Landour in Uttarakhand

Landour in Uttarakhand

Landour is a quaint and picturesque hill station located in the northern state of Uttarakhand, India.It is a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The town is located in the Shivalik Range of the Himalayas and is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and scenic views of the mountains.

It is a popular tourist destination known for its colonial charm, scenic beauty, and serene environment. Landour is also famous for its delicious cuisine, including the famous Landour Bakehouse, known for its freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries. Visitors can also explore the town’s many hiking trails, visit local markets, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Landour is truly a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by those seeking peace and tranquillity amidst nature’s beauty.

History

Landour was established in the early 19th century by the British as a sanatorium for their troops. The town was named after a village in Wales, where the wife of the then Governor-General of India had spent her childhood. Landour became a popular destination for the British, who built several churches, bungalows, and schools. The town also played an important role in the development of the famous boarding schools in nearby Mussoorie.

Things to do in Landour

  • Trek to Lal Tibba: Lal Tibba is the highest point in Mussoorie and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. It is a great trekking destination for adventure enthusiasts.
  • Visit Landour Bakehouse: Landour Bakehouse is a famous bakery known for its freshly baked bread, cakes, and pastries. It is a must-visit for foodies.
  • Explore Char Dukan: Char Dukan is a row of four shops that are over a century old. These shops sell delicious pancakes, omelets, and other local delicacies.
  • Visit St. Paul’s Church: St. Paul’s Church is a historic church built in 1839. It is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and colonial architecture.
  • Visit the Sisters Bazaar: The Sisters Bazaar is a unique shopping destination that sells handmade items like pottery, candles, and jewellery.
  • Visit the Ruskin Bond House:Ruskin Bond is a famous Indian author who has lived in Landour for several decades. You can visit his house and get a glimpse into his life and work.
  • Go bird watching: Landour is home to several species of birds. You can go bird watching and spot some rare and beautiful birds.
  • Attend a music festival: Landour is known for its vibrant music scene. You can attend a music festival to experience the local music and culture.
  • Explore the Landour Cemetery: The Landour Cemetery is a historic cemetery that contains the graves of several famous personalities, including soldiers and writers.

    • Read : Sankri: A Must Visit Himalayan Village in Uttarakhand

    How to reach Landour

    By Air: The closest air terminal is the Happy Award Air terminal in Dehradun, which is situated around 60 kms from Landour. You can book a taxi at the airport.

    By Train:Landour is approximately 35 kms away from the Dehradun Railway Station, which serves as the nearest train station. From the railroad station, you can take a taxi or transport to arrive at Landour.

    By Road: Landour is easily accessible by road. From nearby cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, and Dehradun, you can take a bus or hire a taxi. From Delhi, the drive takes about 7-8 hours.

    Trekking can also get you to Landour. The famous journeying courses are from Mussoorie to Landour or from Rishikesh to Landour. These courses offer amazing perspectives on the mountains and are famous among experience lovers.

    Cuisine

    Landour has a variety of delicious food options to try. Some of the must-try dishes include Ruskin Bond’s special omelet, local Garhwali cuisine, Tibetan momos and thukpa, wood-fired pizzas, freshly baked bread, local jams and preserves, and high-quality local tea. You can also try the local herbs and spices used in cooking and traditional medicine. Don’t forget to indulge in the local sweets like bal mithai and singhori.

    Accommodation

    You can consider these places while traveling to Landour.

  • Premium hotel (The Tattva)

    • Price – Rs.15,574/per night (approximately)

  • Deluxe hotel (The Fern Brentwood Resort)

    • Price – Rs. 9872/ per night (approximately)

  • Budget-friendly (Landour Residency)

    • Price – Rs. 1782/per night (approximately)

    Facts about Landour

  • Landour is home to a unique species of oak tree called the Quercus leucotrichophora or Banj oak, which is found only in the Himalayan region.
  • Landour is famous for its cheese, especially the locally produced cheddar cheese, which was introduced by the British in the 19th century.
  • The town has a rich literary history and has been home to several famous writers, including Ruskin Bond, Stephen Alter, and Allan Sealy.
  • Landour has a unique recycling system, where the residents separate their waste into four categories: paper, plastic, glass, and organic waste, which is then recycled or composted.
  • The famous Indian cricketer Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi studied at the Woodstock School in Landour.
  • Landour has a vibrant music scene and is known for its folk music, which includes instruments like the dhol, nagara, and flute.
  • The Landour Language School was established in 1843 and was one of the first language schools in India to teach Hindi and Urdu to British officials.

    • Read : 10 Ways to Save Money While Traveling

    Conclusion

    Landour is a perfect destination for those who seek a peaceful retreat in the hills, want to explore the local culture and traditions, or indulge in adventure sports. The town’s serene beauty, rich history, vibrant literary and cultural scene, and delicious food are some of the reasons that attract visitors from all over the world. Whether you are a nature lover, a foodie, or a history enthusiast, Landourhas something to offer to everyone. So, if you want to escape the chaos of city life and experience the beauty of nature and culture, Landour is the perfect destination for you. A visit to Landour is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and a longing to come back again.

    Ruchi Tikoo

    https://thetravelb.com/

    Ruchi Tikoo is a travel content writer who likes exploring offbeat places. Alongwith writing she also likes vlogging and is currently pursuing film studies.