Lansdowne

Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, Lansdowne is well-suited for those seeking solitude. It remains less commercialized than other Uttarakhand destinations, maintaining its colonial charm as the headquarters of the Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army. The town is exceptionally clean and well-maintained, offering a serene atmosphere that is hard to find in more popular hill stations. It is a convenient spot for bird watching and nature walks. Key sights include Tip N Top, which provides panoramic views of the snow-clad Himalayas, and the man-made Bhulla Tal Lake, first-rate for a quiet boat ride. Historical landmarks like St. Mary’s Church and the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Museum showcase the town's military heritage. The climate is cool and pleasant most of the year, with spring and autumn being the best seasons for a visit. Visitors can enjoy the simple local Garhwali cuisine and the peaceful, slow-paced lifestyle of the mountains.

Nearby cities

Kanpur

A major industrial center in North India, known for its leather and textile industries.

Lucknow

The 'City of Nawabs', known for its rich history, culture, and cuisine.

Agra

World-famous as the home of the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Meerut

An ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, known as the 'Sports City of India'.

Varanasi

One of the holiest cities in Hinduism, situated on the banks of the river Ganges.

Prayagraj (Allahabad)

A holy city at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.

Dehradun

The capital of Uttarakhand, nestled in the Doon Valley between the Himalayas and Shivaliks.

Rishikesh

The Yoga capital of the world, situated on the holy Ganges, is a hub for spirituality and adventure.

Nainital

A charming hill station in the Kumaon foothills, built around a stunning emerald-colored, pear-shaped lake.

Mussoorie

Known as the 'Queen of the Hills', this town offers spectacular views of the Doon Valley and the Himalayas.

Ranikhet

A serene hill station known as 'Queen's Meadow', famous for its peace and ancient temples.

Auli

India's premier skiing destination, surrounded by majestic peaks like Nanda Devi.

History & landmarks

Haridwar

One of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism, where the Ganges leaves the mountains and enters the plains.

Jim Corbett (Ramnagar)

India's oldest national park, famous for its Bengal tigers and rich biodiversity.

More places

Taj Mahal

An ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra.

Fatehpur Sikri

A fortified city founded by the Mughal emperor Akbar, which served as the capital of his empire for a short time.