India’s famous battalion of the Indian Army, the Garhwal Rifles is based in the picturesque environs of serene Lansdown, set amidst the folds of the Garhwal Himalayas, cheek by jowl with pretty Pauri. Soaked in Raj memorabilia to be found amongst its cemeteries, St Mary’s and St John’s Churches and army mess, it’s a far cry from its more colorful colonial cousins Shimla, Mussourie and Nainital.
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| Quick Lansdowne Tour Guide For First Timers |
Lansdowne offers walking trails, picnics and snow views at Tiffin Top., birdwatching and somnolent evenings by a fireside. The museum and views from the ivy-covered Garhwal rifles officers’ mess is worth a dekko.
A temple tour of nearby Tarakeshwar Mahadev, a Siddhipeeth, is recommended. Treks around Pauri, 80 kms away, are popularnwith adventurists. Khirsu, 19 km from Pauri Township, is one of the most unexplored destinations of Garhwal, and offers the widest view of the Himalaya peaks.
Getting there: the nearest airport is at Jolly Grant and the railway station is at kotdwar. Taxis and bus connections are available. For me, it was a pleasurable road trip.
