Lansdowne, the name itself seemed interesting in a country like India where mostly names of places are not in English.
After my little one turned three months, we felt the need to break the monotony. So, we decided to take some time off to rejuvinate at a location that was not so far from Delhi.
Colorful sky
Lansdowne was the perfect location matching our requirement. We went by car to have flexibility considering the little one’s needs. It took us maximum 6 hours non-stop from Delhi to reach Lansdowne. I was initially worried as I thought it would be a real long drive for my little baby. But, soon he slept in his well secured and cozy car seat. My baby did not trouble us at all. This made me conclude that we could have many more such long drive trips 🙂
How to reach Lansdowne
By train
Nearest railway station- Kotdwar, approximately 40 kms away from Lansdowne.
By car
Over all approximately 233 kms.
Delhi>Modinagar>Bijnor>NajibabadKotdwar>Dugadda>Lansdowe.Starting Kotdwar, the journey till up is breathtaking and comfortable.
By bus
Buses leave from ISBT, Kashmiri Gate for Kotdwar
Where to stay
There are many staying options starting from approximately Rs.500 to Rs.3,500.
Hotels in Market
Lans view hotel, tariff starting approximately Rs. 800; hotel Mayor starting approximately, Rs.1,400; Lansdowne villa starting tariff approximately Rs. 2,800;
Hotels before Lansdowne
Blue pine resort starting tariff approximately Rs.3,500; Jadali Guest house starting approximately Rs.1,800; Kasang regency hill resort starting approximately Rs.3,500; Fairydale resort starting tariff approximately Rs.3,500; Lans Castle hotel starting tariff approximately Rs.3,500; GMVN tourist bungalow.
Our experience
We started early morning and reached by lunch. Ours was a 2 nights 3 days trip. First day we relaxed and stayed in the resort. We stayed in Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam resort which was a mistake. Although the room and food was decent but bathrooms were not as good. The resort had many gardens which were not as well maintained. However, the vast view of Himalayas from the garden was highly refreshing and captivating. I was engrossed in the view for a while and just wanted to meditate.
Breathtaking view of Himalayas from GMVN garden
Second day we ventured out with my little one. It appeared as if even he wanted a break. He was expressing emotions by vigorously moving hands and legs and smiling as he gazed at the clear sky.
Picturesque scenery
Refreshing scenic view
We visited a children’s park where there were many swings for kids, a little snack shop.
Where to eat?
Fairy Dale Hotel, GMVN tourist guest house, dhabas near bus stand for pakoras, paranthas etc. Hotel Mayur is famous for alu paranthans. There are some spicey snack parlours in the main market.
Things to do in Lansdowne
Long walks in the forest
Be ware of animals like Leopard etc. The forest is full of silver fir, spruce and bamboo.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
It is on the road back to Kotdwar. Nestled in dense forest of pine, oak and deodar, this temple is one of the ancient siddhipeethas. This place is approximately 38kms from Lansdowne in a town called Devbhoomi. A very serene place where you can meditate and feel the nature. You can experience the most beautiful sunrise. If luck permits, you can also see Himalayas, Yamunotri peak, Gangotri peak, Chaukhamba, Nanadevi and Trishul peaks from here.
Children Park
Full of swings and a little snack shop, this place is a small are for kids play.
When to go?
March to June and September to November
Did you know?
- The town is named after 5th Marquess of Lansdowne
- Lansdowne is a cantonment area of Garhwal rifles
- ‘Lost’ river ‘Khoh’ is so transparent that one can see the pebbles from far up.
Overall this is a place to relax and do nothing. If your resort is good, I think your trip would be a success given the scenic Himalayas.
Some more pics of Lansdowne
Beautiful sky, trees and mountains
Nidhi KM
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