In this world of chaos where everything changes in the blink of an eye. would you believe it if we told you about a place that still holds the old-world charm? Hands down, it’s Lansdowne. Nestled in the hills of Uttarakhand, this hill station is so quiet that you’ll be able to listen to the voices in your head as loudly as the noise in the city. It’s safe to say that this hill station is less frequented and rightfully so because the lush greenery and nature have remained unspoiled. Lansdowne was formerly called Kalundanda and was renamed Lansdowne after the viceroy of India at the time, Lord Henry Lansdowne. While Uttarakhand is a great vacation spot, Lansdowne particularly is your perfect weekend getaway if what you want is a pause from your routine life. Let’s see how you can spend a weekend in Lansdowne.
Places To Visit On Day 1
- Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
- Bhulla Tal/Bulla Lake
- St John’s Church
- Bhim Pakora
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple
Let’s begin the trip. Our first stop is the famous Tarkeshwar Temple located 38 km away from Lansdowne in a small village. The temple is surrounded by dense forests which means there’s going to be no network, so it’s the perfect opportunity to unplug and tune into nature.
Reaching here can be a task because of the poor roads, but it only adds to the rustic authenticity of the temple. We guarantee you’ll feel relaxed after your trek from the parking area to the temple because of the isolated and positive energy there.
Here, you can interact with the locals present in the temple who’ll tell you the tale of how the temple was named. Tarkasur, a demon, had misused a boon of immortality, granted to him by Lord Shiva. He was then killed by Karthikeya (son of Lord Shiva). However, moments before he was killed, Tarkasur sought forgiveness from Lord Shiva. He etched the demon’s name in history by declaring his spot of meditation as a temple.
If you happen to visit the Tarkeshwar Temple during Mahashivratri, you’re bound to have a spiritually enriching experience when you’ll see the temple come to life with flocks of devotees who come from different places. The festival is then celebrated in full swing and devotees offer tiny bells that are encircled around the trees of the temple.
Timings: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: No entry charges
Bhulla Tal
Lansdowne, largely being a Garhwali Cantonment region, has lots of Indian Army-operated and maintained tourist attractions. One of them is Bhulla Lake. It’s a man-made lake that gets its name from the Garhwali word Bhulla which means younger brother. The lake is named after the youth of the Garhwali Rifles Cantonment who helped in the construction of the lake. You can reach here fastest with the local transport as it is just 1 km away from the city. However, if you choose to travel by private transport, you can park your vehicles in the parking area before entering the premises.
Although there are several boating facilities available here, the lake still isn’t heavily populated which makes it a lesser-known yet an amazing picnic spot. You can find a few souvenir shops, nurseries, cafes, and a small enclosure for rabbits. Another highlight here is the amusement park for children where you can indulge in archery, trampolines, and ride on swings.
For the best views of the Bhulla Lake, step onto the overbridge, and for some extra fun, get inside the bamboo machan adjacent to the lake from where you can see the scenic views of the Bhulla Tal and nearby greenery.
Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm
Entry fees: No entry fees to visit the lake but to avail of the boating facilities, you’ll have to pay INR 50
St. John’s Church
Lansdowne is known for its churches and why, you ask? The British ruled here long enough to rename the place, so churches are a smaller goal achieved. St. John’s Church, a gem built in 1936 under the watch of the Archdiocese of Agra, is Lansdowne’s sole operating church. Nestled on Mall Road, this Roman Catholic beauty is spread over a wide area.
A quintessential example of British architecture, this church took a whole year to complete. You can enjoy the serene atmosphere, whether you’re a believer or not. Fun fact? This is the only functional church in Lansdowne that still holds religious events and masses for the Christian community, perfect reason to add it to your Lansdowne itinerary.
Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Bhim Pakora
Bhim Pakora, a popular tourist spot near Lansdowne, is admired for its scenic beauty and fascinating tale. It is believed that during the Mahabharata era, the Pandavas halted here for a night during their exile. Bhima, the physically strongest brother of all, picked up two rocks and placed them on top of one another in a manner that they never moved. Ever!
Situated 2 kilometers from Lansdowne, Bhim Pakora attracts numerous tourists, offering panoramic views of nature’s splendor including expansive forests and snow-covered peaks. Considering the distance, it can seem like a trek-y spot but it’s advised that you rather travel by a 4-wheeler as the path can get dangerous because of the narrow and damaged roads.
Don’t be disheartened if you don’t see anything exotic except two perfectly balanced rocks. What’s most interesting about this arrangement is that the two stones can be moved by a single finger but no matter how much force is applied, the rocks won’t topple. If you’re a trekking enthusiast or tourist in general, Bhim Pakora is a must-visit because of the scenic views of the dense forests juxtaposed with the Himalayan ranges.
Timings: Any time of the day
Entry Fee: No entry charges
Places To Visit On Day 2
- Hawaghar
- Garhwali Mess
- Darwan Singh Museum
- Tiffin Top
Hawaghar
Located 1.5 km from Lansdowne, Hawaghar is a small hilltop. This is a popular tourist spot because of the magnificent views of the Himalayas that you get to see from here. It’ll resemble the stills from every Bollywood horror film that was ever shot in the hills. The silence in the surroundings can get so eerie sometimes that you will get chills (not because of the cool breeze). Hawaghar is a fun trekking expedition that’s absolutely worth it being in your Lansdowne itinerary.
Hawaghar is frequented by thousands of tourists every year and a large number of them are newly-married couples who visit this spot for its romantic vibe amidst the oak and pine trees. Free advice? Before you head to global romantic destinations with your better halves and burn a hole in your pockets, head over to this wonder in Lansdowne and witness landscapes that’ll compete well with the global destinations.
Timings: Open for 24 hours
Entry Fee: No entry charges
Darwan Singh Museum
Now that we’re in the city of Lansdowne, let’s visit the place that’ll tell us the history of Lansdowne. You can reach the museum easily because it’s centrally located; there are cabs or rickshaws available but this Lansdowne itinerary is a good way to get your fitness in check, so might as well just walk!
Darwan Singh Museum, also called the Garhwali Museum, is a two-storey museum in the main city of Lansdowne. Here you can learn all about the history, origin, and achievements of the Garhwali Rifles Regiment. Photography is strictly prohibited here, however, there’s an option to store cameras in the lockers there for free.
Inside, you’ll see a collection of arms, uniforms, rare photographs of army generals, certificates, and citations signed by British army generals. Besides the museum, the flower garden surrounding the building is a gorgeous sight to behold where you’ll find 10-12 varieties of roses and several varieties of different flowers. However, there is one other limitation here–children below the age of 10 are not allowed inside the museum.
Timings: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 20
Garhwali Mess
Constructed in 1888, this mess is known for its architecture which to this day remains intact. The Garhwali Mess, like many other buildings of the pre-Independence era, strongly depicts British architecture. It’s one of the most famous spots to visit here because it is the finest building that has preserved its architecture for so long.
Inside the mess, there is a small museum that houses a sundial that is known to point towards famous Himalayan peaks like Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, and Mount Kamet. You’ll also notice the heritage of the Indian Army that’s reflected in the architecture and the possessions at the museum. Don’t be scared if you come across animal skins here because they’re a prized possession here!
Timings: 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Entry Fee: No entry charges
Tiffin Top
Lansdowne boasts of unspoiled greenery and serene landscapes. Tip N Top, also known as Tiffin Top, offers captivating views of the Himalayas and surrounding nature. This high-altitude destination attracts weekend tourists seeking a break from their hectic lives, providing panoramic sights and pleasant weather.
The trekking route traverses through Jaiharikal to the famous Khyber Pass. It is also close to St. Mary’s Church and Mata Santoshi Devi Temple. You might not encounter a lot of people here but you won’t ever feel alone also, you know why? Because there’ll be so many monkeys here to keep you company!
Timings: Open for 24 hours
Entry Fee: No entry charges
Summing Up
Staying curled up at home may sound tempting, but being in Lansdowne is so much better. In two days, you’ll get to see amazing views, museums, and temples! Also, there’s no place quieter than here that’ll give you time to reflect on the deepest thoughts in your mind. So get going because there’s no time more right than now!
FAQs
Which Is Better, Mussoorie Or Lansdowne?
Both are hill stations and are good options for a vacation. Mussoorie in comparison is more commercialized whereas Lansdowne is a place for peace and relaxation.
Why Is Lansdowne Famous?
Lansdowne is popular because of its British history and being the headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles regiment of the Indian Army. It is a well-connected city but still remote in its unique way.
How Much Does A Trip To Lansdowne Cost?
An overall trip to Lansdowne will cost you under INR 10,000. If you choose luxury accommodation, then the budget can reach INR 20,000.
What Is The Old Name Of Lansdowne Uttarakhand?
Lansdowne was formerly known as Kalundanda. It was renamed Lansdowne after the Viceroy of India, Lord Henry Lansdowne.
