What is an Inland Letter?

An Inland Letter is a highly specialized, pre-printed sheet of light-blue paper issued strictly by India Post. It is designed with a brilliant folding mechanism. You write your long, private message on the inner side of the paper. Then, following the dotted lines, you fold the paper three times and seal the edges using the pre-applied gum. The outside only displays the sender's and receiver's address.

Many people confuse the Inland Letter with a Postcard, but there is a massive difference in privacy:

• Postcard: An open, thick piece of yellow cardboard. Whatever you write on it can be openly read by the postman or anyone holding it. It is entirely public.
• Inland Letter: Because it is folded and sealed shut with gum, the message inside is 100% strictly private. Only the person who tears it open can read your private family message.

The word 'Inland' literally means 'within the borders of the country'. This highly subsidized letter is strictly meant for communication only within the physical borders of India. You absolutely cannot write an Inland Letter and post it to a relative living in America or Dubai. For international mail, you must buy an expensive 'Aerogramme'.