| Lansdowne | |
| — city — | |
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| Coordinates | |
| Country | India |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| District(s) | Pauri Garhwal |
| Population • Density |
7,902 (2001[update]) • 1,298 /km2 (3,362 /sq mi) |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+05:30) |
| Area |
6.09 square kilometres (2.35 sq mi) • 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) |
Lansdowne is a cantonment town in Pauri Garhwal district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
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Originally known as, Kaludanda, after Kalun (Black) and Danda (Hill) in local language, Lansdowne was founded and named after then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne in 1887, and by 1901 it had a population of 3943 [1]. Lansdowne was developed by the British for catering for the Recruits Training center of the Garhwal Rifles. Lansdowne was a major place of the activities of freedom fighters from British Garhwal during British period. Nowadays, the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army has its command office here [2]. Lansdowne is one of the quietest hill stations of India and is popular since Britishers came to India. Lansdowne is unlike other hill stations as it is well connected with motorable roads but remote in its own way. It is situated at an altitude of 1,700mts above sea level surrounded with thick oak and blue pine forests in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand state. Lansdowne got its name from Lord Lansdowne, who was the then Viceroy of India during the period of 1888 - 1894. Presently, Lansdowne has the command office of the Garhwal Rifles division of the Indian Army.
On 5th November, 1887, the first battalion of Garhwal Rifles migrated from Almora to Lansdowne. Lansdowne was the only city after Almora in the late 70’s. People of different culture and states came to do business in Lansdowne after it become popular. Today, you will see people of all religions at Lansdowne. The buildings and church of Lansdowne built during British India dates you back to pre independence period. Lansdowne is an ideal location for eco-tourism as it is well preserved by the government and the Garhwal rifles.
The salubrious weather and pristine environment of Lansdowne leaves an immortal impact on the tourists. It is the perfect place to meditate and rejuvenate your soul. Adventure activities like, trekking, bird watching, boating, paddling etc. can be done while a visit to Lansdowne. Lansdowne is one of the most popular hill station of Garhwal region when it comes to weekend destination.
The War Memorial at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center is an attraction for the visitors. Places of interest around the city are Tip-n-Top (org. Tiffin Top), Santoshi Mata Temple, Regimental Museum, Bhulla Taal, St. Mary's Church, Lover's lane. The excursions from the city are Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, Bhairav Garhi temple,Bhim pakora(a stone which vibrates if touched).The Annual ‘Sharadotsav’ (Festival of Autumn) is also organized at this hill station during autumn season.
Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, Lansdowne has scenic beauty and good surroundings. The climate of the city is pleasant in summer, very cold in winter. Lansdowne can be visited any time of the year In the month of Jan- feb there is snow fall.
Lansdowne is located at .[3] It has an average elevation of 1,800 metres (4,593 feet). It is situated en route Kotdwara-Pauri road, NH 119. One has to take a right turn from NH 119 at a place where Garhwal Rifles has put a huge signboard by paining the directions on rock. Lansdowne is 81 km from Pauri and about 250 km from Delhi.
It is the nearest hill station from Delhi and can be reached from Delhi by either road or train. The nearest railway station is Kotdwara at a distance of 41 km situated an elevation of only 370 m. Since Lansdowne is more than 1,500 m higher than Kotdwara, the drive from Kotdwara to Lansdowne is quite steep and scenic. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, near Dehradun at a distance of 152 km via Kotdwara-Haridwar road.
Famous Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple with its special Shivlanga and a kund (a small pond) known as Gauri Kund is situated 33 km away from Lansdowne. People take bath in Gauri Kund before entering the temple. Two other famous temples, Durga Devi Temple and Jwalpa Devi, which are on the Pauri-Kotdwar road are 24 km and 47 km away respectively. Durga Devi Temple is one of the oldest Sidh peeths in India.
Kanva Ashram, a well-known landmark is situated 14 km from Kotdwar railway station. Shakuntala, wife of King Dushantya and deserted by him, is said to have given birth to Bharat in the ashram of Rishi Kanva in ancient India. India got its name 'Bharat' in Sanskrit after Bharat became king following the death of his father. 40kmph.comIndia travel by bike tour expressed through travel Tarkeshwar Mahadev: siddh peeth of 84 villages meet sachin rawat
As of 2001[update] India census[4], Lansdowne had a population of 7902. Males constitute 64% of the population and females 36%. Lansdowne has an average literacy rate of 86%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 91%, and female literacy is 79%. In Lansdowne, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.
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