Landour, also popularly known as the “Tiara of the Queen of Hills” is home to one of the greatest literary writers of all time, Ruskin Bond. This beautiful town that is about 35 km from the city of Dehradun is Mussoorie’s best kept secret. Despite being situated so close to the chaotic and busy town of Mussoorie, Landour remains offbeat, hushed, unexplored and pristine for travellers to enjoy the serenity of nature. It is THE place for people who love to spend time away from the hustle bustle of the fast-paced city life. So the next time you are here at Mussoorie, make sure to explore this unexplored town of Landour.
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Why Landour Is Called An Offbeat Destination
Though Landour is so close to the crowded Mussoorie, it still remains an offbeat destination. This is due to the strict rules and regulations. As per the Cantonment Act of 1924, this place stays under the watchful eyes of the military, hence making it impossible to carry out any new construction and deforestation. There has been no woodcutting or any new construction in the past 100 years other than repairs and temporary installations. Its old-world colonial charm, peaceful atmosphere and untouched tourism is what makes Landour so different from the rest.
Click Here To Book Your Landour Infinity Walk.
Landour’s Geographical Details
Landour is located at an altitude of 6800 to 7798 feet in the Lower Western Himalayas of the Mussoorie Range. It stands about 984 feet above Mussoorie, hence making it very cold during the winter season. The whole of the little town is laid out in a figure-8 configuration with two walking circuits. The upper circuit is called the Gol Chakkar and the lower circuit is called the Sister’s Bazaar. The winding paths are lined with towering rhododendron, Himalayan oak, blue pine and other alpine trees.
When To Visit Landour
Most people visit Landour Mussoorie during summer i.e. from April to June when Landour weather is pleasant. Mild temperatures and clear skies makes it perfect for sightseeing, nature walks and an escape from the scorching heat. It is relatively cooler here in summer compared to other parts of India. Some visit Landour during the winters to enjoy the snow, while others visit during the summers to beat the scorching heat.
Be it a weekend or a weekday one can always experience the calmness in Landour. The only difference is that on a weekend you might see just a few more vehicles and people on the roads of Landour. Overall Landour is one such destination where you can visit any time of the year and still experience the beauty and stillness of nature.
Places To Visit In Landour
Kellogg’s Memorial Church
The Kellogg’s Memorial Church is an old church situated near Kasmanda Palace at a distance of 5 km from the Library Bus Stand. In 1903 the church was built as a Presbyterian church which was also the home of the Landour Language School where Britishers were taught Hindi at that time. Tourists visit this church due to its distinct features and beautiful gothic architecture. It serves as a famous landmark as well as a popular tourist destination spot of Landour.
Sisters Bazaar
Unlike the term “bazaar,” this neighbourhood is more of a residential colony with historic houses, shops and Landour cafes scattered throughout. It was named after the nuns who worked as nurses in the nearby British dormitories. The white pine, oak, and deodar trees lining the region, makes it a beautiful setting. There are tea shops around that sell mouth-watering omelettes and ginger tea. There is also a well-known candy company by the name of Prakash Brother and the finest bakeries called the Landour Bakehouse.
Char Dukaan
Char Dukan is one of the best hangout spots in the whole of Mussoorie, so famous that several celebrities too have visited this place. Initially only four shops were set up that sold coffee and snacks hence the name Char Dukaan. Today there are many shops on either side of the road that serve hill friendly snacks and beverages. Shops like Anil’s cafe and Tip Top tea shop have been here at Char Dukaan for more than 50 years. It is popular to an extent where people say that if you haven’t visited Char Dukan, you have not seen the real Mussoorie.
Lal Tibba
Lal Tibba meaning Red Hill in English is one of the oldest places in Mussoorie and called so because of the reddish-brown soil on the hill. Being the highest peak of Mussoorie, it is the best place to catch the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It’s an easy 3 km trek to the top from where one can get excellent views of the Himalayas, including Badrinath and Kedarnath. At the top, there is a government-approved telescope at Lal Tibba Binocular Café from where the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains and the villages far-off can be seen up close.
Also Read: 7 Reasons Why You Must Visit Landour
Conclusion
The calmness, serenity and simplicity of this hamlet is what makes Landour different from the rest. The very fact that Ruskin Bond chose to live here speaks volumes about this place. So the next time you are here, make sure to spend some time in this peaceful atmosphere. Do let us know what you think about this place in the comments below.
FAQs
This small town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand is famous for its natural beauty, colonial architecture, historical sites and tranquillity.
Landour is approx. 7 Kms from Mussoorie which is a little too much to walk. However enthusiasts can still walk their way up from Mall Road Mussoorie. This could easily take about 40 minutes by foot. Other options are cycling, taking a cab or self-driving.
Yes, Landour receives twice the snow that Mussoorie does. The winter months between December to March receives snowfall anywhere between 3–15 times. Sometimes snowfall is accompanied with heavy rains which leads to landslides and road blockages.
There are many places to stay in Landour, here’s our top picks: Rokeby Manor, Tabor Cottage, La Villa Bethany, Doma’s Inn, Ivy Bank Guest House, Landour Homestay and The Parsonage. Most of these stays are family-run accommodation that offers an authentic local experience.
