Complete Lansdowne Travel Guide
Top Places & Activities
Bhulla Lake: An artificial lake in the forest maintained by the Garhwal Rifles — boating, paddle boats and a pleasant lakeside walk. The surrounding forest and the absence of motorised vehicles makes the Bhulla Lake area the most peaceful lakeside setting in Garhwal. Entry: ₹15. Boating: ₹50–100.
Tip n Top viewpoint: A hilltop viewpoint with panoramic views of the Chilla forest reserve and the Garhwal plains. The best sunset viewpoint in Lansdowne. Walk from the main bazaar: 1 km.
Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial: A neat colonial-era war memorial maintained by the Garhwal Rifles — honouring the regiment's participation in WWI, WWII and post-Independence conflicts. The museum has historical uniforms, weapons and regimental history. Entry: free (with military permission).
St. Mary's Church and St. John's Church: Two historic colonial-era churches in Lansdowne — both built by the British in the late 19th century, both still standing and maintained. Walking between them through the oak forest streets is the most atmospheric Lansdowne walk.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple (38 km): An ancient Shiva temple in a dense deodar forest clearing — considered one of the most spiritually significant temples in the Garhwal region, relatively little-visited by tourists. A half-day excursion from Lansdowne.
How to Reach Lansdowne
| Origin | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 257 km | 5–6 hrs via Kotdwar |
| Rishikesh | 120 km | 3 hrs |
| Kotdwar (railhead) | 40 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Haridwar | 105 km | 2.5 hrs |
257 km from Delhi (5–6 hrs) via Kotdwar. Nearest railway: Kotdwar (40 km). Kotdwar has frequent trains from Delhi. Taxi from Kotdwar to Lansdowne: ₹600–800.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Best time: October–March (mild weather, oak forest in autumn colours). Monsoon (July–August) is green and misty but road conditions can be tricky. Avoid April–June heat at lower altitudes — Lansdowne itself stays pleasant at 1,706m.
- Why Lansdowne: The best thing about Lansdowne is what it lacks — no tourist crowds, no hawkers, no motorised traffic on the cantonment roads, no commercial clutter. It is genuinely one of the quietest major hill towns in North India, preserved by its cantonment status.
- Accommodation: GMVN Tourist Rest House (budget), several small hotels in the bazaar area (₹800–2,000/night). Garhwal Rifles Guest House (for those with military connections).
Home of the Garhwal Rifles
Lansdowne (1,706m) in Pauri Garhwal was founded in 1887 and named after the then Viceroy, Lord Lansdowne. It has always been a military town: the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre is based here, and the cantonment has kept Lansdowne small, green and largely free of the construction seen in other hill stations.
The regiment's museum, the Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya, is named after Naik Darwan Singh Negi, one of the first Indians to be awarded the Victoria Cross, for gallantry in France in 1914. It holds uniforms, weapons, medals and records from both World Wars and later campaigns.
Places to Visit
- Tip-n-Top (Tiffin Top): A viewpoint at the edge of the ridge facing the snow peaks of the Garhwal Himalaya. Best at sunrise.
- Bhulla Tal: A small lake maintained by the army, with paddle boats and a garden. "Bhulla" means younger brother in Garhwali, in honour of the region's young soldiers.
- St. Mary's Church (1895): A colonial stone church, now a small museum with old photographs of the cantonment.
- Tarkeshwar Mahadev (about 36 km): A Shiva temple deep in a deodar forest, especially busy during Shivratri.
- Bhim Pakora: A large balancing rock reached by a short forest trek.
Lansdowne is one of the easiest hill stations to reach from Delhi (about 250 km via Kotdwar). The nearest railway station is Kotdwar, 40 km away.
FAQs
- Is Lansdowne worth visiting?
- Yes — Lansdowne is excellent for travellers who find Mussoorie and Nainital too crowded and commercial. The cantonment character, the oak forest walks, the Bhulla Lake and the genuine quiet of the town make it a restorative alternative. It is not a destination with a long list of tourist attractions — it is a destination for the atmosphere itself. 2 nights is ideal; 1 night is fine as a transit to Rishikesh.