A quaint hill station in Uttarakhand, Lansdowne continues to be one of the most favourite weekend getaways for the dwellers of Delhi-NCR. Here’s a complete travel guide to Lansdowne that will compel you to pack your bags and escape the city life. By Karan Kaushik
Just a five-hour drive from Delhi, Lansdowne lures travellers with its rich avifaunal biodiversity, picturesque deodar-clad landscape, age-old hill temples, Victorian churches, and calming water bodies. From rejuvenating nature walks to rewarding treks to birdwatching, for a small cantonment town, Lansdowne offers lovely surprises for travellers. Here’s how to make the most of your trip.
Your handy travel guide to Lansdowne
Things to do
Birdwatching
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A birdwatcher’s paradise, Lansdowne is home to over 600 species of birds. Located in the proximity of the Sona Nadi division of Corbett National Park, Lansdowne is visited by seasoned birdwatching enthusiasts at all times of the year. Commonly-spotted species are Black-headed Jay, Brown-fronted woodpecker, Red-billed blue magpie, Blue-capped rock thrush, Slaty-headed parakeet, and Grey-headed woodpecker, to name a few.
Boating at Bhulla Tal Lake
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If you love nature walks or boating, spend some quality time with your loved ones at the Bhulla Tal Lake. Set amidst sylvan hills, the tranquil artificial lake is maintained by the army and is dedicated to the Garhwal Rifles. The overbridge at the lake makes for a nice photo point. The area surrounding the lake features lovely walkways, a children’s park, bamboo machans, a herbal plants nursery, a cafe, and a small souvenir shop.
Tip-In-Top Point
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For a bird’s eye view of the hill station, head to the Tip-In-Top or Tiffin Top point, which is both a picnic spot and a vantage viewpoint for stunning sunrises. Park yourself here for a couple of hours, and enjoy panoramic views of the Shivalik Hills and Chaukhamba and Trishul peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya.
Appreciate Victorian architecture
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Lansdowne, as its name suggests, was established by the Britishers. Reminiscences of the past are still reflected in the gothic structures from the colonial era. There are two main British-era churches in Lansdowne. Replete with stained-glass windows and doors, St. Mary’s Church remains untouched by large crowds for most time of the year. Then there’s St. John’s Church which will take you back in time with its somewhat lacklustre but still beautiful building.
Garhwal Rifle Regiment War Memorial
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Also known as the Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya or simply as the Garhwali Museum, the war memorial is a tribute to the fearless Garhwal regiment of the Indian army. A walk through the museum takes you through the glorious history of the regiment and its brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives for their motherland. On display here is a collection of weapons used by the regiment over the years, along with other memorabilia.
Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
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Devotees take great joy during the hike to this beautiful little centuries-old temple of Lord Shiva. Thronged by pilgrims throughout the year, the temple offers blissful vibes and rewarding hill views. Named after sage Kalun, who meditated for years here, the temple is mostly visited by the soldiers of the Garhwal regiment and their families.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
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Located 36km from Lansdowne, Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple makes for a beautiful excursion. Nestled amidst dense cedar and pine forests, the temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva. The way to the temple is adorned by metallic prayer bells on either side. Grab a bench and drink in the scenic beauty after seeking blessings from the almighty. Unwind in the lap of nature and take envy-inducing selfies to your heart’s content.
Where to stay
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Stay at Blue Pine Resort if you want a relaxing time in the pool. The luxury resort offers 36 valley-facing, elegantly furnished rooms with attached bathrooms and necessary amenities. The resort features a snooker room, gym, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a large hill-facing swimming pool. Sunny Pines Resort on the Kotdwar-Lansdowne Road is another decent option with clean and modern air-conditioned rooms. If you love glamping in the hills, Samskara & Samsara has luxurious tents with mountain views. Hotel Ravine Palace in Palkot has super deluxe rooms, executive rooms and valley-view suites.
Where to eat
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It’s best to have your meals at your hotel. Being a cantonment town, Lansdowne does not have too many options like your quintessential hill stations. Still, you’ll get your share of cosy cafes and roadside eateries to satiate your hunger pangs. Cafe Ullasa is fancy and serves Indian and Chinese. Tipsy at the main market road dishes out delicious north Indian. Oaktown at Gandhi Chauk, Sadar Bazaar is another good option for north Indian and Mughlai delicacies. Also on Gandhi Chauk is Mayur Hotel and Restaurant, a simple establishment offering excellent north Indian food.
Best time to go
There’s always a good time for Lansdowne. Summers are pleasant but may get crowded. In monsoon, the lush hill scape of Lansdowne is at its picturesque best. The months from October to March are considered the best though.
How to reach
By Air: Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport (142km) is the nearest airport. Buses and taxis are available from Dehradun to Lansdowne.
By Rail: Reaching Lansdowne is very easy. Kotdwar, at 40km is the nearest railhead and is connected by major cities of India.
By Road: Lansdowne is around 280km from Delhi. Take the route to Kotdwar via Ghaziabad, Meerut, Khatauli, Bijnor, Kiratpur, and Najibabad.
Related: 10 Lesser-Known Hill Stations In India You Can Visit This Summer
Karan Kaushik
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