Fastfacts about Lansdowne
Located in the State: Uttarakhand
District: Pauri Garhwal
Famous as: A Quaint Hill Station of North India
Local Languages: Garhwali & Hindi
Best Time to Visit: March to October
Are you looking for a quaint break in this summer away from the heat and mundane city life? If you answer affirmatively, then the small but beautiful hill station of Lansdowne in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand can be a perfect place for you. Little explored and blessed with unspoiled nature, soothing breeze and amazing surroundings, Lansdowne is a place for all including family vacationers, honeymooners, adventure seekers and groups. Lansdowne is located on the Kotware-Pauri Road at a height of 1,706 meters on a hillock. Lansdowne, named after its founder Lord Lansdowne, was the main base of independent movement activities of India during the British Raj.
Not only in summers, the hill station of Lansdowne is visited by tourists almost all through the year. The characteristic pleasant climate of Lansdowne makes the town very comfortable for vacationing tourists. In fact, Lansdowne is considered a gateway of romance, thanks to the natural comforts, nice accommodations, pleasant weather, calm environment and secluded atmosphere.
Lansdowne is surrounded by lusting 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 altogether make Lansdowne a perfect place for eco-tourism. The annual festival ‘Shardotsav’, celebrated during the season of autumn is a major attraction for the travelers to Lansdowne.
Things to Do & See in Lansdowne
The War Memorial at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center is a prime attraction for the travelers to the hill station. Places of interest around the city include Tip-n-Top (Tiffin Top), Santoshi Mata Temple, Regimental Museum, Bhulla Taal, St. Mary's Church, Lover's lane. The excursions from the hill town are Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, Bhairav Garhi Temple, Bhim pakora(a stone which vibrates if touched).The Annual ‘Sharadotsav’ (Festival of Autumn) is also organized at this hill station during autumn season.
Jungle Safari in Lansdowne: The hill station of Lansdowne is surrounded by dense forest that offers an ideal setting for Jungle Safari. The Oak trees and blue pine woods make the landscape of Lansdowne challenging for the adventurous tourist. While on Jungle Safari you can see many wild flora and fauna. There are a number of tour agents who arrange the planned jungle safari at an affordable price in the forests surrounding the hill station of Lansdowne.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: Set at a close distance from Lansdowne atop of a hill of height 2092 meters, this temple is believed to be one of the ancient holy sites or SiddhaPitas. The main deity of Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple is Lord Shiva and many devotees visit this ancient temple to offer prayers with the belief that the offerings here makes the wishes of the devotees be fulfilled. Mahashivarathri is celebrated annually with grandeur.
Kanvashram: This a sacred ashram located near Lansdowne hill station. Kanvashram is considered a gateway to Puri, the most sought temple town in India. This ashram is bordered by thick forests and hillocks, making it a beautiful place for feasting the eyes of tourists. A spectacular attraction nearby is the famous Malini River flowing near to this Ashram. This ashram bears mythological importance related to the Sage Kanvan.
Accommodation in Lansdowne: Good accommodation options are available in Lansdowne. You can stay at hotels, resorts or guest houses dotted across the town.
How to Reach Lansdowne: You can reach Lansdowne through Air, Rail and Road.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jollygrant Airport in Dehradoon, which is about 100 kms. away. Jollygrant airport is connected to IGI Airport in New Delhi. Taxi services are available from Jollygrant Airport to Lansdowne and it costs about Rs. 2000. 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: Kotdwar Railway Station is the nearest railhead from Lansdowne, which is nearly 40 kms. away. You can hire a taxi from the railway station to Lansdowne that will cost you about Rs 750.
By Road: Good roads connect Lansdowne with New Delhi, and other major cities of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh.
