Lansdowne is set amidst lovely surroundings - tall oaks and blue pines rise like spires off the mountainside. The forests are lovely, dark and deep, just ideal for those long walks and picnics. There are amazing mountain views of the Western Himalayas from a number of vantage pints like Snow View and Tiffin Top. A number of treks into the hillside are launched from Lansdowne, which is a popular base camp. The nature treks range from simple hiking trails of a few hours or one day’s duration, to tougher climbs lasting a couple of days. Garhwal Tourism will organize these treks for you.

Like other hill resorts in north India, Lansdowne too has its fair share of temples and shrines, most of them devoted to the various forms of the Mother Goddess. While you are here, make a wish at Jwalpa Devi, 47 km from Lansdowne on the Pauri-Kotdwar Road, or visit the Durga Devi temple (24 km from Lansdowne) and the Tarkeshwar Mahadev (30 km) with its special Shivlinga. This temple is one of the oldest Sidhpeeths in India.

Another well known landmark is the Karnva Ashram, 14 km away, where Shakuntala is said to have given birth to Raja Bharat, the forefather of the nation. The story of Shakuntala and Dushyant has been immortalized by the poet Kalidasa in his epic, Shakuntalam. So come and enjoy the Lansdowne magic and make this charming hill station one of your favourite retreats.

Getting there: Lansdowne lies on the Kotdwar-Pauri road in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttaranchal. The hill station is 295 km from Delhi - you can drive up via Dehradun (150 km) in about 8-10 hours. The nearest airport is at Jolly Grant - 25 km from Dehradun and 125 km from Lansdowne. The closest railway station is 45 km away at Kotdwar, a drive of 2 hours. Buses and tourist taxis are available from Delhi, Dehradun and Kotdwar.

Best time: The best time to visit Lansdowne is from March to October. The summers are warm while winters are very cold.