“The world keeps on changing, but there is always something, somewhere, that remains the same.” – Ruskin Bond
Landour, which was a Cantonment town in British India was named after a village called Llanddowror in south-west Wales. Lost in the mists of Himalayas, draped in the scarlet red color of rhododendrons & thick deodars, Landour reminds you of the British Raj. A 5-kilometer steep drive or walk from the crowded bazaars of Mussoorie, it’s a different world of peace and lush views.
Landour should be on every mountain-lover’s bucket list, but if you are interested in a typical things-to-see or places-to-go type of list, this isn’t the place for you. Here’s your pocket guide to Landour for a refreshing trip.
Quick Links
- Away From The Noise, Into The Calm
- Exploring The Town And Its Little Secrets
- Where To Stay In Landour
Away From The Noise, Into The Calm
If you love walking, this is going to be one of the most beautiful and calm mountain walks of your life. Through the misty Deodar forest on the winding path, where the air is filled with woody smell and flowers are burgeoning on the hillside, a casual walk in Landour is a surreal experience for you.
How to reach: One can walk from Mussoorie bazaar to Char Dukan area (in Landour), which takes only about 40 minutes. You can also hire a cab from Mussoorie bazaar for INR 200-300, which I don’t recommend.
Best time to visit Landour: Landour is pleasant and peaceful throughout the year. April to June is the best time to visit Landour due to its comfortable weather. August and September are rainy months, but also one of the most beautiful months to spend in Landour.
Must Read: 36 Amazing Places To Visit In Mussoorie For The Perfect Summer Getaway!
Exploring The Town And Its Little Secrets
Though there’s nothing much to explore in this little sleepy town, there certainly are some points you wouldn’t like to miss while you’re here. And this travel guide to Landour is all about those little secrets.
1. Ivy Cottage: Bond With The Bond
You may bump into Ruskin Bond—a popular author and one of the oldest residents of Landour—while walking the byways of Landour. Ivy Cottage is the place where Ruskin wrote stories we all have grown up reading; the window he describes in his stories and the tall deodar trees that whisper to each other is as mesmerizing as described in his books.
Uttarakhand Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle
Witness the beauty of Uttarakhand and indulge in spiritual pilgrimages, adventure sports, and treks. Visit Nainital, Rishikesh, Haridwar, Auli, Jim Corbett, and more. Get best holiday deals on TravelTriangle.
2.Char Dukan Area: The Secluded Place
Image Source
Char Dukan is a row of four historic shops in Landour, near Sister’s Bazaar. It is nestled away from the hubbub of busy roads and noisy tourists. You can often see foreigners sitting around Char Dukan learning Hindi from Indian tutors.
Things You Must Try: Banana nutella pancakes, cinnamon waffles, and the delicious pan pizzas.
3. St Paul: The Historic Church
The colonial-era church sits right next to Char Dukan. This Anglican Church was built in 1839 and was consecrated by Bishop Daniel Wilson in 1840. In 1859, a lovely couple, Christopher and Mary Corbett (parents of Jim Corbett) got married in this church. Church of St Paul is the most historic church in Mussoorie.
Suggested Read: 19 Things To Do In Mussoorie For A Hill Station Holiday Experience
4. Kellogg’s Church: In The Wilderness
Built in 1903, Kellogg’s Church exhibits marvellous gothic architecture with magnificent stained glass windows. The church is named after Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Kellogg, who ran the Landour Language School where British were taught Hindi. This church is one of the best places in this guide to Landour and you must pay a visit here!
5. Prakash Store: Relish The Delicious Jams And Marmalade
Image Source
This little store has been around since 1928 and is known for jams and marmalade made from locally grown fruits. Their peanut butter, apple mint chutney, and cheese are equally tasty. You can find a lot of other stuff in this store.
Where To Stay In Landour
Rokeby Manor is a heritage property that has been restored to its original 19th Century décor. Resting between the rolling hills of Shivalik and the lush valleys of Himalayas, Rokeby is a perfect abode in the wilderness.
Tabor Cottage is a heritage home with retro decor offering a panoramic view of Doon Valley. It’s a cozy place to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle.
Doma’s Inn is in the same building as Ivy Cottage. This beautiful inn looks like a typical home of a Tibetan family. Each room is tastefully decorated and the authentic Tibetan dishes are delightful.
Further Read: Top 44 Amazing Places To Visit In Uttarakhand
Landour and its old-world charm have stood the test of time. It’s one of those places that remain untouched by commercialization and continue to bestow peace. The reason Ruskin Bond chose to live here lies in the serenity and simplicity of this hamlet. So, pick this guide to landour, plan your Uttarakhand vacation and leave right away!.
Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.
Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.
Frequently Asked Questions Guide To Landour
Does Nainital experience snowfall?
Yes, Nainital experiences snowfall every year.
Does Landour experience snowfall?
No, Landour doesn’t experience snowfall but you can indulge in other interesting things mentioned in this guide to Landour.
How do I get to Landour?
You can just take a stroll from Mussoorie Bazaar and within forty minutes you will find yourself in the Char Dukan area in Landour. You can also take a cab from Mussoorie Bazaar and reach Landour.
What is Landour famous for?
Landour is famous for many things such as its colonial architecture and its picturesque views. What makes it even more popular is the high altitude points which this guide to Landour will debrief you about.
What are the famous places to visit in Landour?
There are many great places to visit in Landour. From churches to secluded areas there is so much to explore. The most popular places to visit are Laal Tibba, Landour Language School and Ruskin Bond’s favorite cozy little place named Ivy Cottage. This is the place where the famous author wrote the stories we have so fondly read and remember.
What is the best time to visit Landour?
The best time to visit Landour is the summer months which are from April to June. The weather in Landour during that time is pleasant and you will be able to explore the destination comfortably.
What are the popular things to buy in Landour?
Some of the many popular things that you can shop for in Landour are Tibetan stone jewelry, souvenirs, postcards, and fresh jams. You can also buy wooden items, clothing and antique objects.
What can I do in Landour?
There are many interesting things to do in Landour. From exploring the quaint little town to trying the delicious delicacies at Char Dukan and Ivy Cafe and bonding with Bond at Ivy Cottage there is a lot do in Landour. You can also seek blessing at the historic St. Paul’s Church.
A journalism graduate with a love for reading, writing, and travel, Kiran has trekked through various offbeat paths in the Himalayas. She writes travel stories and indulges in landscape photography every now and then, which, considering where you’re reading this, makes perfect sense.
