Lansdowne

Unexplored and Unspoiled Nature, cool breeze and amazing sceneries, Lansdowne is a beautiful town and a popular hill station situated on the Kotware-Pauri road at a height of 1,706 mt on a hillock in the state of Uttaranchal, India. Lansdowne, named after its founder Lord Lansdowne, was the main base of independent movement activities of India during the British Raj. The town is attracted by many tourists and the soothing climate of the city all through the year, characterized by pleasant summers and cold winters, is very comfortable for holidaying tourist. This place is especially considered as a gateway of romance, thanks to the natural comforts, nice accommodations, pleasant weather, calm environment and secluded atmosphere. This great hill station is completely away from hustle and bustle and hence is distinct from the normal hill stations which are crowded. The city is surrounded by lush greeneries of thick Oak woods and blue Pine forests. Magnificent views of snow covered mounts and forests, bracing cool air and unpolluted clean fresh atmosphere make Lansdowne a perfect place for eco-tourism. The tourism at Lansdowne has a different face; it is not commercial tourism but eco friendly tourism of conserving and preserving nature. The annual festival ‘Shardotsav’, celebrated during the season of autumn is a grand draw of tourists. 

Sightseeing in Lansdowne-

Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: located nearby Lansdowne and situated atop a hill of height 2092 meters, is believed to be one of the ancient holy sites or SiddhaPitas. The main deity is Lord Shiva and many devotees visit this ancient temple to offer prayers and it is believed that the offerings here makes the wishes of the devotees be fulfilled. Mahashivarathri is celebrated annually with grandeur.

Garhwali Mess: Garhwali Mess is one of the oldest buildings in the hill station, which was built by the British in January 1988. The mess reflects the rich heritage of the Army and also of the destination in general. It is one of the old and finely preserved heritage buildings of Lansdowne. The mess is considered to be an important museum in Asia, comprising atypical compilation of skin of wild animals, furnishings and trophies. There is a dial consisting of arrow symbols that direct the route for Nandadevi, Chaukhamba, Kamet and other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan Range.

Regimental Museum: Regimental Museum is a motivational hall named after the famous Darban Singh Negi. This museum was inaugurated in the year 1983. The Regimental Museum houses numerous antique pieces, belonging to the Garhwal Rifles.

St. Mary's Church: St. Mary’s Church was constructed by Col. A.H.B Hume of the Royal Engineers in the year 1895. This church is located near the Tip-In-Top Point. In 1947, the church was not used any longer as it started to deteriorate. The Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre converted it into a small museum, housing interesting pictures of the pre-independence era. This museum also houses the audio visual displays of the history of the regiment.

St. John's Church:  located at the Mall Road, is a Roman Catholic Church established in 1936 under the supervision of Agra Diocese. The construction of this church was completed in the year 1937. In 1947, after the British left India, Agra Diocese could no longer administer this church due to the paucity of priests. Since then, this wonderful church has been neglected and disused, and was eventually handed over to the Government of India in 1951. On 26th April 1980, the property of the church was leased to the Diocese of Bijnor and its possession was transferred on 29th November 1980. The re-erected St. John’s Catholic Church was blessed by Rt. Rev. Dr. Paulinus Jeerakath CMI, Bishop of Jagdalpur on 28th April 1983. Since then, daily prayers are being offered at the church, which is open to believers and non-believers of all faith.

Bhulla Tal: Bhulla Tal is an artificial lake dedicated to the young Garhwali youth of Garhwal Rifles, who rendered help for construction of this lake. This tourist attraction gets its name from the Garhwali word, Bhulla which means younger brother. Here the tourists can also enjoy boating and paddling. A children park, bamboo machan and fountains have been erected here for entertainment of tourists.

Tip in Top: Tip-In-Top also known as Tiffin Top is situated in the ridge near St. Mary’s Church. This is a popular spot among tourists visiting Lansdowne. From this spot, tourists can get view of the beautiful snow covered Himalayas and some parts of Tibet.

How to reach-

By Air: Nearest airport is Jollygrant in Dehradoon which is about 100 km away from Lansdowne. Jollygrant airport, Dehradun is connected to Delhi airport. Taxi services are available from airport to Lansdowne.  Delhi is the nearest international airport which is 235 km away from Lansdowne. Delhi is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

By Train: Nearest railway station is Kotdwar, which is nearly 40 km away from Lansdowne. This station is connected to all cities in India. Taxi services are available from Kotdwar to Lansdowne.

By Bus: Lansdowne is well connected to many cities in the region by buses. Private and public buses offer services from Lansdowne to Kotdwar (40 km) in regular intervals. Kotdwar is connected to Delhi by tourist deluxe buses. Lansdowne is connected to Hardwar, Dehradun and Mussoorie.