Home / Uttarakhand / Lansdowne

Lansdowne

Lansdowne is an unspoiled expanse of lush greenery nestled in the Himalayas, a quiet town with old-world colonial charm. The hill station is surrounded by pines and oaks and sits at a height of 1,700 meters. The entire hill station is surrounded by charming churches, flowering thickets, springs, and ponds. Lansdowne was founded in 1887 as a British cantonment due to its pleasant climate, and is named after the then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne. Enjoy Things to do in Lansdowne in Uttarakhand. It is now the headquarters of the Indian Army's Garhwal Rifles. Explore the small town with a lake at its heart on foot, take nature walks to discover hidden temples and churches, or simply relax and enjoy the pristine mountain views.

History

Lansdowne was founded in 1887 and named after then Viceroy of India (1888-1894), Lord Lansdowne, after Kalu and Danda in Garhwali. By 1901, it had a population of 3943. The British built Lansdowne to serve as a recruit training center for the Garhwal Rifles. During the British period, Lansdowne was a focal point for freedom fighters from British Garhwal. The famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army now have their regimental center here. Lansdowne is one of India's quietest hill stations and has been popular since the British arrived. Lansdowne is distinct from other hill stations in that it is well connected by motorable roads while remaining remote in its own right. It is located in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district at an elevation of 1,706 meters above sea level, surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests.

The first battalion of the Garhwal Rifles moved from Almora to Lansdowne on November 5, 1887. In the late 1870s, Lansdowne was the only city left after Almora. After Lansdowne became popular, people from various cultures and states came to do business there. Lansdowne's buildings and church were constructed during the British period, which predates independence. Lansdowne is an ideal location for eco-tourism because it is well preserved by the Uttarakhand government and the Garhwal Rifles. Between Jaiharikhal and Lansdowne, there is a road known as Cool Road, where Indians were not permitted during British rule; it was only for Europeans. A parallel road located beneath this road was used for Indian movement.

Attractions in the area

Visitors are drawn to the War Memorial on the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center. However, prior permission from military authorities is required. Tip n Top View Point, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, which is the most visited Temple in Lansdowne and attracts thousands of devotees during the month of Indian Monsoon, Bhullatal Lake, Santoshi Mata Temple, Regimental Museum, St. Mary's Church, and Lover's Lane are all nearby attractions. Excursions from the city can take you to the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, the Bhairav Garhi Temple, and the Bhim Pakora. During the autumn season, this hill station also hosts the annual 'Sharadotsava.' The old cemetery in Kitchner Lines is one of the more mysterious locations, and some consider it to be one of the most haunted in Lansdowne. Many war veterans were laid to rest in the old cemetery, which dates back to the mid-1850s.

The Garhwal Rifles Regimental Museum, also known as Darwan Singh Sanghralaya, houses artifacts dating back to the Regiment's inception. Throughout its more than 100-year history, the Garhwal Rifles fought in two world wars and countless other battles. This museum displays many artifacts, including photographs, regimental commanders' arms, captured weapons, campaign history, and other information. Many items, including medals won by former Garhwal Rifle soldiers, have been displayed, including the Victoria Cross awarded to Darwan Singh Negi and Gabar Singh Negi. Lansdowne is also well-known for its high educational standards.

How to Get to Lansdowne

It is the closest hill station to Delhi and is accessible by road or train. The nearest railway station is Kotdwar, which is 44 kilometers away and at an elevation of 370 meters. The drive from Kotdwara to Lansdowne is quite steep and scenic because Lansdowne is more than 1,300 m higher than Kotdwara. You can stay at resorts in Lansdowne in Uttarakhand.

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, located near Dehradun and 152 kilometers away via the Kotdwar-Haridwar road.

Another option is to drive from Delhi to Lansdowne via Meerut, Bijnore, Najibabad, Kotdwar, and on to Lansdowne. It saves about 50 kilometers. The road quality has improved significantly since the opening of the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. The Garhwal Rifles have painted a large signboard with directions on rocks near the right turn off the NH-119 that leads to Lansdowne. Lansdowne is located 83 kilometers from Pauri and approximately 250 kilometers from Delhi. There are many amazing places to visit in Lansdowne in Uttarakhand.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, with its special Shivalinga and a Kund known as Gauri Kund, is 39 kilometers from Lansdowne. Before entering the temple, people take a bath in Gauri Kund. Durga Devi Temple and Jwalpa Devi Temple, both on the Pauri-Kotdwar road, are 24 and 47 kilometers away, respectively. Durga Devi Temple is one of India's oldest Siddha Pithas.

Kanvashram, a well-known landmark, is 14 kilometers from the Kotdwar railway station. Shakuntala, King Dushyanta's deserted wife, is said to have given birth to Bharata in ancient India's Rishi Kanva Ashram. After his father died, Bharata became king and gave India the name 'Bharat' in Sanskrit.

Lansdowne had a population of 7902 according to the 2001 India census. Males make up 64% of the population, while females make up 36%. Lansdowne has a higher literacy rate than the national average of 74%, with male literacy at 91% and female literacy at 79%. Lansdowne has 9% of its population under the age of six.

Lansdowne, an elegant hilly destination, is only a short distance from Kotdwar. Lansdowne, the Garhwal Regiment's home, is a clean and beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal District. It is one of those vacation spots where your mind and body can get away from the daily grind of the 9-6 office grind. Lansdowne has a scenic view of mountain ranges and snow-capped peaks, which justifies why nature lovers should make the trip to this destination.

Lansdowne is an ideal destination for a relaxing vacation or a cozy honeymoon, as this beautiful place adorned with blue pine trees and Colonial style architecture provides a soothing and romantic ambiance. Try the thrilling Adventure activities in Lansdowne in Uttarakhand.

The hill station also has a small artificial lake where you can go boating, and don't forget to walk to the Tip-in-Top for spectacular views of the Shivalik Range; seeing St Mary's Church en route is a bonus. Shopping for leather products at Javed Boot House in Lansdowne can also be a memorable experience. Apart from that, Lansdowne, like other hill stations in Uttarakhand, is an excellent bird watching destination and a great starting point for some nice hikes in the hills.

Our Lansdowne travel guide is jam-packed with information on the best places to visit and amazing things to do, making it an absolute must-have for anyone looking for an exceptional travel experience. Tour My India also handcrafts various holiday packages for you, ensuring a vacation unlike any other. Contact Sea Water Sports to know more about the Speciality in Lansdowne in Uttarakhand.

When is the best time to visit Lansdowne?

Lansdowne has pleasant summers and cold winters. However, if you want to visit this place, the months of March to November are the best. Summers from March to June are pleasant because of the pleasant temperature, whereas winters from December to February can send shivers down your spine due to the below-zero temperatures. Aside from that, the monsoon is quite nice and makes the place look quite fresh and amazing.

Popular Tourist Attractions and Activities in and Around Lansdowne

Tip-in-Top

Tip-in-Top is a hill point 2.1 kilometers from Lansdowne. It is also known as Hill Top Picnic Spot and offers spectacular views of the mountain range.

Bhulla Tal

Bhulla Tal is a beautiful lake in Lansdowne that not only families and children can enjoy while boating or sitting by the lake.

St. Mary’s Church

It is a beautiful British-era church located on the way to the famous viewing point Tiffin Top.

Kaleshwar Temple

The Kaleshwar Temple is a significant Hindu shrine in Lansdowne. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is popular among both locals and visitors.

Garhwali Mess

It is thought to be the town's oldest structure. It represents the Garhwal regiment's century-old heritage.

Kalagarh Tiger Reserve

A tiger reserve is located 13.2 kilometers from Lansdowne in the Pauri Garhwal division. The reserve is home to a variety of birds and animals, in addition to tigers.

Lansdowne Activities

1. Camping

Camping is one of the best things to do in Lansdowne. Avoid hotel rooms and break free from the stereotypical way of vacationing by going overnight camping and participating in adventure activities in Lansdowne. Lansdowne has lush green open lands that are ideal for pitching your tent for a night or two, sitting around the bonfire, and dining al fresco. So, what are you holding out for? Pack your belongings and come to Lansdowne to experience the magic of camping.

2. Bhulla Lake Boat Ride

Bhulla Taal, one of the most important tourist attractions in Lansdowne, is a small and peaceful man-made lake maintained by the Indian Army. It is dedicated to the young men of the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Take a boat tour of this beautiful lake and bring your cameras because you will see lazy swimming ducks in the lake and agile rabbits hopping around the banks. There is also an amusement park, which is a lot of fun. Those who have visited this lake, believe it or not, always have some interesting stories to tell.

3. Snow Viewpoint Trek

Allow the hiker in you to emerge, as Lansdowne is an ideal location for hiking and trekking. Many treks are launched from this small town into the hillside due to its geographical location. The treks range from short hiking trails to longer climbs that can last up to 2-3 days. The most popular treks here go up to Snow Viewpoint and Hawaghar.

The pleasure of witnessing breathtaking scenery from Snow Viewpoint and Hawaghar is what makes trekking tours one of the best things to do in Lansdowne. Make sure to photograph the photogenic snow-capped mountains with clear blue skies and feel the wind in your hair.

4. Tip N Top Hiking

Tip n Top, also known as Tiffin Top, is a clean and serene place located on the ridge near St. Mary's Church and is a popular tourist attraction in Lansdowne. Tip n Top viewpoint has it all to be a perfect place to hang out, whether it's a romantic spot for lovebirds, a haven for nature lovers, or a picnic spot for families and kids. Hiking is one of the most enjoyable activities in Lansdowne.

You can hike to Tip n Top view point and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding Shivalik Hills and snow-covered Himalayas that will leave you speechless.

5. Nature Walk

"All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking," Friedrich Nietzsche said, and it seems even more true as you walk through the forests of pine and oak trees on the hills of Lansdowne. Enjoy the fresh air, singing birds, animal sounds, humming of insects on the forest floor, and every bit of nature in its purest form as you ramble through Lansdowne's lonely paths.

Walking and walking and doing nothing else may not appear to be as exciting, but it is one of the most peaceful and rejuvenating things to do in Lansdowne for many tourists. Take photographs of your nature walk, create leaf art, sketch whatever inspires you, or simply sit in some open space and read your favorite book. Lansdowne is heaven for those who love the outdoors.

6. Birdwatching

When you look up, you see more than just the clear blue sky and towering pine trees. Lansdowne also attracts a diverse range of migratory birds, including the northern shoveler, ruddy shelduck, northern pintail, red-crested pochard, common merganser, and many more. These adorable creatures flock to this location from all over the world, and whether or not you are a nature enthusiast, you will enjoy bird watching. Use your cameras wisely!

7. Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya

This is a beautifully decorated two-story historical defense museum dedicated to Darwan Singh Negi, a Naik in the Garhwal Rifles and recipient of the prestigious Victoria Cross for gallantry. This museum contains some little-known facts about the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. This 33-year-old museum, which is also a popular Lansdowne attraction, has a collection of old uniforms, photographs, certificates, arms, and ammunition that will make you feel like a kid again.

Where Should You Stay in Lansdowne?

In Lansdowne, you can stay in a comfortable hotel, inn, or resort. There are a variety of accommodations available, ranging from budget to luxury. Lansdowne is still relatively uncommercialized, so it is not overrun with hotels. A few good hotels are located a short distance from the main hill station, and one or two colonial style hotels are located within the premises.

How to Get to Lansdowne

Lansdowne is well-connected to neighboring cities and states via highways. NH 119 is the route through Delhi that will take you directly to the location. As a result, highways are the best way to get here.

By Air

If you are flying, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 148 kilometers from Lansdowne.

By Railway

Tourists who prefer to travel by train must disembark at Kotdwar, which is 40 kilometers from Lansdowne.

By Road

Lansdowne is connected to major cities such as Delhi by a network of well-maintained roads. The best connectivity is provided by National Highway 119. Those taking the bus can get off at Kotdwar, where private and shared cabs to Lansdowne are available.