A Complete Travel Guide to Lansdowne, Uttarakhand

Lansdowne is a small hill station of the Pauri district in Uttarakhand. It is situated on Kotdwara - Pauri Road at the height of 1,750 Mts., Lansdowne is a very beautiful place to visit. Lansdowne is one of the quietest and unexplored hill stations in India. Lansdowne was once a very popular hill station during British Raj.

By thick oak and blue pine forests offering great mountain views, Lansdowne is a charming place for a quiet holiday as it is devoid of the usual hustle-bustle of other hill stations in Uttarakhand. Lansdowne was originally a popular hill station with the British. Attracted by its healthy climate and natural beauty, they established a cantonment here. The famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army has its command office here.

Lansdowne has been subbed for many a thing - a honeymoon holiday, a weekend getaway, a hot destination, a Christmas and new year vacation - you need to visit to understand the charm of this hamlet!

About Lansdowne

Lansdowne originally knows as Kaludanda - Kala means Black & Danda means Hills, was founded and named after Lord Lansdowne the Viceroy of India in 1887. The area saw significant development as it was used by the British as the Recruits Training center of the Garhwal Rifles. Currently, Lansdowne is the command office for the Garhwal Rifles division of the Indian Army.

Why Visit Lansdowne

Lansdowne has architecturally stunning buildings. They were built during Britishers. Lansdowne is well preserved by the Government and Garhwal Rifles and an ideal location for eco-tourism.

There is a road named - Cool road between Jaiharikhal and Lansdowne where Indians were not allowed during British times. There was a parallel road for the Indians' movement.

The spotless surroundings and the amazing weather of Lansdowne encourage many tourists to indulge in meditation. One can enjoy many activities such as trekking, bird watching, boating, etc.

This place also offers a marvelous view of the sunrise and sunset, accompanied by the tangy hues of the sun. Some of the famous tourist attractions of Lansdowne are the Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial, Garhwali Mess, Regimental Museum, Kaleshwar Temple, St. Mary's Church, Bhulla Tal, Tip-in-Top, and Bhim Pakora.

For excursions, one can visit the Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple and Bhairav Garhi temple. Lansdowne is a perfect weekend getaway as it is the closest hill station from Delhi NCR region. The best time to visit this place is between the months of March to November.

Weather in Lansdowne

Weather in Lansdowne is pleasant in the months August-March and Sunny in summers with a maximum temperature of 30 degrees Celsius and in winters it could go down below zero. The monsoon season is full of rain often disrupts the routes due to landslide sometimes but the lush green forest and mountains make you look away from the inconveniences.

Best time to visit

One can visit Lansdowne throughout the year other than monsoon season. April - May are best but the post-monsoon season is just amazing. Winters here are chilly but not harsh and one can enjoy laid back fun. However it does snow sometimes, not frequent, so should not consider that if you are going to experience snowy winters here.

How to reach Lansdowne

Lansdowne is very well connect by Road, Air, and Train. It is hardly 250 kms away from Delhi which make it perfect weekend getaway by any medium of transportation. It is situated on NH-119.

By Air
The airport in Dehradoon by the name of Jolly Grant is closest to Lansdowne at 150km away. The airport is well served with flights from almost all the major airports of the country. After landing at Jolly grant airport one can easily hire a cab to reach Lansdowne.

By Rail
Kotdwara has the nearest train station to Lansdowne at 44 km away. Lansdowne is almost at one and a half-hour drive from the station. You can easily hire a cab or a shared taxi from here. The route from here to Lansdowne is very scenic and is quite steep. While enjoying the scenic beauty on the way to Lansdowne you can make a stop for tea in the midst of the beautiful pine tree forest.

By Road
Lansdowne is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Kotdwar and Dugadda are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Lansdowne are available from Kotdwar, Dugadda, Pauri, and other major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Lansdowne is connected with National Highway 119.

The best way to get to Lansdowne by road is as follows:
Stage 1: From Delhi to Meerut 70 km, Mawana 30 km, Bessuna-Ramraj-Meerapur

Stage 2: Take the Right turn from here for Bijnor-Kiratpur 16 km, Najibabad 17 km, Kotdwara 25 km, Dogadda 15 Kms.

Stage 3: 2 km from Doggada there is a T Junction. Take the RIGHT Turn on the Lansdowne road (the left turn goes to Pauri).

Things to do - Local Attractions

At an elevation of about 1780 mt. from sea level, Lansdowne is a quiet hill-station in Pauri District of Uttarakhand. Lansdowne is a unique tourist place with many attractions. Further, each of these attractions has a host of fascinating things to do in Lansdowne and must-have experiences. Lansdowne is one of the lesser-known hill stations in India. From camping and trekking to leisurely walks and lazy sunsets - there is a mix-bag of activities to choose from!

Bhulla Tal Lake
One of the most favorite picnic spots among locals and tourists, Bhulla lake is a well-maintained serene lake made and maintained by the Indian Army. Bhulla Lake is loved for its tranquil atmosphere as it is not much populated and there are ample boating facilities available here.

Tip N Top
Tip N Top, also known as tiffin top, is a small hilltop viewpoint located 1.5 km from the main city of Garhwal. This is the best place to watch the complete skyline, Shivalik range, panoramic Garhwal hills with majestic Himalayan range.

St. John's Church
Located at Mall Road this Catholic Church was built in 1936. The beautiful interiors and green surroundings of the church attract tourists and make it a must-visit destination.

Darwan Singh Regimental Museum
Named after Victoria Cross holder Darwan Singh Negi, it is a historical defense museum located near the parade ground in Lansdowne. This beautifully decorated two-story building has a collection of arms, uniforms, rarest photographs of army generals, certificates, and details about the origin and achievements of Garhwal Rifles.

Bhim Pakora
Bhim Pakora can be reached after a 2km trek downhill on a rough path and the place is quite surprising as there are two big stones one above the other in perfect balance and while the stone can be moved with a finger it never falls down.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev Mandir
Located atop a hill at 2092 meters, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is believed to be one of the ancient holy sites or SiddhaPitas dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Mahashivarathri festival draws a huge crowd from across the country.

Snow Viewpoint and Hawaghar Snow Viewpoint and Hawaghar are beautiful vantage points in Lansdowne that can be visited by undertaking a short trek. The view from the top is totally worth the effort and energy. The snow-capped mighty peaks, verdant green forests, and a bird's eye view of the valley below are sure to mesmerize you. Trekking to these spots is one of the most surreal and thrilling things to do in Lansdowne.

Kalaghar Tiger Reserve
Kalagarh Tiger Reserve is another wildlife sanctuary 13 km from Lansdowne which is rich in flora and fauna. Sprawling over 300 sq km, the reserve actually forms the northern end of Jim Corbett Park. Apart from the regular spotting of tigers, you can also spot barking deer, hog deer, goral, sambhar, porcupines, and other varied exotic animals.

The War Memorial
Located at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center, this is a beautiful monument to visit. However, keep in mind that you will need to obtain prior permission from the military to visit. Garhwal Rifles War Memorial was established in 1923 by Lord Rawlinson of Trent (Commander in Chief, India). Ideally, you should spend an hour- two hours here exploring.

Nature Walk
Nature walking is one of the most prime things to do in Lansdowne. Walking amidst the verdant green forests with a stunning view of the hills and the backdrop and beautiful valleys, the experience is beyond explanation. You will find tiny trails on the way leading you further inside the woods. You can also spot exotic flora and fauna while you are at it.

What to eat in Lansdowne

Since the town is not very popular, you will not find five-star restaurants or eateries in Lansdowne. However, there are some good restaurants where you can enjoy tasty and hygienic food at cheap prices, like Tipsy, Mayur, and Oaktown's Flavor.

You can also check out Kaludanda Cafe, popular for snacks and dosas. Zaya Restaurant near Gandhi Chowk is a budget eatery where you can get vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian food at reasonable prices. The place is perfect for backpackers and people traveling on a budget.

Travel Cafe is a unique shop, with intimate decor and ambiance inspired by the late 70s. You will find several references to pop culture and vintage things here. Some of the more expensive hotels and resorts do have in-house restaurants that feature mouth-watering cuisines. Additionally, there are several roadside dhabas where you can get a plate of piping hot Indian curries, noodles, and momos.

Places to stay in Lansdowne

Lansdowne has many places to stay. One can find luxury as well as budget hotels. Additionally, two government-owned guesthouses (GMVN) are also present.

Submission

The serene Lansdowne is suited for people who are tired of the hustle-bustle of metro city life and want to enjoy the quiet natural beauty of the Himalayas. Untouched by mass tourism and an epitome of serenity, Lansdowne is perfect for rejuvenating your mind and reconnecting with yourself. Book your travel today and enjoy a vacation of introspection and rumination. Enjoy the temperate climate and some leisure to rejuvenate and relax!