How to reach Lansdowne from Delhi: A complete travel guide

Far from the madding crowd in the scenic hills of Uttarakhand lies Lansdowne, a silent hill station that offers a perfect escape from Delhi's chaotic life. Lansdowne is a serene hill station nestled in the Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, known for its tranquil ambiance, pine forests, and colonial charm.

Located at an altitude of 1,706 meters, it was established by the British as a military garrison and still serves as the regimental center of the Garhwal Rifles. Unlike other over-crowded hill stations, Lansdowne offers a peaceful retreat with attractions like Bhulla Tal Lake, Tip-in-Top viewpoint, and St. Mary’s Church. Pperfect for nature lovers and weekend travellers from Delhi, it is a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and calm—making it a hidden gem in the Himalayas.Located just 250–280 km from the capital, Lansdowne is a favorite among weekend visitors seeking a refreshing getaway. Whether you're travelling by road, rail, or air, this guide will help you choose the most suitable route to reach Lansdowne from Delhi.By Road: best optionTravelling by road is the most easy and flexible way to reach Lansdowne from Delhi. The distance can be covered in approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

RouteThe most common route is:Delhi → Meerut → Bijnor → Najibabad → Kotdwar → Lansdowne.This route offers scenic views and various interesting stops enroute. Recent infrastructure upgrades, especially the Delhi–Dehradun Expressway, have significantly reduced travel time.Avoid Monsoon Season (July–September) because of landslides and slippery roads.Visitors can also hire a cab or use ride-hailing apps (intercity option), with fares ranging from INR 3,500 to INR 6,000 depending on the vehicle type.By Train: Affordable optionFor those who don’t like long road sojourns, the train is a reliable option.Nearest Railway Station: Kotdwar Railway Station is the nearest to Lansdowne, located about 40 km away. Cabs and local vehicles are available. After reaching Kotdwar, you can take a shared jeep or hire a taxi to Lansdowne. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs between INR 100 (shared) to INR 1,500 (private).Advantages

Cost-effective and relaxingScenic mountain views from Kotdwar onwardBy Air: Least PracticalWhile there is no airport in Lansdowne, you can fly to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. The airport is about 145–150 km from the town. From the airport, you’ll need to book a taxi to Kotdwar or directly to Lansdowne. The drive takes about 4–5 hours.This option is perfect for people travelling from other cities with a layover in Delhi.