The beautiful town of Lansdowne is situated at an elevation of 1780 m above sea level. It is in the south of Pauri en route Kotdwar and is surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests offering great mountain views. It is a charming place for a quiet holiday as it is devoid of the usual hustle - bustle of other hill stations in Uttarakhand. Lansdowne was originally a popular hill station with the British.
Attracted by its healthy climate and natural beauty, they established a cantonment here. It was founded by the, then Viceroy Lord Lansdowne in 188a7 AD. Thus the place has been named after him. The famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army has its command office here.
PLACES
TO VISIT
The Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial
The War Memorial at Lansdowne was unveiled on a suitable vantage point
on the Armistice Day (11 November 1923) by his Excellency Lord Rawlinson
of Trent, the then Commander in Chief of India. Located at the Parade
Ground it is a major attraction which brings tourists from all over
India and the world. The forests here are lovely, dark and deep, just
ideal for those long walks and picnics. You can enjoy amazing views of
the Western Himalayas from a number of vantage points like Snow View and
Tip-in-Top.
Garhwali Mess
This Mess was built in January 1888 which subsequently became the
present Mess in 1892. It is one of the oldest buildings in Lansdowne and
speaks volumes of heritage and a very high quality of maintenance.
Regimental Museum
A motivational hall was inaugurated at Lansdowne in 1983 to display the
rare collections of Garhwal Rifles over the period of 119 years.
The Regimental Temple: To suitably honour and match the deep religious
feelings of wondrous Garhwali troops and also as tribute to the
wonderful Dev-Bhoomi, the work to renovate and beautify the old
Regimental Temple was undertaken on 01 April 1993.
The Garhwal Rifles Regimental
War Memorial
Garhwali Mess
Regimental Museum
Kaleshwar Temple
It is the oldest temple building of Lansdowne and is believed to be 500
years old. When the Garhwal Rifles reached Lansdowne on 4 November 1887,
the site only had the idol of Lord Shiva. The temple now draws lots of
civilian devotees and is deeply worshipped by locals and villagers who
flock it frequently specially on 'Shivratri'.
St. Marry's Church
Construction of St. Marry's Church began in 1895 by Colonel (then
Lieutenant) A. H. B. Hume of Royal Engineers and was completed in 1896.
St. Marry's Church fell into disuse after 1947 and gradually began to
deteriorate. The building has now been restored by Garhwal Rifles
Regimental centre with additional facilities of relevant pre
independence photographs and audio visual display of Regimental history.
St. John's Church: On the Mall, the Roman Catholic Church (now St.
John's Church), situated just above the road on the spur below the
Forest bungalow was completed in 1934. It reopened on November 29th
1980. From then, St. John's Church became the only Church of worship in
Lansdowne and continues till date.
Bhulla Tal
Name Bhulla means younger brother in Garhwali language and is dedicated
to the young Garhwali youth of the Garhwal Rifles who contributed their
services day and night in its construction without any Government funds.
The boating facilities are also available and the areas around the lakes
formed by teh dams have been beautified. A children park, bamboo machan
(tree house) and fountains have been erected as part of entertainment
and beautification of pristine surroundings.
Kaleshwar Temple
St. Marry's Church
Bhulla Tal
BEST SEASON/ BEST TIME TO VISIT
The climate of Lansdowne is characterized by cold winters and pleasant
summers. Summers during March to June are pretty enjoyable in Lansdowne
with pleasant climate. Winters during December to February are extremely
cold with minimum temperature falls subzero level. Snowfalls throughout
winters are a spectacular characteristic of Lansdowne.
City Facts State: Uttarakhand District: Pauri Garhwal Famous for/as: Hill Station Languages: Garhwali, Hindi Best Season: Mar - Oct Weather: Summer 15 to 30°C, Winter -4 to 17°C Altitude: 1706 m Pincode: 246155 STD code: 01386,01382,01348
Celebrations associated with Maha Shivaratri during February - March are
very attractive and are conducted with much devotion and enthusiasm.
Best season to visit Lansdowne is from March to November avoiding
freezing winters.
