Lansdowne,Uttarakhand
Lansdowne is a quiet cantonment town in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, established by the British in the late 19th century and named after Lord Lansdowne. It is the regimental center of the Garhwal Rifles and has retained colonial-era architecture, pine and oak forests, and a tranquil hill-station character. The town is valued for its military heritage, scenic viewpoints, and as a low-key, less-commercialized retreat compared with other Himalayan tourist spots.
Places to visit
- Bhulla Tal (man-made lake)
- Tip-in-Top (sunset/sunrise viewpoint)
- St. Mary's Church (colonial-era church)
- Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial & Museum (Darwan Singh Museum / Regimental Museum)
- Garrison area and Cantonment promenade
- Streets of Lansdowne and local markets
Unique Aspects
- Colonial-era cantonment architecture
- Quiet, uncrowded hill-station atmosphere
- Pine and deodar forests with well-marked nature trails
- Rich birdlife and opportunities for birdwatching
- Panoramic Himalayan and valley views from viewpoints like Tip-in-Top
Things to do
- Boating at Bhulla Tal
- Short treks and nature walks to Tip-in-Top and nearby trails
- Birdwatching and photography
- Visiting the Regimental War Memorial and small military museums
- Exploring colonial-era churches and cantonment area
- Relaxed shopping for woollens and local handicrafts
Festivals & Events
- Cantonment celebrations on Independence Day and Republic Day with parades
- Regimental anniversaries and ceremonial events (occasional public displays)
- Local fairs or small religious festivals in nearby villages depending on season
Best Time to Visit
March to June and September to November for pleasant weather and clear views. Winters (December–February) are cold and foggy; monsoon (July–August) brings heavy rains and occasional landslide risks.
Weather Conditions
Mild summers (15–25°C), cool autumns and springs, cold winters (can drop near freezing at night). Monsoon season is wet and humid with reduced visibility.
Accessibility
By road: Lansdowne is reached by a scenic mountain road from Kotdwar. Nearest railhead: Kotdwar (approx. 40–50 km by road). Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 130–160 km by road depending on route). Regular taxis and private buses connect Kotdwar and Lansdowne; road travel includes winding hilly sections so allow extra time.
Recommended Duration
2–3 days to relax, cover main viewpoints, Bhulla Tal, and the museum; longer if you plan multiple treks or to explore nearby temples/forests.
Clothing & Gear Tips
Layered clothing (warm jacket for early mornings/evenings), comfortable walking shoes, rain jacket during monsoon, sun protection (hat/sunscreen), binoculars for birdwatching, and a flashlight for poorly lit areas.
Local Food & Souvenirs
Try local Garhwali cuisine at small eateries (simple home-style dishes). Purchase warm woollens, hand-knitted scarves, shawls, and locally made handicrafts; small stalls sell jams, pickles, and local snacks.
