Pauri Garhwal

Lansdowne

Nearest Railway: Kotdwar, 40 kms
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, 148 kms
Famous For: Hill Station, Peaceful Surroundings, Himalayan Views, Lake
Altitude: 1780 metres above sea level
Languages: Hindi, Garhwali
Best Time to Visit: March to May and October and November

About Lansdowne

Lansdowne is a hill station in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. It was founded as a military garrison under the British Raj, and the Garhwali Museum traces the history of the Garhwal Rifles regiment, which still trains in the town. Lansdowne is one of the quietest and unspoiled hill stations of India and has been a popular destination since Britishers came to India. Encircled by the dense oak and blue pine forests, Lansdowne appears like an old painting. Located far away from the maddening crowd of the cities, Lansdowne is an ideal retreat for the holiday makers.

How to reach Lansdowne

By road: Lansdowne is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Kotdwar and Dugadda are easily available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Lansdowne are available from Kotdwar, Dugadda, Pauri and other major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Lansdowne is connected with National highway 119.
By air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Lansdowne situated at a distance of 148kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Lansdowne is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Lansdowne.
By rail: The nearest railhead to Lansdowne is Kotdwar situated at a distance 40 kms. Kotdwar is well connected by railway networks with major cities of India. There are regular trains running to Lansdowne from major destinations of north India. Taxis and buses are easily available from Kotdwar to Lansdowne

Photos

Places to see

Garhwali Mess

This Mess was built in January 1888 which subsequently became the present Mess in 1892. It is one of the oldest buildings in Lansdowne and speaks volumes of heritage and a very high quality of maintenance. Garhwali Mess or Gadwali Mess is one of the oldest buildings situated in Lansdowne district of Pauri Garhwal. It is one of the most well-preserved architecture in Lansdowne and reflects the century-old heritage of Indian Army and Garhwal Rifles.

Kaleshwar Temple

It is the oldest temple building of Lansdowne and is believed to be 500 years old. When the Garhwal Rifles reached Lansdowne on 4 November 1887, the site only had the idol of Lord Shiva. The temple now draws lots of civilian devotees and is deeply worshipped by locals and villagers who flock it frequently specially on 'Shivratri'. A first and favourite place to visit among Lord Shiva devotees in Lansdowne, Kaleshwar Mahadev temple was known to be land of meditation for sages. Visitors can still see the samadhis of many sages near the temple.

Regimental Museum

A historical defence museum named after first Victoria Cross holder from Garhwal Rifles Darwan Singh Negi, Darwan Singh Museum contains rarest collection of Garhwal Rifles. Located near the Parade Ground in Lansdowne, Pauri Garhwal, Darwan Singh Museum was inaugurated in 1983. This beautiful two storey building exhibits Battle scenes of Pre-Independence and Post-Independence periods, portraits of the brave soldiers, documents of world war I and II, war trophies.

St. Marrys Church

Construction of St. Marry's Church began in 1895 by Colonel (then Lieutenant) A. H. B. Hume of Royal Engineers and was completed in 1896. St. Marry's Church fell into disuse after 1947 and gradually began to deteriorate. The building has now been restored by Garhwal Rifles Regimental centre with additional facilities of relevant pre independence photographs and audio visual display of Regimental history.

Bhulla Tal

Name Bhulla means younger brother in Garhwali language and is dedicated to the young Garhwali youth of the Garhwal Rifles who contributed their services day and night in its construction without any Government funds. The boating facilities are also available and the areas around the lakes formed by teh dams have been beautified. A children park, bamboo machan (tree house) and fountains have been erected as part of entertainment and beautification of pristine surroundings.

Tip-In-Top

Tip-in-Top is a popular point amongst the tourists visiting Lansdowne. It is on the ridge close to St. Marry's Church. One can plan a trek on a bright sunny day to feel the glorious view of the Himalayas, which is unforgettably enchanting.