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| Lansdowne hill station, Uttarakand 99uttarakhand.in |
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| Lansdowne hill station sterlingholidays.com |
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| Lansdowne hill station Uttrachal captureatrip.com |
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| Lansdowne hill station mouthshut.com |
Lansdowne, a cantonment town nestled in the Pauri Garhwal district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is celebrated for its serene atmosphere and unspoiled natural beauty. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,706 meters (5,686 feet) above sea level, the town is enveloped by dense forests of oak and blue pine, creating a cool and congenial refuge, particularly for those escaping the intense heat of the northern Indian plains. Well-connected by motorable roads, yet retaining a remote feel, it has emerged as a popular destination for eco-tourism and relaxation.
The town's history is inextricably linked with the British Raj and its military requirements. Unable to withstand the tropical heat of the lowlands, the British systematically explored the mountains, including the Lower Himalayas, to establish sanatoriums, summer capitals, and military training grounds. Lansdowne was founded in 1887 and named after Henry Charles Keith Petty-Fitzmaurice, the 5th Marquess of Lansdowne, a prominent British statesman who served successively as Governor-General of Canada and, crucially, as Viceroy of India from 1888 to 1894. Before its formal naming, the area was known to the Garhwalis as Kaludanda, meaning "Black Hill." |
| Lansdownehill station, India |
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| Terrace farming. Lansdowne,Uttarakand.clicksandtales.com |
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| Viceroy of India Lord Lansdowne (1888-1894) .itslife.in |
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| medals & decorations -Marquess of Lansdowne,the-saleroom.com |
Above image: Medals & decorations -Marquess of Lansdowne, Silver Viceroy's Medal, 1888.Lansdowne was the fifth Governor General of Canada and Viceroy of India (1888-1894) ............
The true making of Lansdowne as a cantonment town began on November 5, 1887, with the arrival of the first battalion of the Garhwal Rifles from Almora. The British established it as a military training center, utilizing its challenging terrain and temperate climate to train recruits for this special division of the Indian Army. The town remains the regimental center for the Garhwal Rifles today, and the continuous presence of the Army Cantonment Board has been instrumental in its preservation, saving it from the over-commercialization that plagues many other hill stations. This military oversight ensures the town's exceptional cleanliness and quietude.
Lansdowne's appeal for tourists today lies in its historical landmarks and its peaceful natural environment. One of the principal attractions is the War Memorial located at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Centre. Nearby is the Darwan Singh Sanghralaya, the Garhwal Rifles regimental museum. This museum is named in honor of Naik Darwan Singh Negi, one of the first Indian soldiers to be awarded the Victoria Cross for his conspicuous bravery during the First World War at the Battle of Festubert in France. The museum houses a rich collection of artifacts, including arms, uniforms, rare photographs, and medals, offering a comprehensive glimpse into over a century of the regiment’s valor and history.
Other points of interest include colonial-era structures like the Old St. Mary's Church, and the old cemetery in Kitchner Lines. This 150-year-old cemetery, where many war veterans were laid to rest far from their homes, is often cited in local lore as one of the more mysterious and possibly haunted spots in the area. Tourists also frequent natural viewpoints like Tip-in-Top, the tranquil Bhulla Tal (a man-made lake dedicated to the soldiers of the Garhwal Rifles), and numerous ancient Hindu temples like the Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple.
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| Old st. Mary's church.lansdowne traveltriangle.com |
The environment of Lansdowne offers a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, paddling, and bird watching. The trails wind through thick oak and blue pine forests, providing cool shadows and stunning vistas of mist-shrouded mountains and hanging clouds, ideal for introspection and a quiet escape. Access to the town is predominantly via Kotdwar, the nearest railhead, which is only about 40 km away. The drive from Kotdwar to Lansdowne is itself a memorable experience, known for its steep, scenic route, cementing Lansdowne’s status as a peaceful and historically significant retreat in the Lower Himalayas.
