The call of mountains is always a beautiful one. Hills have for ever serenaded a romantic beauty. But most of the hill stations in India have undergone a debilitating influx of tourists. With an unbearable load on the infrastructure of these small hill stations, most of these places have lost their charm. But one place still retains it’s novelty by staying away from all the corporatisation. The military cantonment of Lansdowne. Situated at 5670 feet above sea level, Lansdowne is home to the command office of the Garhwal Rifles. The military discipline is the main reason behind Lansdowne retaining it’s picturesque beauty. Our two day stay at this scenic town located in the famous Himalayan ranges was a retreat back to our inner self.
Pristine beauty and crisp chilly air welcomes you at Lansdowne as we take accommodation at the military cantonment itself. Although there are a few hotels in the vicinity, but the real beauty of Lansdowne is experienced by staying at the four guest houses present on the campus. These guest houses can be booked by putting in an application to the Garhwal Rifles.
Our room in the Robert guesthouse is a throwback to the colonial times with wood being the dominant factor. Staying in these guest houses will also entail you to walking a fair amount of distance in the cold, clean air. Every inch of the humongous property is kept nattily clean by the army men. Food is available in the General Mess where you get to eat with the jawans and officers of the Garhwal regiment.
One of the most endearing parts of Lansdowne is the Officers Mess. Replete with all the opulence of the Indian Army, the mess hosts officers for their evening soirees. The dress code is strictly formal and no photography is allowed inside. A long wooden table along with a range of taxidermies of animals showcases the true regalia of the Indian Army. The Darwan Singh museum nearby showcases the armed might of the Indians since times immemorial. From the Gupta Dynasty, through the Mughal empire and the World Wars to the modern firepower. The museum also houses the glorious past of the Indian Army through a display of dresses, guns and medals.
Lansdowne’s sightings include a Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, St Mary’s Church and Bhullatal Lake giving you a beautiful insight into the beauty of this place. Come down to Lansdowne to get away from all the maddening crowds of the metropolis and discover your inner self.
