Lansdowne

Located in the Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, the history of Lansdowne is culturally influenced by the British rule during the Raj era. Earlier known as ‘Kalundanda’ meaning Black hill in Garhwali, the place got its name after the then Viceroy of India Lord Lansdowne in 1857. The British rulers established the Garhwal Rifles cantonment of the armed forces here, and the first battalion was shifted from Almora to Lansdowne. The untouched serenity and calmness made it an ideal escape for troops and troopers to hide in. Central Lansdowne cradles one of the oldest war museums, maintained and only accessible by the army which showcases the historical influences this place holds.

Lansdowne doesn't have a huge number of tourist attractions, but the ones it does have offer experiences you will not get anywhere else. The most prominent tourist spot in Lansdowne is Tip-n-Top (also known as Tiffin Top), which is a hilltop in Lansdowne that offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the mist-shrouded Shivalik range. Surrounded by towering oak and pine forests, this hilltop viewpoint is an amazing place to view sunrises and sunsets. An artificial lake named Bhulla Taal, a little away from the hilltop, is a popular bird-watching spot, and it offers boat rides as well. Another hilltop viewpoint in Lansdowne that tourists frequent is Hawaghar, which, as the name suggests, is a place where you can feel the cold mountain air blowing through your hair as you look out towards the snow-capped Himalayan mountain peaks.

To get a feel of the town's history, visiting the Garhwali Mess is a must. One of the oldest existing British buildings in Lansdowne, the Garhwali Mess is now owned by the Indian Army and offers an insight into India's post-Independence history. Other tourists spots in Lansdowne include St. Mary's Church, St. John's Church, and the Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial, which is a must-visit for history buffs.

Lansdowne is known for its local Garhwali cuisine, so don't forget to try out the local delicacies such as Phaanu, Kafuli and Kulath ki dal, as well as desserts such as Arsa and Gulgula.

The most delicious and convenient option for food here would be the hotels, lodges and resorts, since there aren't too many restaurants here. One can find Chinese, Indian, Mughlai, Marwari, Garhwali as well as Continental cuisines. One can also relish Chinese, Tibetan as well as a number of non-vegetarian delicacies here. The local cuisine of Uttarakhand the you might find here includes Bhaang Ki Khatai, Kappa (a green curry), Sisunak Saag(a dish prepared with green leafy vegetables and many local ingredients), Aloo ke Gutke( a Kumauni potato dish), Rus ( a preparation of many dals) and more.
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Day 1: Arrive at Dehradun airport or Kotdwar railway station. Transfer to Lansdowne in a private cab. Check-in at the hotel. Visit St John's Church and Darwan Singh Regimental museum.
Day 2: Trek to Tiffin Top, to enjoy the beautiful and panoramic view of the Shivalik ranges. Visit the Bhulla Lake and enjoy the serene ambience. Later, visit the Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, located at an elevation of 2092 meters.

Very peaceful and serene. Offbeat destination, hence less crowded. Good alternative for Rishikesh.

Nothing much to do apart from sightseeing. Foreigners are not allowed for the overnight stay without the visa permitting them to stay in a Cantonment area.

For avid travellers and anybody who is looking for a peaceful getaway in the Garhwal region.

The Weather in Lansdowne is brilliant throughout the year. It can get extremely cold in the Winters (November - February) with the temperatures dropping to 0 degree Celsius. The Summers (April - June) are pleasant with maximum temperature around 25 degree Celsius. During the monsoons (July-September), Lansdowne is picturesque but there is a danger of landslides due to heavy rainfall. However, Sharadotsav Festival is celebrated in autumn (around October).

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The most delicious and convenient option for food here would be the hotels, lodges and resorts, since there aren't too many restaurants here. One can find Chinese, Indian, Mughlai, Marwari, Garhwali as well as Continental cuisines. One can also relish Chinese, Tibetan as well as a number of non-vegetarian delicacies here. The local cuisine of Uttarakhand the you might find here includes Bhaang Ki Khatai, Kappa (a green curry), Sisunak Saag(a dish prepared with green leafy vegetables and many local ingredients), Aloo ke Gutke( a Kumauni potato dish), Rus ( a preparation of many dals) and more.
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228 km off Delhi, Lansdowne can be easily reached via roadways- by either buses or cars in about 4 hours.
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The top things to do in Lansdowne are Bhulla Lake, Tip N Top, St. John's Church, Darwan Singh Regimental Museum, Jungle Safari, Bhim Pakora. You can see all the places to visit in Lansdowne here

The top places near to Lansdowne are Rishikesh which is 49 km from Lansdowne, Haridwar which is located 51 km from Lansdowne, Nainital which is located 90 km from Lansdowne, Auli which is located 114 km from Lansdowne, Corbett national park which is located 41 km from Lansdowne