Thecharming hill station of Lansdowne is also the quietest hill station of India.Lansdowne became popular since Britishers came to India and shifted a part of thecantonment board to Lansdowne from Almora in Uttarakhand (earlier Uttaranchal).

Lansdowne hill station is situated at an altitude of 1,706mts above sea level in Uttarakhand India and is unlike other hill stations as it is well connected with motorable roads but still remote. It is surrounded with thick oak and pine forests in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state.

Lansdowne is named after Lord Lansdowne, who was the then Viceroy ofIndia during the period of 1888 - 1894. Presently, Lansdowne has the command office of the Garhwal Rifles division of the Indian Army. Lansdowne attracted the Britishers by its climate and natural beauteousness; therefore they established a cantonment here.

Lansdowne is an ideal weekend destination and it’s getting popular since last few years. Cleanliness is maintained by the Garhwal rifles and restrictions are also there for some areas. The forests of Lansdowne are lovely and ideal for long walks and picnics. There are amazing mountain views of the Western Himalayas from a number of vantage points like Snow View and Tiffin Top. On 5th November, 1887, the first battalion of Garhwal Rifles migrated from Almora to Lansdowne.

Lansdowne was the only city after Almora in the late 70’s. The buildings and churches of Lansdowne built during British era dates you back topre independence period. The salubrious environs and unspoiled surroundings of Lansdowne leave an immortal impact on the tourists. Ample scope of adventureactivities like trekking, bird watching, boating, paddling etc. can be donewhile a visit to Lansdowne.

Places to See in Lansdowne

The Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial: It is located at the parade ground and is the major crowd puller place of the Lansdowne town. This War memorial at Lansdowne was unveiled on 11 Nov 1923 by Lord Rawlinson of Trent, the then Commander in Chief of India.

Garhwali Mess: It is one of the oldest buildings of Lansdowne which dates you back to the British era. The mess was built in Jan 1888 by the Britishers. Garhwali Mess is the best maintained heritage site of Lansdowne.

St. Marry’s Church: Built in 1896, this artistic church was made by Colonel AHB Hume. St Marry’s Church has beenrestored now by Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre. Pre independence photographs,audio and visual display of Regimental history can be seen at this place.

St. John’s Church: Situated on the mallroad, St. John’sis a Roman Catholic Church. St.John’s Churchis the only church of worship in Lansdowne. The church was previously a forest bungalow and it reopened on Nov 29, 1980 as a Church.

Bhulla Tal: It is an artificial lake is dedicated to the young Garhwali youth of Garhwal rifles who contribute their services for protecting India.The word ‘Bhulla’ literally suggests younger brother in Garhwali language.Boating and paddling facilities are also available at Bhulla Tal.

Tip-In-Top: It is situated on the ridge near St. Mary’s Church. Tip in Top can be reached by an easy trek through dense forest and rugged terrains. Enchanting views of the Himalayas can be seen from Tip-n-Top. It is a popular spot amongst the tourists visiting Lansdowne.

Tarkeshwar Mahadev:Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, surrounded by dense Cedar trees. It is situated 38kms from Lansdowne at an elevation of 1800mts above sea level. This ancient shrine is located on Lansdowne-Deriakhal road.

Pauri: The headquarters of Pauri Garhwal district is situated in Pauri Situated 78kms from Lansdowne on the northwest slopes of Kandoliya Hills, Pauriis a blend of natural beauty and city structure. Pauri region is diverse intopography and filled with places of tourist's interest. Stimulating views ofthe imposing snow-capped Himalayan range is clearly visible from Pauri.

Khirsu: Situated 91kms from Lansdowne at an altitudeof 1,700mts above sea level, Khirsu is a sleepy hamlet which is stillunexplored. Khirsu is located in an exquisite location offering tranquillityand serenity. Khirsu is situated around numerous oak, deodar trees and appleorchards around.