As usual on 23rd march, which was a Friday, I was working in my office, but my heart and mind was not focused. I was feeling my sweat dripping through my neck; Friday hot afternoon was killing me. I just open my computer and started searching for the closest hilly destination around Delhi, and in result I found Lansdowne, after gathering all possible information about and around Lansdowne, I started packing my bag to move out for a location which I have never seen. Saturday early morning around 6 O’clock I took out my car, filled up my gas tank from nearest gas station and moved forward towards my destination.
It took hardly 1 hour for me to reach Meerut. But till Meerut road was so bad that my car was begging me to move off the road. The moment I take right turn to Bijnor, whole picture get changed. Road became more wider and smoother along with huge green trees along side to the road. Meerut to Kotdwar, road was very good and comfortable. The moment I crossed kotdwar, the hills came in front of me, and road started taking deep curves, Lansdowne was just 45 Kms far from me now. I just accelerated my car speed and started enjoying the long green pine trees. Actually Lansdowne is also a cantonment area for Garhwal Regiment.
When I reached in Lansdowne city I see army personals marching and doing daily exercise side of the roads. The view of the mountains was very beautiful and graceful. Chilling breeze was blowing everywhere. There were lots of place to visit, i.e. Tipni Top, Bhim Pakora, Tiger Den, Old Churches and lots more. Lansdowne is basically an ideal place to have long and long walks, trekking, and camping. Peoples can experience wild life in nights, can do fire camping, and there are lots of things to do. For accommodation there are lots of place to stay, but I preferred Anand Retreat, the reason was that basically it’s a Jungle resort and its 3 kms far from the main city, so during my whole stay I didn’t seen a single moving vehicle around me.
I have enjoyed a very beautiful sunset and sunrise during my stay. Lansdowne can be a idle place for bird watching and photography. The Himalayan range is clearly viewable from this place. People can spent whole day by watching all these things. After spending a whole day I realize one thing that my sweat was not dripping off on my neck, and that was the most beautiful moment, which I feel during my stay in Lansdowne. You will not find continental dishes over there, but yeah sure you will find good allo ka paranthas and great Dal tadka. Do not miss Aloo-paratha with butter and locally made Mix pickle. Activities to do: Trekking, Long walks, Bird watching, Camping. Travel tips, How to reach: Route is DELHI - MEERUT - BIJNOR - NAZIBABAD - KOTDWAR - LANSDOWNE. (Take a right turn from meerut main bus stand to get Bijnor highway)