Are you planning for a short trip near Delhi and don’t want to travel much? Are you looking for a place which is less crowded and where you can just relax in the meadows of beautiful mountains?
Lansdowne should be the answer to all the questions. Most of you may have heard about it and some of you might also have been to this place. It’s a very small yet beautiful place to be. And it’s not even that far from Delhi, situated at a distance of 250 kms from the national capital. Since it’s a military area, it’s quite clean and peaceful in comparison of other hill stations.
Places to Go –
Since it’s a very small hill station, there are limited places to visit. But as I said, this place is too good for a short trip and ideal for Friends/Families and Couples. The most famous place is Tip N Top View, from where you can enjoy the panoramic view of hills. It is around 1.5 KM away from the main town. You can go there by car/taxi but I would suggest to go on foot to this place as the experience would be beautiful to go walk with the forest by your side. Don’t miss to visit the beautiful Churches on the way (St. Johns and St. Mary Church). Bhulla Taal is also quite an attraction where you can enjoy boating and food or snacks in the sunlight.
There’s a Devi temple which is around 300 meters from Tip N Top. Go there in the evening to enjoy the sunset. And if you are a fan of Museums, then there is one, dedicated to the Army. It stores several equipments and articles used by the Armed Forces. However, photography isn’t allowed there.
But what most people don’t know or haven’t visited here is Tarkeshwar Dham Mandir. This religious site is situated around 35 KM from Lansdowne. You can get taxis to reach there and they charge around 1200/- for both the ways, regardless of number of. The way from the parking till the temple (around 500 meters) is so serene and lovely that you will feel like you are somewhere else. A small temple in the middle of long deodar trees seems magical. That temple is believed to there since almost 1300 years. You are gonna love every minute that you will spend there. Entrance and Exit of this temple are also so unique. Both the sides are covered with the bells. The most interesting part of this temple is that there’s a tree which is in the shape of Trishul. Obviously, that’s like a rarest of rare creation and so people consider that as a miracle. The view, the calmness and the Beauty of this place makes it a must visit place in or near Lansdowne.
And yes, you can also visit Sidh Bali Mandir in Kotdwar while returning (if time permits).
How to Reach –
By Car – You can reach there by your own personal vehicle. Driving till Lansdowne is quite easy. Especially the journey from Kotdwar to Lansdowne is so beautiful. But be careful as sometimes wild animals can cross your path.
By Bus – You can get buses from ISBT Kashmere gate. There are frequent roadways buses till Kotdwar. Lansdowne is around 40 KM from Kotdwar. And you can find local shared taxis from there and they charge around Rs. 70/- to 100/- per person. Enjoy the fresh cool breeze and lush green pine trees during the taxi ride.
By Train – Lansdowne is also accessible by rail. The train however will leave you at Kotdwar from where you can get buses and local taxis.
I have heard so many people complaining that there’s nothing in Lansdowne, To that, I would say if you want to go somewhere near for a day or two, this place is a perfect choice as it doesn’t include so much of travel and plus it’s a peaceful place. Just sit anywhere and you can enjoy the calmness and serenity of this place. I am sharing some pictures too, I hope you will like it and will visit it at least once if you haven’t.
