Sitting at about 1700 m above sea level amidst thick oak and pine forests, Lansdowne is a quaint hill station in the Pauri district of Uttarakhand. Lansdowne is a unique tourist place with many attractions. Further, each attraction has many fascinating things to do in Lansdowne and must-have experiences. Bestowed 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 the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. Pick from the many exciting 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!
Top Things To Do In Lansdowne
Here is a list of some of the best things to do 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 dining 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
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Camping in Lansdowne is the best activity. Shun the hotel rooms and break free of the stereotypical way of holidaying by going for overnight camping and adventure activities. Take in the breathtaking scenery as verdant meadows and towering peaks envelop you. The bus drops you off at a lovely campsite beside the Kho River. It’s among Lansdowne’s most excellent camping locations. At the campsite nestled in the middle of nature, you can set up your camp using a portable tent, or you can check in right away at one of the camps provided by the organizers.
Lansdowne has lush green open lands 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 Landsdowne.
Best Time: March to June and September to November
Location: Camp Chayan Lansdowne, Nayar Valley Retreat, Jungle Resort Retreat
Duration: 1 day
Entry Fee: INR 200 approx
Highlight: Mountains and scenic views from the campsites
Also Read: Hill Stations Near Lansdowne
Long Weekend Trips Starting @ Rs 3499/-
2. Bhulla Lake Boat Ride: Boating Has Its Fun
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One of Lansdowne’s most significant tourist attractions, Bhulla Taal, is a small, quiet, man-made lake maintained by the Indian Army. It is dedicated to the youth of the Garhwal Rifles who laid their lives in the nation’s service. Explore Lansdowne in June to enjoy Bhulla Lake.
Take a boat tour of this picturesque lake, and be ready with your cameras. You will spot lazy swimming ducks and agile rabbits hopping around the banks of the lake. 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: Summer (March-June) and autumn (September-November)
Location: Lansdowne, Uttarakhand 246155
Duration: 9:00 am- 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: INR 150 onwards
Highlights: Lansdowne Market, Boating
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. Due to its location, many treks are launched from this little town into the hillside. The treks range from small hiking trails lasting a few hours to more challenging climbs taking 2-3 days. The famous treks here are up to Snow Viewpoint and Hawaghar. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Snow Viewpoint is a must. The Hawa Ghar, another well-liked tourist destination close to Snow View Point, is only a short stroll from Lansdowne. On this walk, you can visit the Khyber Pass and the Jaiharikhal. Hikers can begin their hikes to nearby locations from this starting point. There are well-known trekking trails through this area.
One of the best things to do in Landsdowne in December is to go on a trekking tour. Witness the fantastic scenery from Snow Viewpoint and Hawaghar. Make sure you capture the photogenic snow-clad mountains with clear blue skies and feel the gushing wind through your hair.
Best Time: apart from winters and monsoon months, the year is good for trekking and hiking in Lansdowne.
Location: RMQQ+7G6, snow view point, Lansdowne, Kura Range, Uttarakhand 246155
Duration: 2-4 hours
Entry Fee: INR 300 onwards
Highlight: Stunning view from Hawaghar and Snow Viewpoint
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4. Tip N Top Hiking: For That Adrenaline Rush
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Also known as Tiffin Top, Tip n Top is a clean and serene place 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 a picnic spot for families and kids—Tip n Top Viewpoint is perfect for hanging out. Hiking is one of the most exciting activities to do in Lansdowne.
You can trek to Tip n Top viewpoint and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding Shivalik Hills and the snow-covered Himalayas, where you can’t stop clicking. Travellers can have a night stay at Tip N Top that is genuinely extraordinary and unmatched—it’s like living out of a dream. It is impossible to adequately describe the absolute peace that guests experience at this location. This already lovely location is made even more beautiful and appealing by the abundance of pine and oak trees that grow in the verdant forests. Tip N Top is the ideal location to go if you want to spend some quiet and serene time reflecting on your life alone or with your loved ones. It is one of the best places near Lansdowne to explore.
Best Time: All year round
Location: Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Duration: 1 hour approximately
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Highlight: Witness the Shivalik Hills and glimpse of the Himalayas
5. Nature Walk: Up & Close With Nature
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“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. While you are here, explore the best hotels in Lansdowne for a comfortable stay.
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 sit down at some clear space and focus on your favourite book. Lansdowne is heaven for those.
Best Time: Summer and Autumn months
Location: Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Highlight: Beautiful views of the town and markets, mountains
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6. Birdwatching: See Migratory Birds
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You see not just the clear blue sky and towering pine trees when you look up. Lansdowne also attracts various 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!
Lansdowne’s proximity to the nature sanctuary allows visitors to witness many migratory birds. For those who love birds and enjoy spotting them, the hill station is an intriguing location. For those who adore the natural world, witnessing the sky filled with vibrant birds and hearing their melodies resonating from far-off jungles is an unforgettable experience. While you are here, explore the Lansdowne guest houses for a great stay.
Best Time: September and October
Location: Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: No specific entry fee
Highlights: Witness 600 species of birds
7. Religious Tour: Seek Blessings
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When planning a sightseeing trip to Lansdowne, remember 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 are within walking distance from Tip n Top Viewpoint. If you are looking for a spiritual gateway in the mountains, Lansdowne is one of the best places to visit. Explore all the temples in Uttarakhand for a spiritual vacation.
There are also two churches: St John Church, the only functional Roman Catholic church in Lansdowne, located on Mall Road. It is open from 08:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and St Mary’s Church, an old church converted into a museum that houses pictures and stories of the pre-independence era.
Best Time: March to November
Location: Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Duration: 1-2 hours
Entry Fee: INR 100 onwards
Highlights: St John Church, Roman Catholic Church, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple, Durga Devi Temple
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8. Darwan Singh Sangrahalaya: Pay Homage
This is a well-decorated, two-storey historical defence museum dedicated to Darwan Singh Negi, a Naik in Garhwal Rifles and a recipient of the prestigious Victoria Cross gallantry award. In this museum, you can find some lesser-known details about the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. This 33-year-old museum, a prominent Lansdowne attraction, has a collection of old uniforms, photographs, certificates, arms, and ammunition that promises to awaken the child in you.
It’s a historical defence museum close to Lansdowne’s parade ground. This exquisitely designed two-story building houses a collection of weapons, pictures of army generals, diplomas, and information on the history and accomplishments of the Garhwal Rifles. Founded in 1923, The parade ground is home to the Garhwal Rifles War Memorial, also called the Proud of Landsdowne. Explore homestays in Lansdowne for a great stay.
Best Time: October and June
Location: Kotdwar – Pauri Rd, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Duration: 2 hours
Entry Fee: INR 50 approx
Highlight: Explore the museum and go sightseeing
9. Kalagarh Tiger Reserve: Interact With Wildlife
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Catch a glimpse of the big cats in action at Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, one of India’s most significant tiger reserves and have a chance to experience a jungle safari in Lansdowne. Spread over about 300 sq km, Kalagarh Tiger Reserve covers the northern part of the famous Jim Corbett National Park. You can feel the proximity of 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 a jungle safari in Lansdowne, so include this in your itinerary!
Best Time: October to March
Location: Division Lansdowne, Dugadda Range, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246149
Duration: 2 hours
Entry Fee: INR 1080 approx
Highlights: Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, Jim Corbett National Park
Related Posts: Lansdowne In December
10. Dining: Fine Dine And Wine
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Visiting Lansdowne and not trying out the Uttarakhand cuisine is just as dull as spending a whole day indoors while holidaying in Lansdowne. Here, you can gorge on various local delicacies, one of the best things to do in Lansdowne Uttarakhand for obvious reasons.
Walk into any restaurant and treat your tastebuds to local dishes such as Kafuli, Phaanu, Thechwani, Baadi, Kulath ki dal, and Aloo ke gutka. You can enjoy sweet dishes like Gulgula, Arsa, Chinese, and Continental.
Best Time: All year round
Location: Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Duration: 1-2 days
Entry Fee: Not Applicable
Highlight: Taste the local delicacies
11. Shopping Spree
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If you are wondering what to do in Lansdowne, shopping is the answer. This quaint little town is not famous 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. Shopping in Uttarakhand will give you an enjoyable experience.
You can buy some cutesy souvenirs at Alaknanda Market or Lansdowne Market. If you wish to buy some leather items, head to Javed’s Shop opposite Garhwal Rifles Camp and buy some excellent leather items at a discounted rate.
Best Time: All year round
Location: Lansdowne, Uttarakhand
Duration: 2-4 hours
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Highlights: Alaknanda Market and Lansdowne Market
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12. Lansdowne Trip Travel Cafe: For Retro Feels
If you were wondering where you can find cute and cosy cafe vibes in Lansdowne, this is the place for you. With comfortable 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 what to do in Lansdowne for that perfect date or a good time with friends, visiting this cafe is ideal. With board games, comics and finger-licking, you can win the mountains and have a memorable time. During your stay, explore all the cafes in Lansdowne for a great experience.
Best Time: All year round
Location: Devikhal Bus Stop after crossing Jaiharikhal Highway Motel & day N Night Dhabba on Pauri Kotdwar Highway
Duration: 2-3 hour
Entry Fee: INR 200 onwards
Highlights: Divine Cafe & Restaurant Lansdowne, Lansdowne Trip Travel Café, Musafir Cafe
13. Jungle Safari: Amidst The Wildlife
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Lansdowne is surrounded by lush greenery, making its wilderness one of the best places to visit in Uttarakhand. There are also options for going on a jungle safari and exploring the wildlife. Many tour operators organize these jungle safaris and take guests to the middle of the dense jungles, where they can witness Himalayan wild animals.
The Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, also called Sonanadi Zone, has fantastic vegetation and animals. Among the creatures you can view are tigers, elephants, and leopards. Visitors can use three different types of government forest buildings at Sonanadi, part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve, to make their visit unforgettable. Among these guest houses are Saneh, Moreghatti, Pakhro, Kolhuchaur, etc. In addition, you can reserve hotels or resorts in Lansdowne or Kotdwar.
Best Time: All year round
Location: Division, Kotdwar – Lansdowne Rd, Dugadda Range, Uttarakhand 246149
Duration: 3-4 hours
Entry Fee: INR 300 onwards
Highlights: Kalagarh Tiger Reserve
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14. Trekking: Reach Bhim Pakora
Bhim Pakora is known for the two huge stones placed beautifully above each other. To reach this place, one must trek around 2 km from Lansdowne. People visit this place to see the miraculously and perfectly balanced stone that moves but never falls.
After a 2 km hike downhill on a rugged trail, one can get to Bhim Pakora, a startling location with two large stones perfectly balanced above each other. The rocks are moveable with the touch of a finger, but they never fall. While you are here, explore all the resorts near Lansdowne for a great staycation.
Best Time: All year round
Location: Lansdowne Market Rd, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand 246155
Duration: 3 hours
Entry Fee: INR 250 onwards
Highlights: Bhim Pakora
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How To Reach Lansdowne
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By Air: The Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the closest airport to Lansdowne. It has excellent connections to Delhi and other important national cities. You can take a public bus from Dehradun to Lansdowne or a cab from the airport.
By Road: Numerous buses travel to Lansdowne from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and other cities. If you are unable to get transport to Lansdowne, you can take a bus to Kotdwar and then another bus from Kotdwar to Lansdowne.
By Train: Kotdwar, 40 kilometres from Lansdowne, is the closest train station. From Kotdwar, you can catch a taxi to Lansdowne.
Tips To Travel Lansdowne
Here are some of the travel tips to visit Lansdowne:
- Whenever you travel to Lansdown, wear warm clothes, boots and all the necessary things to keep you warm.
- Carry a comforter all the time.
- While going hiking or trekking, always keep a water bottle, torch, and some warmer with you.
- Keep some snacks and fruits with you at all times, as there might not be many eateries nearby.
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 will have a bag full of pictures, everlasting memories, and a collection of life-changing experiences. Don’t think too much, and plan a trip to Uttarakhand immediately.
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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 from 1888 to 1894. This place came into the limelight after being the major sight of the activities undertaken during the British Period. In the present day, it is one of the most serene hill stations in India.
How many days should you camp in Lansdowne?
Camping in Lansdowne is a one-of-a-kind experience. One night and two days are enough for the most enthralling experiences.
Which are the famous markets in Lansdowne?
Shopping in Lansdowne is not extravagant. However, Alaknanda Market and Lansdowne Market are famous markets where you can buy local handicrafts and souvenirs.
What are the romantic things to do in Lansdowne?
Some of the famous and romantic 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 ideal times to visit Lansdowne. The weather remains pleasant during these months, and the town is not too crowded.
Which is better, Mussoorie or Lansdowne?
Lansdowne only allows Indians to visit, and foreigners are not allowed at this location. On the other hand, Mussoorie has more activities than Lansdowne, which only offers trekking. Now, you can choose or visit both of these beautiful destinations.
Is there snowfall in Lansdowne?
From October to January, Lansdowne experiences heavy snowfall. The temperature drops to around 4 to 15 degrees Celsius, and the entire area is covered with snow.
Long Weekend Trips Starting @ Rs 3499/-
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