Udagamandalam HPO

The history of Udagamandalam HPO dates back to 1826, when the first Post Office was opened with a modest staff comprising a writer and two delivery peons. Although there are no clear records of its original location, the earliest town plan of Ootacamund (1829) marks a building—later used as the Post Office—as a Government Bungalow. By November 1833, records indicate that the Post Office was functioning from Ray’s House.

In its early years, postal operations were conducted from a travellers’ bungalow described as a small and inadequate structure with just three rooms. Despite its modest condition, it served postal purposes for many years. In 1866, the entire building came under the control of the Postal Department, which continued to use it until 1878. At that point, it was decided to demolish a substantial portion of the old structure and construct a combined Post and Telegraph Office on the same site.

The Post Office shifted to its present premises in December 1883. Along with the Telegraph Office and Law Courts, it forms an attractive cluster of ornamental colonial-era buildings on Mount Road, reflecting the architectural heritage of the region.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

As part of the celebrations leading up to INDIPEX-2011 – World Philatelic Exhibition, India Post issued a commemorative postage stamp on Postal Heritage Buildings, honoring the historical significance of Udagamandalam HPO.