Are you looking for a winter escape that isn’t cliché? bookmark LansdowneThe stunning hill station of Uttarakhand, which unfortunately is no big secret anymore. Established as a cantonment in 1887 and named after the then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne, this quiet town, once a British colony, today houses the headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. Best visited on foot, Lansdowne is just a six-hour drive from Delhi, and the perfect place to cool off (really!) this winter.

Day 1: Stay Calm, Explore, Repeat

Bhulla Tal

The first stop in Lansdowne for travelers is Bhulla Tal Lake. This is a great place to take your kids, and it also has a man-made lake with boating facilities. Rent a paddle boat and glide across the glassy waters, or simply sit on a bench with a hot breakfast from the café.

St. Mary’s Church

Next, visit St. Mary’s Church, a piece of British-era nostalgia that’s demanding a spot on your Instagram feed. It is accessible on foot and is located on winding paths that lead you to the famous Tip n Top Point. It was built in 1895 by Colonel ABH Hume of the Royal Engineers, and later closed in 1947, after which it was converted into a museum by the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre.

Tip-N-Top Point

Take a short drive (or scenic walk) to Tip-n-Top. It is the highest point in Lansdowne, offering a panoramic view of the snow-clad Garhwal hills. It’s much quieter than your usual tourist traps and the Chilliyanula trek, which takes you to this point, offers a glimpse of the natural beauty of the area. At least it can be said that the sunset here is beautiful!

You can end your day with a dreamy sunset walk along Lover’s Lane. Think gorgeous winter skies and complete tranquility – perfect for couples and families who love to get away from the hustle and bustle of mountain towns.

Day 2: Hidden gems and snowy adventures

Snow Viewpoint and Hawagarh

Snow Viewpoint and Hawagarh offer amazing views of the snow-clad Himalayas. It’s an easy hike, but the reward is as wonderful as the sunrise.

Garhwal Rifles War Memorial and Museum

On your way back, visit the Garhwal Rifles War Memorial and Museum to learn some military history. Established by Lord Rawlinson in 1923, this iconic memorial at Lansdowne Parade Ground is a heartfelt tribute to the brave soldiers of the Garhwal Regiment, one of the most prestigious units of the Indian Army. The Darwan Singh Museum a short distance away adds another layer to the experience.

Kalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary

One of the most famous places in Lansdowne to visit is this wildlife sanctuary, which is just 10 km from the city. From spotted deer to Himalayan birds, you can spot a variety of animals in the forests here. The reserve is best explored through jungle safari in 4-wheelers from Vatanavasa Gate, Pakhro Gate and Kolhuchaur.

Also read: Kailash mountain darshan from India? A new initiative of Uttarakhand Tourism makes this possible

Kaleshwar Temple

Believed to be over 500 years old, Kaleshwar Temple is the oldest temple in Lansdowne. In 1887, when the Garhwal Rifles reached the hill station, there was only a lone idol of Lord Shiva in the temple. It is a popular temple today, and becomes a center of devotion especially during the Shivratri festival.

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