The town in clouds, Lansdowne, is the nearest hill station to Delhi. So, if you are in Delhi looking for a weekend getaway, Lansdowne is the place to visit. It is a small cantonment town just 245 KM from Delhi. The way to Lansdowne is via Kotdwara, the last railway station. And after that, take the serpentine hill-climbing road and enjoy the scenic beauty of Pine trees. Interestingly Delhi – Lansdown is just 92 km as the crow flies, and that is how far from the China border is Lansdowne.
Lansdowne, the Regimental Centre of Garwal Rifles, was Established during the British regime in 1887. It borders the Kalagarh tiger reserve and the Jim Corbett Park.
Lansdowne has unmatched clean air and a rich green environment. It is unspoilt with significantly less vehicular traffic. It allows you to enjoy a leisurely walk on the road, making hill stations so interesting. Though the traffic has been on the rise with more tourists discovering the hidden jewel, and more hotels have come around the city… still it is a place to visit.
It is one of the few tourist places to see the river Ganga and the snow-clad Himalayas. It provides perfect sunrise and sunset views. A vast panorama of 14000 ft snow-clad westerly Himalayas ranges is visible from Tip-in-top, the highest point of Lansdown at 6500 feet.
At the same time, surprisingly, no mountains are visible from the centre of the town, the Gandhi Ground bus stand.
LANSDOWNE PLACES TO VISIT
Lansdowne is a small town. You can completely see Lansdowne at the weekend, but I suggest a leisurely 4 day trip with this schedule for best results. And here are the places you should visit. Don’t rush; soak in the sites and the environment. So on day one, you drive down from Delhi (6-7 Hours) or come by overnight train, take a Kotdwar Lansdowne cab, and check into your resort or hotel. Enjoy an evening walk in the market area and relax. Get that travel tiredness out of your system. Recommend Forest Place as a hotel to stay in – otherwise, Garwal Vikas Mandal Guest house is a good option. For bird lovers, Lansdowne is a rich treat. More than 600 kinds of birds can be seen throughout the year, and it is close to Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
DAY 2 AT LANSDOWNE
Check with locals, and weather permitting- not too misty or cloudy- Visit Tio-in-Top, the highest point in Lansdowne) and enjoy the early sun rays playing with the snow-clad mountains. See the snow mountain change colours with the rising Sun. On the way back, visit the St Mary’s Church, built-in 1895. It is not in the best state; however, Garhwal Regiment has created a little gallery which displays the memorabilia from the pre-autonomy days.
Post early morning view, visit the Santoshi Mata temple. Before lunch, visit Regimental Mess (adhere to the prescribed dress code- check with your guide or the hotel), Darbar Singh Museum, Regimental Durga Mandir and Rathi Point.
In the evening, enjoy a jungle safari walk towards Dhura Village. You will come across Bhim Pakoda, a natural balancing rock on the way. Try moving this large stone with your fingers and be surprised when you can do it. Folklore says that Pandavas here made their meals and, while leaving, placed this stone on top of the fire.
DAY 3 AT LANSDOWNE
Start early and reach the Snow Point. Walk down the lovers’ lane and reach Jherikhal Road. From here, catch the rising Sun creating drama in the skies as the rays hit snow-clad mountains. The sound of birds in the surrounding jungle adds to the experience. Have a vegetarian breakfast and leave for Tadkeshwar Mandir, some 35 Km away. It will take you some 2 hours by taxi. Tadekeshwar Mandir is surrounded by tall deodar trees, and the ambience is a unique experience. People believe it is the place where lord shiva rests. In the evening, enjoy boating at Bhula Tal. Ask your hotel to arrange for a campfire and enjoy your meals under the starlit skies.
DAY 4 AT LANSDOWNE
Start with a visit to a centuries-old ancient Kaleshwar Mahadev Shiv Mandir, the centre of devotion for the Lansdowne people and the brave Garhwal Regiment. Located near the central Lansdowne city and just down the hill from my ancestral house. And sometime back I visited it to settle some accounts with Bholenath.
If you are a religious type, you could go to Jwalpa Dham ( 35 KM) or Bhairagarih ( 20 KM). Reach Corbett National Park in less than 30 minutes, going through a shortcut. Enjoy the wildlife safari. Before you curl in at the end of the day, remember to pick souvenirs and other local items from the Alaknanda shopping complex near the cantonment area.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Throughout the year. ( in rains, be cautious while driving as the road leading to Lansdowne from Kotdwara is landslide-prone)
Summer– MARCH- JUNE 30-12 degrees centigrade- Great time to beat India’s heat
Monsoon– JULY OCTOBER- Heavy rains
Winter– NOV- FEB- 24-0 degrees centigrade, the Best time to visit. And if you are lucky, you may catch the snowfall.
STAY OPTIONS
There are many options At Lansdowne for staying, including Garhwal Vikas Mandal Guest House. Better hotels are Lans View Hotel, Hotel Mayur, Lansdowne Villa Fairydale Resort, Shanti Raj Resort, GMVN Lansdowne Tourist Bungalow, GMVN Tip N Top Huts in Lansdowne, Bright Sunny Pines Resort, and Hotel Forest Palace.
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