Lansdowne is a tranquil hill station in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal region, known for its quiet pine forests, colonial-era cantonment charm, and panoramic mountain views. Traveling from Mussoorie to Lansdowne is a beautiful journey through the foothills and valleys of the Garhwal Himalayas, connecting two unique but distinctly serene mountain getaways.
Distance and Travel Overview
- By Road: Approximately 185–210 km (variation due to chosen route).
- Travel Time: Usually 6–8 hours by car or taxi, depending on road conditions, traffic, and stops.
- No direct trains or flights; the journey is entirely by road.
Main Routes and Step-by-Step Guide
1. By Private Car, Taxi, or Self-Drive (Most Flexible & Comfortable)
Recommended Route
- Mussoorie → Dehradun → Najibabad → Kotdwar → Lansdowne
- Mussoorie to Dehradun: ~35 km, 1.5–2 hours (winding hill descent)
- Dehradun to Najibabad: ~110 km, 3–4 hours via Haridwar, Bijnor, or Laksar
- Najibabad to Kotdwar: ~25 km, 45 minutes
- Kotdwar to Lansdowne: ~40 km, 1.5–2 hours (steep, hairpin bends, forested drive)
- Road type: Mix of highways and hilly roads, gets narrower and more scenic after Kotdwar
Alternative Scenic Route
- Mussoorie → Rishikesh → Laxman Jhula → Narendra Nagar → Dugadda → Kotdwar → Lansdowne
- Slightly longer but avoids some busy highway stretches, offers lovely valley scenery
Why Choose This?
- Door-to-door convenience, flexible stops (great for families/groups)
- Opportunity to visit Rishikesh, Haridwar, or scenic tea/forest points along the way
- Best option for those carrying luggage or preferring private comfort
Travel Tips
- Start early to avoid Dehradun and highway traffic.
- Refuel in Dehradun, Najibabad, or Kotdwar—fuel stations are few after the hills begin.
- Carry snacks, water, and cash (small shops/dhabas en route may not accept digital payment).
- In monsoon, check for road condition updates (occasional landslides, foggy patches).
2. By Bus and Shared Jeep (Economical, More Transfers)
- Mussoorie to Dehradun: State or private buses, 1.5–2 hours.
- Dehradun to Kotdwar: Regular UTC state buses, 4–6 hours (buses may be less frequent; check timings at Dehradun ISBT).
- Kotdwar to Lansdowne: Frequent shared jeeps and UTC mini-buses, 1.5–2 hours, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
- No direct bus from Mussoorie to Lansdowne; must change at Dehradun and Kotdwar.
Tips:
- Bus schedules can change—confirm at Dehradun ISBT.
- In busy seasons (April–June, festivals), travel early to secure a seat.
- For more comfort, break the journey overnight at Dehradun or Kotdwar.
3. By Train + Taxi/Bus (For Train Enthusiasts)
- No direct rail link to Lansdowne. The nearest railway station is at Kotdwar.
- Plan: Mussoorie → Dehradun by taxi/bus, then train from Dehradun to Kotdwar.
- Dehradun–Kotdwar trains are limited; check schedules in advance.
- From Kotdwar, taxis and shared jeeps are available for the last hill stretch to Lansdowne.
Best Season to Visit
- March–June: Cool, pleasant, best for walks and sightseeing
- September–November: Crisp air, post-monsoon greenery
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Peaceful, cold, occasional mist or frost
What to Pack
- Light warm clothing for summer
- Heavy jackets, gloves, warm inners for winter
- Sturdy walking shoes (hilly walks)
- Rain protection during monsoon
FAQs
Q: Can I travel from Mussoorie to Lansdowne in one day?
A: Yes, start early and expect to reach by afternoon or evening (6–8 hours by car/taxi).
Q: Are the roads safe?
A: Yes, but hilly segments after Kotdwar have sharp bends. Drive with caution, especially in monsoon or fog.
Q: Cheapest travel option?
A: Bus from Mussoorie to Dehradun, then bus/train to Kotdwar, shared jeep/bus to Lansdowne; more time-consuming but very economical.
Q: Is there direct public transport?
A: No; all options involve changes—usually at Dehradun and Kotdwar.
Q: What to see in Lansdowne?
A: St. Mary’s Church, Tip-n-Top viewpoint, Bhulla Lake, Garhwali Regimental Museum, jungle walks.
Summary Table
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie to Dehradun | ~35 km | 1.5–2 hours |
| Dehradun to Kotdwar/Najibabad | ~110–135 km | 3.5–5 hours |
| Kotdwar to Lansdowne | ~40 km | 1.5–2 hours |
| Total | 185–210 km | 6–8 hours |
Traveling from Mussoorie to Lansdowne connects two classic Uttarakhand hill stations—each offering peace, greenery, and old-world charm. Choose a route and timing that fits your comfort, and you’ll traverse beautiful valleys, mountain rivers, and pine forests—finishing your journey in Lansdowne’s tranquil air.
