Lansdowne – A Rendezvous with Nature

Lansdowne the home of the Garhwal Rifles is one of the most quaint and unspoiled hill stations of Uttarakhand. Originally known as Kaludanda [Hindi: Kalu (Black) and Danda (hills) in Garhwali, Lansdowne was founded and named after then Viceroy of India (1888-1894), Lord Lansdowne in 1887.

It is unlike other hill stations, as it is well connected with motorable roads but remote in its own way. It is situated at an altitude of 1780 mts above sea level surrounded with thick oak and blue pine forests in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand.

This time we are going to drive instead of going by Inter-state bus. This adds to the excitement. Also we get an option to stop in between if we feel like. We will stop by at Shri Sidhbali Dham Mandir, Kotdwar on the way.

Our Bucket List for Lansdowne

1. Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple
2. Hawaghar
3. War Memorial
4. Bhim Pakora
5. Bhulla Tal
6. St. John’s Catholic Church
7. St. Mary’s Church
8. Tip N Top
9. Tadkeshwar Mahadev Temple

Shri Sidhbali Dham Mandir, Kotdwar

Situated at a small hill on the banks of Khoh river of Garhwal, Sidhbali Temple is a famous temple of Lord Hanuman in Kotdwara. A scenic surrounding and hill forest at the backdrop of the temple makes Sidhbali more attractive for tourists. Connected through a wide bridge to the main Pauri-Kotdwara road, Sidhbali temple is painted in deep orange color, favourite of Lord Hanuman.

Visitors have to take few stairs to reach at the premises of the temple. A beautiful decorative and sparkling idol of Lord Hanuman can be seen now. One can also witness panoramic views of the surroundings from the temple.

Tea Point Dangwal Gaon

Moving ahead from Kotdwar towards Lansdowne we came across a Tea Point somewhere near Dangwal Village. The terrain started changing drastically after this point. We had our cup of tea then climbed onto the hillock just opposite. We had a stroll out there and straightened our spines and came back for the last lap towards our destination.

Tiger Resort Lansdowne

Tiger Resort is located 20 km from Lansdowne on the Tarkeshwar Road. It sneaks out on your left from behind the tall trees at a bend on the road when you are progressively getting impatient thinking when we shall arrive. If you are expecting amenities and treatment at par to a 5 star property then do not go there. You won’t get a valet parking, bell boy, elevator, dining area, lobby etc. etc. etc here. Enthusiastic travelers looking forward to escape from the “Hustle and Bustle” of city life come here to have a rendezvous with Mother Nature.

A double bed, a side table, two chairs, a cupboard furnished our spacious room. It was thinly furnished which I liked. Fresh paint without stains coloured the walls. Tiles covered the floor. The room had a spacious attached bathroom which was neat and clean with operational taps and geyser. The room opened into a spacious balcony overlooking beautiful valley and a small village named Aljuni in the Pauri District of Uttarakhand.

The best part of being at this place is that there are no televisions in the rooms. Consequently, you do not spend this short lived precious time staring at the idiot box. Furthermore, there is no mobile coverage in and around the resort. Therefore, you do not end up attending official calls even while on vacation. But, in case you need to make an emergency call then you just need to walk beneath the kitchen named Tiger Cafe along the narrow walkway along the hillock guarding the resort from one side to get network coverage.

---

Suggested Reading

---