Lansdowne guide - a weekend getaway to do nothing!

Every once in a while, we all yearn for a place that’s quiet, serene, and untouched by mass tourism. A destination you can truly call ‘blissful’—the kind where you can wake up in the evening without feeling guilty or rushed. A place that hasn’t been overtaken by wanderlust-ers or become a hub for Instagram selfies. It may not scream ‘picture-perfect,’ but it will leave you with a warm feeling in your heart and a sense of peace.

To sum it up, there’s the rest of the world to explore, and then there’s Lansdowne—a weekend getaway where doing nothing is the plan.

Do we have your attention now? If we’ve sparked your wanderlust, here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your perfect escape to Lansdowne.

P.S: Take your time exploring dear Lansdowne. Detach yourself from all the chaos and live in the moment without worrying about "getting your money’s worth.”

How to reach Lansdowne?

• Via Jolly Grant Airport:
  The most convenient option is to book a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, you can take a taxi to Lansdowne or catch a bus to Kotdwar, which is about 40 km away from Lansdowne.
• Via Delhi:
  Book a flight to Delhi, then hire a taxi or take a bus directly to Lansdowne. Alternatively, you can take a train to Kotdwar from Delhi or New Delhi railway stations. From Kotdwar, a local bus or taxi will take you to Lansdowne.
• Drive your own vehicle:
  Lansdowne is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun. A road trip via these cities is a great option for adventure lovers and scenic enthusiasts.

Lansdowne’s roads are perfect for a road trip

Things to do in Lansdowne

As we said earlier, Lansdowne isn’t packed with attractions, but it has its own charm. Here’s a curated list of things to do in Lansdowne to make your trip worthwhile:

• Trek to Bhulla Lake and just enjoy the quietness.
• Visit the St.Mary’s Church and watch the audio visual presentation on the history of Lansdowne
• Take blessings from Mata Santoshi at the local Santoshi Mata temple
• Trek to Tip-n-Top for great views of surrounding hills near Lansdowne.
• Explore the local markets and try the local delicacies.
• Take a tour of the Darwan Singh Museum. The museum was named after Darwan Singh Negi, who was one of the earliest recipients of the Victory Cross (the highest and most prestigious honour awarded by the British and Commonwealth forces). It showcases a rare collection of weapons used by Garhwal Rifles, including some heavy armors.
• Be amazed by the variety of roses just outside the museum. If sources are to be believed, you can find 10-12 different types in the garden.

St.Mary’s Church in Lansdowne

Adventure activities in Lansdowne

While Lansdowne isn’t an adventure hotspot, here’s what you can do:

1. Go Lansdowne camping in the jungle. Now, when you hear the word ‘camping’, the immediate visuals that come to your mind is that of you pitching your own tent. While the idea is not bad, Lansdowne being a cantonment will have some rules you need to check beforehand. You can put in the effort or book your stay at a jungle camping resort.
2. Jungle safari in Lansdowne. You can always book a tour and explore the local wildlife.
3. Trek in Lansdowne. You can do it infinitely for hours. Everything can be accessed on foot, that is if you have a habit of walking so much.
4. Take a casual stroll in the jungle, on the roads that lead to hill tops and local markets.
5. Watch sunsets and sunrise (if you can wake up early).
6. Find a guide to help you with birdwatching.
7. Sign up for water sports. Find a local vendor and face your fears.

For an elaborated list of things to do in Lansdowne, follow our blog on the same topic. 

Wander Lansdowne's Jungle

Where to stay?

Okay, this shouldn’t be a question. If you visit Lansdowne or any other place in India, The Hosteller is always the answer. Always. Don’t you dare stay somewhere else. The Hosteller Lansdowne is open for business from December 2024. Book your stay directly from the website.

Enjoy an unforgettable stay at The Hosteller Lansdowne

What to eat in Lansdowne?

Always go for the local delicacies. You can try Kafuli, Phaanu, Thechwani, Baadi, Kulath ki dal, and Aloo ke gutke. You can enjoy sweet dishes like Gulgula, Arsa, Chinese, and Continental. If these don’t interest you, read our blog on ‘Cafes to try in Lansdowne’ for more insights.

Savor the traditional Garhwali cuisine

What is the right time to visit Lansdowne?

Both summer & winters are a great time to visit Lansdowne depending on why you are visiting the hillstation. The average temperature in summer ranges between 21–32°C, which is perfect for a lot of activities like trekking, hiking, and boating. During the winters, the temperature can go down to 0 degrees. If you are from a warmer area of India like Maharashtra, Goa and other such cities, winter would be a good time to escape the heat with a visit to Lansdowne.

Is Lansdowne safe in monsoon?

The answer depends on your expectations from your trip. If you are going for a weekend and have plans to trek and so on, avoid going during monsoons. The roads are slippery, the rainfalls are heavy, clouds reduce visibility and landslides are often, adding to the risk.

That’s all you need to know about Lansdowne! This hill station offers the perfect blend of peace, charm, and nature. So, when are you planning your escape to this quiet haven? Remember, The Hosteller Lansdowne is waiting to welcome you!