I’m always hesitant in suggesting Lansdown to people for
vacations. I want to keep it the way I remember it from my childhood days-
discreet and peaceful. I don’t like even the idea of Lansdowne being crowded,
selfish me!It is a small cantonment town in the Garhwal region of
Uttrakhand and is well connected by road. Nearest railway station is Kotdwara
(around 40ish km). Drive from Kotdwara to Lansdowne is exiting and enjoyable
with some steep turns.
Do not expect fancy restaurants, lavish pubs or exotic shops
- Lansdowne is solely for nature lovers. There is hardly anything else to do
except admire nature and relax. It provides the rarest of all things a nature
lover (like me) could ask for these days- Solitude! Lansdowne has a rustic charm to
it- time seems to move slower here and that is the beauty of this place. My
favorite thing here is to trek to the nearby villages and simply explore. The
people are very simple, friendly and welcoming.
There is not much to do in Lansdowne itself, the so called
tourist attractions like tip-and-top point, bhulla taal , Bheem pakoda etc
within Lansdowne do not appease me. But there are some great places around
Lansdowne/ Kotdwar that should not be missed:
1.
Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple: My favorite picnic spot ever. I have enjoyed numerous
family picnics here since childhood and I am definitely partial to this place.
It’s nostalgic and so much fun each time I visit. This temple is dedicated to
Lord Shiva and is amidst spectacular landscape. Tall and strong Deodar trees seem to be
guarding the serenity of this place, protecting it from the chaos of the
outside world. The aura is truly mesmerizing.
2.
Durga Devi Temple: It is always refreshing to
stop by at this temple just on the outskirts of Kotdwara. The temple is
situated by the Khoh river. A quick trek down to the river to crawl inside the
small cave is a lot of fun. If the river is not too fierce, it is great to just
sit on the rocks with legs dangling in water. Elephants are in abundance here,
it is not a good idea to draw their attention as it their terrain. From
personal experience- if you are at the river and spot an elephant here, climb
up to the road as fast as you can and leave. Well, that’s pretty much to it.
3.
Kanvashram: This place is like a rare hidden gem
just a few km from Kotdwara. Kanvashram is an ancient place that holds
historical and archaeological significance. It is believed that this ashram was
rishi Kanva’s home who used to run a gurukul here. The ashram surrounded by
beautiful forests has a tranquilizing aura. For the adventurous souls, there
are some trekking options. Interestingly there is still a gurukul here that we
can visit. I would recommend stopping at this place on your way to
Kotdwara/Lansdowne and appreciate this place of antiquity.
4.
Siddhabali Temple: This is an ancient Hanuman temple
situated by the Khoh river. I don’t really know how old the temple is but even
the most aged people say that it has always been there. Numerous stairs lead up
to the temple but the effort is worth every calorie. The temple premise is very
clean and well maintained. Cool breeze, lush green hills and the lovely Khoh
river slithering below- The view is hypnotizing. It is very common to spot elephants drinking
water at the river. My fondest memories from childhood include having a carefree
time at the Sidhbali Bridge in the evenings and laughing at silly things with
my cousins. How time flies!
1.
Lansdowne comes to a standstill at sunset. Do
NOT visit if you tend to get bored after sometime looking at the mountains or
you do not enjoy solitude because that’s the best (and only) thing this place
offers.
2.
A comfortable pair of walking shoes is a must
for all hill stations.
3.
It could be a tough terrain to drive for people
who are not used to driving in the hills. Take it easy and do not overtake.
4.
If possible leave early for Tarkeshwar to get maximum
time to enjoy there. Try chai and fan from the stall outside.
5.
Climbing up the Sidhbali temple stairs could be
a tough task for elderly people.
6. Do not forget to try the famous 'Chocolate mithai' at Kotdwar.
7. Respect Mother Nature. Do not litter. This is more of a request.
6. Do not forget to try the famous 'Chocolate mithai' at Kotdwar.
7. Respect Mother Nature. Do not litter. This is more of a request.
Awesome post Juhi... Keep it up..
ReplyDeleteThank you Priyanka.
DeleteOhh it's awesome.mujhe bhi yaha jana h.
ReplyDeleteYes please.I am sure you will enjoy it.
DeleteOhh it's awesome.mujhe bhi yaha jana h.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post 👍
ReplyDeleteThank you Puneet :)
DeleteAwesome... keep posting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Akshay, I am glad you liked it :)
DeleteAwesome... keep posting!
ReplyDeleteYou have added more worth to this place
ReplyDeleteBy well describing it's beauty n hidden treasures.
Will definitely visit it soon.
Thanks for the lovely write up.
Thanks Pooja. I am sure you will like this place :)
DeleteYou have added more worth to this place
ReplyDeleteBy well describing it's beauty n hidden treasures.
Will definitely visit it soon.
Thanks for the lovely write up.
Juhi ... you make me more restless with evry post of urs .. awesomely described with to the point suggestions... m already in love with the place .. keep writing ..
ReplyDeleteThanks for the motivation.It is indeed a beautiful place, do plan a trip soon.
DeleteYou must visit on your next trip to India :)
ReplyDeleteLovely post Juhi. Falling in luv wd dis place. Will soon visit here .thanks fr d lovely descrption it wud b a travel guide fr me :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tejasvi. Do visit , I'm sure you are going to love it.
DeletePleasing words. And beautifully written too. Keep writing girlie
ReplyDeleteThank you, I'm glad you liked it.
DeleteThank you, I'm glad you liked it.
DeleteCool....now landsdowne has a jjuyal touch
ReplyDeleteThank you ☺
DeleteThank you ☺
DeleteCool....now landsdowne has a jjuyal touch
ReplyDeleteReally nice dude
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
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