Your ultimate 2-day itinerary to explore Lansdowne

Lansdowne is a small, quiet and secluded hill station near Dehradun. Looking for a weekend filled with some peace and quiet along with views that take your breath away (not literally though)? Lansdowne should be on your list. If you are curious, you can plan a 2-day trip over the weekends for a lazy vacation.

Need help? We’ve got a perfectly efficient yet not-rushed 2 day itinerary to help you explore the best of Lansdowne.

View of Himalayas from Lansdowne

Day 1: Arrival and immersing in nature

Morning:

Start your journey with an early arrival in Lansdowne and check in to your accommodation. If wondering on how to reach Lansdowne, you can skim through our Lansdowne travel guide. For an authentic experience, consider staying with us at The Hosteller Lansdowne (Choose your stay freely, but if you pick us, we might just get paid faster — and who doesn’t love that?) where you can meet like-minded travellers and enjoy cosy vibes.

Travellers chilling around at The Hosteller

Have your breakfast and head straight to Bhulla lake, a serene spot ideal for relaxing paddle boating. The peaceful surroundings, lush greenery, and chirping birds make it the perfect introduction to Lansdowne’s tranquillity.

• Drive time from The Hosteller: Approximately 25 mins
• Entry fee: Rs 150 each individual (including access to garden, boating charges and other activities)
• Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

Disclaimer: Entry fee may subject to vary

Ducks drinking water by the Bhulla lake

Afternoon:

Grab a hearty lunch at a local café or restaurant and savour some regional Pahadi dishes. After lunch, make your way to the Tip-in-top point, where panoramic views of the Shivalik range await. This is a great spot to soak in the beauty of the hills and capture Instagram-worthy pictures.

• Drive time from The Hosteller: Approximately 27 mins
• Entry fee: Rs 50 (Parking); Rs 30 (Entry ticket)
• Timings: 8:30 AM to sunset

Disclaimer: Entry fee may subject to vary

Pro tip: Climb the observation deck across the bridge for stunning views of the entire lake complex

View from Tip-in-top point

Evening:

As the sun begins to set, visit the Santoshi Mata temple. The short hike up is refreshing, and the view of the sunset from here is breathtaking. Wrap up your day with a relaxed evening back at your accommodation—unwind by a bonfire, share travel stories, and gaze at the starry night skies.

• Drive time from The Hosteller: Approximately 29 mins
• Entry fee: No entry fee required
• Timings: Any time of the day
• Accessibility: Be prepared to climb 150 to 200 steps, which can be challenging for elderly visitors

The temple bells of Santoshi Mata Mandir

Day 2: History, culture, and adventure

Morning: 

Wake up early and enjoy a refreshing morning walk through the Kalagarh tiger reserve. This is a fantastic way for you to immerse yourself in Lansdowne’s natural beauty, with its tall pine trees and the soothing sounds of nature.

• Drive time from The Hosteller: Approximately 54 mins
• Entry fee: Rs 3,500 (1 to 6 person) for Indians & Rs 4,700 for foreign nationals
• Gypsy fee: Rs 4,700 for Indians & Rs 7,200 for foreign nationals

Disclaimer: Entry fee may subject to vary

Jungle safari at Kalagarh tiger reserve

Next, visit the Darwan Singh museum and Garhwal rifles war memorial, a must-see for history buffs. The museum offers a glimpse into the rich military heritage of the region and the bravery of the Garhwal Rifles.

• Drive time from The Hosteller: Approximately 24 mins
• Entry fee: Rs 50 per person charged for Darwan Singh museum and Rs 30 charged for Garhwal rifles war memorial
• Timings: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM & 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (Darwan Singh museum); 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Garhwal rifles war memorial)

Disclaimer: Entry fee may subject to vary

Afternoon: 

Enjoy lunch at a cosy eatery or pack a picnic for a visit to the Khoh river. Spend your time relaxing by the riverside or dipping your feet in the cool water. The simplicity and serenity of this spot make it unforgettable.

• Drive time from The Hosteller: Approximately 47 mins

Flow of the river, calming and timeless

Evening: 

Before heading back, take a stroll through the Lansdowne market to pick up handcrafted souvenirs, Garhwali products, or simple trinkets to remember your trip. Don’t forget to indulge in a quick chai break at a roadside stall to end your trip on a warm note.

• Drive time from The Hosteller: Approximately 26 mins
• Timings: 8 AM to 9 PM

Lansdowne market

Tips to travel Lansdowne without breaking the bank:

1. Opt for budget-friendly stays:

The Hosteller Lansdowne, where you can meet fellow travelers and enjoy cozy vibes without burning a hole in your wallet, all while swapping travel stories over a cup of chai!

2. Skip the pricey taxis and hop on a train or bus:

The scenic journey through Uttarakhand’s hills will feel like a movie, with plenty of Instagram-worthy views along the way (refer to the blog ‘Lansdowne guide - a weekend getaway to do nothing!’ to know more).

3. Visit during the off-season: 

During the months of July to September, not only will you enjoy a quieter, more peaceful experience, but you'll likely find better deals on accommodation. Plus, fewer crowds mean more space for your best sunset selfies!

Conclusion

Lansdowne is the perfect destination for you if you’re seeking a mix of peace, adventure, and cultural charm. Its offbeat nature ensures fewer crowds, letting you truly connect with the beauty around you. And with The Hosteller Lansdowne, you can enjoy a comfortable and budget-friendly trip while meeting fellow travellers who share your wanderlust.

Unwind the day with fellow travellers at The Hosteller