At 5,600 feet Landsdowne in Uttarkhand is a small town unspoilt, quaint, and cool and a great place to relax. Founded b Lord Landsdowne in 1887 it still bears his name. Attracted by its natural beauty cool climate the British established a cantonment here. The tradition carries on with Landsdowne still the Command Office of the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. Landsdowne is surrounded by forests of thick Oak and blue pine which are soothing to the eyes. It is still devoid of the hustle and bustle of most “hill stations.” Actually it is a hill resort built by the British and for a large part forgotten by Indians, so it’s quiet and really meant for the visitor who wants to eat, read, walk and relax, a really healthy break as time seems to stand still.
So go for long walks through silver fir and pine covered hill slopes leading to view points like Tiffin Top and Snow View to admire nature and relax. Perhaps the words of the Poet, Robert Frost will come to mind, “The woods are lovely dark and deep…”
Reminders of the British Raj are everywhere, more so in the form of the old colonial style bungalows (cottages). Two old churches have also survived. Stop at St Mary’s at Tiffin Top to admire its beautiful stained glass windows. Surely god resides here, close to nature and in peaceful surroundings.
Of course the Army flavour is all pervading. The parade ground and war memorial are impressive. The Darwan Singh Museum has a fine collection of armour on display. The Garhwal Rifles Mess has the finest collection of regimental silver and trophies on display. Do see this fine collection if you can.
Stop at a Dhaba (wayside eatery) for some delicious paranthas. They taste so good especially when you have worked up an appetite.
An interesting excursion is to the ancient Karnva Rishi Ashram just over 6 miles away. As per legend Shakuntala (the heroine immortalized in Kalidas’ famous play) gave birth to Prince Bharat here. If is the same Bharat after whom India is called “Bharat Varsh” You can also visit the Sidhbali Temple. An excursion to the Charaik Hills should be accompanied by a picnic basket, for you will get hungry. Jwalpadevi is one of the more famous shrines to the Mother Goddess on the main Pauri-Kotdwar road. It gets very crowded during the Navratra festival especially on Ashtami (April and October) when hundreds of pilgrims visit.
If you have the time you just have to take an excursion (136 km) to the ancient Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple one of the oldest Shiva Temples in the country. At an altitude of about 3000 meters it is surrounded by a thick forest of deodar blue pine and Oak. This ancient Shiva Temple is considered a “Siddhappeth” and highly venerated. There are lovely water pools here. You can go boating in an artificial lake created by the Garhwal Rifles. Relax and view the snow capped Himalayas. Landsdowne is perhaps the nearest hill resort to Delhi (233 km) and takes five hours of brisk driving. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant (125 km) and the nearest railhead Kotdwar (45 km), is a gateway to the hills.