Lansdowne Hill Station – Peaceful Getaway in the Hills of Uttarakhand

If you’re searching for a quiet and less-crowded hill station to escape the city heat, Lansdowne is a hidden treasure. Located in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, this small town is full of pine forests, cool breeze, and calm surroundings. Unlike other popular hill stations, Lansdowne is not over-commercialised — making it perfect for travellers who want peace, nature, and mountain views.

It sits at a height of around 1,700 meters above sea level, and is about 250 km from Delhi, which makes it a great weekend getaway.

History of Lansdowne

Lansdowne was founded by the Britishers in 1887 and named after Lord Lansdowne, who was the Viceroy of India at that time. It was developed mainly as a cantonment town for the Garhwal Rifles, a regiment of the Indian Army. The town still serves as the command center of the Garhwal Rifles and is maintained by the army — which is why it’s super clean and well-organised.

The colonial-era buildings, churches, and old bungalows still tell stories of British times.

Lansdowne is perfect for couples, solo travellers, family vacations, and even for those who want to work remotely in calm surroundings.

Things to Do in Lansdowne

1. Bhulla Tal (Lake)

This is a small but pretty man made (Artificial) lake maintained by the Indian Army. You can do boating, walk around the lake, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. There’s also a small cafe nearby named Lansdowne Trip Travel Café which is must visit place if you are visiting a lansdowne and Bhulla Tal Lake.

Timing: 9 AM to 5 PM

Entry Fees: INR 150 (Including Boating)

2. Tip N Top Viewpoint

One of the most famous spots in Lansdowne, Tip N Top offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges. It’s best to visit early morning or during sunset for magical views and cool breeze.

Entry Fees: INR 20

Parking: INR 60

3. St. John’s Church

Built in the 1930s, this church has a classic British feel with peaceful surroundings and beautiful glass paintings. A must-visit for those who love quiet historical places.

4. Darwan Singh Regimental Museum

This museum tells the story of the brave soldiers from the Garhwal Rifles. You’ll find uniforms, medals, weapons, and war memories. It’s very informative and well-maintained by the army.

5. Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple

This is a very old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located within the army area. It’s quiet, spiritual, and also has a great viewpoint nearby.

6. Nature Walks and Bird Watching

Lansdowne is surrounded by pine and oak forests, so you can enjoy peaceful walks or even go for a short jungle trek. You can also spot rare birds and butterflies.

7. Camping and Stargazing

There are many camping sites and resorts that offer tents, bonfire, and stargazing experiences. Night sky in Lansdowne is super clear and beautiful.

8. Shopping at Gandhi Chowk

The main market in Lansdowne is small but nice. You can buy souvenirs, woolen clothes, Garhwali handicrafts, and local pickles/jams.

Best Time to Visit Lansdowne

• Summer (March to June) – Pleasant and cool
• Monsoon (July to September) – Lush green views but occasional landslides
• Winter (October to February) – Cold and sometimes snowy (carry woolens)

How to Reach Lansdowne?

• By Road: Easy drive from Delhi (250 km), Meerut, or Haridwar
• By Train: Nearest station is Kotdwar (40 km), then take taxi or bus
• By Air: Nearest airport is Jolly Grant (Dehradun) – around 150 km away

Where to Stay?

Lansdowne has many budget hotels, army guest houses (if you have access), and boutique resorts. Some popular places:

GMVN Tourist Rest House

Final Words

Lansdowne is the kind of hill station where you don’t need to do a lot to enjoy. Just sitting with a cup of tea, watching the hills and clouds, and breathing the fresh air is enough. It’s clean, quiet, and close to nature — everything a peaceful hill trip should be.

So next time you need a short break or want to experience the calm side of the Himalayas, give Lansdowne a chance.