Lansdowne is a beautiful hill station in India's northeastern state. The city was developed as a military garrison by the British in Uttarakhand, and Lansdowne can trace its history back to the Garhwal Rifles regiment. At an elevation of 1780 meters, Lansdowne in Uttarakhand's Pauri Garhwal district is home to the centuries-old Kaleshwar Temple. The city's atmosphere, blue pine trees, and Colonial-style architecture cleanse the mind and soul.
Lansdowne has an artificial lake where you can enjoy boating and viewpoints with amazing views of the majestic Shivalik Range covered in snow. The city's historical significance connects you with the country's iconic past. Lansdowne is a fantastic bird-watching destination to catch a glimpse of rare and some endangered species of birds, national wildlife, and forest reserves to restore nature and delicious local cuisines for your healthy appetite.
Here, you’ll get Expert Insights regarding:
- Best time to visit Lansdowne
- Places to visit in Lansdowne
- Things to do in Lansdowne
- How to reach Lansdowne
In our travel guide, I'll provide some fantastic suggestions for visiting places in Lansdowne of Uttarakhand. But first, let's figure out when the ideal time to visit is -
Best time to visit Lansdowne
- Summers: Summers in Lansdowne are warm and extremely pleasant, with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius. If you are looking for a break from the city heat, and trekking is your solution, summers that last from March to June are perfect and most enjoyable.
- Winters:
- Monsoon: The Monsoon in Lansdowne is refreshing and green. The temperature remains at around 28 degrees Celsius, and the season lasts from June to September. The rainfall is not constant and mostly mediocre, but there's always a risk of landslides at a hill station. As long as you have good luck, the city exploration will be epic and romantic in Monsoons.
Top 9 Places to Visit in Lansdowne
Here are the best places in the city you can explore:
1. Tip-N-Top
A destination that provides a panoramic view of stunning mountain hills is also known as Tiffin-Top. It is located at an elevation of 1700 meters, approximately 1.5 kilometers away from the city center. This hilltop viewpoint is a popular picnic spot in the region and offers a promising view of Garhwal, Shivalik, other mountain ranges, and nearby forested areas.
How To Reach Tip-N-Top:
It is roughly 1.5 km away from the city, and you can always trek to the hilltop. However, taxis and buses are also available since Pauri Road connects to the destination.
2. Bhulla Tal
The artificial lake of the city, made and maintained by the Indian Army, is an excellent and most visited picnic spot in Lansdowne. This place offers a unique boating experience for kids, couples, and families. Bhulla Tal, or Bhulla Lake, is located 2 km away from Lansdowne Market and is surrounded by hilly lawns and trees. You can always spend quality time or a perfect evening with your loved ones here.
How To Reach Bhulla Tal:
It is located 2 kilometers away from Lansdowne market and has a bus stand approximately 1 kilometer away from the city center. You can always take a walk or book a local cab to reach this reposeful destination.
3. Bhim Pakora
This destination is highly famous, as many legendary tales are associated with it. One of its legends dates back to the Mahabharata era, which says that it was Bheem, one of the Pandavas, who placed the rock in the way that it is now during their exile period, and it never shifted. Bhim Pakora is basically two rocks on top of one another that never falls... NEVER! It just vibrates or moves, even if pushed hard. It can be said that they are perfectly balanced and a bit mystical. Believe in the legend or not, the rock says a lot, and thus, it is the most visited place in Lansdowne.
How To Reach Bhim Pakora:
This destination is located 2 kilometers away from Gandhi Chowk, Lansdowne, and can be reached via trekking.
4. Darwan Singh Regimental Museum
A two-storey museum named after Darwan Singh Negi, a Victoria Cross holder, has a collection of everything related to the origin and achievements of Garhwal Rifles. This place is considered the pride of Lansdowne, and it was established in 1923 at the parade ground. This museum stands close to the Garhwal Rifles War Memorial, and it houses the rarest photographs of army generals, arms, certificates, uniforms, and much more to honor the country's past.
Visiting hours at the museum: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm; 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Note: Kids below 10 years old are not allowed inside the museum.
How To Reach Darwan Singh Regimental Museum:
It is located at the parade ground in the city center. If you are in the town, you can take a walk or use road transportation services.
5. Kalagarh Tiger Reserve
A beautiful wildlife reserve where you can find exotic flora and fauna. The reserve is located at an approximate distance of 13 kilometers from the main center of Lansdowne. Kalagarh Tiger Reserve forms the north end of Jim Corbett National Park. The reserve covers 300 sq km and protects goral, barking deer, sambhar, porcupines, hog deer, and other endangered wildlife along with the tigers. Kalagarh Tiger Reserve offers jungle safari and forest rest houses as well.
How To Reach Kalagarh Tiger Reserve:
It is located 13.2 kilometers away from Lansdowne, and to reach here, you have to reach Duggan. You can use public transport to get to the destination.
6. Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
The temple is named after Sage Kalun, who meditated here in the old days, and his samadhi can be found on the temple premises. Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple is a century-old temple, and the legend associated with this place goes back 5000 years. It is located 1.5 kilometers away from the main city center. This temple, along with nearby Dharamshala, was built around 1901, and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
How To Reach Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple:
If you are in the city, you can reach Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple on foot since it is only 1.5 kilometers away from Lansdowne's main center. You can also opt for roadways to reach the site.
7. St. Johns Church
St. John's Church is located near Tip-N-Top and St. Mary Church, with a history of being abandoned once back in 1947 for years. Later, in 1951, the government took charge of the place and re-established the church around 1983 to offer prayers. This is one of the few functioning churches in the town with beautiful interiors that offer unmatched ethos, making the church one of the popular places to visit in Lansdowne.
How To Reach St. John's Church:
It's approximately 1.8 kilometers away from the Lansdowne city market/city center, and it takes a 4-minute trek to reach the church. If you want to visit Tip-N-Top, you will come across St. John's Church on the way.
8. Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial
The Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial is dedicated to the soldiers of Garhwal Rifles who fought and sacrificed their lives in World War I and World War II. Established in the year 1923, this war memorial features a majestic war monument in the form of a tall pillar and provides a clear view of Lansdowne. It is situated at the parade ground and nearby is the Darwan Singh Regimental Museum. This is a place to pay respect to our martyrs and to honor the military history of the region.
How To Reach Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial:
This is located at the parade ground and can be easily reached if you are in the city center.
9. Santoshi Mata Temple
The popular Hindu temple is dedicated to Goddess Santoshi, an incarnation of Mata Durga. The temple is situated in the vicinity of Lansdowne's city center and is known for its religious significance, peaceful environment, and amazing views of the surrounding mountains. The serene atmosphere provides the perfect opportunity for spiritual practice.
How To Reach Santoshi Mata Temple:
It is approximately 1 kilometer away from Lansdowne city center. You can reach this place via roadways or by walking.
8 Best Things to do in Lansdowne
Lansdowne, a small town in Uttarakhand, offers an ultimate adventure package combining all sorts of activities such as camping, trekking, bird watching, boat riding, safari, etc. Let’s have a glance at the things to do in Lansdowne:
1. Camping
The best time to go camping in Lansdowne is summer (March to June) and autumn (September to November). Camping here will let you enjoy the overnight stay under the stars, dining out around a bonfire, listening to music, and amusing tales. This is a pleasurable activity to go to, especially with your loved ones.
2. Boat Ride
Bhulla Lake (Bhulla Tal) offers tourists a one-of-a-kind boating experience amidst a bustling city surrounded by the natural realm of mountains and forests! You can go and paddle around in the city’s artificial lake during its visiting hours (9:00 am – 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm) every day. You may have to pay a small entry fee, but make sure to check that before or during your visit.
3. Trekking & Hiking
Lansdowne is located at a perfect elevation that offers tourists all the trekking and hiking opportunities. If you trek 2 km from the city center, you can reach Snow View Point for the delightful scenery of snow-covered mountains. You can also hike or trek towards Tip-n-top for another adventure and pleasing experience. You can enjoy this activity throughout the year, as the entire year is considered the best time for trekking and hiking in Lansdowne.
4. Bird Watching
The pine forest in the city is responsible for calling out the beautiful migratory birds for their homestay. The best time to experience delightful bird watching is the months (September and October) post-monsoon and during spring.
5. Jungle Safari
Jungle Safari delivers the rush of adventure from its name. Lansdowne offers a breathtaking experience of a safari in the dense jungle to witness the endangered and invulnerable Himalayan wildlife. You can also explore the Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, which will cost you an entry fee and a limited time around, plus the authority’s permission. But this adventure promises to leave an imprint on your mind.
6. Religious Tour
The city can offer you serenity and calmness, but you can also achieve a spiritual connection. Lansdowne is known for its oldest temples and churches, with legends and stories dating back to ancient India and before. It is advisable to explore the temples and the spiritual ambiance of Lansdowne during the Shivaratri festival.
7. Shopping
A vacation is incomplete without shopping, and the activity itself needs no further elaboration. You can check out the local markets for souvenirs, handicrafts, antiques, and leather items to add to your wardrobe and decor.
8. Delicious Eateries
Needless to say, Lansdowne has a range of cafes and restaurants to serve your travel buddies. You can spot open-roof eateries to traditional and modern restaurants serving local and continental cuisines. Some of those places also offer a night party and musical atmosphere with photogenic corners to live the moments while eating a mouthful of healthy dishes with your loved ones.
How to reach Lansdowne?
You can reach Lansdowne via Railways, Airways, and Roadways.
- Railways: Kotdwar is the nearest railway station, about 40 km away from Lansdowne. You can opt for roadways from the railway station to reach the city.
- Airways: Jolly Grant Airport of Dehradun is the nearest airport, situated about 148 km from the city. You can take public transport or rent a cab from the airport to reach Lansdowne.
- Roadways: Lansdowne is connected to many cities via highways, especially with Delhi via NH 119, and that is the best route to reach this beautiful city of Uttarakhand by road. Even if you opt for airways or railways, you have to rent a cab or take a public transport facility to reach Lansdowne.
To learn more about Lansdowne and plan a wonderful adventure in the town, get in touch with our local travel expert from the city and get answers to all your questions!
FAQ
What is Lansdowne famous for?
Lansdowne is renowned for its serene environment, colonial-era charm, and breathtaking views. It is home to the Garhwal Rifles Regiment of the Indian Army and offers a tranquil escape with its dense oak and pine forests.
Is it worth visiting Lansdowne?
Lansdowne is worth visiting for its peaceful atmosphere, scenic beauty, and historical significance. It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet retreat in nature, away from crowded tourist spots.
How many days are sufficient for Lansdowne?
A two-day stay is generally sufficient to explore Lansdowne, including key attractions like Bhulla Tal, Tip-in-Top, and St. John’s Church. This timeframe allows for a relaxed visit without feeling rushed.
Which month is best for Lansdowne?
The best months to visit Lansdowne are from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the natural beauty of the region is at its peak.
Can we visit Lansdowne by car?
Yes, Lansdowne is accessible by car. The roads leading to this hill station are well-maintained, offering a comfortable drive from nearby cities like Delhi and Dehradun.
Is Lansdowne a hilly area?
Lansdowne is indeed a hilly area situated at an altitude of approximately 1,700 meters above sea level. It offers picturesque views, lush greenery, and a refreshing climate typical of hill stations.
Can we see the Himalayas from Lansdowne?
Yes, Lansdowne offers stunning views of the Himalayas, especially from spots like Tip-in-Top. On clear days, visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas of snow-capped Himalayan peaks from this serene hill station.
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