Landour is a small cantonment town located at 7000 ft. in the smaller ranges of the Himalayas. This picturesque place can be found in the Indian region of Uttarakhand and is just a few minutes away from Mussoorie. There is a rich historical background that Landour significantly adds to its beauty, so it is a mix of contemporary modern landscape along with Indian history. There are several places to visit in Landour, including nature reserves, hills, remote areas, and much more.
Lal Tibba
It is one of the highest points in Landour providing a clear look at the dazzling snow-capped mountain range. If you can get your hands on a telescope, you can gaze at the mountains of Kedarnath and Badrinath. Lal Tibba is also a great location because of the cool breeze and calm environment making it a great escape for tourists.
Sisters Bazaar
The Sister’s Bazaar is a small market whose name is derived from the British Era when the nurses or sisters inhabited this place. Rather, the bazaar is a place of exquisite antiquity and characteristic ‘old-world charm’, and indisputably not a crowded marketplace. Here are several small shops selling homemade jams and pickles, cheese, and other regional products. Another landmark you wouldn’t want to miss out on is Prakash’s Store which has been selling delicious peanut butter and cheese for generations.
Ivy Cottage
When Ruskin Bong the popular author who once lived in this heritage property is on display alongside their life and motivation by looking at this distinguished literary figure. Although the cottage is a privately owned property, it is nestled in areas of great beauty and peacefulness that Bond often describes in his books. If you are a literature buff, you may be able to touch the stories while walking around the paths that surround the cottage.
St. Paul’s Church
This historic building was supervised and ministered to British citizens back in the 19th century, and it still has soaring significance. Steepled in gothic architecture, it was constructed in the year 1840 and is surrounded by deodar trees which complete the entire locale into a state of solitude perfectly. Not only are the interiors wonderfully preserved, but visitors often also find themselves adoring the vividly colored stained glass windows.
Landour Bakehouse
Visiting Landour Bakehouse is a must for those who deeply enjoy baked goods. The aroma of brewed coffee revolves around Landour Bakehouse as this quaint bistro serves fresh bread, pies, croissants, and even cakes. The Place is decorated with vintage pieces garnished along its wooden furniture providing a sense of warmth to the customer. With a breathtaking overview of the hill, it becomes an impeccable location to relish in a warm dish.
Char Dukan Area
Char Dukan, which translates to ‘Four Shops’, is a small area filled with traditional restaurants that have been serving tourists for ages. This area is known for its simple snacks, extreme favorites include pancakes, waffles, Maggi noodles, and, of course, chai. The area features a peaceful atmosphere with pine and oak trees surrounding it, making it a great place to have a meal. It is an ideal place to grab a quick meal after visiting the nearby sites.
Kellogg’s Church
Kellogg’s Church built in the year 1903 is yet another architectural beauty in Landour. This Presbyterian church features beautiful stained glass windows alongside a rich and peaceful atmosphere. The church is named after Dr Kellogg, an American missionary who played a vital role in the development of the area. In addition to being a holy site, the church embodies the blend of cultures that characterizes Landour.
George Everest House
The George Everest House exhibits the personal collection of Sir George Everest, which used to be the home of George Everest himself. This place is perfect for all outdoor activities, ranging from picnics to photography due to the breathtaking scenery of the snow-covered mountains and the Doon Valley’s view.
Pari Tibba (Witch’s Hill)
Pari Tibba is surrounded by lush greenery that adds to its remote charm. This area is ideal for bird watching while being great for nature walks, a lot of times this region gets foggy which adds to the eerie characteristics of the region.
The Mall Road
The upper regions of The Mall Road make way deeper into Landour, providing a scenic view of the valley. During a wholesome stroll down the road, one can find benches dotted along the side of the road along with shops selling woolens, local crafts, and mementos. This road is perfect for a casual afternoon with some good weather.
Conclusion
Landour is more than just a place to be; it is a place where time ceases to run and an idealism of the Himalayas emerges. The cobbled streets, antiquated buildings, and beautiful wildlife make for a perfect getaway from a bustling life in the urban jungle. Landour whatever the case during shopping, climbing scenic hills, or when resting with a good book, There is more to it a place that is to be lived, to be cherished.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to visit Landour would be between March to June and also between October to November. As the temperature is moderately nice and the skies are clear, the views of the Mountainesque landscape are breathtaking.
Landour is accessible via multiple roads. The closest railway station would be in Dehradun, which is about 35 km away, and the closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is approximately 60km away from there you can simply grab a cab or take a bus straight to Landour.
Landour is filled with many hotels, homestays, and heritage properties so if you are worried about the budgets we recommend looking over these options as there is something for everyone.
Be it for children or the elderly, elders, the peaceful and safe atmosphere with dozens of family-friendly sites to explore only enhances the charm that Landour exudes.
Landour cuisine comprises Indian, continental, and local Garhwali food among, other delicacies. Also, one should try the baked items sold at the Landour Bakehouse and the comfort dishes offered at the Char Dukan area.
