Article courtesy of Viory.Video
Gently bobbing on the waters of Dal Lake in Srinagar, a century-old houseboat continues to serve as a vital link between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the world.
Known as the world’s ‘only floating post office’, this historic institution is not just a functional postal hub but a cherished landmark that draws travellers eager to witness a piece of living history.
Footage filmed on Thursday shows the post office operating like any land-based branch, with employees weighing parcels and sorting mail. The facility offers a full suite of postal services, allowing visitors to send unique mementoes back home.
“Right now, I am sitting in a floating post office…. I learned about this post office during my school days. So it was my long dream to visit this post office and to see how actually it is looking,” said Ayapa Das, a visitor who travelled to the lake to share the experience with his children.
Local resident Tariq Ahmad Patloo emphasised the historical weight of the site, noting, “It is a very old and historic floating post office, and the world’s only one of its kind, making it a matter of great pride for all of us because this unique post office exists only in Kashmir and continues to provide excellent service to its customers.”
The post office also plays a significant role in the local tourism economy. Tour operators frequently guide guests to the site, which has become a must-see destination for photography and cultural immersion.
“We are happy that this floating post office is located in our region. Many visitors often enquire about it, come here to visit it, and take photographs, and it is truly wonderful to have such a unique floating post office in Kashmir,” explained Ghulam Nabi, a local tour operator.
Established in 1953, the mobile postal service was created to serve houseboat communities and local residents living along the lake. The houseboat itself is over 100 years old.
While it has become a popular tourist attraction, the floating branch continues to play an important role for local communities, providing a reliable postal link for residents sending mail across the country.
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