Lansdowne, The Queen of Garhwal
Lansdowne is a peaceful and beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal region. It is located 1700 meters above sea level, surrounded by pine and oak trees and is easy to reach. People call it the queen of Garhwal for its charm.
Lansdowne got its name from Lord Lansdowne, the Viceroy of India between 1888 and 1894. This place was a favourite holiday spot for the British. After independence, Lansdowne was still the biggest town in the region after Almora. As more people started travelling, Lansdowne became popular and is now loved for its old British vibe.
Things to Do in Lansdowne
Nature Walks
The best way to enjoy nature closely is by taking relaxing nature walks. Walking through the green trees and calm surroundings will refresh your mind and make you feel better. While walking, you can enjoy the snow viewpoint or go a little higher to reach Tiffin Top.
Bird Watching
Sona Nadi, near Lansdowne, is a part of Jim Corbett National Park. Every year around 600 types of birds come here during their travel season. It’s a great place for people who love birds and nature.
Trekking
If you enjoy trekking, Lansdowne is a great and safe place to explore. Since it's at a high spot, even short treks give amazing views. Popular trekking routes here are Malini Barrage, Kalalghati, and Pauri.
Boating in Bhulla Lake
Bhulla Tal is an artificial lake where people can enjoy calm and relaxing boat rides. The soft sound of water and cool air make the place even more enjoyable.
Places to Visit in Lansdowne
Bhulla Tal
This is one of the most popular man-made lakes, built by the army in 1987. There’s a smooth path to walk on and beautiful gardens around it. You can go boating or chill near the lakeside.
Tip N Top
From Tip N Top, you get a beautiful view of faraway mountains and the land below, full of roads, hills, and forests.
Regimental War Memorial
Inside the museum, you’ll find old items and records that tell the history of the Regiment, starting from before World War I.
St. Mary’s Church
With its classic British style, this church is a nice place to take pictures. It’s equally beautiful inside and outside.
Kanva Ashram
It is another well-known spot said to be the birthplace of Bharat, son of Dushyant and Shakuntala.
Sidhbali Temple
This temple, about 40 to 45 km from Lansdowne, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It is very important to the local people, especially those from the Garhwal district in Uttarakhand.
Durga Devi Temple
This holy temple, 25 km away from Lansdowne, is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is deeply respected by locals. A small river flows nearby, which makes it a peaceful place to relax.
Pauri
This little village is 78 km from Lansdowne. It’s a great place to refresh yourself and enjoy the amazing views of the Himalayas and the peaceful valley. There are many places to see here, such as Kandoliya Temple and Khirsu village.
Note: A visit to Lansdowne is incomplete if you do not visit the Garhwal Rifles.
Fairs and Festivals
Sharadotsav Fair
This festival is held during the autumn season and is one of the most popular annual fairs in Uttarakhand. If you want to experience some authentic Pahadi culture, then this is the best time to visit Lansdowne. The fair shows simple folk dances and cultural events that tell the story of the state’s culture.
Maha Shivratri
This festival is full of fun and excitement. It happens in winter to honor Lord Shiva. People celebrate it all over India. If you want to see a real celebration, visit the Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple here.
Ashtami in Jwalpa Devi Temple
The Ashtami festival is celebrated with great joy in the hill town of Lansdowne. On the night before Ashtami, many pilgrims and devotees visit the Jwalpa Devi temple to pray to the goddess.
Christmas
Christmas in Lansdowne is a great time to feel the cold Himalayan winter and enjoy the festive vibe. The town shines with fairy lights, and everything looks bright and full of color.
Best Time to Visit Lansdowne
- Lansdowne is located at a high place, so it has cool weather.
- Winter (October to March) is really cold here, with chilly winds and temperatures that can go down to zero.
- The best time to visit is between April and June, when the weather is nice and cool, around 25°C. You can also visit during Sharadotsav in the autumn for a festive vibe.
How to Reach Lansdowne
By Road – Lansdowne is connected by good roads to important places in Uttarakhand. You can easily find buses to Kotdwar and Dugadda from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and taxis are also available from Kotdwar, Dugadda, Pauri, and other big towns in Uttarakhand. Lansdowne is connected to National Highway 119.
By Plane – Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport to Lansdowne, about 148 km away. It has daily flights to and from Delhi. There are motorable roads from Jolly Grant Airport to Lansdowne, and taxis are available at the airport to take you there.
By Rail – The closest railway station to Lansdowne is Kotdwar, about 40 km away. Kotdwar has good train connections to many big cities in India. From Kotdwar, taxis and buses are available to take you to Lansdowne.
Food Availability
- If you want good food there are many hotels, restaurants, cafes and lodges here.
- You can enjoy different kinds of food like Chinese, Indian, Mughlai, Garhwali, and Marwari dishes.
- Don’t miss local dishes made from fresh vegetables like Bhang Ki Khatai, Sisunak Saag, Aloo Ke Gutke, and Bhatt Ke Dubke.
Accommodation
You’ll find all types of places to stay in Lansdowne, from budget hotels to fancy ones, along with guest houses and cozy stays. For food, there are many restaurants and small stalls where you can enjoy momos, noodles, and hot chicken soup. Lansdowne is a nice place where people come to take a break and feel calm for a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How many days are enough to visit Lansdowne?
Ans: It takes about 2 days to explore Lansdowne. -
What’s the condition of roads in Lansdowne?
Ans: It’s a good idea to check road conditions before traveling to hilly areas, especially during the monsoon when heavy rain can cause landslides. But Lansdowne’s roads on NH-119 are well-maintained and good for driving your car. -
What’s the best way to get to Lansdowne from Delhi?
Ans: You can get to Lansdowne by bus or car through Kotdwar. There are regular buses from ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Kotdwar, and after that take a taxi or local bus to Lansdowne. -
What makes Lansdowne special?
Ans: In Uttarakhand Lansdowne is a small hill town famous for its peaceful atmosphere and British heritage. Visitors enjoy the lovely views of the Himalayas and the many birds found in the area.
Conclusion
Lansdowne is a peaceful and beautiful hill station in Uttarakhand known for its natural beauty and calm atmosphere. Surrounded by trees and mountains it’s perfect place to relax, enjoy nature walks, trekking, boating and bird watching. This Town also has interesting places like Bhulla Tal lake, Tip N Top viewpoint and Regimental War Memorial which tell stories of past. When Sharadotsav and Maha Shivratri happen, the local culture shines that makes the trip more fun and memorable. Best time to come is from April to June, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Reaching here is easy by road, rail, or air with good connections from nearby cities. You will find many places to stay and plenty of food options, from local dishes to popular foods. Overall Lansdowne is great place to enjoy beauty of hills.
