Fast Facts
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Altitude |
600 m above sea level |
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Languages |
Hindi and English |
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Best time to visit |
March to October |
Location
Lansdowne is the most notable, albeit small, hill station in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated 45 km from Kotdwar en route Kotdwar-Pauri road in the Pauri Garhwal district.
Best Time To Visit
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.
History
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.
Tourists Attractions
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.
Places Around Lansdowne
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.
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.
How To Reach
By Rail - 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 Uttarakhand.
