LOCATION

Lansdowne is the most notable, albeit small, hill station in the north Indian state of Uttaranchal. It is situated 45 km from Kotdwar en route Kotdwar–Pauri road in the Pauri Garhwal district.

CLIMATE

Like other hill stations of Garhwal, the temperature is pleasant here in the summer months and offers visitors with ample opportunities to enjoy the gifts of nature. However, winter months can be severe cold with snowfall throughout and temperature can go below sub-zero levels in these months.

PAST

Lansdowne was originally a popular hill station of the British. Attracted by its salubrious climate and natural beauty, they established a cantonment here. The place still has cantonment and proudly preserves its links from the past.

SITES TO VISIT

Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, the hill station of Lansdowne is a place devoid of the hustle and bustle of other hill stations. It is a place for the tourists who want to enjoy nature in its eternity. It is probably the only place, apart from Mussoorie and Chakrata, on the regular tourist circuit in this region.

The famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army also has its command office here. They have maintained the old-world charm of the 19th century and the place is still an ideal getaway.

SITES NEARBY

Situated 45 km from Lansdowne, Kotdwar is a gateway to the hills and one of the last rail termini for Garhwal.

The ancient Karnva Ashram is located 14 km from Lansdowne. Legend has it that Shankuntala gave birth to prince Bharat here, after whose name the country is called Bharat Varsh. Other nearby places of interest include Sidhbali Temple (3 km) and Charaik Hills (20 km).

Jwalpadevi (52 km) is one of the better-known religious areas of the entire division on the main Pauri–Kotdwar road. A large number of devotees come here during Ashtami (April and October) for pilgrimage.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev (30 km) is a temple of Lord Shiva situated at an altitude of 2092 m, on top of a hillock surrounded by a thick forest of deodar, blue pine, and oak. The temple is among one of the oldest in the world. The highlight of this place is that even at an altitude of 2092 m, there are water pools. 

HOW TO REACH

The nearest railhead for Lansdowne is Kotdwar (2 hours), which is well connected by buses. Lansdowne is also linked by a motorable road to almost all the important cities in Uttaranchal.

Lansdowne is 295 km from Delhi, 95 km from Haridwar and 150 km from Dehradun.