Complete Guide to Places to Visit in Lansdowne
Lansdowne sits at 1,706 metres in Pauri Garhwal district. It is the regimental home of the Garhwal Rifles and one of India's cleanest and most well-maintained hill stations. The town is small, quiet and refreshingly uncommercialised — ideal for a 2-day weekend getaway from Delhi.
| Place | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tip N Top (Top Terrace) | Viewpoint | Panoramic views of Garhwal Himalayas and Kotdwar valley |
| Bhim Pakora | Natural rock / legend | Balanced rocks; Mahabharata legend of Bhima |
| Bhulla Tal Lake | Artificial lake / boating | Boating, picnic; peaceful forest setting |
| Tarkeshwar Mahadev | Ancient Shiva temple | 38 km; dense cedar forest; powerful spiritual site |
| War Memorial | Military heritage | Garhwal Rifles memorial; open 9 AM – 12 PM and 2–5 PM |
| Garhwali Museum | Museum | Garhwal Rifles regiment history; military artefacts |
| St. Mary's Church | Colonial heritage | 1895 Gothic-style church; well-preserved colonial interior |
| Durga Devi Temple | Temple / forest walk | 2 km walk through oak forest; peaceful deity shrine |
Best Time to Visit Lansdowne
- October – March: Best season; clear skies; pleasant 5–20°C; possible snowfall Dec–Jan
- April – June: Warm and green; ideal for families; all attractions open
- July – September: Monsoon; very lush; some trails slippery; roads generally fine
How to Reach Lansdowne
- From Delhi: Delhi → Kotdwar → Lansdowne (260 km, ~6 hrs); direct buses available
- By Train: Kotdwar Railway Station (40 km) — trains from Delhi, Lucknow
- By Bus: UPSRTC / private buses from Delhi ISBT to Kotdwar (₹250–₹400); taxi from Kotdwar ₹600
- By Air: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (155 km)
Budget and Hotels in Lansdowne
| Category | Options | Price/night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | GMVN Tourist Rest House, Hotel Meenu Palace | ₹600–₹1,200 |
| Mid-range | Kasturi Resort, Hotel Ajay Palace | ₹1,500–₹3,500 |
| Premium | Rokeby Manor, Forest Resorts Lansdowne | ₹4,000–₹9,000 |
Weekend Lansdowne trip cost per person: ₹3,000–₹8,000 including travel from Delhi, 2-night stay and meals.
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Lansdowne is a military cantonment — maintain decorum; some areas restricted to civilians
- The War Memorial is only open specific hours — plan your visit accordingly
- No large nightlife or restaurants beyond 9 PM; plan for early dinners
- Combine with Tarkeshwar Mahadev (38 km) for a forest temple experience
- Best for: families, couples, solo writers and anyone seeking peace over popular attractions
FAQ: Lansdowne is one of the few Uttarakhand hill stations reachable from Delhi in a single day — ideal for a 2-night weekend trip.