INDIA - Khajuraho Group of Monuments

Postcard sent in a direct swap by Tishant. 
Sent 26/02/2023.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1986

The temples at Khajuraho were built during the Chandella dynasty, which reached its apogee between 950 and 1050. Only about 20 temples remain; they fall into three distinct groups and belong to two different religions – Hinduism and Jainism. They strike a perfect balance between architecture and sculpture. The Temple of Kandariya is decorated with a profusion of sculptures that are among the greatest masterpieces of Indian art.The group of temples of Khajuraho testifies to the culmination of northern Indian temple art and architecture of the Chandella dynasty who ruled the region in the 10th and 11th centuries CE. Distributed over an area of 6 square km in a picturesque landscape, the 23 temples (including one partly excavated structure) that form the western, eastern, and southern clusters of the Khajuraho Group of Monuments are rare surviving examples that display the originality and high quality of Nagara-style temple architecture.

The Khajuraho Group of Monuments demonstrates in layout and physical form, the pinnacle of temple architectural development in northern India. Built in sandstone, each temple is elevated from its environs by a highly ornate terraced platform, or jagati, on which stands the body, or jangha, whose sanctum is topped by a tower, or shikhara, of a type unique to Nagara, where the verticality of the principal spire atop the sanctum is accentuated by a series of miniature spires flanking it, each symbolizing Mount Kailasa, the abode of the Gods.

Thank you for this marvelous card, Thishant!

INDIA - MAP

 

INDIA

30

Properties inscribed

on the World Heritage List

Cultural 

• Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra in Sergiev Posad (1993)
• Assumption Cathedral and Monastery of the town-island of Sviyazhsk (2017)
• Bolgar Historical and Archaeological Complex (2014)
• Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye (1994)
• Churches of the Pskov School of Architecture (2019)
• Citadel, Ancient City and Fortress Buildings of Derbent (2003)
• Cultural and Historic Ensemble of the Solovetsky Islands (1992)
• Curonian Spit (2000)
• Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery (2000)
• Ensemble of the Novodevichy Convent (2004)
• Historic and Architectural Complex of the Kazan Kremlin (2000)
• Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments (1990)
• Historic Monuments of Novgorod and Surroundings (1992)
• Historical Centre of the City of Yaroslavl (2005)
• Kizhi Pogost (1990)
• Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow (1990)
• Petroglyphs of Lake Onega and the White Sea (2021)
• Struve Geodetic Arc (2005)
• White Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal (1992)

Natural 

• Central Sikhote-Alin (2001, 2018)
• Golden Mountains of Altai (1998)
• Lake Baikal (1996)
• Landscapes of Dauria (2017)
• Lena Pillars Nature Park (2012)
• Natural System of Wrangel Island Reserve (2004)
• Putorana Plateau (2010)
• Uvs Nuur Basin (2003)
• Virgin Komi Forests (1995)
• Volcanoes of Kamchatka (1996, 2001)
• Western Caucasus (1999)

Postcard sent by Aniruddha (official card).

Sent 11/07/2015.

INDIA - Kaziranga National Park

Postcard sent by Shrish in a Direct Swap.

Sent 13/04/2017.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1985

In the heart of Assam, this park is one of the last areas in eastern India undisturbed by a human presence. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as many mammals, including tigers, elephants, panthers and bears, and thousands of birds. Kaziranga National Park represents one of the last unmodified natural areas in the north-eastern region of India. Covering 42,996 ha, and located in the State of Assam it is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain. The fluctuations of the Brahmaputra River result in spectacular examples of riverine and fluvial processes in this vast area of wet alluvial tall grassland interspersed with numerous broad shallow pools fringed with reeds and patches of deciduous to semi-evergreen woodlands. Kaziranga is regarded as one of the finest wildlife refuges in the world. The park’s contribution in saving the Indian one-horned rhinoceros from the brink of extinction at the turn of the 20th century to harbouring the single largest population of this species is a spectacular conservation achievement. The property also harbours significant populations of other threatened species including tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo and bears as well as aquatic species including the Ganges River dolphin. It is an important area for migratory birds.

Thank you for this marvelous card and the amazing stamps, Shrish!

INDIA - Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi

Postal enviada por Sid en un Direct swap.

Envío - 31 de Setiembre del 2017.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1993

Built in the early 13th century a few kilometres south of Delhi, the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base, and alternating angular and rounded flutings. The surrounding archaeological area contains funerary buildings, notably the magnificent Alai-Darwaza Gate, the masterpiece of Indo-Muslim art (built in 1311), and two mosques, including the Quwwatu'l-Islam, the oldest in northern India, built of materials reused from some 20 Brahman temples.

Construido a principios del siglo XIII, a unos kilómetros al sur de Delhi, el minarete de Qutb Minar es una torre de arenisca roja de 72,5 metros de altura, con un diámetro de 14,32 metros en su base y de 2,75 metros en su cúspide. Su pared exterior está ornamentada, alternativamente, con acanaladuras de aristas agudas y redondeadas. La zona arqueológica en la que se encuentra posee varias tumbas, la magnífica Puerta de Alai Darwaza, obra maestra del arte indomusulmán construida en 1311, y dos mezquitas. Una de ellas, la de Quwwat Ul Islam, es la más antigua de la India septentrional y fue construida con materiales procedentes de una veintena de templos brahmánicos.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/233

En el reverso un fantástico sello que coincide con el propio lugar declarado patrimonio. También se ha incluido una pequeña viñetita de un diario local  y unos dibujos propios (la verdad es que estos detallitos me encantan) dando como resultado un conjunto fantástico y un buen ejemplar para mi colección. 

Thank you so much Siddarth  for sending me this awesome card, I hope that  we'll swap some more cards in the future!

INDIA - The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Postal enviada por Akhil en un Direct swap.

Envío - 16 de Agosto del 2015.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 2010

The Jantar Mantar, in Jaipur, is an astronomical observation site built in the early 18th century. It includes a set of some 20 main fixed instruments. They are monumental examples in masonry of known instruments but which in many cases have specific characteristics of their own. Designed for the observation of astronomical positions with the naked eye, they embody several architectural and instrumental innovations. This is the most significant, most comprehensive, and the best preserved of India's historic observatories. It is an expression of the astronomical skills and cosmological concepts of the court of a scholarly prince at the end of the Mughal period.

Construido a principios del siglo XVIII, el Jantar Mantar de Jaipur es un observatorio astronómico integrado por unos veinte instrumentos en obra de albañilería que fueron innovadores en su tiempo, tanto en el plano arquitectónico como técnico. Destinados a observaciones astronómicas a simple vista, comportan varias innovaciones arquitectónicas e instrumentales. Se trata del conjunto de observatorios antiguos más significativo, más completo y mejor conservado de la India. El Jantar Mantar es un fiel reflejo de las concepciones cosmológicas y los conocimientos astronómicos de los sabios que agrupó en torno un marajá ilustrado que vivió a finales de la era mogol.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1338

Thanks for this awesome card Akhil!

INDIA - Churches and Convents of Goa

Postal enviada por  Akhil en un Direct swap.

Envío - 16 de Octubre del 2016.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1986

The churches and convents of Goa, the former capital of the Portuguese Indies – particularly the Church of Bom Jesus, which contains the tomb of St Francis-Xavier – illustrate the evangelization of Asia. These monuments were influential in spreading forms of Manueline, Mannerist and Baroque art in all the countries of Asia where missions were established.

Antigua capital de la India portuguesa, Goa ha conservado un conjunto de iglesias y conventos ilustrativo de la actividad evangelizadora de los misioneros católicos en Asia. Destaca la iglesia del Buen Jesús, donde se halla la sepultura de San Francisco Javier. Estos monumentos religiosos contribuyeron poderosamente a la difusión del estilo manuelino, el manierismo y el barroco en todos los países de Asia donde había misiones religiosas establecidas.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/707

Thanks for the card and the nice stamps Akhil!

INDIA - Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

Postal enviada por Nagi en un "Direct swap".

Envío - 29 de Octubre del 2015.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1987

Pattadakal, in Karnataka, represents the high point of an eclectic art which, in the 7th and 8th centuries under the Chalukya dynasty, achieved a harmonious blend of architectural forms from northern and southern India. An impressive series of nine Hindu temples, as well as a Jain sanctuary, can be seen there. One masterpiece from the group stands out – the Temple of Virupaksha, built c. 740 by Queen Lokamahadevi to commemorate her husband's victory over the kings from the South.

Situado en el Estado de Karnataka, el sitio de Pattadakal ilustra el apogeo del arte ecléctico que logró sintetizar armónicamente las formas arquitectónicas del norte y el sur de la India en los siglos VII y VIII, bajo la dinastía de los Châlukya. El sitio comprende un conjunto impresionante de nueve templos hinduistas y un santuario jainista. Dentro del conjunto destaca una obra maestra excepcional, el templo de Virûpâksha, que fue erigido hacia el año 740 por la reina Lokamahadevi para conmemorar la victoria de su esposo en una batalla contra los soberanos de los reinos meridionales.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/239

Thanks for the card and the beautiful stamps Nagi!

INDIA - Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

Postal enviada por travellersid en un UNESCO vs WORLD RR.

Envío - 11 de Noviembre del 2015.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 2003

The Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka are in the foothills of the Vindhyan Mountains on the southern edge of the central Indian plateau. Within massive sandstone outcrops, above comparatively dense forest, are five clusters of natural rock shelters, displaying paintings that appear to date from the Mesolithic Period right through to the historical period. The cultural traditions of the inhabitants of the twenty-one villages adjacent to the site bear a strong resemblance to those represented in the rock paintings.

Los refugios rupestres naturales de Bhimbetka están situados al pie de los montes Vindhyan, al sur de la meseta central de la India. Cinco conjuntos de esos refugios están situados dentro de enormes afloramientos de arenisca que emergen en el suelo de un bosque relativamente espeso. Todos ellos contienen pinturas de épocas sucesivas, que se escalonan sin interrupción desde el Periodo Mesolítico hasta los tiempos históricos. En las 21 aldeas que circundan el sitio viven poblaciones cuyas costumbres se asemejan a las representadas en las pinturas rupestres.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/925

Thanks for the card and the stamps Sid! I love it!

INDIA - Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat

Postal enviada por K.R. Bhat en un "Direct swap".

Envío - 09 de Setiembre del 2015.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 2014

Rani-ki-Vav, on the banks of the Saraswati River, was initially built as a memorial to a king in the 11th century AD. Stepwells are a distinctive form of subterranean water resource and storage systems on the Indian subcontinent, and have been constructed since the 3rd millennium BC. They evolved over time from what was basically a pit in sandy soil towards elaborate multi-storey works of art and architecture. Rani-ki-Vav was built at the height of craftsmens’ ability in stepwell construction and the Maru-Gurjara architectural style, reflecting mastery of this complex technique and great beauty of detail and proportions. Designed as an inverted temple highlighting the sanctity of water, it is divided into seven levels of stairs with sculptural panels of high artistic quality; more than 500 principle sculptures and over a thousand minor ones combine religious, mythological and secular imagery, often referencing literary works. The fourth level is the deepest and leads into a rectangular tank 9.5 m by 9.4 m, at a depth of 23 m. The well is located at the westernmost end of the property and consists of a shaft 10 m in diameter and 30 m deep.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/922

Thanks for the card and the great stamps K.R. Bhat!

INDIA - Sun Temple, Konârak

Postal enviada por  Prashant en un Direct swap.

Envío - 12 de Setiembre del 2015.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1984

On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, bathed in the rays of the rising sun, the temple at Konarak is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya's chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses. Built in the 13th century, it is one of India's most famous Brahman sanctuaries.

Situado a orillas del golfo de Bengala y bañado por los rayos del sol naciente, el Templo del Sol es una representación monumental del carro del dios sol, Surya, con sus veinticuatro ruedas esculpidas con un sinfín motivos simbólicos y su tiro de seis caballos. Construido en el siglo XIII, este templo es uno de los más celebres santuarios brahmánicos de la India.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/246

Thanks for the card and the nice stamps Pranshath!

INDIA - Agra Fort

Postal enviada por Prashantth en un "Direct swap".

Envío - 05 de Agosto del 2016.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1983

Near the gardens of the Taj Mahal stands the important 16th-century Mughal monument known as the Red Fort of Agra. This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses, within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. It comprises many fairy-tale palaces, such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal, built by Shah Jahan; audience halls, such as the Diwan-i-Khas; and two very beautiful mosques.

Situado cerca de los jardines del Taj Mahal, el Fuerte Rojo de Agra es un importante monumento mogol del siglo XVII. Construida con piedra arenisca roja, esta imponente ciudadela encierra en su recinto amurallado de 2,5 km de perímetro un gran número de palacios maravillosos, como el de Jahangir o el Khas Mahal, construido por Shah Jahan, edificios para audiencias, como el Diwan-i-Khas, y dos hermosas mezquitas.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/251

Thanks for the awesome card and the stamps Prashantth!

INDIA - Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks

Postal enviada por Sita en un "Direct swap".

Envío - 18 de Octubre del 2016.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1988
EXTENSION: 2005

Nestled high in West Himalaya, India’s Valley of Flowers National Park is renowned for its meadows of endemic alpine flowers and outstanding natural beauty. This richly diverse area is also home to rare and endangered animals, including the Asiatic black bear, snow leopard, brown bear and blue sheep. The gentle landscape of the Valley of Flowers National Park complements the rugged mountain wilderness of Nanda Devi National Park. Together they encompass a unique transition zone between the mountain ranges of the Zanskar and Great Himalaya, praised by mountaineers and botanists for over a century and in Hindu mythology for much longer.

Encaramado a gran altura en la cordillera del Himalaya Occidental, el Parque Nacional del Valle de las Flores es reputado por la extraordinaria belleza de su paisaje de praderas con flora alpina endémica. Es un sitio de rica biodiversidad que alberga especies animales raras, o en peligro, como el oso negro de Asia, el leopardo de las nieves, el oso pardo y la oveja azul del Himalaya o baral. La suavidad de sus perspectivas complementa el paisaje agreste de montañas escarpadas del Parque Nacional de Nanda Devi. Ambos parques abarcan una zona de transición, única en su género, entre la cadena montañosa del Zanskar y la Cordillera del Gran Himalaya, que ha sido ensalzada por su excepcional hermosura en los relatos ancestrales de la mitología hindú y, desde hace un siglo, por botánicos y alpinistas.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/335

Thanks for the card and the beautiful stamps Sita!

INDIA - Great Living Chola Temples

Postal enviada por Prashanth en un Direct swap.

Envío - 19 de Junio del 2016.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1987
EXTENSION: 2004

The Great Living Chola Temples were built by kings of the Chola Empire, which stretched over all of south India and the neighbouring islands. The site includes three great 11th- and 12th-century Temples: the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram, built by Rajendra I, was completed in 1035. Its 53-m vimana (sanctum tower) has recessed corners and a graceful upward curving movement, contrasting with the straight and severe tower at Thanjavur. The Airavatesvara temple complex, built by Rajaraja II, at Darasuram features a 24-m vimana and a stone image of Shiva. The temples testify to the brilliant achievements of the Chola in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting.

Los grandes templos vivientes fueron construidos por los reyes del Imperio de Chola, que llegaron a dominar toda la parte meridional de la India y sus islas adyacentes El sitio comprende tres grandes santuarios cholas de los siglos XI y XII: el Templo de Brihadisvara en Thanjavur, el Templo de Brihadisvara en Gangaikondacholisvaram y el Templo de Airavatesvara en Darasuram. El Templo de Gangaikondacholisvaram, edificado por orden de Rajendra I, fue terminado el año 1035. Las esquinas de su vimana (torre-santuario) de 53 metros de altura están rebajadas, gracias a lo cual el edificio cobra un gracioso movimiento ascensional ondulante que contrasta con las líneas rectas y austeras de la torre del templo de Thanjavur. El conjunto arquitectónico del Templo de Airavatesvara, construido por el rey Rajaraja II en Darasuram, posee un vimana de 24 metros de altura, así como una escultura en piedra de Siva. Los tres templos constituyen un testimonio de los brillantes logros del Imperio Chola en los campos de la arquitectura, la escultura, la pintura y el arte de trabajar el bronce.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/250

Thanks for the card and the nice stamps Prashanth! Like always!

INDIA - Elephanta Caves

Postal enviada por  Akhil en un Direct swap.

Envío - 16 de Octubre del 2016.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1987

The 'City of Caves', on an island in the Sea of Oman close to Bombay, contains a collection of rock art linked to the cult of Shiva. Here, Indian art has found one of its most perfect expressions, particularly the huge high reliefs in the main cave.

Situada en una isla del mar de Omán, frente a la costa de (antes, Bombay), la “ciudad de las grutas” es un conjunto monumental rupestre característico del culto a Siva. El arte indio ha logrado aquí una de sus expresiones más perfectas, sobre todo en los gigantescos altorrelieves que ornan la gruta principal.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/244

Thanks for the card and the stamps Akhil! Awesome like always!

INDIA - Ellora Caves

Postal enviada por  K . B. Dessai en un "Direct swap".

Envío - 26 de Agosto del 2015.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1983

These 34 monasteries and temples, extending over more than 2 km, were dug side by side in the wall of a high basalt cliff, not far from Aurangabad, in Maharashtra. Ellora, with its uninterrupted sequence of monuments dating from A.D. 600 to 1000, brings the civilization of ancient India to life. Not only is the Ellora complex a unique artistic creation and a technological exploit but, with its sanctuaries devoted to Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism, it illustrates the spirit of tolerance that was characteristic of ancient India.

Situados cerca de Aurangabad (Estado de Maharashtra), los 34 monasterios y templos de este sitio se alinean, uno junto a otro, a lo largo de 2 km, en la pared del alto farallón basáltico en la que fueron excavados. El sitio hace revivir la antigua civilización de la India gracias a la secuencia ininterrumpida de sus monumentos, que datan de los siglos VII a XI. La realización de este conjunto monumental de calidad artística excepcional fue una verdadera proeza técnica. Con sus santuarios budistas, brahmánicos y jainistas, Ellora ilustra también el espíritu de tolerancia característico de la India antigua. Su ininterrumpida secuencia de creación, que se extiende desde el año 600 al 1000, es una brillante muestra de esa civilización.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/243

Thanks for the card and for the beautiful stamps!

INDIA - Keoladeo National Park

Postal enviada por Prashantt en un UNESCO tag

Envío - 15 de Octubre de 2016.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1985

This former duck-hunting reserve of the Maharajas is one of the major wintering areas for large numbers of aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia. Some 364 species of birds, including the rare Siberian crane, have been recorded in the park.

Antiguo coto de caza de patos de los marajás, este parque es una de los más importantes lugares de invernada para un sinfín de aves acuáticas que emigran desde Afganistán, Turkmenistán, China y Siberia. Entre las 364 especies registradas figuran algunas tan poco comunes como la grulla siberiana.
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/340

Thanks for this card Prashantt !

INDIA - Sundarbans National Park

Postal enviada a cambio de una UNESCO española.

Envío - 26 de Agosto del 2015.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 1987

Wartburg Castle blends superbly into its forest surroundings and is in many ways 'the ideal castle'. Although it has retained some original sections from the feudal period, the form it acquired during the 19th-century reconstitution gives a good idea of what this fortress might have been at the height of its military and seigneurial power. It was during his exile at Wartburg Castle that Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German.

La fortaleza de Wartburgo, magníficamente integrada en el paisaje de bosques que la circundan, es en cierto modo el “castillo ideal”. Conserva algunas de sus elementos primigenios, que datan la época feudal. Su perfil actual es producto de las reconstituciones efectuadas en el siglo XIX y evoca lo que debió ser esta fortaleza en tiempos del apogeo del poderío militar de sus señores. Martín Lutero tradujo aquí el Nuevo Testamento del griego al alemán.
-http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/897

El espacio UNESCO habitat de los tigres de Bengala! En el reverso me ha pegado un par de sellos de Ghandi, uno de jovencito (superior) y un par en su época anciana (inferior), creo que como nosotros con Juanca en España, sus sellos más pequeñitos (1,2,5 céntimos) muestran a este personaje como un estándar. 

Thanks for sending me this marvelous card ! 

INDIA - Hill Forts of Rajasthan

Postal enviada por K. R. Bhat en un "you choose" tag.

Envío - 09 de Setiembre del 2015.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 2013

The serial site, situated in the state of Rajastahan, includes six majestic forts in Chittorgarh; Kumbhalgarh; Sawai Madhopur; Jhalawar; Jaipur, and Jaisalmer. The ecclectic architecture of the forts, some up to 20 kilometres in circumference, bears testimony to the power of the Rajput princely states that flourished in the region from the 8th to the 18th centuries. Enclosed within defensive walls are major urban centres, palaces, trading centres and other buildings including temples that often predate the fortifications within which developed an elaborate courtly culture that supported learning, music and the arts. Some of the urban centres enclosed in the fortifications have survived, as have many of the site's temples and other sacred buildings. The forts use the natural defenses offered by the landscape: hills, deserts, rivers, and dense forests. They also feature extensive water harvesting structures, largely still in use today.

Parece que existe una serie de postales en la India que muestran el conjunto de lugares UNESCO, porque casi todas las que me llegan de allí tienen un formato parecido. El sello de la postal me ha encantado, mostrando un tipo de tortuga endémica de la zona y además en formato triangular! 

Tal vez lo único que no me ha acabado de chocar es el comentario, es de las pocas cosas que me disgustan de cambiar postales y es la necesidad frenética por intercambiar postales, hasta el punto que el comentario (único) de la postal se refiere a poder conseguir más de ellas. Por supuesto que yo colecciono postales, pero me gusta que cada postal tenga un trocito interesante aparte de la muestra grafica; cualquier cosa me vale, una anécdota, un chiste o un dato curioso (o incluso un dibujito o pegatinas!), pero no oferta de transacción, para ello ya hay otros medios. Es el contenido lo que me gusta, por encima de la propia postal, y este tipo de frases solo devalúa el concepto e idea original del intercambiar postales, mostrando una enorme falta de interés en aportarle algo al receptor y transformándose en lo que yo cito como "postal egoísta".

Thanks for the card K . R. Bhat.

INDIA - Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area

Postal enviada por Sita a cambio de  una UNESCO española.

Envío - 18 de Octubre del 2016.

INSCRIPTION/INSCRITO: 2014

This National Park in the western part of the Himalayan Mountains in the northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh is characterized by high alpine peaks, alpine meadows and riverine forests. The 90,540 ha property includes the upper mountain glacial and snow meltwater sources of several rivers, and the catchments of water supplies that are vital to millions of downstream users. The GHNPCA protects the monsoon-affected forests and alpine meadows of the Himalayan front ranges. It is part of the Himalaya biodiversity hotspot and includes twenty-five forest types along with a rich assemblage of fauna species, several of which are threatened. This gives the site outstanding significance for biodiversity conservation.

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1406

Thankyou very much Sita for the card!