Lansdowne, nestled at 1,700 meters in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district, is a serene hill station famed for pine forests, colonial-era charm, and unspoiled Himalayan views. With its proximity to major plains cities and a distinct tranquility absent in more crowded hill stations like Mussoorie or Nainital, Lansdowne has become a top getaway for travelers seeking calm, natural beauty, and a less commercialized experience. However, its relative remoteness presents unique questions on the “best way” to reach this military town, especially from transportation hubs like Delhi, Lucknow, and Dehradun. This exhaustive travel report examines every practical route and mode—road, rail, air, bus, and multimodal—covering route logistics, scenic highlights, timings, ticketing, local transit, and expert travel tips for a seamless Lansdowne experience.
Lansdowne sits about 40 km uphill from Kotdwar in southern Uttarakhand. The nearest airport—Jolly Grant (DED) near Dehradun—lies approximately 145-155 km away, while the closest railhead is Kotdwar. Most travelers use a combination of road and rail/air to reach the town, and the last stretch is always a beautiful (though winding) mountain climb. For trip planning, the best period for visiting is October to June, when Uttarakhand’s lower hills are clear of monsoon rains and the views are stunning. The monsoon (July–September) poses risks of slick or blocked roads, landslides, and longer travel times.
Routes and Driving Directions
The classic road journey from Delhi to Lansdowne is roughly 250–280 km, traversing the plains before a mountain ascent from Kotdwar. Two main routes are widely recommended:
- Via Meerut–Bijnor–Kotdwar (NH534/NH119):
- Delhi – Ghaziabad – Modinagar – Meerut – Khatauli – Mirapur – Bijnor – Najibabad – Kotdwar – Dugadda – Lansdowne.
- This route offers smooth highways until Khatauli, then narrower but manageable roads through UP and into Uttarakhand. From Kotdwar, the 40 km climb to Lansdowne, through pine forests and hairpin bends, takes 1–1.5 hours.
- Alternate Route (via Haridwar):
- Slightly longer but more scenic for those wanting a stop at Haridwar: Delhi – Meerut – Muzaffarnagar – Roorkee – Haridwar – Najibabad – Kotdwar – Lansdowne.
Travel time: 6–8 hours depending on start time, traffic, breaks, and weather. Starting at dawn helps avoid Delhi–Meerut congestion.
Road conditions: The highway to Kotdwar is usually good; the climb can be winding but road quality is decent, though occasional potholes or minor landslides post-monsoon occur.
Taxi/Cab fares: From Delhi, typical one-way fares range from ₹2,500 (budget cabs, may vary with company) to ₹6,000+ (innova, tempo, luxury), with round-trips and premium car hires available for families or groups.
Self-drive and Car Rental
Major rental agencies (Zoomcar, Savaari, Myles, MakeMyTrip) operate in Delhi. A sedan or SUV is ideal for hill driving beyond Kotdwar, and drivers inexperienced with hill roads should consider hiring a driver.
Scenic highlights along the route:
- Meerut: Historic city, good breakfast stops.
- Khatauli/Khatauli: Noted for highway dhabas and Cheetal Grand.
- Bijnor: Bijnor Barrage, Haiderpur Wetlands, birdwatching.
- Kotdwar: Kalagarh Tiger Reserve, last major town before the ascent; stock up on essentials.
- Dogadda: Mango orchards, lookout stops.
Bus Services
Direct buses operate from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Kotdwar (nearest hub), run by UTC and private firms. Some buses travel up to Dugadda, from where cabs/buses continue to Lansdowne. Online booking platforms (redBus, EaseMyTrip) show multiple daily departures (mainly late afternoon/evening for overnight journeys).
- Types: Ordinary, Semi-Deluxe, and Deluxe (Volvo, AC).
- Typical fares: ₹400–₹1,500 depending on comfort.
- Duration: 6–8 hours.
- Convenience: Buses save money and are preferred by solo or budget travelers. The last stretch from Kotdwar to Lansdowne must be completed by cab, local bus, or shared jeep (see section 9).
When to Drive and Safety Tips
- Avoid the steep Kotdwar–Lansdowne ghat road after dark—few lights, sharp bends.
- Monsoon months (July to September) can present slippery roads and occasional slides; check for travel advisories.
- Start early to beat Delhi traffic and reach hills in daylight.
- Carry snacks, water, and always fuel up in Kotdwar.
- Speed limits: Be mindful of animals and military checkpoints, especially near Lansdowne cantonment.
The nearest railway station: Kotdwar (KTW), approximately 40 km from Lansdowne. The rail journey takes 6–7 hours from Delhi, and then a taxi, bus, or shared jeep completes the final 1–1.5 hours.
Popular trains from Delhi to Kotdwar:
- Siddhabali Jan Shatabdi Express (12038): 07:00 (DLI) ➔ 13:50 (KTW) 6 hr 50 min
- Anand Vihar T – Kotdwara Express (14089): 21:45 (ANVT) ➔ 03:55 (KTW) 6 hr 10 min (overnight journey)
- Garhwal Express: 07:20 (DLI) ➔ 14:30 (KTW) 7 hr 10 min
- Mussoorie Express: Late evening departure for overnight travel
Class and fares: AC Chair Car, 2S, and sleeper available. Tickets range from ₹140–₹800. Booking early is advised for weekends/holiday periods.
Advantages of train travel:
- Cost-effective, comfortable, no driving worries.
- Night trains let you maximize time in Lansdowne while sleeping en route.
- Scenic views: past Bijnor, Najibabad, and the Ganges-wide plains.
Arrival and onwards: At Kotdwar, private cabs and shared jeeps are waiting outside the station (₹1,000–1,900 for a private cab, ₹150–₹200/person shared Sumo/Bolero to Lansdowne), or hop on an infrequent local bus (see Section 9 for detailed transfer options).
The Air + Road Combination
Lansdowne does not have its own airport. The nearest is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) near Dehradun, about 145–155 km away by road.
- Flights: Delhi–Dehradun is a busy route with daily flights by major carriers (IndiGo, Air India, Alliance Air). Nonstop takes 55–75 minutes.
- Fare: ₹3,000–7,000 typically, cheaper if booked early.
- Transfer to Lansdowne: Hire a taxi from the airport, costing ₹4,000–7,000, negotiable by car type, and expect a journey of about 4.5–6 hours depending on route and traffic.
- Scenic Value: The road between Dehradun airport and Kotdwar passes through Haridwar/Najibabad, offering views of Himalayan foothills, forested valleys, and rivers, particularly beautiful in winter-spring.
Who should fly? This option is sensible if extending an onward multi-leg air journey, as a time saver, or if already in North India and catching a flight to Uttarakhand.
Distance: About 500–520 km, which translates into a roughly 8–9 hour drive under normal conditions—longer if traffic or monsoons intervene.
Route:
- Lucknow – Bareilly – Moradabad – Najibabad – Kotdwar – Lansdowne.
Self-driving is feasible for families/groups but can be tiring—plan rest stops at Bareilly, Gajraula, Moradabad, and Najibabad.
- Car Fare: ₹5,000–12,000+ one way (economy to SUV), taxis/online rentals like Savaari or GozoCabs enable pre-booking.
- Tips: Break journey at Moradabad or Najibabad for refreshment; uptime your speed on highway NH24/9; the last 40 km from Kotdwar is hill ascent and needs careful driving.
There is no direct train from Lucknow to Kotdwar. Instead, travelers connect via Najibabad or Haridwar, both of which have a range of train choices from Lucknow and onward to Kotdwar or nearby destinations (check IRCTC and ixigo for exact schedules).
Suggested route:
- Lucknow – Najibabad (overnight express)
- Najibabad – Kotdwar (local train or taxi)
- Kotdwar – Lansdowne (taxi/bus/shared jeep)
- Time: Around 8–10 hours.
- Fare: ₹1,000–2,500 depending on train/class.
- Convenience: Overnight travel can save a day and is more restful.
Lucknow to Dehradun flights: Direct options are available, approximately 2 hours flying plus airport to Lansdowne by road (see above for fares and transfer times).
- Taxi from Dehradun to Lansdowne: Pre-paid cabs or online services like GozoCabs can be booked for a door-to-door experience at ₹5,000–13,000 depending on car size and season.
Best for: Those seeking speed or combining sightseeing in Dehradun/Rishikesh/Haridwar as part of the journey.
Distance: 145–165 km, road-dependent.
Route: Dehradun – Haridwar – Najibabad – Kotdwar – Lansdowne
- Typical driving time: 4–5 hours without long stops.
- Taxi fare: ₹2,000–5,000 (car type, negotiate with local cabbies or book via apps/travel portals).
- Car rental companies: AmyCab, Makemytrip, Savaari, local Dehradun cabs.
- Bus: State UTC and private buses from Dehradun ISBT to Kotdwar (intermittent, check schedules); onward transfer to Lansdowne by shared Jeep/taxi.
- Scenic: The section from Haridwar to Kotdwar and then up to Lansdowne is a lush climb through Shivalik subtropical forests.
No direct train exists from Dehradun to Kotdwar (as of 2025), but trains are frequent from Dehradun or Haridwar to Najibabad, making a transfer to Kotdwar possible via short taxi rides or secondary trains. With electrification complete in Uttarakhand, expect improved service in coming years.
Fastest combo:
- Dehradun – Haridwar/Najibabad (by train, 2–2.5 hrs)
- Najibabad – Kotdwar (by train or taxi, 40 min)
- Kotdwar – Lansdowne (taxi, 1–1.5 hr)
Tip: Book tickets and check schedules on Goibibo, IRCTC, or RailYatri; the last stretch remains a mountain climb and is not operational as a rail line to Lansdowne itself.
Jolly Grant Airport serves as the arrival point; for onward travel, see Section 3.3. Direct cab is fastest from DED to Lansdowne.
- Kotdwar–Lansdowne: The 40 km “ghat” ascent is the highlight, with hairpins through dense pine and oak forests, views of Garhwal valleys, and occasional clearings offering panoramic vistas.
- Neemrana, Meerut, Bijnor: The plains before the hills are full of green farms, wetlands, migratory birds (in season), and roadside markets.
- Haridwar via Najibabad: Passing by the broad Ganges, with the possibility to stop at sacred sites, offers another cultural touch en route.
- Families: Daytime drive by car/taxi; convenient for elderly/children.
- Solo/Couples: Overnight train to Kotdwar; shared jeep to Lansdowne for lowest hassle/cost.
- Photographers/Nature lovers: Self-drive or slow travel to capture forests, valley, and wildlife along the Kotdwar–Lansdowne stretch.
- Budget Backpackers: Public transport (train+shared jeep) is most cost-efficient.
Lansdowne is compact, and most key attractions—Tip-n-Top, Bhulla Lake, St. Mary’s Church, Darwan Singh Museum, Paltan Bazaar—are within easy walking distance of main hotels. The hillside town’s roads are safe, though hilly; those with mobility needs can affordably hire a local cab (full-day rates from ₹1,200, 1–2 hr tours from ₹250–500).
- Taxi services: Multiple operators offer hourly, half-day, and full-day cabs. Sedans, SUVs, and even tempo travelers (for groups) are available.
- Bike/scooter rental: Available at a few shops for day tours.
- Local buses: Used mainly for excursions outside town (e.g., to Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, 38 km away).
- Walking: Best way to see the colonial era churches, “Lover’s Lane” pine walk, and the main market.
Combining modes is common and efficient, especially for longer journeys or for those arriving in north India by air:
Examples:
- Delhi – Train to Kotdwar (overnight) – Taxi/Shared Jeep to Lansdowne. Relaxing and budget friendly.
- Delhi – Morning bus to Kotdwar – Shared cab or local bus to Lansdowne by afternoon.
- Lucknow – Night train to Moradabad – Early morning train to Najibabad – Cab to Kotdwar – Lansdowne.
- Flight from major city to Dehradun – Prebooked cab direct to Lansdowne (ideal for those with luggage or pressed for time).
Tip: Kotdwar acts as the “pivot” hub. Flexible travelers can take whichever next available taxi, shared jeep, or bus is leaving for Lansdowne—no advance bookings typically needed except in Diwali, Holi, or long weekends.
- Delhi/Kotdwar linkage: UTC and private buses; direct services from Delhi to Kotdwar; tickets ₹400–900, ~7 hr trip.
- Kotdwar–Lansdowne: Frequent shared Sumo/Bolero taxis (₹150–200/seat), local buses (₹80–120), and plenty of regular private cabs. Early morning, afternoon, and evening services are common. For less mobile groups, private cab fare is ~₹1,000–1,900/car up the hill.
Advantages: The “last-leg” ascent is much easier/safer with experienced local drivers—highly recommended for those not used to hill roads, and handy for elderly or those with children.
Those arriving late at Kotdwar will still find shared jeeps (until ~9:00 p.m.), but it’s safer to plan for daylight transfers; post-monsoon landslides or unlit stretches caution against the most adventurous after-dark rides.
- Advance Hotel Booking: Especially in peak months (March–June, October, or long weekends), secure your stay as rooms are limited, and walk-in options may be pricey or unavailable.
- Clothes: Weather swings—bring layers even in summer, and woolens for winter. Rain gear is wise if traveling in monsoon.
- Cash: Few ATMs in Lansdowne; stock up in Kotdwar.
- Timing: Avoid hill ascent in fog, after sunset, and in bad weather.
- Vehicle Fitness: If self-driving, ensure car is in good working order, with spare and emergency kit (incl. torch, power bank, first-aid).
- Fuel: Last major petrol pump is in Kotdwar.
- Phone/Data: Most networks (Airtel, Jio, BSNL) work, but speed may dip in outer hills.
- Army Cantonment: Respect “No Photography” signs in military/rifle regimental areas. Obey speed, silence, and trash rules.
- Cabs: Most professional providers offer sanitized, clean cars. Drivers in Uttarakhand are often health-checked and familiar with current state tourism protocols.
- Masks/Personal Hygiene: Standard hygiene practices apply in public spaces and on all forms of transport.
- Day trips: Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple (38 km), Kalagarh Tiger Reserve (jungle safari possible), Kanvashram hermitage.
- Food: Local Garhwali eateries for Aloo Ke Gutke, traditional sweets, and market chai stops.
- Shopping: Minimal, except for minor handicrafts and souvenirs in Paltan Bazaar.
Q: Can I reach Lansdowne directly by train or flight?
- No. The closest are Kotdwar railway station and Jolly Grant Airport, both requiring a road transfer to Lansdowne proper.
Q: Is it safe to drive to Lansdowne during monsoon or winter?
- Travelers should exercise caution; the Kotdwar–Lansdowne road can face slides post-heavy rain or be foggy in winter. Always check local advisories and drive only in daylight if possible.
Q: Are there government buses from Kotdwar to Lansdowne?
- Yes, several daily, but frequency tapers after dusk. Shared jeeps/cabs fill the gap.
Q: How far is Lansdowne from Kotdwar?
- 39–41 km by road; budget 1.5 hours for the climb.
Q: Is local transport in Lansdowne sufficient?
- Lansdowne is compact and walkable. Cabs, bikes, and occasional hired scooters are available for excursions.
Q: What if I’m flying into Dehradun from outside North India?
- Prebook a cab or coordinate with your hotel for pickup from the airport. The ride is 4.5–6 hours depending on traffic and route.
A. Classic Weekend (Delhi–Lansdowne–Delhi)
- Friday night: Board overnight train to Kotdwar.
- Saturday morning: Shared jeep to Lansdowne. Check in, rest, local sightseeing.
- Sunday: Explore more, depart to Kotdwar by car in afternoon, catch evening train or bus back to Delhi.
B. Air-Linked Quick Escape (Any Metro–Dehradun–Lansdowne)
- Day 1: Morning flight to DED. Airport pick-up, direct transfer to Lansdowne.
- Day 2–3: Explore, relax, return to Dehradun/Haridwar for onward connections.
C. Grand Roadtrip (Lucknow–Lansdowne–Nainital/Kumaon–Return)
- Day 1: Early morning drive/train to Moradabad.
- Day 2-4: Detour to Lansdowne for two nights, then depart via Haridwar for onward Kumaon exploration.
For Delhi travelers, the most popular and scenic method is to drive or hire a cab along the Delhi–Meerut–Kotdwar–Lansdowne route, but train+jeep is best for budget and stress-free overnight journeys. Buses are economical and frequent, though less comfortable for those not used to long, winding roads.
From Lucknow, the air + cab route via Dehradun is now fastest and easiest, while train+taxi via Najibabad is cost-effective and restful. Car journeys suit groups.
From Dehradun and the hills, direct car or taxi hire offers the smoothest trip, usually in under five hours.
Ultimately, the “best” way depends on your origin, trip priorities (time, budget, comfort, scenery), and the kind of experience you seek. Whichever option you pick, the final stretch to Lansdowne is always a climb through tranquil forests and clean air—heralding your arrival in one of Uttarakhand’s last peaceful Himalayan hill stations.
Key Takeaway: No matter your starting point or chosen mode, planning ahead, combining modes where smart, and adapting to local road and weather realities ensures reaching Lansdowne is not just a trip but an integral part of the Himalayan journey. Embrace the ascent—Lansdowne is a place where slowing down is not just advisable, but essential to enjoying its rare tranquility.
