The world's only floating post office in India
India is a country of diversity and wonders, where you can find many unique and amazing places that will surprise you. One such place is the world's only floating post office, located in the beautiful city of Srinagar in Kashmir.
What is it?
The floating post office is a post office that is built on a houseboat and moored on the Dal Lake, one of the most scenic and popular attractions in Srinagar. The post office was inaugurated by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in August 2011, and has since become a tourist attraction as well as a functional postal service.
The post office offers various services to the visitors and the locals, such as sending and receiving letters, buying stamps and souvenirs, making phone calls and emails, and visiting a small museum that showcases the history and culture of Kashmir. The letters sent from the floating post office have a special seal that depicts a boatman rowing a shikara (a traditional wooden boat) on the Dal Lake.
How old is it?
The floating post office is not a new concept in Kashmir. In fact, it is said to be at least 200 years old, dating back to the British era. According to the locals, the post office was originally called Nehru Park Post Office, and was located near a park named after India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Later, it was shifted to a houseboat and renamed as the Floating Post Office by John Samuel, the then chief postmaster of Srinagar.
The floating post office has witnessed many changes and challenges over the years, such as floods, wars, and political unrest. It has also survived the 2014 floods that damaged many parts of Srinagar, including the museum inside the post office. The post office staff and the locals have worked hard to restore and maintain the post office, which has become a symbol of resilience and pride for Kashmir.
Why is it special?
The floating post office is special for many reasons. It is not only the only floating post office in India, but also in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It is also a unique example of blending tradition and modernity, as it preserves the heritage and charm of Kashmir while providing contemporary facilities and services.
The floating post office is also special because it serves as a bridge between the people and the place, as it connects the locals living on the Dal Lake with the rest of the world, and also attracts tourists from different parts of the country and abroad. The post office also contributes to the economy and the environment of Kashmir, as it supports the local handicrafts and products, and promotes the conservation and beautification of the Dal Lake.
How to visit it?
The floating post office is open from 10 am to 6 pm on all days except Sundays and public holidays. The entry fee is Rs 10 per person, and the museum fee is Rs 50 per person. The post office can be reached by taking a shikara ride from any of the ghats (steps leading to the water) on the Dal Lake. The shikara ride costs around Rs 300 to Rs 500 per hour, depending on the season and the bargaining skills.
The best time to visit the floating post office is during the spring or autumn seasons, when the weather is pleasant and the Dal Lake is full of colorful flowers and birds. The post office also looks stunning during the winter season, when the lake freezes and snow covers the mountains. However, visiting during this time may require extra precautions and preparations, as the temperature can drop below zero degrees Celsius.
The floating post office is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the beauty and culture of Kashmir. It is a place where you can send a letter to your loved ones with a touch of nature, or receive a letter from them with a touch of history. It is a place where you can learn more about the past and present of Kashmir, or simply enjoy the view and the vibe of the Dal Lake. It is a place where you can find a piece of paradise on earth.
The reviews
The floating post office has received positive reviews and feedback from both the visitors and the locals, who have appreciated its uniqueness and functionality. Here are some of the comments and ratings from various online platforms:
TripAdvisor: 4.5 out of 5 stars (based on 137 reviews)
“A must visit place in Srinagar. Very well maintained and clean. The staff is very courteous and helpful. You can buy stamps, postcards, souvenirs, etc. The museum is also very informative and interesting. A great experience.”
“This is a very special place to visit. It is not only a post office but also a museum and a souvenir shop. You can send letters to your friends and family with a special stamp of the Dal Lake. The museum has some old stamps and letters from Kashmir. The souvenir shop has some beautiful items made by the local artisans. The view of the lake from the post office is amazing.”
“This is a very unique and wonderful attraction in Srinagar. It is a real working post office on a houseboat. You can send postcards to anywhere in the world with a special seal of the Dal Lake. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The museum has some rare and old stamps and letters from Kashmir. The souvenir shop has some nice things to buy. The post office is very clean and well maintained.”
Google: 4.4 out of 5 stars.
“A very nice place to visit in Srinagar. It is a floating post office on the Dal Lake. You can send letters and postcards with a special stamp of the lake. The staff is very polite and cooperative. The museum has some old and rare stamps and letters from Kashmir. The souvenir shop has some good quality products at reasonable prices.”
“This is a very unique and beautiful place in Srinagar. It is a post office on a houseboat on the Dal Lake. You can send letters and postcards with a special stamp of the lake. The staff is very helpful and friendly. The museum has some interesting and historical stamps and letters from Kashmir. The souvenir shop has some lovely items to buy.”
“This is a very special and wonderful place in Srinagar. It is a post office on a houseboat on the Dal Lake. You can send letters and postcards with a special stamp of the lake. The staff is very courteous and professional. The museum has some valuable and old stamps and letters from Kashmir. The souvenir shop has some nice things to buy.”
Conclusion
The floating post office in Srinagar is a unique and amazing place that showcases the beauty and culture of Kashmir. It is a place where you can send and receive letters with a touch of nature and history, or buy stamps and souvenirs with a touch of art and craft. It is a place where you can learn more about the past and present of Kashmir, or simply enjoy the view and the vibe of the Dal Lake. It is a place that deserves to be visited and appreciated by everyone who loves to explore and experience new things. The floating post office is not just a post office, but a piece of paradise on earth.
Source:
(1) Visuals: World’s only Floating Post Office on Dal Lake going strong .... https://30stades.com/2021/07/25/worlds-only-floating-post-office-pictures-video-dal-lake-200-year-old-srinagar-kashmir/.
(2) Floating post office, India, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, Dal Lake. https://www.india.com/travel/articles/did-you-know-about-indias-floating-post-office-3236501/.
(3) floating post office | Times of India Travel. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/know-about-indias-one-and-only-floating-post-office-in-srinagar/articleshow/66219119.cms.
(4) Floating Post Office In Srinagar - India.Com. https://www.india.com/travel/articles/floating-post-office-in-srinagar-a-200-year-old-marvel-delivering-letters-on-boats-5560908/.
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