Nestled in the lap of Uttarakhand is a charming little hamlet, Lansdowne, which is untouched by masses and far away from the humdrum of city life. Not a lot of people know about this gorgeous hill station, and that is why it is perfect for those of you who enjoy the serenity and tranquillity of pure, unaltered nature. What’s more? You can soak in the beauty of the town anytime, as it boasts of lovely weather throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Lansdowne is between the months of April and June, when the average temperature is a pleasant 25-degrees. The town is a gem waiting to be discovered, with its rustic buildings, mesmerizing views, old-world charm, and colonial history. The best hotels in Lansdowne can be booked with ease by going online.
Locally known as Kaludanda which means black hills, the quiet and unadulterated hill station gets its name from Lord Lansdowne who was the then Viceroy of India from 1888 to 1894. He founded the town in 1887. On November 5 of that year, the first battalion of Garhwal Rifles migrated here from Almora, and that led to the development of the town as a cantonment and recruits training center.
Before independence, Lansdowne served as a base for the freedom fighters of the British Garhwal battalion. Now the command office of the Garhwal Rifles division of the Army is located here. The best hotels in Lansdowne can be booked with ease by going for online options and websites.
To understand the mystic charm of this gorgeous town, we have curated a list of the best places to visit in Lansdowne:
Just a few kilometers from the main town, Tip N Top is the highest point in the town and offers a unique vantage point for enjoying the sweeping views of the valley. The place is located 1700 meters above the sea, and you can see as far as the gorgeous Shivalik hills from here. You can stay at the GMVN hut nearby if star-gazing is your thing. The hotels in Lansdowne can be booked with ease by going for online options and websites.
The historical museum named after Victoria Cross Holder Darwan Singh Negi is a dream come true for anyone who loves the Indian army and guns. It displays a rare collection of Garhwal Rifles in twins.
Located 1 kilometer from the city center, this tranquil lake is ideal for spending a day in the lap of nature and admiring the sweeping vistas all around. The beautiful lake is very well-maintained by the locals and is perfect for enjoying boating as well. There’s also a zoo near the lake.
The Roman Catholic Church is situated on the Mall Road right next to St. Mary’s Church and boasts of calming vibes and intricate interiors inspired by British architecture. It is also the only running church in town, so you can attend Mass on Sundays. The hotels in Lansdowne can be booked with ease by going for online options and websites
Two massive stones perched on top of each other sit 2 kilometers away from the city center and attract hundreds of tourists every year because of the peculiar arrangement. The rock on the top can be moved, but cannot be pushed off even if you use your full strength. Come try your luck, if you don’t believe us!
Admire the old-world charm of this church that dates back to 1895. Originally known as a preaching center, St. Mary’s is now a museum where you can see beautiful photos dating back to the pre-independence years. The best hotels in Lansdowne are equipped with a wide range of services.
Witness the skill and bravery of the Indian Army and get a glimpse into the history and accomplishments of the Garhwal regiment at the War Memorial.
Flanked by fragrant deodar and pine trees, the Mahadev temple is located 1800 meters above sea level. It tells the story of Tarkasur, a demon who meditated at this very spot to please Lord Shiva. The verdant greenery and spiritual environment will calm your mind and please your senses.
Although the temple is 38 km outside the city, you can easily take a public transport bus to reach here. However, the temple is about 1 km away from the parking area, so you may have to walk a little bit.
The pristine surroundings of Lansdowne offer a chance to engage in several activities:
A walk through the serpentine roads of this place is highly recommended, for it is sure to leave you breathless in wonderment. Walk up to the Tiffin Top, soak in the endless beauty, and take a stroll near Snow View Point to connect with nature.
The hamlet is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers as well, as you can catch a glimpse of many vibrant birds here because of its proximity to Jim Corbett National Park. Nearly 600 species of birds migrate to this hamlet annually, and you can enjoy the spectacular plumage from anywhere in the town.
You can also enjoy boating in the man-made Bhulla Lake, or participate in water sports at the Kho River near Durga Devi Mandir.
Although not as rich in variety as Mussoorie and other hill stations, Lansdowne certainly has a good collection of souvenir shops at the Lansdowne market and Alaknanda Market. You can also get some cheap leather and suede items at Javed’s shop near the Rifles camp.
Adrenaline junkies will find exciting opportunities to indulge in thrilling sports like trekking and rock climbing in Lansdowne. Visit Malini Barrage and Kalal Ghati, or take a trek to Pauri and Kandoliya Devta Temple to enjoy the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas.
There are some areas where you can stay and enjoy the scenic views of this forgotten town:
This place is 6 km away from the city and offers a combination of a serene environment and panoramic views. All the tourist hotspots are near Jaiharikhal and you can explore the region without having to hire a taxi.
The region offers a sweeping view of the magnificent Himalayan ranges and the lush green forests of the Jim Corbett National Park. You can also see the stunning Kalahari Dam and the lovely Kho river from some of the hotels in Lansdowne. Staying here will help you connect with nature and enjoy the best of all the Lansdowne has to offer.
Gandhi Park enjoys a premium location in the town. You can enjoy unadulterated nature and fresh air in this lush garden. Additionally, you can access all the tourist attractions of the city on foot.
Surrounded by nature and tranquil vibes, the place offers a calm location for rumination and relaxation. Staying here is a truly rejuvenating experience for both the body and the mind.
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 Café, 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 Café is a unique shop, with intimate décor 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.
The best way to reach Lansdowne is via road, as the town is very well connected with all the major cities in the state. You can take a bus from New Delhi ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Kotdwar or Dugadda, and from there, buses, as well as taxis, are available to Lansdowne. The town is connected to the rest of the country via National Highway 119.
If you want to travel by air, the nearest airport is Jolly Grant situated 148 km away. Flights from Delhi to Jolly Grant ply daily, and from there, taxis are available to Lansdowne. The town is connected to the airport via motorable roads, so your journey will be comfortable and pleasant.
The nearest railway station is in Kotdwar, which is 40 km from Lansdowne. The station is connected via railway networks with all the major cities in the country, and you can take a taxi or bus from here to Lansdowne.
The serene and salubrious environment of Lansdowne is suited for people who are tired of the humdrum of everyday 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.
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