stamps and "Hikkim" cancellation...Thanks soooo much Dwari!!¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The village of Hikkim is situated at a towering altitude of around  4,572 m (15,000 ft) above sea level, on the India-Tibet border in the Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. The village is is one of the highest year-round inhabited villages in India. The majority of the people in Hikkim are Buddhists.

This tiny village is known for being the home to the highest post office in the world and also the location for the highest polling station.

The Hikkim post office was opened on November 5, 1983, and Mr. Rinchon Chhering has been the postmaster here since it started at the age of 22. This little post office  (also Chhering’s home) is the only mode of communication for the residents of Hikkimis, there is no cell phone signal or internet to connect with. Like the rest of the valley, the post office is also shut for six months of the year because of snow.

Two runners take turns in carrying mail on foot from Hikkim to Kaza, 23 kms away, every morning. From Kaza, mail bags are taken by bus to Reckong Peo, onward to Shimla. From here it’s moved to a train to Kalka, then loaded on to a bus again headed to Delhi. From there the mail is sorted to make their journey by train or plane towards its destination.


Stamps:

Legendary Singers of India
(Issued 30-12-2016)

Nature - Drawing Competition
(Issued 25-01-2017)

Dancing - Joint Issue with Portugal
(Issued 07-01-2017)

INDIA ~ The Clipper Butterfly - Hikkim ~

... First of two really fantastic postcards... beautiful butterfly view... a large wingspan of around 10cm makes them strong fliers and gliders... they are mostly blue-green in color in the sub-continent of India... with great selection of stamps postmarked at the highest post office "Hikkim" in the world... Thanks a lot Dwai!!【ツ】

Photo: Praveen G Nair
The Clipper (Parthenos sylvia) is a species of nymphalid butterfly found in South and South-East Asia, mostly in forested areas. It is a fast flying butterfly and has a habit of flying with its wings flapping stiffly between the horizontal position and a few degrees below the horizontal. It may glide between spurts of flapping.

The Clipper butterfly mostly feeds on the nectar of the flowers of Adenia plant and the caterpillars feed on the young leaves of the plant.

Stamps:

1&3 Nature - Drawing Competition
(Issued 25-01-2017)

250th Year of Survey of India
(Issued 22-06-2017)

INDIA ~ Humayun's Tomb - Delhi - UNESCO ~

... Beautiful view of  the first garden tomb on the Indian subcontinent... a magnificent monument surrounded by beautiful gardens... picturesque and lovely place with fascinating historical background...  one of the major attractions in Delhi... a quiet oasis... Thanks a lot Justin!!【ツ】

From backside postcard:
"Humayun's Tomb, Delhi the first tomb built with several innovations, set at the centre of luxurious gardens with water channels, was the precursor monument to the Taj Mahal (built a century later). It was built in 1570 and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage monument in 1993 for its cultural importance. The tomb set on an octagonal plinth has a raised dome of 42.5m height covered by marble slabs and decorated with canopies"
Humayun Tomb is located on the bank of river Yamuna in the capital city Delhi.

This mausoleum was built in the memory of Emperor Humayun, the second Mughal ruler to ascend the throne. The tomb was commissioned by Bega Begum, Humayun’s Persian wife  nine years after the Emperor’s death.

The Humayun's Tomb was added to the UNESCO WHS list in 1993.

Stamps:
Personalities
(Issued 01-03-2009)

Dancing - Joint Issue with Portugal
(Issued 07-01-2017)

Personalities
(Issued 26-04-2017)

INDIA ~Kaziranga National Park - UNESCO ~

..Beautiful postcard nr2 showing a rhino... one of the largest mammals in the world that faces always the threat of poaching for its horn and continuing habitat loss... poachers killed 18 rhinos in the Park in 2016 ☹ ... I wonder what can be done to convince people not to buy rhino horns...Thanks a lot Som!【ツ】

photo: Diganta Talukdar
From backside postcard:
"Kaziranga National Park, located in the North eastern state of Assam in the flood plains of the Brahmaputra River's south bank was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985 for its unique natural environment. The park, which covers an area of 42.996 ha (106.250acres), has the distinction of being home to the world's largest population of the Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros."
Beginning with a few rhinos in 1905, the park today still accounts about 85% of the total population of Rhinos.

The greater one-horned rhinoceros is the largest of the three Asian rhinos and, together with African white rhinos, is the largest of all rhino species. Males can weigh up to 2.7 tonnes. They have a single black horn between 20-60 cm long and a grey-brown hide with skin folds, which give it an armor-plated appearance. The upper lip is semi-prehensile.

Kaziranga National Park was added to the UNESCO WHS list in 1985.


Stamp:

The 250th Anniversary of the Survey of India
(Issued 22-06-2017)

INDIA ~ Sundarban National Park - UNESCO ~

... This makes collecting National Parks so much funヅ... you can get plenty of postcards from the same NP... but they all look so different... this one shows the breathing roots of mangrove forest in Sundarbans... it stands out to be the largest tangle of mangrove wetland in tropical Asia....unfortunately overflowing salty water and less rain has been a great threat for this unique natural beauty...Thanks a lot Chetan!!【ツ】

From backside postcard:
The Surdarban is a contiguous natural region in India and Bangladesh formed on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers. It is the largest estuarine mangrove forest in the world. It is a NP, Tiger Reserve, Biosphere Reserve, UNESO WHS and a Ramsar wetlands.
Sonneratia species grow in oxygen-poor sediments. The underground root system needs and demands oxygen, the soil is not able to support the underground root system with enough oxygen. Therefore, the underground root system outgrows aerial roots that grow vertically up to the air above the soil. The cone roots have numerous lenticels that enable gas exchange directly above the surface. The cone roots provide the additional needed oxygen which can't be taken from the soil.
The Sundari tree (Heritiera fomes), from which Sundarban derives its name, breathes through pneumatophores or breathing roots that look like stilts. It is spread out in an area of almost 1,330 square kilometer in India.

Surbandans National Park was added to the UNESCO WHS list in 1987.

Stamps:

Defenitives:
2X Bal Gangadhar Tilak
(Issued 10-03-2016)
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
(Issued 19-05-2016)

The 50th Anniversary of the State of Haryana
(Issued 01-11-2016)