Lansdowne, a popular and beautiful cantonment town, is an unspoiled and unexplored area with amazing sceneries and cool breeze. It is a famous tourist spot situated on the Kotdwar-Pauri road at an altitude of 1,706 meters in Pauri Garhwal District of Uttarakhand, India. Lansdowne city is surrounded by lusting greeneries of thick Oak trees and also blue Screw pine forest covers. The picturesque and serene view of snow covers mountains and forests.
History of Lansdowne
The place got its name from its founder Lord Lansdowne, Viceroy of India, and it was the main base of the independent and free movement activities of India during the British rule. On the 5th of November 1887, the first battalion of Garhwal Rifles moved from Almora to Lansdowne. Lansdowne was the only city after Almora in the late 1970`s where people from various states and cultures came to do business. The building, temples and churches of Lansdowne were built during the British period and dates back to pre-independence period.
Tourism in Lansdowne
Lansdowne town has a soothing climate with cool winters and pleasant summers, all through the year, and as a result of which, the place attracts many tourists from across the country. This place is an ideal destination for holidaying. Lansdowne is often considered to be the "gateway of romance". This hill destination is entirely away from the regular hustle and bustle of the city life and is also distinct from the normal hilly areas which are crowded. Cool breeze and clean fresh atmosphere make Lansdowne a perfect place for eco-tourism. The tourism of Lansdowne has a different face, which is eco friendly with a motive to conserve and preserve forest lands.
The famous command office of the legendary Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army is located at this place. The War Memorial at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center is another tourists" attraction. However, prior permission from the military authority is mandatory to visit that spot. Other visiting places of Lansdowne are Tip and Top View Point, Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple, Santoshi Mata Temple, Darwan Singh Museum, Bhulla Tal Lake, St. Mary"s Church and Lover"s Lane etc. The main annual festival that is celebrated during the autumn season is "Sharadotsava". It is a grand draw where many people gather during this time. This place offers the perfect atmosphere for adventurous activities like bird watching, trekking, boating, paddling etc.
Visiting Information to Lansdowne
Lansdowne can easily be reached from Delhi either via road or train. The nearest railway station from Lansdowne is Kotdwar Railway Station. Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is near Dehradun. Another easier way would be from Delhi via Meerut, Bijnore, Najibabad, Kotdwar to Lansdowne.
