Are you looking for a peaceful and charming hill station that will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city life? Do you want to experience the colonial heritage and culture of a small town that has been home to many famous personalities? Do you want to enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and the winter line phenomenon? If yes, then Landour is the perfect destination for you.
Landour is a small town near Mussoorie in Uttarakhand that was established as a cantonment town by the British in the early 19th century. It is named after a Welsh village called Llanddowror. It is surrounded by pine forests and Himalayan peaks and has a serene and tranquil atmosphere. It is also home to many famous personalities such as Ruskin Bond, Tom Alter, and Victor Banerjee.
Landour offers a variety of attractions and activities that cater to different interests and preferences. You can hike through the nature trails and viewpoints, shop for handicrafts and jams, eat at cozy cafes and restaurants, visit historical and cultural landmarks, or relax at comfortable cottages and resorts. Landour is a perfect destination for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.
In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed Landour travel guide that will help you plan your trip, explore the best things to do in Landour, visit the best places to visit in Landour Mussoorie, find the best places to stay in Landour, and discover the best food to eat in Landour.
How to Reach Landour
Landour is about 35 km from Dehradun and 6 km from Mussoorie in Uttarakhand. You can reach Landour by different modes of transport such as air, rail, road, or taxi.
By air: The nearest airport to Landour is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 60 km away. You can take a flight from Delhi or other major cities to Dehradun and then take a taxi or a bus to Landour.
By rail: The nearest railway station to Landour is Dehradun Railway Station, which is about 35 km away. You can take a train from Delhi or other major cities to Dehradun and then take a taxi or a bus to Landour.
By road: You can drive to Landour from Delhi or other major cities via NH 58 or NH 72. The road journey takes about 7 to 8 hours depending on the traffic and weather conditions. You can also take a bus from Delhi or other major cities to Dehradun or Mussoorie and then take a taxi or a local bus to Landour.
By taxi: You can hire a taxi from Dehradun or Mussoorie to Landour. The taxi fare ranges from INR 1000 to INR 1500 depending on the type of vehicle and the season. You can also book a taxi online through various platforms such as Ola, Uber, MakeMyTrip, etc.
The best time to visit Landour is from March to June and from September to November when the weather is pleasant and clear. You can also visit Landour in December and January if you want to witness snowfall and enjoy winter sports. However, you should avoid visiting Landour in July and August when it rains heavily and causes landslides.
You should pack light clothes, jackets, sweaters, caps, sunglasses, sunscreen, shoes, socks, gloves, etc. for your trip to Landour. You should also carry some medicines, snacks, water bottles, cameras, chargers, etc. for your convenience.
Things to Do in Landour
Landour offers a variety of things to do that cater to different interests and preferences. You can hike through the nature trails and viewpoints, shop for handicrafts and jams, eat at cozy cafes and restaurants, visit historical and cultural landmarks, or relax at comfortable cottages and resorts. Here are some of the best things to do in Landour that you should not miss:
Hiking: Hiking is one of the best things to do in Landour for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can explore the nature trails and viewpoints around Landour that offer stunning views of the Himalayan peaks and the winter line phenomenon. Some of the popular hikes in Landour are:
Lal Tibba: Lal Tibba is the highest point in Landour that offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, Kedarnath, Badrinath, etc. It also offers a glimpse of the winter line phenomenon that occurs when the sun sets behind a layer of haze creating an illusion of two horizons. You can hike to Lal Tibba from Landour Bazaar or Char Dukan. The hike takes about 30 minutes and is easy to moderate in difficulty. You can also use a telescope at Lal Tibba to get a closer look at the peaks.
Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve: Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve is a private forest reserve that is home to various flora and fauna such as oak, rhododendron, pine, deodar, leopard, barking deer, wild boar, etc. You can hike through the reserve and enjoy the natural beauty and biodiversity. You can also spot some rare birds such as Himalayan woodpecker, black-headed jay, blue whistling thrush, etc. You can hike to Jabarkhet Wildlife Reserve from Landour Bazaar or Char Dukan. The hike takes about 45 minutes and is easy to moderate in difficulty. You have to pay an entry fee of INR 500 per person to enter the reserve.
Nag Tibba: Nag Tibba is a trekking trail that leads to the Nag Tibba peak, which is about 16 km north of Landour and stands at an altitude of 9,900 ft. It offers stunning views of the Bandarpoonch, Swargarohini, and other mountain ranges. It also offers a chance to camp under the stars and enjoy the sunrise and sunset. You can hike to Nag Tibba from Landour or Pantwari village. The hike takes about 6 to 8 hours and is moderate to difficult in difficulty. You have to pay an entry fee of INR 350 per person to enter the trail.
Shopping
Shopping is one of the best things to do in Landour for souvenir hunters and foodies. You can visit the local markets and shops that sell handicrafts, jams, cheese, books, and souvenirs. Some of the popular places for shopping in Landour are:
Sisters Bazaar: Sisters Bazaar is a market area that has shops selling handicrafts such as shawls, scarves, bags, jewelry, etc. It also has cafes and restaurants that offer snacks and beverages such as coffee, tea, sandwiches, etc. You can also visit the famous Anil Prakash Store that sells homemade jams and marmalades in various flavors such as plum, apricot, peach, apple, etc. You can also buy cheese, peanut butter, honey, pickles, and other products from the store.
Char Dukan: Char Dukan is a collection of four shops that have been serving foodies since the colonial times. They offer a variety of snacks and beverages such as pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, coffee, and tea. You can also enjoy the views of the valley and the mountains from Char Dukan. You can also visit the nearby Cambridge Book Depot that sells books by Ruskin Bond and other authors. You can also meet Ruskin Bond himself if you are lucky enough.
Landour Bazaar: Landour Bazaar is a market area that has shops selling souvenirs such as postcards, magnets, keychains, etc. It also has cafes and restaurants that offer local and continental cuisine such as maggi, momos, bun omelette, cheese toast, etc. You can also visit the nearby Kellogg’s Church and Landour Language School that showcase the colonial heritage and culture of Landour.
Eating
Eating is one of the best things to do in Landour for gastronomes and coffee lovers. You can enjoy the cafes and restaurants that offer delicious food and beverages in Landour. Some of the popular places for eating in Landour are:
Cafe Ivy: Cafe Ivy is a cozy and charming cafe that offers a variety of food and beverages such as pizzas, pastas, burgers, salads, cakes, coffee, tea, etc. You can also enjoy the views of the valley and the mountains from Cafe Ivy. You can also play board games or read books at Cafe Ivy.
Anil’s Cafe: Anil’s Cafe is a small and simple cafe that offers a variety of snacks and beverages such as pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, coffee, tea, etc. You can also enjoy the views of Lal Tibba from Anil’s Cafe. You can also chat with Anil who is a friendly and helpful owner.
Doma’s Inn: Doma’s Inn is a Tibetan-style inn that offers a variety of food and beverages such as momos, thukpa, noodles, soup, coffee, tea, etc. You can also enjoy the views of the valley and the mountains from Doma’s Inn. You can also stay at Doma’s Inn if you want to experience Tibetan hospitality and culture.
Rokeby Manor: Rokeby Manor is a colonial-style manor that offers a variety of food and beverages such as continental, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Rokeby Manor: Rokeby Manor is a colonial-style manor that offers a variety of food and beverages such as continental, Indian, Chinese, Italian, and Tibetan cuisine. You can also enjoy the views of the valley and the mountains from Rokeby Manor. You can also stay at Rokeby Manor if you want to experience colonial elegance and luxury.
Landour Bakehouse: Landour Bakehouse is a bakery that offers a variety of baked goods such as breads, cakes, pies, cookies, muffins, etc. You can also enjoy the views of the valley and the mountains from Landour Bakehouse. You can also visit the nearby St. Paul’s Church that is one of the oldest buildings in Landour.
Sightseeing
Sightseeing is one of the best things to do in Landour for history buffs and culture vultures. You can visit the historical and cultural landmarks that showcase the legacy of Landour. Some of the popular places for sightseeing in Landour are:
Kellogg’s Church: Kellogg’s Church is a Gothic-style church that was built in 1903 and named after Dr. Samuel Kellogg. It also housed a language school where the British learned Hindi. You can admire the architecture and the stained glass windows of the church. You can also learn about the history and the significance of the church and the language school.
St. Paul’s Church: St. Paul’s Church is an Anglican church that was established in 1839 and served as a place of worship for the military. It is one of the oldest buildings in Landour and has a beautiful stained glass window. You can admire the architecture and the artwork of the church. You can also learn about the history and the significance of the church and the military.
Landour Language School: Landour Language School is a language school that was established in 1904 and taught Hindi to the British officials and soldiers. It is located inside Kellogg’s Church and has a library and a museum. You can see the books and the artifacts that were used for teaching and learning Hindi. You can also learn about the history and the significance of the language school and Hindi.
Ruskin Bond’s House: Ruskin Bond’s House is the house where Ruskin Bond, one of India’s most loved authors, lives and writes. It is located near Ivy Cottage and has a view of the valley and the mountains. You can see the books and the memorabilia that belong to Ruskin Bond. You can also meet Ruskin Bond himself if you are lucky enough.
Woodstock School: Woodstock School is an international boarding school that was founded in 1854 and is one of the oldest schools in Asia. It is located near Char Dukan and has a campus that spans over 250 acres. You can see the buildings and the facilities that are part of the school. You can also learn about the history and the significance of the school and its alumni.
Relaxing
Relaxing is one of the best things to do in Landour for peace seekers and wellness enthusiasts. You can spend some quality time in the cozy cottages and resorts that offer comfort and hospitality in Landour. Some of the popular places for relaxing in Landour are:
Rokeby Manor: Rokeby Manor is a colonial-style manor that offers comfort and luxury in Landour. It has rooms and suites that are elegantly furnished and equipped with modern amenities. It also has a spa, a gym, a library, a lounge, a restaurant, etc. You can enjoy the views of the valley and the mountains from Rokeby Manor. You can also indulge in some pampering and rejuvenation at Rokeby Manor.
La Villa Bethany: La Villa Bethany is a boutique homestay that offers hospitality and charm in Landour. It has rooms and cottages that are tastefully decorated and equipped with cozy amenities. It also has a garden, a terrace, a fireplace, a library, etc. You can enjoy You can enjoy the views of the valley and the mountains from La Villa Bethany. You can also experience the warmth and the hospitality of the hosts at La Villa Bethany.
Ivy Bank Guest House: Ivy Bank Guest House is a heritage guest house that offers comfort and charm in Landour. It has rooms and suites that are spacious and equipped with cozy amenities. It also has a garden, a terrace, a fireplace, a library, etc. You can enjoy the views of the valley and the mountains from Ivy Bank Guest House. You can also experience the history and the culture of Landour at Ivy Bank Guest House.
Devdar Woods: Devdar Woods is a nature resort that offers comfort and adventure in Landour. It has cottages and tents that are rustic and equipped with basic amenities. It also has a campfire, a barbecue, a playground, etc. You can enjoy the views of the forest and the mountains from Devdar Woods. You can also experience the thrill and the fun of camping at Devdar Woods.
What to Eat in Landour
Landour offers a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. You can enjoy the local and continental cuisine in Landour. Some of the popular dishes in Landour are:
Maggi: Maggi is a popular instant noodle dish that is cooked with spices, vegetables, cheese, etc. It is a quick and easy snack that is available at most cafes and restaurants in Landour. It is also a comfort food that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Momos: Momos are steamed dumplings that are filled with meat or vegetables. They are served with spicy chutney or soup. They are a delicious and healthy snack that is available at most cafes and restaurants in Landour. They are also a Tibetan specialty that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.
Bun Omelette: Bun Omelette is a simple and satisfying dish that consists of a fluffy omelette sandwiched between two slices of buttered bun. It is served with tomato ketchup or green chutney. It is a filling and tasty breakfast or brunch that is available at most cafes and restaurants in Landour.
Cheese Toast: Cheese Toast is a crispy and cheesy dish that consists of toasted bread topped with melted cheese, herbs, spices, etc. It is served with tomato sauce or green chutney. It is a crunchy and savory snack or appetizer that is available at most cafes and restaurants in Landour.
Apple Pie: Apple Pie is a sweet and tangy dish that consists of baked pastry filled with apple slices, cinnamon, sugar, etc. It is served with whipped cream or ice cream. It is a scrumptious and indulgent dessert that is available at some cafes and bakeries in Landour.
Conclusion
Landour is a hidden gem in the Himalayas that offers a peaceful and charming hill station experience. You can explore the best things to do in Landour, visit the best places to visit in Landour Mussoorie, find the best places to stay in Landour, and discover the best food to eat in Landour. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks and the winter line phenomenon, experience the colonial heritage and culture of Landour, and meet some famous personalities such as Ruskin Bond.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Landour today and enjoy this amazing destination.
