Lansdowne, Garhwal
| Lansdowne | |
|---|---|
| city | |
 | |
  Lansdowne | |
| Coordinates: 29°50′N 78°41′E / 29.83°N 78.68°ECoordinates: 29°50′N 78°41′E / 29.83°N 78.68°E | |
| Country |
 India |
| State | Uttarakhand |
| District | Pauri Garhwal |
| Area | |
| • Total | 6.09 km2 (2.35 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,400 m (4,600 ft) |
| Population (2001) | |
| • Total | 7,902 |
| • Density | 1,300/km2 (3,400/sq mi) |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Hindi |
| Time zone | IST (UTC+5:30) |
Lansdowne is a cantonment town in Pauri Garhwal district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
History *
Originally known a 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.
On 5 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 became popular. Today, you will see people of all religions at Lansdowne. The buildings and church of Lansdowne built during British India, which date back to the 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 stations of Garhwal region when it comes to weekend destination.
Local attractions
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 Viewing (offers excellent views of surrounding shivaliks) Santoshi Mata Temple, Regimental Museum (also called the Darwan Singh Sanghralaya), 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.
The Garhwal Rifles regimental museum, also called Darwan Singh Sanghralaya, houses artefacts from the beginning of the Regiment. The Garhwal Rifles participated in the two world wars among countless other battles throughout its more than 100 years of history. All artifacts, including photographs, arms used by regimental commanders, captured weapons, campaign history and other information is displayed in this museum. There are many items, such as medals won by erstwhile Garhwal Rifle soldiers, that have been put on display, this includes the Victoria Cross awarded to Darwan Singh Negi and Gabar Singh Negi.
How to reach Lansdowne
By Train Two trains run from Delhi to Kotdwara (Mussorie express and Garhwal express). From Kotdwara, a private cab costs approx Rs.600. Start from anywhere in India and reach Haridwar. From Haridwar, take a bus to Kotdwara. This will take approximately an hour. From Kotdwara petrol pump near the bus stand, take a private/shared cab to Lansdowne. Shared cab take Rs. 60/person. Shared cabs are also good and are not too crowded contrary to popular beliefs.
Geography
Lansdowne is located at 29°50′N 78°41′E / 29.83°N 78.68°E.[3] It has an average elevation of 1,706 metres (5,686 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 painting the directions on rocks. 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.. The other and better route to reach Lansdowne is from Delhi via Meerut , Bijnore, Najibabad, Kotdwar and on to Lansdowne. It saves about 50KM and the road quality is also good all the way to Kotdwar baring a few patches.
Nearby Places
Famous Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple with its special Shivlanga and a kund (a small pond) known as Gauri Kund is situated 39 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.
Demographics
As of 2001 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 74%: male literacy is 91%, and female literacy is 79%. In Lansdowne, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.
References
- ↑ Lansdowne The Imperial Gazetteer of India, 1909, v. 16, p. 135.
- ↑ The Garhwal Rifles
- ↑ Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Lansdowne
- ↑ "Census of India 2001: Data from the 2001 Census, including cities, villages and towns (Provisional)". Census Commission of India. Archived from the original on 2004-06-16. Retrieved 2008-11-01.
External links
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