Overview
About Lansdowne
Lansdowne is a small cantonment town in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, sitting at around 1,700 m in the outer Himalaya. It was established by the British as a base for the Garhwal Rifles and named after a former Viceroy of India, and it remains the regimental home of the Garhwal Rifles to this day.
Because much of the town is managed by the army, Lansdowne has stayed remarkably clean, quiet and free of the heavy construction seen in many hill stations. Its roads wind through forests of oak, pine and rhododendron, past colonial churches, parade grounds and old bungalows, and on clear days the snow peaks of the higher Himalaya appear on the horizon.
Lansdowne is a place for unhurried days: morning walks, birdwatching, reading on a sunny veranda and evenings at the viewpoints. Its relative closeness to Delhi makes it a popular weekend retreat for travellers who want mountain air and peace rather than shopping streets and crowds.
- Garhwal Rifles cantonment
- Oak and pine forests
- Quiet hill retreat
- Himalayan views
- Colonial churches
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Lansdowne
Viewpoints & Nature
Tip-in-Top
Also called Tiffin Top, this viewpoint near St Mary's Church offers wide views of the surrounding hills and, on clear days, the snow peaks.
Bhulla Tal
A small artificial lake maintained by the army, with paddle boats and a garden, popular with families.
Forest walks
The roads and trails around the cantonment pass through dense oak and pine forest and are excellent for birdwatching.
Heritage
Garhwal Rifles Regimental Museum
Also known as the Darwan Singh Museum, it tells the story of the Garhwal Rifles through medals, uniforms, weapons and photographs.
War Memorial
A memorial within the cantonment honouring soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles, set in well-kept grounds.
St Mary's Church
A colonial-era church near Tip-in-Top, now housing a small museum with old photographs of Lansdowne.
St John's Church
A modest stone church that still holds services and adds to the town's old-world charm.
Temples
Santoshi Mata Temple
A hilltop temple reached by a short climb, with views over the town and valleys.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
About 35 km away, this Shiva temple is set in a dense forest of deodar and pine and is a peaceful place for a half-day trip.
Nearby Excursions
Kanvashram
Near Kotdwar on the banks of the Malini river, this site is traditionally linked with the sage Kanva and the story of Shakuntala.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Lansdowne
- 1
Take a morning nature walk
Stroll along the cantonment roads early in the day, when the forest is quiet and birds are most active.
- 2
Watch the sunset from Tip-in-Top
Head to the viewpoint in the late afternoon to see the hills change colour as the sun goes down.
- 3
Learn about the Garhwal Rifles
Spend an hour at the regimental museum to understand the history and traditions of one of the Indian Army's best-known regiments.
- 4
Go boating at Bhulla Tal
Enjoy a gentle paddle on the small lake and a picnic in the surrounding garden.
- 5
Drive to Tarkeshwar
Take a scenic forest drive to the Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple and enjoy the tranquillity of its deodar setting.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Lansdowne
The best time to visit Lansdowne is March to June and September to November. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
12°C to 28°C
Pleasant and green, with rhododendrons in bloom in spring. It is the most popular time for families escaping the heat of the plains.
Monsoon
July to September
14°C to 24°C
Heavy rain and mist envelop the hills. The forest is lush, but landslides can block roads from Kotdwar, so check conditions before driving.
Winter
October to February
0°C to 15°C
Clear, cold days with the best mountain views in October and November. Light snowfall is possible in the coldest months, though not every year.
Getting there
How to Reach Lansdowne
By Air
Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 150 km away, is the nearest airport, with flights from Delhi and other cities. Taxis from the airport take around five hours to Lansdowne.
By Rail
Kotdwar, about 40 km from Lansdowne, is the nearest railway station, with direct trains from Delhi. Shared jeeps, buses and taxis run up the hill from Kotdwar.
By Road
Lansdowne is about 250 km from Delhi by road via Meerut, Najibabad and Kotdwar, roughly a six- to seven-hour drive. Uttarakhand Roadways buses connect Delhi and Kotdwar, with onward services to Lansdowne.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Lansdowne
Kafuli
A thick green curry of spinach and fenugreek leaves, a classic Garhwali dish eaten with rice.
Phaanu
A slow-cooked dal made from soaked and ground lentils, hearty and warming in the hills.
Chainsoo
A curry of roasted black gram with an earthy, smoky flavour, traditionally cooked in an iron pot.
Mandua roti
Dark flatbread made from finger millet, often served with ghee or local greens.
Jhangora ki kheer
A sweet pudding of barnyard millet cooked in milk, a traditional Garhwali dessert.
What to Buy in Lansdowne
- Woollens and shawls
- Local honey and pickles
- Garhwali handicrafts
Travel Tips for Lansdowne
- Follow cantonment rules, avoid photographing restricted military areas and keep to marked roads.
- Shops and eateries close early in Lansdowne, so plan dinners and supplies in advance.
- Carry warm layers year-round, as evenings can be cold even in summer.
- Drive carefully on the hill road from Kotdwar, especially after dark or during rain.
FAQs
Lansdowne Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Lansdowne?
March to June and September to November are the best times to visit Lansdowne, when the weather is pleasant and views are clear. The monsoon brings landslide risks.
How far is Lansdowne from Delhi?
Lansdowne is about 250 km from Delhi, usually a six- to seven-hour drive via Meerut and Kotdwar.
What is Lansdowne famous for?
Lansdowne is famous for being the home of the Garhwal Rifles, its peaceful cantonment atmosphere, oak and pine forests and views of the Himalaya.
How many days are enough for Lansdowne?
Two days are enough to see Lansdowne's main sights at a relaxed pace, with an extra day if you want to visit Tarkeshwar Mahadev.
Does it snow in Lansdowne?
Lansdowne can receive light snowfall in December and January, but it does not happen every year.
Which is the nearest railway station to Lansdowne?
Kotdwar, about 40 km away, is the nearest railway station to Lansdowne, with direct trains from Delhi.
