India's Most Unusual Post Office: Floating Post Office

Tripoto
15th Dec 2018

India has the largest postal network in the world with over 1, 55,015 post offices. A single post office on an average serves a population of 7,175 people. But did you know that there is a floating post office in India too?

Photo of Dal Lake, Srinagar by Aditya Singh

Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most popular and beautiful destinations in India. It is famous among tourists and has several attractions. One of its major attractions is the Dal Lake which is known for its natural beauty, its location between mountains, and its lovely weather and ambiance. But another jewel to its crown is India’s first floating post office! The floating post office was inaugurated in August 2011.

Photo of India's Most Unusual Post Office: Floating Post Office by Aditya Singh

Since then, it has been attracting tourists from all across the country. While it is a boon to the state’s tourism, the post office is also looked like a tribute to the beautiful Dal lake. Standing on a huge houseboat, the post office also includes a philately museum and a shop that sells postage stamps among other things. These include picture postcards, greeting cards, local souvenir items, stationery and several books on Kashmir. Other services at the post office allow tourists to call and email their friends all across the world.
Another special feature of this post office is that the letters that are posted here carry a special design with pictures of scintillating landscapes of the Dal Lake and other Srinagar attractions. The museum in the post office showcases its history and several fascinating postage stamps.
The Dal Lake which is known as one of the most beautiful lakes in India conjures images of beautiful shikaras and houseboats floating against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains. This lovely floating post office just adds more to its gorgeousness!

Are you packing your bags for Srinagar anytime soon? Do not forget to send that special postcard to friends and family back home!
Happy Travelling!!
Mach's Gut