Lansdowne was founded and named after then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne in 1887 (during the period of 1888 - 1894) and the originally known was, Kaludanda, after Kalun (Black) and Danda (Hill) in local language. It was developed by the British for catering for the Recruits Training center of the Garhwal Rifles. Lansdowne was a major place of the activities of freedom fighters from British Garhwal during British period. Nowadays, the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army has its command office here. It is well connected with motorable roads but remote in its own way. It is situated at an altitude of 1,700mts above sea level surrounded with thick oak and blue pine forests in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand. Presently it has the command office of the Garhwal Rifles division of the Indian Army.
On 5th November, 1887, the first battalion of Garhwal Rifles migrated from Almora to Lansdowne. Lansdowne was the only city after Almora in the late 70’s. People of different culture and states came to do business in Lansdowne after it become popular. The buildings and church of Lansdowne built during British India dates you back to pre independence period.
The salubrious weather and pristine environment of Lansdowne leaves an immortal impact on the tourists. It is the perfect place to meditate and rejuvenate your soul. Adventure activities like, trekking, bird watching, boating, paddling etc. can be done while a visit to Lansdowne. Lansdowne is one of the most popular hill station of Garhwal region when it comes to weekend destination.
The War Memorial at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center is an attraction for the visitors. Places of interest around the city are Santoshi Mata Temple, Regimental Museum, Bhulla Taal, St. Mary's Church, Lover's lane. The excursions from the city are Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, Bhairav Garhi temple, Bhim pakora(a stone which vibrates if touched).The Annual ‘Sharadotsav’ (Festival of Autumn) is also organized at this hill station during autumn season.
Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, Lansdowne has scenic beauty and good surroundings. The climate of the city is pleasant in summer, very cold in winter. Lansdowne can be visited any time of the year in the month of Jan- feb there is snow fall.
Lansdowne is located at 29°50′N 78°41′E / 29.83°N 78.68°E / 29.83; 78.68. It has an average elevation of 1,800 metres (4,593 feet). It is situated en route Kotdwara-Pauri road, NH 119. One has to take a right turn from NH 119 at a place where Garhwal Rifles has put a huge signboard by paining the directions on rock.
How to get there
By Air- The nearest airport Jolly Grant is at Dehradun.
By Rail- Kotdwara is at a distance of 41 km from Lansdowne is well connected with rest of India.
By Bus- Buses route had good connectivity from Delhi, as well as shared jeeps are also available
Accommodation- Local hotels are in Lansdowne & reports near by. Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam resort is also available
Route- Delhi – Meerut – Bijnaur – Najibabad – Kotdwara – Duggada Lansdowne
