Sitting at an elevation of about 1700 m above the sea level amidst thick oak and pine forests, Lansdowne is a quaint hill-station in Pauri district of Uttarakhand. Named after Lord Lansdowne – the then Viceroy of British India – Lansdowne is a unique tourist place with many attractions. Further, each of these attractions has a host of fascinating things to do in Lansdowne and must-have experiences. Bestowed upon with indescribable natural beauty, Lansdowne is one of the lesser known hill stations of India. It is a clean and well-maintained town that houses the command office of Garhwal Rifles of Indian Army. Pick from the many interesting things to do near Lansdowne and have a wonderful holiday in Uttarakhand. From camping and trekking to leisurely walks and lazy sunsets – there is a mix-bag of activities to choose from!
14 Best Things To Do In Lansdowne, India
Here is a list of the some of the best things for a surreal experience if you’re thinking about the most famous things to do in Lansdowne! From camping to boating, there is no dearth of things to do here. Browse through our list to pick the one that suits you best.
- Camping: Break Free From The Ideal Stay Way
- Bhulla Lake Boat Ride: Boating Has Its Fun
- Snow Viewpoint Trek: For The Thrill Seekers
- Tip N Top Hiking: For That Adrenaline Rush
- Nature Walk: Up & Close With Nature
- Birdwatching: See Migratory Birds
- Religious Tour: Seek Blessings
- Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya : Pay Homage
- Kalagarh Tiger Reserve: Interact With Wildlife
- Dining: Fine Dine And Wine
- Shopping: No Further Explanation
- Lansdowne Trip Travel Cafe: For Retro Feels
- Jungle Safari: Amidst The Wildlife
- Trekking: Reach Bhim Pakora
1. Camping: Break Free From The Ideal Stay Way
Camping is the best among many things to do in Lansdowne. Shun the hotel rooms and break free of the stereotypical way of holidaying as you go for overnight camping and adventure activities in Lansdowne. Lansdowne has the lush green open lands which are best-suited for setting up your tent for a night or two, sitting around the bonfire, and dining out in the open. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and experience the magic of camping in Lansdowne.
Best Time To Enjoy Camp Stays In Lansdowne: March to June in summers and September to November in autumn are the best times to enjoy camping
2. Bhulla Lake Boat Ride: Boating Has Its Fun
One of the most significant tourist attractions in Lansdowne, Bhulla Taal is a small and quiet man-made lake maintained by Indian Army. It is dedicated to the youth of Garhwal Rifles of Indian Army who laid their lives in the service of the nation.
Take a boat tour of this picturesque lake and be ready with your cameras as you are going to spot lazy swimming ducks in the lake and the agile rabbits hopping around the banks. Also, there is an amusement park which is a great place to have fun. Believe it or not, those who have been to this lake, always have some great stories to share.
Best Time To Enjoy Boat Tour In Bhulla Lake: summers (March-June) and autumn (September-November) are the most suitable durations to enjoy boat tours in Bhulla Taal Lake. It’s open all days of the week from 9:00 am- 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Entry charges applicable
Location: Lansdowne, Uttarakhand 246155
3. Snow Viewpoint Trek: For The Thrill Seekers
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Let the hiker in you come out as Lansdowne is the right place for hiking and trekking. Owing to its geographical location, many treks are launched from this little town into the hillside. The treks range from small hiking trails lasting a few hours to tougher climbs that can take up to 2-3 days. The famous treks here are up till Snow Viewpoint and Hawaghar.
What makes trekking tours one of the best things to do in Lansdowne is the bliss of witnessing amazing sceneries from Snow Viewpoint as well as Hawaghar. Make sure you capture the photogenic snow-clad mountains with clear blue skies and feel the gushing wind through your hair.
Best Time To Enjoy Trekking In Lansdowne: apart from winters and monsoons months, the whole year is good for trekking and hiking in Lansdowne. However, it’s recommended that you consult local trekking organizing companies before indulging in trekking
4. Tip N Top Hiking: For That Adrenaline Rush
Also known as Tiffin Top, Tip n Top is a clean and serene place situated on the ridge close to St. Mary’s Church and is one of the popular tourist attractions in Lansdowne. Call it a romantic place for lovebirds, a haven for nature-lovers or picnic spot for families and kids – Tip n Top viewpoint has it all to be a perfect place to hang around. Hiking is one of the most interesting activities to do in Lansdowne.
You can trek to Tip n Top view point and enjoy a panoramic view of surrounding Shivalik Hills and snow covered the Himalayas where you just can’t stop clicking.
Best Time To Visit Tip N Top Vantage Point: you can visit Tip n Top any time of the year depending upon what you want to see
5. Nature Walk: Up & Close With Nature
“All truly great thoughts are conceived while walking”- a saying by Friedrich Nietzsche that seems even more realistic as you venture out into the forests of pine and oak trees on the hills of Lansdowne. Enjoy the fresh air, singing birds, sounds of animals, humming of insects on the forest floor and every bit of nature in its purest form as you ramble through the lonely paths in Lansdowne.
Just walking and walking and doing nothing else might not seem as exciting, but for many tourists, it’s one of the most peaceful and rejuvenating things to do in Lansdowne. Document your nature walk by taking photographs, indulge in leaf art, sketch whatever strikes you there, or just sit down at some clear space and lay your eyes on your favorite book. Lansdowne is heaven for those
Best Time To Take Nature Walks In Lansdowne: the best time to enjoy leisurely nature walks in Lansdowne is in morning and evening during summers and autumn when the weather is favorable
6. Birdwatching: See Migratory Birds
It’s not just the clear blue sky and towering pine trees that you see when you look up. Lansdowne also attracts a wide variety of migratory birds like northern shoveler, ruddy shelduck, northern pintail, red-crested pochard, common merganser and many others. These cute creatures flock to this place from different parts of the world and whether or not, you’re a nature enthusiast, you would love to indulge in bird watching. Be handy with your cameras!
Best Time To Spot Migratory Birds In Lansdowne: The best time to enjoy bird watching is during the spring season and post-monsoons i.e, in September and October
7. Religious Tour: Seek Blessings
When planning for sightseeing in Lansdowne, don’t forget to include a religious tour of various temples in this hill station. Two famous temples here are Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple (38 Km from Lansdowne) and Santoshi Maa Temple, which is at a walking distance from Tip n Top Viewpoint.
There are two churches as well, St John Church – the only functional Roman Catholic church in Lansdowne located on the Mall Road. Timings are 08:00 am to 5:00 pm; and St Mary’s Church – an old church converted into a museum that houses pictures and stories of the pre-independence era. Timings are 08:00 am to 5:00 pm and entry fee is INR 10.
Best Time To Go For Religious Tour In Lansdowne: the ideal time to explore the religious spots in Lansdowne is considered to be March to November. You can also visit the temples here around Shivaratri festival
8. Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya: Pay Homage
This is a well-decorated, two storey historical defense museum which is dedicated to Darwan Singh Negi, a Naik in Garhwal Rifles and a recipient of prestigious Victoria Cross gallantry award. You can find some lesser known details about Garhwal Rifles of Indian Army in this museum. This 33-year old museum, which is also a prominent Lansdowne attraction, has a collection of old uniforms, photographs, certificates, arms and ammunition that promises to awaken the child in you.
Best Time To Visit Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya: you can visit this museum between the months of October and June
Timings:
Summers – 09:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Winters – 08:00 am to 12:00 noon and 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm
Entry Fee: INR 50 per person
Note: Kids below the age of 10 years and photography are not allowed.
Location: Kotdwar – Pauri Rd, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand 246155
Time required: 2 hours
9. Kalagarh Tiger Reserve: Interact With Wildlife
Catch a glimpse of the big cats in action at Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, which is one of the most significant tiger reserves in India and also gives a chance to experience jungle safari in Lansdowne. Spread over about 300 sq km, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve actually covers the northern part of the famous Jim Corbett National Park. You can feel the close proximity of the raw nature while exploring this tiger reserve.
Apart from the high density of Tigers here, you can also spot barking deer, hog deer, goral, sambhar, porcupines and other wild animals. Going for a jungle safari in Jim Corbett Park is one of the most thrilling things to do in Uttarakhand. This is the best place for jungle safari in Lansdowne, so make sure you include this in your itinerary!
Best time to visit Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary: best time to visit Kalagarh Tiger Reserve is from October to March as the national park is closed in summer months.
Fee: INR 1080 (for 1-6 persons)
Timings: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Location: Division Lansdowne,Dugadda Range, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246149
Time required: 2 hours
10. Dining: Fine Dine And Wine
Visiting Lansdowne and not trying out the Uttarakhand cuisine is just as boring as spending whole day indoors while holidaying in Lansdowne. Here, you can gorge on a variety of local delicacies which is one of the best things to do in Lansdowne Uttarakhand for obvious reasons. Just walk into any restaurant and treat your tastebuds to local dishes such as Kafuli, Phaanu, Thechwani, Baadi, Kulath ki dal and Aloo ke gutke. Besides, you can also enjoy some sweet dishes like Gulgula and Arsa and Chinese and Continental dishes.
Timings: Variable
11. Shopping: No Further Explanation
If you were wondering what to do in Lansdowne then shopping is the answer. This quaint. little town is not really popular as a shopper’s stop but as they say big things come in small packages, there are some great things you can shop at Lansdowne. You can buy some cutesy souvenirs at Alaknanda Market or Lansdowne Market. If you wish to buy some leather items then head to Javed’s Shop opposite Garhwal Rifles Camp and buy some cool leather items at a discounted rate.
Timings: NA
12. Lansdowne Trip Travel Cafe: For Retro Feels
If you were wondering where you can find cute and cosy cafe vibes in Lansdowne then this is the place for you. With cosy interiors, warm vibes and retro feels, this cafe is just the perfect getaway from all those working days that take a toll on your everyday life. If you were wondering about what to do in Lansdowne for that perfect date or a good time with friends then a visit to this cafe is the perfect thing to do. With board games, comics and finger licking good you can win the mountains and have a memorable time.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Location: Devikhal Bus Stop after crossing Jaiharikhal Highway Motel & day N Night Dhabba on Pauri Kotdwar Highway
Cost: INR 200 onwards
Time required: 1 hour
13. Jungle Safari: Amidst The Wildlife
Lansdowne is a place which is surrounded by lush-greenery and its wilderness makes it one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. Alongside that there are options of going on a jungle safari and exploring the wildlife of the place. Many tour operators here organize these jungle safaris and take to the middle of the dense jungles where Himalayan wild animals can be witnessed.
14. Trekking: Reach Bhim Pakora
Bhim Pakora is actually a place which is known for the two huge stones which are placed one above the other in a beautiful way. To reach this place one has to trek for around 2 kms from Lansdowne. People visit this place to see the miraculously and perfectly balanced stone which moves but never falls down.
Location: Lansdowne Market Rd, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand 246155
Time required: 3 hours
Further Read: Top 44 Amazing Places To Visit In Uttarakhand In 2022
Lansdowne has some vivid attractions, each home to some of the most exhilarating things to do. So, when you start your journey back home, you are going to have a bag full of pictures, everlasting memories, and collection of life-changing experiences. Now, don’t think too much and plan a trip to Uttarakhand right away.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Lansdowne
Why is Lansdowne famous?
Lansdowne got its name from Lord Lansdowne who was viceroy of India during the period of 1888-1894. This place came into the limelight after being the major sight of the activities taken out by during British Period. In the present day it is one of serene hill stations in India.
Is Lansdowne worth visiting?
For the people who are looking for a quick escape, Lansdowne is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Delhi. Surrounded by small cantonments in the Garhwal Himalayas, this place keeps the travelers close to nature.
How many days should you camp in Lansdowne?
Camping in Lansdowne is one of a kind experience. One night and two days are more than enough for the most enthralling experiences.
Which are the popular markets in Lansdowne?
Shopping in Lansdowne is not that extravagant. However, Alaknanda Market, Lansdowne Market are the famous markets to buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.
What are the popular things to do in Lansdowne?
Some of the popular things to do in Lansdowne are:
1. Camping
2. Boat ride
3. Trekking
4. Bird watching
When is the best time to visit Lansdowne?
March, April, May, June and September are an ideal time to visit Lansdowne. Weather remains pleasant during this time and is not too crowded as well.
Which is better Mussoorie or Lansdowne?
Lansdowne only allows the Indians to visit and the foreigners are not allowed at this location. On the other hand, Mussoorie has more activities as compared to Lansdowne which only offers trekking. Apart from that mobile signals are also not available at the outskirts and in some areas, it is almost non-existent.
Is there snowfall in Lansdowne?
From the month of October to January, Lansdowne experiences snowfall in a heavy amount. The temperature drops to around 4 to 15-degree Celsius and the entire area get covered up with snow.
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