Dak bungalow

A dak bungalow, dak-house or dâk-bungalow was a government building in British India under Company Rule and the Raj.

The dak bungalows carried on a tradition of caravanserais, dharamshalas, and other guesthouses erected by Indian rulers for both Hindu and Muslim pilgrims.

[1] The India Office possesses a diary with the entry for 25 November 1676 noting "It was thought fitt... to sett up Bungales or Hovells... for all such English in the Company's Service as belong to their Sloopes & Vessells".

[2] The buildings provided free accommodation for government officials [5] and, upon their permission, "incomparably cheap" lodging for other travellers.

"[13] Many dak bungalows fell into disrepair or were later replaced by circuit houses,[5] although some have been maintained and continue in use, as the lodges at the Sipahijola and Radhanagari wildlife sanctuaries.