UNIQUE POST OFFICES IN INDIA
1.Srinagar: The Floating Post Office
Starting top north, we have an intricately designed post office in the serene Dal Lake in Kashmir that opens to breathtaking views of the snow-clad PirPanjalmountains. Known as the floating post office, it was initially known as the Nehru Park post office.
2.Hikkim: The Highest Post Office
Driving further down from Srinagar, we have the world’s highest post office established at 15,500 ft in Hikkim district in Himachal Pradesh. Established in 1983, the small cottage with a red postbox placed outside is the only conduit for villagers in the area who otherwise do not have easy access to phone networks and internet connection.
3.Kolkata: The First Post Office
Skip to the eastern parts, and we come across the country’s first-ever post office that was launched in Kolkata in 1774 by Warren Hastings. Constructed in four years, the building was designed by Walter B Granville who charged 6.5 lakh rupees in those days.
4.Munnar: The Oldest Postal Number
Down south in Kerala, a small metal postbox completed 100 years of its service last year. Known as Postal Number 9 (PB No 9), it was set up during the 1920s when the country was witnessing a national uproar. The oldest postal number in the country has helped generations of locals in Munnar send their letters to people residing outside.
5.Nagpur: The Heritage Post Office
We have the Nagpur GPO, the mother institution of the postal circle of the Central Provinces. It was declared a national heritage by the Indian government in 1994. The Nagpur GPO, an amazingly beautiful two storied building built in the Victorian style was once the seat of the erstwhile Post Master General of Central Provinces and Berar.
6.Mumbai: The Biggest Post Office
Lastly, on the west coast of Maharashtra, we have the Mumbai GPO established in 1794 by the then Postmaster General, Mr. Charles Elphinstone. Designed in Indo-Saracenic style, the post office was envisioned by architect John Begg in 1902. It took nine years to build the 120,000 square feet property that houses two-spacious floors, a business hall with 101 counter positions, and a central hall that rises to a large dome.
