Lansdowne is a charming, military hill station in Uttarakhand, India. The hill station offers scenic beauty, tranquility, and pleasant weather. Britishers founded the place as a military garrison. It offers a calming atmosphere, away from city chaos.
Distance from Delhi:
Lansdowne is only about 250 km away from Delhi. It’s a drive of 7-8hrs. One can plan a weekend gateway for 2-3days and enjoy the chilly mountain breeze.
How far is Lansdowne from Nainital?
From Nainital, Lansdowne is situated about 225 kilometers (140 miles). Therefore, it takes about 7-8hrs to travel, depending on traffic and season. The route is very beautiful and serene, perfect for car ride.
Best seasons in Lansdowne:
March to June: Summer Bliss
Lansdowne has a very pleasant and mild temperatures, during these months. Temperature ranges from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). This is the peak tourist season, as people travel to escape the city heat.
July to September: Monsoon greenery
Monsoon hits Lansdowne during these months. The region becomes lush and vibrant. One needs to be cautious, due to slippery paths and occasional landslides.
October to February: Winter Magic
Temperatures ranges from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). It is ideal to enjoy winter activities. The views of snow-capped mountains are stunning.
Routes:
Drive Through Pine Forest to Lansdowne:
- One can start from Delhi, take the Hapur highway. The road travels through Rampur, Haldwani to Almora. It covers a distance of 365 km, requiring about 8-9 hours.
- If you prefer a less crowded route, you can take the Meerut highway, then continue to Bijnor. From there, proceed through Ramnagar, and finally travel via Ranikhet to reach Almora. It’s a distance of 390 km, 9-10 hours.
Easy Bus Ride to Lansdowne:
Bus is a very economical option. It’s a approx 10-12hrs travel to Almora. Both government and private operators provide bus services, with many buses starting from Delhi ISBT (Kashmere Gate). Moreover, these buses run at various times, offering flexibility for your travel schedule
Take quick train to Lansdowne:
You can also take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam. It’s a 5-6hrs journey. Upon reaching Kathgodam, one can hire a taxi/local bus to Almora.
By Air + Car/Bus:
Pantnagar Airport (PGH) is the nearest airport, located about 115 km from Almora. It’s a short flight of 1hr. From the airport, one can take a cab to Almora. It would be a 3-4 hours drive.
Things to do in Lansdowne:
Enjoy sunset at Tip-in-Top Point:
Tip-in-Top Point is one of the most popular viewpoints in Lansdowne. It is surrounded by lush forests of pine and deodar trees, the area is ideal for relaxation and enjoying the tranquility of nature. Early morning or late afternoon is ideal for enjoying the views. There are small shops, offering refreshments.
Enjoy gothic architecture at St. John’s Church
It is a is a historic church in Lansdowne, built in 1936, by the Britishers. It has Gothic architectural style, with stained glass windows adding to its charm. Inside the church, there are several memorial plaques commemorating soldiers who served in the Garhwal Rifles. Church generally remains open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Dive into History at Darwan Singh Regimental Museum
The museum showcases the history and achievements of the Garhwal Rifles, a regiment of the Indian Army. It is located within the Lansdowne Cantonment area. The museum operates from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. One has to remove shoes to enter the premises. There are lockers present, to safely keep your belongings. One has to maintain silence within the premises.
St. Mary’s Church:
The church was established in 1880 during the British colonial era. It showcases Gothic architecture, characterized by pointed arches, intricate detailing, and beautiful stained glass windows. The church opens around 9AM.
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Pray at Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple:
A revered Shiva temple located about 30 km from Lansdowne. Temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 8:00 PM. The dense deodar and pine forests nestle the temple at an altitude of around 1,800 meters (6,000 feet). Hundreds of bells hang around the temple, placed by devotees. Mahashivratri is observed with grand celebration.
Boating at Bhulla Lake:
The lake is a serene, artificial lake, maintained by the Indian Army. Visitors can enjoy boating on the lake. There is no entry fee, however, there is a small boating fee, ranging from ₹50 to ₹100 per person, depending on the type of boat (paddle or rowboat). There’s also a well-maintained children park. cafe offering snacks, beverages are present.
