Lansdowne, the charming hill station
Lansdowne, the notable small hill station is located in Pauri Garhwal district of Uttaranchal state in north India. It is 45 km away from Kotdwar on the Kotdwar-Pauri route. New Delhi, the capital city of India is 295 km away from Lansdowne.
History:
Its serene climate and unspoilt surroundings attracted Englishmen towards it. They established a cantonment in Lansdowne in 1887. The hill station is named after Earl of Lansdowne, the Viceroy of India (1888-1894). Now this place is the regimental centre of the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army.
Devi Temples:
Jwalpa Devi temple (47 km) and Durga Devi temple (24 km) are the shrines to be visited by tourists from Lansdowne. These two temples are dedicated to different forms of the Mother Goddess. Devotees make pilgrimage to the Jwalpa Devi temple during Ashtami (April and October) each year.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple:This temple is 30 km away from Lansdowne in the Pauri-Kotdwar route. It houses a special Shivlinga. It lies at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level. This temple is one of the Sidhpeeths in India. Tourists can hire a jeep at Lansdowne as the route is unreliable.
Karnva Ashram:
This ancient place is located 40 km away from Lansdowne. According to Hindu mythology, Shankuntala Devi gave birth to her child in this Karnva Rishi Ashram. He was named as Prince Bharata. It was after his name that the country got its name, Bharat. This is mentioned in the great epic, Shankuntalam written by Kalidasa. This place is very important both historically and archeologically.
Khirsu:
This place is 100 km away from Lansdowne. It has a number of snow-capped peaks. Being situated at an altitude of 2000 m, Khirsu is free from pollution and is a most peaceful area. From here tourists can have a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan peaks. Also there are oak forests and apple orchards nearby. The ancient Gandhiyal Devta is located nearby.
Snow View and Tiffin Top:
These are the vantage points from where tourists can enjoy the majestic view of western Himalayan ranges.
Bhulla Lake:
Above Lansdowne lies the Bhulla lake. Travelers can go boating on the lake. The lake is very clean and nearby there is an amusement park. Tourists can also see a number of birds near this lake. One can drive up to the lake or climb a hill up to it. The other interesting places to visit nearby are Sidhbali temple (three km) and Charaik hill (20 km).
Other Activities:
Lansdowne is surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests and is an ideal place for the tourists who really wants to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Tourists can enjoy trekking through these woods. This is the base camp from where a number of treks are launched. Garhwal Tourism organizes the treks for tourists.
Since it is located on the Kotdwar-Pauri route, Lansdowne is well connected by buses. The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant (125 km). Tourists can reach the railway station at Kotdwar (45 km) in just two hours from where they are well connected with the rest of India.
History:
Its serene climate and unspoilt surroundings attracted Englishmen towards it. They established a cantonment in Lansdowne in 1887. The hill station is named after Earl of Lansdowne, the Viceroy of India (1888-1894). Now this place is the regimental centre of the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army.
Devi Temples:
Jwalpa Devi temple (47 km) and Durga Devi temple (24 km) are the shrines to be visited by tourists from Lansdowne. These two temples are dedicated to different forms of the Mother Goddess. Devotees make pilgrimage to the Jwalpa Devi temple during Ashtami (April and October) each year.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple:This temple is 30 km away from Lansdowne in the Pauri-Kotdwar route. It houses a special Shivlinga. It lies at an altitude of 2100 m above sea level. This temple is one of the Sidhpeeths in India. Tourists can hire a jeep at Lansdowne as the route is unreliable.
Karnva Ashram:
This ancient place is located 40 km away from Lansdowne. According to Hindu mythology, Shankuntala Devi gave birth to her child in this Karnva Rishi Ashram. He was named as Prince Bharata. It was after his name that the country got its name, Bharat. This is mentioned in the great epic, Shankuntalam written by Kalidasa. This place is very important both historically and archeologically.
Khirsu:
This place is 100 km away from Lansdowne. It has a number of snow-capped peaks. Being situated at an altitude of 2000 m, Khirsu is free from pollution and is a most peaceful area. From here tourists can have a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan peaks. Also there are oak forests and apple orchards nearby. The ancient Gandhiyal Devta is located nearby.
Snow View and Tiffin Top:
These are the vantage points from where tourists can enjoy the majestic view of western Himalayan ranges.
Bhulla Lake:
Above Lansdowne lies the Bhulla lake. Travelers can go boating on the lake. The lake is very clean and nearby there is an amusement park. Tourists can also see a number of birds near this lake. One can drive up to the lake or climb a hill up to it. The other interesting places to visit nearby are Sidhbali temple (three km) and Charaik hill (20 km).
Other Activities:
Lansdowne is surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests and is an ideal place for the tourists who really wants to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Tourists can enjoy trekking through these woods. This is the base camp from where a number of treks are launched. Garhwal Tourism organizes the treks for tourists.
Since it is located on the Kotdwar-Pauri route, Lansdowne is well connected by buses. The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant (125 km). Tourists can reach the railway station at Kotdwar (45 km) in just two hours from where they are well connected with the rest of India.
