Karnataka Postal Circle to launch more philatelic passports in four districts including Bengaluru on October 10 and 11

A stone chariot in Hampi. | Photo credit: File photo

If you are a travel enthusiast, biker, philatelist or someone trying to develop new hobbies, then October is the month for you. The Karnataka Postal Circle, under the Department of Posts, will launch a new set of philatelic passports in four districts including Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru and Belagavi on October 10 and 11 on the occasion of National Postal Week.

Speaking to The Hindu, a senior official from the Karnataka Postal Circle said, “We received an overwhelming response in Bengaluru from families, travel enthusiasts, bikers and others as we sold 1,000 philatelic passports in a single day. Similarly, we got a good response in Mysuru, Mangaluru and Belagavi. But most of those who are not available in these areas are not available. The General Post Office at Cubbon Park bought them and sent them to their family members. by mail.

The official added, “We don’t want people to go through this problem, so we have shared the names of the places and districts where passports are available in advance. Besides, we don’t want people to stand in line on a working day and waste their time. So the passports will be sold on the second Saturday (October 10) and Sunday (October 11, although our ministry staff will be working on these two days).

While stressing that the department is in the process of procuring these passports, the official noted that hundreds of queries have come in from people through social media messages and calls to post offices, while some have come directly to the GPO to check availability.

“We have put up a notice at the entrance of our office and security shelters that the department is processing passports or procuring passports. Each passport costs ₹600. This time we haven’t put a bullet yet. At least 1,000 passports will be available at GPO Bengaluru on October 10 and 11. The similar number may go up to 500. Mangaluru, Mysuru and Belgavi on each of these two days,” the official informed.

For the first time, Karnataka Postal Circle has collaborated with artisans who make Channapatna handmade toys. The official said: “The goods or products such as the letter box, key ring and pen stand for postmen will be handmade and available for sale.”

There will also be postcards with a picture of GI marked Channapatna toys and some information about them. People can buy these postcards and write a letter to their loved ones.

What is a philatelic passport?

The philatelic passport contains 100 image erasures. It has natural, historical and cultural monuments including Vidhana Soudha, Bannerghatta National Park in Bengaluru, Nandi Hills, Stone Car in Hampi, Gol Gumbaz in Vijayapura, Galaganatha Temple in Pattadakal, Chaturmukha Basadin Gerusoppa, Nagarhole National Park, Kapu Lighthouse and others.

Whenever a person visits a monument or tourist location listed on this passport, they can head to the nearest designated post office and purchase a postage stamp that matches the theme of that location. The postman affixes it to the passport and presses an exclusive permanent image cancellation stamp, meaning the stamp will be unique to that particular location.

Natarajan Venkatesan, a travel enthusiast said, “I bought this passport in April 2026 and traveled to various places. Recently I got all 100 canceled pictures and submitted the passport at Bengaluru post office before September 30. I was told that the same will be recognized by the Ministry of Posts.”

Published – 28 Sep 2026 19:09 IST