Lansdowne
Hilltop Trips India

State Uttarakhand Near by Places Karnva Ashram Haridwar - 119 Km Dehradun - 170 Km Delhi - 275 Km Kotdwar - 42.7 Km Pauri Garhwal - 92.5 Km Best Time to visit All Seasons Elevation Lansdowne - 6000 m Above Sea Level. Coordinates 29.842645,78.674705 Lansdowne Map Lansdowne Reviews Mouthshut.com

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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.

Hill Resort | Elevation | Travel | Season | Tourist places | Accommodation | Location | Lansdowne Map

The Hill Resort

Lansdowne is a perfect place to have a soulful vacation, away from the chaos and clatter of city life. Perched atop at an altitude of 5597ft, the unexplored charm of the place would surely leave you captivated. Add to this, the panoramic view, the salubrious climate and the refreshing beauty of nature. While for some sipping a cup of coffee and watching the hills would be the best bet for spending the vacation in Lansdowne, do not miss on the fun activities that you can indulge in this ecstatic location. Right from trekking to indulging in nature walks, the options are endless.

History

Lansdowne was originally a popular hill station with the Britishers. 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. Back in the Raj, Lansdowne was one of the popular hill stations, where the Sahibs, mostly from the Army, galloped across the ridge that overlooked a sprawling valley and the Greater Himalayas, or drove to the Church on the hill (the popular Tiffin Top) every Sunday in their horse-drawn carriages. The town itself is named after Sir HenryCharles Keith Petty-Fitzmaurice, 5th Marquess of Lansdowne, 6th Earl of Kerry and Viceroy of India from 1888 to 1894. Shaded, winding roads are still lined with colonial bungalows, some in a state of disrepair, some steadfastly retaining their charm with ornate gates and window sills hidden behind blanketing bougainvillea.

Peace, progress and some development works marked Lord Lansdowne's administration in India. He had to take military action in the state of Manipur in Assam. The commander-in-chief of the state had killed some Englishmen including the Chief Commissioner of Assam who was on a visit to the state. The rising was suppressed and the commander-in-chief was captured and hanged.

During the British rule, Lansdowne served as a chief base for the various activities carried on by freedom fighters. During the time of Lansdowne railway and irrigation works were extended. A notable event in his time was the passing of India Act of 1892 by which the legislative councils were reconstituted by increasing the number of members who were given the rights to discuss financial matters and to interpret them. Formerly the government nominated the members but now they were to be elected by the Municipal Committees, District Boards, Universities and other public bodies to make the council more representative in character. During his period the value of silver declined in relation to gold and this hit India adversely as she was indebted to a gold standard country. To meet the challenge he increased the income tax and enhanced the salt tax.

Shopping

Shopping opportunities in Lansdowne are almost nil! Lansdowne has managed to retain its charm and serenity, and you wont find much of the commercial activities that often are the downfall of natural beauties like Lansdowne. As far as entertainment and nightlife is concerned again, no movie

halls or video parlours here. Curl up in front of a bonfire at your hotel and enjoy the serenity and starlit skies!

Fairs and Festivals

In autumn, the Annual Shardotsav is celebrated with grand fervor. Jwalpa Devi is another place which attracts a lot of tourists for pilgrimage, especially during Ashtami (in the months of April and October).

Night Out

No fancy restaurants here, but meander down the main market and you will find many small restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. Two well frequented eating places are the Hotel Zayaka for its Momos and Hotel Mayur is well known for its paranthas - so go ahead try them!

Activities

The best adventure activity that the tourists can enjoy here is trekking. The trekking trials are through the lovely surroundings passing through the forests which are dark and deep. If you are fit enough you can also go for hiking. There are simple and tougher climbs to choose from. Than you can go for the pleasurable nature walk, which can never bore you. Other activities at Lansdowne include camping, snow viewing and forest walk.

The best way to explore Lansdowne is to go for trekking. Nature has provided Lansdowne with every gift that humankind can ask. A tourist looking for nature trails can have all their demands fulfilled. Camping and river crossing are the favorite pastimes of tourists who visit this place.

Nature Walk

Instead of reveling in the charm and beauty of the place superficially, explore the place and soak yourself in its allure. The best way to have an enthralling stay in this hill station would be to indulge in nature walk. Enveloped by thick oak trees and blue pine woods, amidst wild flora and fauna, the place extends tourists just the right opportunity to have a walk in the blissful surrounding. For instance, you can walk up to Tiffin Top, near the Supply Depot, and even stroll around to the Snow View Point, from above the State Bank of India branch.

Bird Watching

The close proximity of Lansdowne to the Sona Nadi division of Corbett National Park makes it an ideal bird watching area as well. There are about 600 species of birds that migrate to Lansdowne every year. So, for those interested in bird watching, all you need to do is just invest in a good pair of binoculars. The colorful birds forming a spectacular plumage in the sky would be an enthralling site for you to revel in.

Trekking

Trekkers are sure to define Lansdowne as a haven, what with the hill station providing umpteen opportunities for hiking. A number of treks into the hillside are launched from Lansdowne, which serves as a popular base camp. You can indulge in simple treks that last for an hour or go for those that last for a couple of days. Some of the trekking trails:

You can also visit the waterworks and the Malini Barrage, which are just a kilometre away from the GMVN Tourist Rest House. The final stretch is however a bit tricky and requires you to pass through a landslide-prone area

There is also a trek from Kalal Ghati, a small junction, which takes you to a bifurcation. Take the lantana-covered rubble strip from there and you will find yourself reaching the gate of the Kanvashram TRH soon.

If you have the time, visit Pauri (82 Km from Lansdowne) and undertake the trek to Kandoliya Devta temple, which offers you anawe inspiring view of the glorious Himalayan peaks and the spectacular Gangwarsyun Valley.

Wildlife

For adventure enthusiasts, Lansdowne is nothing less than a paradise. The large stretch of wilds in the Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary would rightly cater to your interest, making the trip an absolutely pleasurable experience. The cool and subtle atmosphere will act as a, boon further stimulating your craving for adventure. However, make sure you abide by all the safety measures during the wildlife tour.

Elevation

Lansdowne - 6000 m Above Sea Level.

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Location Details

Lansdowne is the most notable, albeit small, hill station in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is situated 45 Km from Kotdwar en route Kotdwar-Pauri road in the Pauri Garhwal district.

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How to Reach There and Distances

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 the hills of Uttar Pradesh.

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

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

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.

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Tourist places near Lansdowne

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.