Table of Contents
About Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a beautiful Hill station in Uttarakhand, located in the Pauri Garhwal district. This beautiful Hill station is situated at an altitude of around 1,700 meters, filled with peaceful and charming Mountains known for its untouched natural beauty, pine forests, and calm atmosphere.
If someone is looking for a peaceful place- it offers a perfect escape for travellers away from crowded tourist spots with amazing serenity. The picturesque Tip-in-Top viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the Himalayan ranges, Bhulla Lake is ideal for boating and relaxing, Town’s colonial charm is reflected in its beautiful old churches like St. Mary’s Church and St. John’s Church, Nature lovers can enjoy peaceful walks along Lover’s Lane, trek to Snow Viewpoint, or explore scenic spots like Hawaghar, For those whose seeking spirituality, the ancient Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, surrounded by dense deodar forests, has a high divine energies and soothing environment, and The Garhwali Regimental Museum highlights the proud history and achievements of the Indian Army.
History Of Lansdowne
Lansdowne was established by the British in 1887 for a safe, cool, and strategic military base in the Himalayan region, but now this beautiful small town is home to the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. Lansdowne has a rich history rooted in the British era, initially, it was known as Kaludanda (Which is a garhwali term, means kalu-Black and Danda- Hill). In 1887, the British established a military cantonment here because of its cool climate, dense pine forests, and strategic location in the Himalayan foothills. Britishers built roads, churches, bungalows, and military buildings, turning Lansdowne into an important army centre. Later, it became the regimental headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles, one of India’s most respected and decorated army regiments, and was renamed it Lansdowne.
Best places to see in Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a Beautiful small town in Pauri garhwal, there are most scenic views to visit in the town. No one will ever regret their choice of visiting here. This small town is filled with nature.
- Tip-In-Top
- Bhulla Lake
- St. Mary’s Church
- St. John’s Church
- Garhwali Mess
- The Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial
- Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Bhim Pakora
- Lansdowne Market
Lansdowne Photo gallery
Things to do in Lansdowne
In Lansdowne, there are many activities you can enjoy with your family and friends. they are so so interesting and absolutely you gonna enjoy them all-
- Enjoy Boating at Bhulla Lake
- Explore Colonial Churches
- Trek in the Pine & Oak Forests
- Watch Sunrise at Tip-in-Top
- Visit the War Memorial
- Seek Blessings at Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Try Camping & Bonfire
- Experience Bird Watching
- Shop in Lansdowne Market
- Taste Local Garhwali Cuisine
Things to enjoy with friends/couples
- Candlelight dinner in mountain-view restaurants
- Long walks in pine forest paths
- Photoshoot at Tip-in-Top viewpoint
Things to enjoy with Family
- Boating at Bhulla Lake
- Visit to War Memorial Museum
- Picnic at forest viewpoints
Weather in Lansdowne
The average annual temperature in Lansdowne is about 19.2 °C
| Weather | Months | Temperature | Special |
| Summers | (May-June) | Daytime high around 30-32 °C night time lows around 20-21 °C | Warm days, cool evenings, pleasant for tourism because it’s much cooler than the plains. |
| Monsoon | (July-September) | Daytime high around 24–28 °C night time lows around 16–18 °C | Beautiful green landscapes, frequent rain, some risk of landslides or slippery roads in heavy rains. |
| Spring | (March-April) | Daytime high around 18–22 °C night time lows around 10–14 °C | Mild and pleasant with temps ranging roughly 4–18 °C; ideal for nature walks. |
| Winters | (November-February) | Daytime high around 14–20 °C night time lows around 4–8 °C | Cold especially at night/mornings; daytime bright but crisp; possible frost. |
Travel & Packing Tips
- Morning & Night: Pack a good warm jacket or fleece, as it gets very cold after sunset (around 6 °C or below).
- Daytime: While it warms up somewhat, still wear layers — a light sweater or long-sleeve shirt helps.
- Sunrise / Viewpoints: At places like Tip‑in‑Top or forest trails, it will be colder than in town — gloves or a scarf may be useful.
- Footwear: Good shoes for walking around forest paths or viewpoints, where it may be damp or cold underfoot.
- Sun protection: Even in cooler weather, if you’re outdoors in the sun for long, use sunscreen & sunglasses (UV still present).
- Check weather daily: Hills can change fast — mornings may be clear but afternoons could bring fog or chill.
How to reach Lansdowne
By Road
| From | Distance | Approx Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | -280 km | 6–7 hours |
| Meerut | -160 km | 4–5 hours |
| Kotdwar | -40 km | 1–1.5 hours |
| Dehradun | -155 km | 4–5 hours |
| Haridwar | -115 km | 3–4 hours |
By Train
The nearest railway station: Kotdwar (40 km) away
From Kotdwar → Lansdowne:
- Taxi available
- Shared jeeps/buses also available
Popular trains to Kotdwar:
- Mussoorie Express
- Garhwal Express
- Ranikhet Express
By Flight-
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (148 km) away
From airport → Lansdowne:
- Taxi takes 3.5–4.5 hours
- Buses also available from Dehradun to Kotdwar
Budget vs Comfortable Travel Options
| Budget Travel | Comfortable Travel |
|---|---|
| Bus to Kotdwar + shared jeep | Self-drive car |
| Train to Kotdwar + local taxi | Private taxi from Delhi/Dehradun |
| Direct bus from Delhi | Premium tourist cab / SUV |
Where to stay in Lansdowne
| Hotels | Qualities |
| Marten’s Wilderness Retreat | Mid-to-Premium Resort. |
| Lanswood Estate | Boutique property with scenic views. |
| Green Valley Hotel | 3★ hotel, good reviews, moderate pricing. |
| Windsor Cottages | Budget-friendly, scenic mountain views |
| Hotel Lansdowne Vacations | Economy stay option, decent comfort. |
| Sunny Pines Resort | Resort style, good for families. |
| Flutter Hotels & Resort | Very budget, basic amenities. |
| Green Palms Rubystone Exotic | Comfortable stay, good for couples/families. |
Conclusion
Lansdowne is truly a hidden gem in Uttarakhand, perfect for travellers who want peace, nature, and serenity away from crowded hill stations. From breathtaking viewpoints like Tip-in-Top and peaceful boating at Bhulla Lake to spiritual experiences at Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple and the pride of visiting the Garhwali Regimental War Memorial — the town beautifully blends natural beauty, history, and culture. Whether you’re a family, a couple, or a group of friends, Lansdowne offers unforgettable memories through nature walks, scenic treks, picnics, and relaxing moments in the cool mountain air. With pleasant weather most of the year and plenty of stay options, it is truly an ideal destination for a refreshing and soul-soothing getaway.
FAQ’s About Lansdowne Travel Guide
1. Is Lansdowne worth visiting?
Yes, Lansdowne is an ideal destination for travellers seeking peace and natural beauty. It offers serene viewpoints, forests, lakes, and heritage spots without the heavy crowds seen in other hill stations.
2. What is the best time to visit Lansdowne?
The best time to visit is March to June and October to February. Summers are pleasant, winters are cold and scenic, while monsoon is lush but slightly risky due to slippery roads.
3. How many days are enough for Lansdowne?
A 2–3 day trip is perfect to explore main attractions like Tip-in-Top, Bhulla Lake, War Memorial, churches, and Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple.
4. Is Lansdowne safe for couples and families?
Yes, Lansdowne is extremely safe and peaceful. It is a family-friendly and couple-friendly destination maintained by the Garhwal Rifles army cantonment.
5. Does Lansdowne receive snowfall?
Yes, snowfall can be experienced in December to February, especially in late January (depending on weather conditions).
6. Are ATMs available in Lansdowne?
Yes, ATMs are available in the town, but it is recommended to carry some cash as digital payments may not work everywhere.
7. Is Lansdowne good for trekking?
Yes, there are beginner-friendly scenic treks such as Tip-in-Top, Lover’s Lane, Snow Viewpoint, and Hawaghar.
8. Is a car suitable for reaching Lansdowne?
Yes, the roads are generally in good condition. However, drive carefully during monsoon or winter fog.
9. Are there luxury hotels in Lansdowne?
Yes, Lansdowne has luxury, mid-range, and budget hotels including resorts with mountain views and premium amenities.
10. What food is Lansdowne famous for?
Local Garhwali dishes like Kapli, Phaanu, Aloo ke Gutke, Chainsoo, and Jhangora ki Kheer are popular, along with regular North Indian meals available at restaurants.
