MISTY LANSDOWNE - THE ZENITH OF MONSOON
LANSDOWNE
...the nearest hill-station around Delhi.
Respect Nature. It Reciprocates!
ROUTE SUMMARY
#1. Delhi - Ghaziabad - Modinagar - Khatauli - Bijnor - Najibabad - Kotdwar - Lansdowne.
#2. Delhi-Meerut-Muzaffarnagar-
CONTENTS
INTRO : A crisp introduction to the Destination.
BUILD UP : Tour's Inspiration & planning.
THE JOURNEY : Driving experience, General Information(Trivia) & Suggestions etc (Notes).
GROUND REPORT : A summary of the Destination & important Stopovers. Safe Pit Spots(refreshment breaks)during the journey. Details like Altitude, Distances, HOTELS' INFORMATION WITH TELEPHONE NO & Tourist Attractions etc.
INTRO
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| LANSDOWNE...the Green Town |
Walk through the heavily wooded roadsides with the crickets’ songs and a pleasant scent of water vapour rich atmosphere, all-around...
Where the tall trees wrapped in dense fog, with a ghost-like appearance, stood as the silent observer to a calm colonial colony, underneath...
Where beautiful dense grey clouds loom over and around you...!
This monsoon, you can have them all to yourself...
...visit Lansdowne, when the town takes a green blanket.
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| All mine ! |
BUILDUP
Never in an agreement with the idea of visiting a hilltop during monsoon, I surrendered on this occasion, to my kids...finally to regret my earlier decisions!
Though I still believe that heading to the hills during rains can be a treacherous affair. Getting caught in a torrential downpour with unfamiliar road conditions and some possibilities of landslides, can be hazardous. So our decision to tour the wet-hills was cautious. In the company of little SHANVI, we made sure to stick to major highways or important roads with minimal hill driving. So Lansdowne, an army cantonment area, was a well thought out destination. Just 260 kms, Lansdowne is nearest hill station around Delhi, with only 40 kms of hilly terrain.
THE JOURNEY
Month : August
Starting point : New Delhi
Destination : Lansdowne
Mode of transport : Car
Bond with HER during a journey is different from the one at home. While travelling, we are more accommodative & she is more assertive...though the same is true elsewhere too. But nevermind, the tantrums may erupt even in the best-behaved little angels...which SHANVI certainly is. As we got ready to drive off, she occupied the driver's seat because she felt that she is a good enough driver for such drives. She even drives her battery operated little bike alone! But as suggested by her pediatrician some time back, her mother took advantage of her 'short attention' span by offering mobile to watch her favourite videos. Though I'm quite sure that the doctor's prescription failed and her love for the gadgets won...we left at around 5 AM.
Our journey till Kotdwar was similar to our previous journey to Deoriatal (for details visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/04/rest-house-in-himalayas-khirsu-ukhimath.html
), with an exception of few extra BREAKS as this was comparatively a shorter drive & also during daytime. (we generally avoid unnecessary halts during dark hours).
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| UKHIMATH |
Know all about the REST-HOUSE in HIMALAYAS - KHIRSU & UKHIMATH, visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/04/rest-house-in-himalayas-khirsu-ukhimath.html
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| On the way... |
Then we moved on to another famous temple, DURGA DEVI MANDIR. Again situated along the banks of the river Khoh this holy shrine is around 9 kms from the Kotdwar on the Dugdda road. A small cave is also located in the premises of the temple. Both the temples are major picnic spots for locals as well as the tourists who visit Kotdwar, with serene surroundings astounding views. Incidentally, Kotdwar was earlier known as Khohdwar, i.e., gateway to river Khoh.
Once into the hills, it was like a dream all the way. Sometimes fogy, sometimes misty and sometimes a confused Sun peaking through an almost opaque cloud-cover. Picturesque roads running through the majestic pines and pines filled valleys, where a reddish undergrowth was providing a magnificent landscape, took us to Lansdowne.
As we reached the well-maintained cantonment, we were mesmerized. It was a ten on ten show of nature...perfect hills, overcast sky, cool weather, misty breeze and alluring fragrances welcomed us. The location of GMVN TRH, Lansdowne though, was not as great as some of its counterparts elsewhere. Though GMVN's Tip-n-Top resort (2 km motor-able road, uphill) was a better option but with an unpredictable weather and little SHANVI along, we preferred to stay in the town.
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| GMVN TRH - Lansdowne |
After a satisfying lunch, we decided to have a nap. At around 4:30, as we were planning to move out, a couple of heavy showers kept us indoors. So a tea-pakora party was arranged in the room itself, which was actually very very spacious. Later on, under a mild drizzle, we left for the market (Gandhi Chowk) in our car, which was good 300-400 mts away from the rest house. Except for a wonderful weather, there was nothing special to mention.
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| Jageshwar...the 8th Jyotirlinga |
To plan a journey with me to 22 SPECIAL TEMPLES around famous HILL-STATIONS, just click here:
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Next morning, once again, was 'gift wrapped' into dense fog's cover. We decided to take an early morning walk in the water drenched surroundings. Nature was distributing its gift on first come first serve basis...the hanging droplets were trying their best to stick to whatever they were holding & a cool consistent breeze was adamant to make them homeless. The sweet smell of moist earth was lingering all-around. The cute snails were jogging around at snail's pace to out-race colorful beetles & not so charming earthworms. And one of the snails found our car's window a nice place to relax.
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| Maniac Monsoon |
Perhaps, luck was with us today. As we finished our breakfast, it was all bright and sunny outside. We immediately changed our program of local sightseeing to a visit to Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, one of the Siddh Peethas, approx 36 kms away from Lansdowne. We requested the cook of rest house to pack some stuffed paranthas & pickles for the lunch.
It was a memorable drive through the winding and almost traffic-less road. As we drove ahead, valleys decorated with step farming, lush green meadows dotted with dense pines and the wonderful landscapes all around forced many BREAKS upon us.
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| Tall Pines... |
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| Way to Tarkeshwar |
About two and a half hours of the relaxed drive took us to Gundalkhet village. From the village, a 300 meters downhill easy trek dropped us in the land of meditation, where a small and serene temple complex of Mahadev stood enveloped under the canopies of gigantic Deodars. There were hundreds of bells on pathways, inside and around the complex. We were told that at bells are offered to Lord Shiva on special occasions such as a wedding, birth of a child etc. We were also shown the tree in the complex having three stems that depict the Trishul of Mahadev. Besides a small dharamshala to stay, there were also few swings and slides...for SHANVI.
NOTE : For mythological information regarding Tarkeshwar Mahadev, see Ground Report below.
While driving back from Tarkeshwar, we were enjoying beautiful sights of grey clouds hovering over the valleys, sometimes at the eye level or even lower. Suddenly, the rain came down in torrents. Nothing beyond a few meters was visible. This sudden anger of weather was definitely less exciting and more scary. I immediately parked my car at a safely visible corner by the roadside with fog lights and blinkers on and waited patiently for the weather to improve. It was a fifteen-twenty minutes affair and then it turned into a drizzle.
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| In the company of wild...DEODARS |
FOR A DETAILED INFORMATION about MUKTESHWAR and a CCTV captured wild Leopard (safe pit-stops, road conditions, driving experience, altitude, distances, tourist attractions, HOTEL INFORMATION WITH TELEPHONE NUMBERS etc.), visit:
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Back from Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, we drove straight to DARWAN SINGH SANGHRALAYA. This War Museum is named after Darwan Singh Negi, the first Victoria Cross holder from the Garhwal Rifles. Situated in the central part of Lansdowne, this museum is exclusively managed by the Indian Army and is the only building of Defence Forces here, that is accessible to the common visitors. This museum houses artifacts related to the history of the Garhwal Rifles.
Next morning, we left for Tip-N-Top, about 2.5 km from the guest house. On the way to Tip-N-Top, we halted at nicely located ST. MARY'S CHURCH. This ancient & well-maintained church is open only on Saturdays and Sundays. Looked after by Military this place again is very well maintained.
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| St, Mary's Church |
Tip-N-Top is the highest point of Lansdowne. This most popular picnic spot is located at an elevation of 2000 mts above the sea level. During our nearly two hour's stay there, it was like a kaleidoscope at work...
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| TIP - N - TOP |
...mist, fog & clouds were making the things happen. The landscape was changing rapidly. A mesmerizing view of densely forested valleys, rain-washed surroundings, the mountain ranges covered with different shades of clouds...all these wonderful sceneries were visible only when the floating fog permitted. Partly bright and partly gloomy valleys, some sunbathed Himalayas and rest covered with the thick layers of clouds...such were some contrasting shades of nature, that we witnessed simultaneously.
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| KASAULI (Himachal) |
Know about WEEKEND HILL-STATIONS around DELHI (THE 7 HOURS DESTINATION), visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/04/weekend-hill-stations-around-delhi.html
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On a clear day, we were told that one could get to see the awesome view of Trishul, Chaukhamba & several other snow-capped Garhwal Himalayan ranges from here, but I cannot testify to this statement, as it was all cloudy during our visit. GMVN's Tip N Top resort here is, perhaps the best-located hotel & resort of Lansdowne.
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| Tip-n-Top TRH, Lansdowne |
From Tip-N-Top, we headed straight to the market for lunch. As it was the last day of our tour and we were still feeling reasonably energetic, perhaps due to wonderful weather conditions, we decided to go to Bhulla lake straightaway, another tourist attraction around one and a half kms from here.
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| CHAUKHAMBA PEAK, DEORIATAL |
MIGHTY HIMALAYAS & FAIRYLANDS around DELHI, visit: https://hillheart.blogspot.in/2018/04/long-drive-hill-stations-around-delhi.html
Before Bhulla Lake's entrance, there was a small park with some slides and swings for kids. So SHANVI got busy there with yours truly as her attendant and rest of the team found a ready-made woolens' shop just behind the park...until someone informed us that the ticket counter for Bhulla lake will close soon, shop-alcoholics were busy shopping.
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| Bulla Tal |
Finally, we entered the Bhulla Lake complex, a man-made, nicely maintained lake. A lush green garden dotted with colourful flowers encircled the lake. This lovely garden was also home to a bunch of caged yet responsive rabbits. SHANVI thoroughly enjoyed a longish interaction with the lovely animals. Though we skipped, boating too can be enjoyed alongside the ducks which were also an attraction for everyone, including SHANVI.
NOTE : For more tourist attractions, see Ground Report below.
A well-planned monsoon holiday trip in the hills is surely a lifetime experience to enjoy the nature in its most raw form, where even the roads get carpeted with greenery. Mostly, the hill stations around Delhi, round the year, are full of tourists but during monsoon, you can have them all to yourself.
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| Art-Work...! |
We saw it all. Sometimes drizzle, sometimes mizzle and sometimes heavy rains pounced upon us. On our last evening while returning from Bhulla lake, we also enjoyed a memorable sunset, where a changing skyline from yellow, orange, blue, scarlet and crimson to red, just floored us...take a trip to Lansdowne during the monsoon and feel the greatness of getting onto your knees...bow to the amazing artistic skills of the supreme artist...by God !
SOME MEMORABLE MOMENTS of MISTY MONSOON
GROUND REPORT
PIT STOPS
MODINAGAR: (approx 50 kms from Delhi) - Jain shikanji.
KHATAULI : (approx 110 kms from Delhi) - McDonalds & Haldiram’s outlets and more.
Cheetal Grand (Khatauli bypass)
BIJNOR : Monty Millions Restaurant,Monty Tiraha, Miranpur, Meerut-Bijnor Road, Uttar Pradesh, India. Tel: +91 9639000027,+91 8868966666
MUZZAFFARNAGAR (Via Haridwar) : (approx 130 kms from Delhi) Namaste Midway - Kullar(earthen cup) Tea near the entrance is good. McDonald's, subway,haldirams,
...& Many other famous eateries.
HARIDWAR : Many small and big restaurants and dhabas are available here.
TOP STOP
KOTDWAR
Altitude - 454 mts. (1,490 ft)
State - Uttrakhand
District - Pauri Garhwal
DISTANCE
Delhi - Kotdwar : 220 kms, approx.
Nearest railway station : Kotdwar
Nearest airport : Jolly Grant Airport.
Nearest airport : Jolly Grant Airport.
HOW TO REACH
BY ROAD : Kotdwar is well connected with motorable roads with all major destination including the national capital, New Delhi.
BY RAIL : One of the oldest Railway Station, Kotdwar, is well connected with many major cities of India.
BY AIR : Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Kotdwar situated at a distance of approx 110 km. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Kotdwar.
MAIN ATTRACTION
Earlier known as Khohdwar (gateway of the river Khoh), Kotdwar is located on the bank of river Khoh. It is one of the main entrance points in the state of Uttarakhand. Kotdwar Railway station, one of the oldest, was established in 1890 by the British.
At a distance of 1.3 km from Kotdwar bus stand, ST. JOSEPH CHURCH is Asia's second largest church at this altitude. It is opened every day for people from all communities.
DURGA DEVI TEMPLE, situated at a distance of 9 km from the main town, is among the most important places of worship.
At a distance of 5 km from Kotdwar bus stand, the SIDDHABALI TEMPLE is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on the bank river Khoh. It's around 50 meters above the river bank.
LANSDOWNE
Altitude - 1,700 mts (5,600 ft)
State - Uttrakhand
District - Pauri Garhwal
DISTANCE
Delhi - Lansdowne : 260 kms approx.
Kotdwar - Lansdowne : 39 kms approx.
BY ROAD : Lansdowne is well connected with motorable roads with all major towns of Uttrakhand.
BY RAIL : Nearest Railway Station Kotdwar, is well connected to Lansdowne by road.
BY AIR : Jolly Grant Airport (150 kms approx) is the nearest Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Lansdowne.
HISTORY - Named after the Viceroy of British India, Lord Lansdowne, this peaceful hill station is a favourite tourist destination to relax in nature's lap. A shade above 250 kms from Delhi, Lansdowne is the nearest hill station around the national capital.
Tourist attractions :
TIP-N-TOP, also known as tiffin top, is a hilltop viewpoint. Visit the place to watch lush green valleys, Shivalik range, panoramic Garhwal hills with majestic Himalayan range.
BHULLA LAKE is A favorite picnic spot, Bhulla lake is a man-made, Army maintained the lake. There are ample boating facilities available here.
DARWAN SINGH REGIMENTAL MUSEUM is Named after Victoria Cross holder Darwan Singh Negi. It is a historical defense museum located near the parade ground in Lansdowne.
ST. MARY'S CHURCH is located on the way to Tip-n-Top. It is an ancient Church with lush green surroundings.
BHIM PAKORA is Located on Dhura road at about two kilometers from Gandhi Chowk. It is a set of two rocks placed one on top of another in perfect balance. The top rock can be shaken with an easy push but no matter how much power you apply, you won’t be able to topple this rock. It is said that during agyatvas Bhim, one of the Pandava brothers, had placed these rocks in this manner.
TARKESHWAR MAHADEV TEMPLE is believed to be one of the ancient holy sites or Siddha peeth dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Mahashivarathri festival draws a huge crowd from across the country.
History : According to the legend, Tarkasur, the demon, worshiped Lord Shiva here for a boon. Pleased by his sincere devotion, Lord Shiva blessed him with immortality as per Tarkasur wish, except Lord Shiva's son. Tarkasur started killing saints, threatening Deities and even Gods. Sages asked for help and Lord Shiva, disturbed by wrongdoings of Tarkasur, married Parvati and Kartikeya was born. When Tarkasur was about to be killed by Kartikeya, he prayerfully requested Lord Shiva to pardon him. Mahadev then attached his name to the temple where Tarkasur meditated once. Since then this place is named as Tarkeshwar Mahadev.
Delhi booking office, Uttarakhand Tourism, Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd.(GMVN)
102- Indraprakash Building, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi 110001
Ph - 011-23350481, 23326620
1. GMVN TOURIST REST HOUSE
Address: Pauri Garhwal, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand 246155
Ph : 01386 262 509
2. GMVN TIP-N-TOP RESORT
Address: National Highway 119, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand 246155
Phone: 01386 263 10, 9953423776 , 9212461776, 9582555629
3. HOTEL LANS INN
Address: Plot No.138/199, Main Market, Lansdowne Market Road, Sadar Bazar, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand 246155
Phone: 094109 50222
4. HOTEL GALAXY
Address: Gandhi Chowk, Near Post office, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand 246155
Phone: 094121 10553
5. HOTEL MAYUR LANSDOWNE
Gandhi Chowk, Pauri, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand, India
+91-1386-262311, 91-9411179966
6. FAIRYDALE RESORT
Address: Bungalow No. 29, Near Bhulla Lake, Pauri Garhwal, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand 246155
Phone: 01386 262 599
7. Kasang Regency Hill Resort, Lansdowne, (Uttarakhand), India.
Phone: 01386 - 262727, +91 9411137650, 9837452227
Email: kasangregency@outlook.com
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| NOTE : ALWAYS drive carefully there...remember, mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence. |
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PHOTO GALLERIES
1. NAINITAL & JAGESHWAR...the lake city & the land of Shiva
2. MUSSOORIE & DHANAULTI
3. MUNSIYARI...the lofty Himalayan sequence
2. MUSSOORIE & DHANAULTI
3. MUNSIYARI...the lofty Himalayan sequence
QUICK READS
Respect Nature. She Reciprocates!
Mountains are the World’s Water Towers. Water, stocked as Glaciers, flows downwards in form of rivers. Besides satisfying our thirst, it also sustains most of the food production in addition to the maintenance of various green belts that generate the basic requirement of our life, the oxygen.
My birthplace, Delhi is a wonderful place, just a few hundred kilometers away from world's most famous water towers, The Towering Himalayas. And whenever we want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city we head straight into the lush green wilds of the Himalayas to breathe easy in the lap of raw nature. With an almost endless list of destinations, blessed with delightful landscapes and colourful trails for all tastes, capacities & capabilities, Himalaya, we believe is the abode of Gods. However, spending time in such serene surroundings brings its own responsibilities too...
...avoid littering around. Use eco-friendly produce during the journey.
* Compiled from Google
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The Himalayan escape...around Delhi
"Tourists don't know where they've been. Travellers don't know where they are going"
-Paul Theroux
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| Wanderer's Wonderland |
* Compiled from Google
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