The Floating Post Office of Srinagar – Yes It Is Real!
Srinagar, known for its picturesque Dal Lake, charming houseboats, and serene landscapes, hides a unique treasure—India’s Floating Post Office.
Situated on a traditional houseboat, this one-of-a-kind post office has become a symbol of the region’s rich cultural heritage and the innovative spirit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It’s not just a place to send or receive mail; it’s an experience that reflects the blend of tradition and modernity. Let’s dive into the world of this fascinating floating postal service.
The Floating Post Office of Srinagar – Yes It Is Real!
A Postal Service on Water
The Floating Post Office of Srinagar is a unique concept, making it the only post office of its kind in the world. This post office is located on the picturesque Dal Lake, which is a prime tourist attraction in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
The post office was inaugurated in 2011 as part of an initiative to promote tourism in the region and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kashmir. It operates as a fully functional post office offering various postal services, including sending letters, parcels, and postal stamps. The Floating Post Office also serves as a tourist information center, offering stamps, postcards, and souvenirs featuring the beautiful landscapes of Srinagar and Kashmir.
Location and Cost
The Floating Post Office is located on the beautiful Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. More specifically, it is moored near the Nigeen Lake, on a houseboat in the middle of the serene water. To visit, tourists can hire a shikara (a traditional Kashmiri boat) to reach the floating post office. The journey to the post office is an experience in itself, giving you the chance to soak in the breathtaking views of Dal Lake, the majestic Himalayan backdrop, and the local life of Srinagar.
How to Reach:
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Address: Nehru Park, Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
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Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Srinagar and the Floating Post Office is between April and October. The weather is mild and pleasant during this period, ideal for sightseeing.
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Cost of Visit: There is no entry fee to visit the Floating Post Office. However, you will need to pay for the shikara ride, which typically costs around INR 300-500 for a short ride (depending on the season and the boat operator).
Why Visit the Floating Post Office?
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Unmatched Experience: Imagine posting a letter or purchasing a stamp from a post office on water. The experience is unlike any other, especially given the picturesque setting of Dal Lake. It’s a great way to add a unique souvenir to your collection or send a postcard to loved ones back home.
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Historical Significance: The floating post office is not just a novelty; it reflects the deep-rooted cultural ties that the people of Srinagar have with water. The houseboats and shikaras have been integral to life on Dal Lake for centuries, and the post office is a modern evolution of this tradition.
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Souvenir Shopping: The Floating Post Office sells a range of souvenirs, including postcards, stamps, and Kashmiri handicrafts. These items make for excellent keepsakes or gifts, and you can pick up something uniquely Kashmiri that reminds you of the experience.
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Tourist Information Center: Apart from its postal services, the floating post office also functions as a tourist information center. If you’re new to Srinagar, you can gather brochures, maps, and details about local tourist attractions.
What Services Does the Floating Post Office Offer?
The Floating Post Office provides several services that make it an essential stop for tourists and locals alike:
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Sending Letters & Parcels: Just like any regular post office, you can send letters, postcards, and parcels. It offers both domestic and international postal services.
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Collecting Stamps: The post office sells a variety of special edition stamps showcasing the beauty of Kashmir, local landmarks, and flora and fauna. These stamps are a popular collector’s item.
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Postal Savings & Services: The floating post office also offers various savings and financial services such as recurring deposits, fixed deposits, and India Post’s popular savings schemes.
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Tourist Souvenirs: You can buy Kashmiri postcards, handicrafts, and souvenirs that highlight the cultural richness of Kashmir.
The Floating Post Office of Srinagar – Yes It Is Real! –
Interesting Facts About the Floating Post Office
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A World First: The Floating Post Office is the only one of its kind in the world, offering a postal service on a houseboat in the middle of a lake. It is truly a world’s first and a symbol of the creativity and uniqueness of Srinagar.
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Houseboat History: The houseboat used for the post office is a traditional Kashmiri ‘shikara’. This type of houseboat is deeply ingrained in the cultural identity of Kashmir. These boats have been used for residential purposes and by tourists to experience life on the water.
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Symbol of Tourism: The Floating Post Office plays an important role in promoting Kashmir tourism. It provides a new and exciting attraction for tourists, giving them a memorable experience of sending mail or buying stamps from a floating post office.
For more information about the Floating Post Office, check out these helpful links:
It’s an experience that reflects the ingenuity of the people of Kashmir and serves as a testament to their cultural connection with the lake and its surroundings. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this unique journey!
