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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. Altitude 6000 ft approx (above sea level)
Language Hindi and English
Best Time to Visit Round the year
STD Code 1386
Distance from Delhi 245 km
Tiny Lansdowne is one of the quietest hill station in India. So quiet and
so hidden that you know you've reached only when you actually turn past
the gates of the elegant Garhwal Rifles Cantonment. And theLansdowne town
is as picturesque as you were led to hope for by the drive up the road
from Kotdwar- past a mountain stream (the 'lost River Khoh) so clear you
can see the pebbles on its bed from your car window - far up the
mountainside.
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 Lansdowne town itself is named after Sir Henry Charles
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 windowsills hidden behind
blanketing bougainvillea and creepers.
Lansdowne is the only remaining "Living" hill station in the north
Himalayas situated at a height of 5800 ft and located only 245km from
Delhi. There are only 8000 inhabitants, 50 times that number of trees that
feed on myriad streams and and check dams and a main market that you could
finish visiting in 15 minutes. So what does one do Lansdowne ??? Good
question...
One comes to Lansdowne to do nothing....Let’s face it, all of us deserve
to do nothing every once in a hectic while and........Lansdowne offers you
just that and more..........
Its green hill and varied fauna and flora makes it a colorful and
picturesque hill station, commanding a wonderful view of the extensive
Himalayan snow ranges as also a glittering view of the river Ganga.
Un-spoilt nature, bracing air and a magnificent view of the snow covered
peaks inspire peace and tranquility. If you dream of the romance of the
mountain, then Lansdowne is perfect place for you.
Just let your body and soul rejuvenate at their own pace amidst the pine,
oak and rhododendrons forests. Nature’s aromatherapy has a way of making
you breathe deeper and send in that fresh dose of oxygen which is said to
activate the right side of your brain. No softy stalls, no video game
parlors, no fancy tandoori joints, no instant dosa`s or noodles, and no,
not even a movie hall at Lansdowne. The cantonment board keeps the
Lansdowne town as fresh as a daisy. The proud "Garhwal Rifles" has a major
presence inLansdowne town and this is where some of the bravest sons of
India are trained on the huge parade ground right in the middle of the
Lansdowne town. They also pride in the second best kept Regimental Mess in
Asia, complete with old armory, weapons, hundreds of animal trophies and
the regimental ghost.
Route Delhi to Lansdowne
National highway to Meerut,
Bijnore, Kiratpur Najibabad and Kotdwara.State
Roads to Lansdowne via Dugadda.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO AT LANSDOWNE
Apart from going on the best wooded walks one gets to see the unique War
Museum and the World famous Garhwali Mess.
Hike up to Tiffin Top and Snow View to get a panaromic view of the snow
clad Himalayas or for a glimpse of St Mary's Church,
which, despite losing most of its glory over the years, boasts of
beautiful stained glass windows.Then one can visit the St Johns Church and
the Santoshi Mata Temple.
The Bhulla Tal(a lake created from harnessing rain water)
Durga Devi Temple
This locally important temple lies on the right bank of the Khoh River, 27
km form Lansdowne. The temple itself is really 13ft inside a cave. Deep
within is a Shivling and locals whisper that wishes made here are bound to
be granted.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev
Tarkeshwar Temple is dedicated to Shiva, the god of Kedar Khand, which is
the original name of the area that now comprises Kumaon and Garhwal. There
is a mention of Kedar Khand in Skanda Purana, one of the anceint Hindu
texts. Tarkeshwar is considered to be one of the ancient Siddhpeethas and
is nestled in a thick forest of deodar, blue pine and oak. Water pools
around the temple lend as aura of mystery to the place. Tarkeshwar is
approx. 36 km from lansdowne.
Jwalapadevi Temple
This famous temple is a 10 minute trek down to the banks of the Nawalika
River, off the Lansdowne-Pauri Road, 42 km from Lansdowne. This temple is
most interesting for its legends. In ancient Garhwal, the demon king's
daughter Sachi wanted to marry Indra, the King of Heaven, who was not
inclined to tie the nuptial knot with the besotted girl. Sachi prayed to
her favourite deity, Jwalpadevi. Moved by the girl's heartfelt prayers,
the godess granted her wish. Since then, Garhwalis say, a wish made here
is often granted, Boon-seekers crowd the shrine during Ashtami in April
and October. |
