

Lansdowne is one of the most underrated and unexplored hill stations in the North of India. Hidden somewhere in the hills of Uttarakhand, this charming hill station is a cantonment town established since the British Raj in the Pauri Garhwal district; the presence of the Garhwal Rifles is well reflected by the cleanliness and discipline present here. It is by far the cleanest and quietest hill stations in India. Sleep in the lap of silence and get mesmerized by the disarming natural beauty, surprising charm, unadulterated fresh air, tall pine and oak trees, and age-old churches still standing here since before independence. All this together makes Lansdowne hill station a treasure trove of romance, scenic beauty, and a hidden gem.

Bhullar Lake in Lansdowne.

How to reach Lansdowne:

Best possible way to reach Lansdowne is by road which is pretty well maintained and connected with major cities like Dehradun, Delhi which is at only 228 km. To get here by flight, the nearest airport is in Dehradun. You can also avail the railways; the nearest station is in Kotdwar which is situated at a distance of 40 km from Lansdowne

Things to do in Lansdowne:

View Points: The Tip n Top point is a must visit viewpoint which renders heavenly views of the hills beyond, this place is perfect for trekking due to its interesting landscapes. You can also witness breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayas from Snow View point as well.

A View from the top of Tip n Top, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand.

Attractions:

The War Memorial: Visit the War Memorial that was unveiled in 1923, it is located at the Parade ground and is a major tourist attraction of Lansdowne. Do check out the heritage canteen, The Garhwali mess built in 1888, a must visit.

St. Mary’s Church at Lansdowne built by Lieutenant Hume of Royal Engineers.

Lakes, Temples & Churches: The town has lovely old Churches in the midst of sky touching tall pine and oak trees, St. John’s Church & St Mary Church is centuries old and still beholds beautiful architecture and a perfectly rustic look which would tempt you to get into the mood for some photography. On the other hand, the Bhulla Tal Lake is perfect with its water body and serene, scenic beauty. Indulge in spending some time with the ducks and playful rabbits or enjoy some paddle boating in the midst of solitude, you could also stop here for a quick snack at one of the food stalls to satisfy the mid-day hunger pangs. For a more holy touch visit the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, it is an ancient temple considered to be very sacred, dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Outdoor activities: Go for long morning walks down the hills, get involved in taking a trek or hike within the forests. During winter mornings enjoy lazy lunch picnics with your family if you will at one of the above attractions devoid of noise and crowd. For a more thrilling experience take a drive or stroll out in the evening as the sun goes down and as it gets darker, it only gets quieter and all one can hear is the sound of the fireflies.

Places to stay in Lansdowne:

With time Lansdowne now has considerable options to choose from like the most popular one being Blue Pine Resort, Hotel Hill Top (Forrest Palace), Kasang Regency Hill Resort.

Best time to visit Lansdowne:

Winter is undoubtedly the best time to visit Lansdowne. Temperatures range from 0 – 24 degree Celsius. If you are lucky you can also experience snowfall during this time. Be sure to pack your heavy woolens to beat the cold. Summers here are usually hot and humid here.

Featured Image Credit: Arnav Gupta

