Landour

Landour, a small cantonment near Mussoorie, is a quintessential example of scenic charm and beauty. Located just 4 km from Mussoorie Library Chowk, Landour is easily accessible by road. The town is known for its iconic places that draw tourists from far and wide. Surrounded by towering pine trees, lush green mountains, and serpentine roads, Landour offers undiluted serenity and tranquillity.

Nature's Charm

Situated at a height of over 900 feet above Mussoorie, Landour is among the most frequented places in Mussoorie. Its Char Dukan, Lal Tibba and Churches are the hotspots among its visitors. Of these, Lal Tibba and Char Dukan particularly attract a large crowd. On a clear, sunny day, visitors can witness the Majestic Himalayan peaks with their naked eyes, including Swargarohini, Banderpoonch, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri, etc. These peaks can also be viewed more clearly through a Telescope installed at Lal Tibba, which is the highest point in the entire region.

Origin of the Name

Landour derives its name from 'Llanddowror', a village in southwest Wales. Landour town is reminiscent of the British Raj Rule, which always captivates visitors. The charismatic beauty of nature, combined with the magnificent colonial architecture, is a treat to behold. Both Mussoorie and Landour were prominent hill stations during the British Raj rule and are widely known as the "Queen of Hills".

Mussoorie First House

Landour came into existence during the British Raj, when the British Indian Army built a sanatorium in 1827. Located on the eastern ridge of Landour, this sanatorium is now home to DRDO's Institute of Technology Management (ITM). It is believed that "Mullingar" built by Captain Frederick Young in 1825, is the first permanent building in the entire Mussoorie and Landour. In addition to this, prominent churches like St. Paul and Kellogg's Memorial Church, both built in the British Raj, give the town a European touch.

Landour Weather

Landour Weather offers pleasant weather throughout the year. Despite heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, the Lush green beauty of Landour becomes even more enchanting. On the other hand, in peak winters, Landour experiences moderate to heavy snowfall, attracting various snow lovers.

Wildlife

Surrounded by rich vegetation, Landour is home to diverse wildlife. Visitors can spot more than 350 wildlife species, however, most of them are endemic or migrate seasonally from Tibet and Siberia.

Famous Places

Landour's richness isn't just felt in its fresh mountain air but also in its popular places. The popularity of these places is quite evident from the crowd they draw every day. Landour Bakehouse and Char Dukan are among the popular attractions. Landour Bakehouse is known for its bakery products, especially its cheesecake, carrot cake, and Tiramisu. Visitors often queue for hours just to experience their taste. On the other hand, Char Dukan, a quaint small shop, is known for its Pancakes, Tea, Maggi and Bun Omelettes. This shop is also a favourite of many celebrities, including the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
 

All in all, Landour is the perfect weekend getaway, where you can enjoy the verdant view and a peaceful environment. The town also offers some cosy and charming stays, which allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature and colonial architectural style.

Parking Fee

Landour offers limited parking near Char Dukan; as a result, the area often feels overcrowded. Parking is paid, whose charges varying according to vehicle type. The fee for two-wheelers is Rs 40, and Rs 80 for four-wheelers.

Accommodation

• Visitors have a few options of Hotels in Landour, that may provide a perfect retreat during their stay. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, as during peak season, it may often experience a huge rush, leading to unavailability. Some popular hotels in Landour are: -
  • The Tattva-Landour.
  • Heart of Landour.
  • The Hawk's Nest.
  • The Eagles Nest.
  • Hotel Cliffe Cottage Landour

Important Tips for Travellers

• Visiting by car may not be the best choice, as the road to Landour is narrow.
• Visitors are not required to pay any entry fees.
• Paid parking is available near Char Dukaan.
• To avoid traffic, visit early in the morning.
• Weekends may receive a huge rush, so plan your visit accordingly.
• The road is narrow with slopes and uphill stretches that may test your driving skills.
• Always carry some cash, as mobile network coverage in the area is limited.
• Landour doesn't offer a fuel station, so ensure your vehicle has enough fuel.
• Advance accommodation booking is recommended, especially during peak season.

Nearby Attraction

• Landour is surrounded by some popular places which can be visited during your visit: -
  • Lal Tibba.
  • Char Dukan.
  • Nag Tibba.
  • St Paul's Church.
  • Kellogg's Memorial Church.
  • Jabarkhet Nature Reserve.
  • Dhanaulti.
  • Jharipani Falls.