How to Reach Lansdowne from Haridwar

Lansdowne is a peaceful and charming hill station in Uttarakhand, known for its untouched natural beauty, pleasant climate, and old-world colonial feel. It’s a popular escape for those seeking tranquility away from the bustling cities. If you’re planning a trip from Haridwar to Lansdowne, you’ll find that road travel is the primary and most convenient option.

Distance Between Haridwar and Lansdowne

The distance between Haridwar and Lansdowne is:

• By Road: Approximately 100-115 kilometers.

How to Reach Lansdowne from Haridwar

Since Lansdowne is a hill station, there are no direct train or flight services. Road travel is the only way to reach this serene destination.

1. By Road (Most Recommended and Flexible)

The road journey from Haridwar to Lansdowne is quite pleasant, taking you through plains initially and then ascending into the beautiful hills of Uttarakhand. The main gateway town to Lansdowne is Kotdwar, which is well-connected and from where Lansdowne is just a short, uphill drive.

• Journey Time: A direct drive typically takes around 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on traffic, road conditions, and the specific route taken. The last stretch from Kotdwar to Lansdowne is a winding uphill road.
• Route: The most common route is Haridwar – Najibabad – Kotdwar – Dugadda – Lansdowne. The roads are generally in good condition, but like all mountain roads, they can be affected by weather, especially during the monsoon season (July-August) when landslides are possible.

a. By Taxi/Cab (Most Comfortable and Convenient)

Hiring a private taxi or cab is the most comfortable, quickest, and hassle-free way to reach Lansdowne from Haridwar. This is especially recommended if you’re traveling with family, in a group, or have luggage.

• Pros: Door-to-door service, privacy, and the flexibility to stop for breaks or scenic views. You can be dropped off directly at your hotel in Lansdowne.
• Cons: The most expensive option.
• Price Estimates: A one-way private taxi (sedan like Dzire/Etios) can cost approximately ₹2,500 to ₹4,500. For larger vehicles like SUVs (Ertiga/Innova), the cost can range from ₹3,500 to ₹6,000. These prices generally include basic fares, but it’s crucial to confirm if tolls, taxes, and driver allowances are included when booking.
• Tips: Book your taxi in advance, particularly during weekends, public holidays, or peak tourist seasons. You can find local taxi stands in Haridwar or book through online platforms like MakeMyTrip, Gozocabs, or CabBazar.

b. By Bus (Economical)

While there are direct buses from Haridwar to Kotdwar, direct buses from Haridwar all the way to Lansdowne might be less frequent. You can take a bus to Kotdwar and then arrange onward local transport to Lansdowne.

• Journey Time:
  • Haridwar to Kotdwar: Approximately 2 to 3 hours.
  • Kotdwar to Lansdowne: This 40 km stretch takes another 1 to 1.5 hours by local bus or shared taxi/jeep due to the uphill climb.
  • Total Bus Journey: Around 3.5 to 5 hours, not including waiting times for connections.
• Operators: State transport buses (Uttarakhand Transport Corporation – UTC) frequently run services from Haridwar Bus Stand to Kotdwar. From Kotdwar, you’ll find local buses and shared jeeps/taxis to Lansdowne.
• Ticket Price Estimates:
  • Haridwar to Kotdwar: Fares are very economical, typically ranging from ₹150 to ₹300.
  • Kotdwar to Lansdowne (local shared transport): Approximately ₹50 to ₹100 per person.
• Pros: Very budget-friendly. Offers a more local travel experience.
• Cons: Can be less comfortable, especially non-AC buses. Might involve a change of transport at Kotdwar, leading to potential waiting times. Limited luggage space in shared vehicles from Kotdwar.
• Tips: Head to the main Haridwar Bus Stand and ask for buses to Kotdwar. Once in Kotdwar, shared jeeps (often called “Sumos” or “Maxx”) are readily available near the bus stand to take you up to Lansdowne.

2. By Train (Indirect)

There is no direct train to Lansdowne. The nearest railway station is Kotdwar Railway Station (KTW), which is approximately 40 km from Lansdowne.

• Haridwar to Kotdwar by Train: While you can take a train from Haridwar to Kotdwar, the frequency might not be as high as buses, and road connections are often more straightforward for this specific route. However, if you prefer train travel:
  • Journey Time: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
  • Connection from Kotdwar: From Kotdwar, you will need to hire a taxi or take a shared jeep/bus to Lansdowne (as described above).
• Pros: Can be a comfortable and relaxed journey to Kotdwar.
• Cons: Requires an additional road transfer from Kotdwar to Lansdowne. Train frequency might be limited.
• Tips: Check Indian Railways (IRCTC) website for train availability from Haridwar to Kotdwar.

3. By Air (Not Applicable)

There is no airport in Lansdowne. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport (DED) in Dehradun, which is about 150 km away. Flying is not a practical option for reaching Lansdowne from Haridwar.

For a smooth and comfortable journey to the serene hills of Lansdowne from Haridwar, hiring a private taxi is the most convenient option. If you’re traveling on a budget, taking a bus to Kotdwar and then a local shared vehicle is a perfectly viable and economical alternative. Always consider weather conditions, especially during the monsoon, as they can affect travel times on mountain roads.