How to reach Lansdowne from Delhi: A complete travel guide
Lansdowne, a serene hill station in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal, offers a tranquil escape from Delhi’s chaos. Established by the British, it boasts pine forests and colonial charm at 1,706 meters. Ideal for nature lovers, Lansdowne features attractions like Bhulla Tal Lake and St. Mary’s Church.
Far from the madding crowd in the scenic hills of Uttarakhand lies Lansdowne, a silent hill station that offers a perfect escape from Delhi’s chaotic life. Lansdowne is a serene hill station nestled in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, known for its tranquil ambiance, pine forests, and colonial charm. Located at an altitude of 1,706 meters, it was established by the British as a military garrison and still serves as the regimental center of the Garhwal Rifles.
Unlike other over-crowded hill stations, Lansdowne offers a peaceful retreat with attractions like Bhulla Tal Lake, Tip-in-Top viewpoint, and St. Mary’s Church. Pperfect for nature lovers and weekend travellers from Delhi, it is a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and calm- making it a hidden gem in the Himalayas.
Located just 250-280 km from the capital, Lansdowne is a favorite among weekend visitors seeking a refreshing getaway. Whether you’re travelling by road, rail, or air, this guide will help you choose the most suitable route to reach Lansdowne from Delhi.
By Road: best option
Travelling by road is the most easy and flexible way to reach Lansdowne from Delhi. The distance can be covered in approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Route
The most common route is:
Delhi → Meerut → Bijnor → Najibabad → Kotdwar → Lansdowne.
This route offers scenic views and various interesting stops enroute. Recent infrastructure upgrades, especially the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, have significantly reduced travel time.
Avoid Monsoon Season (July–September) because of landslides and slippery roads.
Visitors can also hire a cab or use ride-hailing apps (intercity option), with fares ranging from INR 3,500 to INR 6,000 depending on the vehicle type.
By Train: Affordable option
For those who don’t like long road sojourns, the train is a reliable option.
Nearest Railway Station: Kotdwar Railway Station is the nearest to Lansdowne, located about 40 km away. Cabs and local vehicles are available. After reaching Kotdwar, you can take a shared jeep or hire a taxi to Lansdowne. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs between INR 100 (shared) to INR 1,500 (private).
Advantages
- Cost-effective and relaxing
- Scenic mountain views from Kotdwar onward
By Air: Least Practical
While there is no airport in Lansdowne, you can fly to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The airport is about 145–150 km from the town. From the airport, you’ll need to book a taxi to Kotdwar or directly to Lansdowne. The drive takes about 4–5 hours.
This option is perfect for people travelling from other cities with a layover in Delhi.
🚗 How to Reach Lansdowne from Delhi – Travel Options Comparison
| Route | Travel Time | Approx. Cost (₹) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road (Cab/Self-Drive) | 6–7 Hours | ₹2,500–₹3,500 | Flexible stops, scenic drive, comfortable | Mountain roads, traffic in city exits |
| Train + Taxi (Via Kotdwar) | ~7.5 Hours | ₹1,100–₹4,100 | Budget-friendly, relaxed train ride | Transfers at Kotdwar, limited train options |
| Flight to Dehradun + Taxi | 6–7 Hours Total | Higher (flight + taxi) | Fastest Delhi–Dehradun segment, scenic | Expensive, fewer flights, long onward drive |
Travel Tips & Best Season
Ideal time to visit: April to June (summer) — pleasant weather and lush greenery Travelogy India.
Avoid: Monsoon season (July–September) due to risks of landslides and road disruptions in Uttarakhand.
Packing essentials: Light woolens for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and rain protection if traveling early/late monsoon.
