Guide To Landour, A Town Where You’ll Lose Track Of Time
“The world keeps on changing, but there is always something, somewhere, that remains the same.” Ruskin Bond
Landour, which was a Cantonment town in British India was named after a village called Llanddowror in south west Wales. Lost in the mists of Himalayas, draped in scarlet red colour of rhododendrons & thick deodars, Landour reminds you of the British Raj. A 5-kilometer steep drive or walk from the crowded bazaars of Mussoorie, it’s a different world of peace and lush views.
Landour should be on every mountain-lover’s bucket list, but if you are interested in a typical things-to-see or places-to-go type of list, this isn’t the place for you. Here’s your pocket guide to Landour for a refreshing trip.
If you love walking, this is going to be one of the most beautiful and calm mountain walks of your life. Through the misty Deodar forest on the winding path, where the air is filled with woody smell and flowers are burgeoning on the hillside, a casual walk in Landour is a surreal experience for you.
How to reach: One can walk from Mussoorie bazaar to Char Dukan area (in Landour), which takes only about 40 minutes. You can also hire a cab from Mussoorie bazaar for INR 200-300, which I don’t recommended.
Best time to visit Landour: Landour is pleasant and peaceful throughout the year. April to June is the best time to visit Landour due to its comfortable weather. August and September are rainy months, but also one of the most beautiful months to spend in Landour.
Must Read: 17 Amazing Places To Visit In Mussoorie
You may bump into Ruskin Bond—a popular author and one of the oldest residents of Landourwhile walking the byways of Landour. Ivy Cottage is the place where Ruskin wrote stories we all have grown up reading; the window he describes in his stories and the tall deodar trees that whisper to each other are as mesmerizing as described in his books.
Char Dukan is a row of four historic shops in Landour, near Sister’s Bazaar. It is nestled away from the hubbub of busy roads and noisy tourists. You can often see foreigners sitting around Char Dukan learning Hindi from Indian tutors.
Things you must try: Banana nutella pancakes, cinnamon waffles, and the delicious pan pizzas.
The colonial-era church sits right next to Char Dukan. This Anglican Church was built in 1839 and was consecrated by Bishop Daniel Wilson in 1840. In 1859, a lovely couple, Christopher and Mary Corbett (parents of Jim Corbett) got married in this church. Church of St Paul is the most historic church in Mussoorie.
Suggested Read: 9 Things To Do In Mussoorie For A Complete Hill Station Holiday
Built in 1903, Kellogg’s Church exhibits marvellous gothic architecture with magnificent stained glass windows. The church is named after Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Kellogg, who ran the Landour Language School where British were taught Hindi.
This little store has been around since 1928 and is known for jams and marmalade made from locally grown fruits. Their peanut butter, apple mint chutney, and cheese are equally tasty. You can find a lot of other stuff in this store.
Rokeby Manor is a heritage property that has been restored to its original 19th Century décor. Resting between the rolling hills of Shivalik and the lush valleys of Himalayas, Rokeby is a perfect abode in the wilderness.
Tabor Cottage is a heritage home with retro decor offering panoramic view of Doon Valley. It’s a cozy place to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle.
Doma’s Inn is in the same building as Ivy Cottage. This beautiful inn looks like a typical home of a Tibetan family. Each room is tastefully decorated and the authentic Tibetan dishes are delightful.
Landour, which was a Cantonment town in British India was named after a village called Llanddowror in south west Wales. Lost in the mists of Himalayas, draped in scarlet red colour of rhododendrons & thick deodars, Landour reminds you of the British Raj. A 5-kilometer steep drive or walk from the crowded bazaars of Mussoorie, it’s a different world of peace and lush views.
Landour should be on every mountain-lover’s bucket list, but if you are interested in a typical things-to-see or places-to-go type of list, this isn’t the place for you. Here’s your pocket guide to Landour for a refreshing trip.
Away from the noise, into the calm
If you love walking, this is going to be one of the most beautiful and calm mountain walks of your life. Through the misty Deodar forest on the winding path, where the air is filled with woody smell and flowers are burgeoning on the hillside, a casual walk in Landour is a surreal experience for you.
How to reach: One can walk from Mussoorie bazaar to Char Dukan area (in Landour), which takes only about 40 minutes. You can also hire a cab from Mussoorie bazaar for INR 200-300, which I don’t recommended.
Best time to visit Landour: Landour is pleasant and peaceful throughout the year. April to June is the best time to visit Landour due to its comfortable weather. August and September are rainy months, but also one of the most beautiful months to spend in Landour.
Must Read: 17 Amazing Places To Visit In Mussoorie
Exploring the town & its little secrets
Though there’s nothing much to explore in this little sleepy town, there certainly are some points you wouldn’t like to miss while you’re here. And this travel guide to Landour is all about those little secrets.1. Bond with the Bond at Ivy Cottage
You may bump into Ruskin Bond—a popular author and one of the oldest residents of Landourwhile walking the byways of Landour. Ivy Cottage is the place where Ruskin wrote stories we all have grown up reading; the window he describes in his stories and the tall deodar trees that whisper to each other are as mesmerizing as described in his books.
2. The secluded Char Dukan area
Char Dukan is a row of four historic shops in Landour, near Sister’s Bazaar. It is nestled away from the hubbub of busy roads and noisy tourists. You can often see foreigners sitting around Char Dukan learning Hindi from Indian tutors.
Things you must try: Banana nutella pancakes, cinnamon waffles, and the delicious pan pizzas.
3. The historic Church of St Paul
The colonial-era church sits right next to Char Dukan. This Anglican Church was built in 1839 and was consecrated by Bishop Daniel Wilson in 1840. In 1859, a lovely couple, Christopher and Mary Corbett (parents of Jim Corbett) got married in this church. Church of St Paul is the most historic church in Mussoorie.
Suggested Read: 9 Things To Do In Mussoorie For A Complete Hill Station Holiday
4. Kellogg’s Church in the wilderness
Built in 1903, Kellogg’s Church exhibits marvellous gothic architecture with magnificent stained glass windows. The church is named after Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Kellogg, who ran the Landour Language School where British were taught Hindi.
5. Prakash Store for delicious jams and marmalade
This little store has been around since 1928 and is known for jams and marmalade made from locally grown fruits. Their peanut butter, apple mint chutney, and cheese are equally tasty. You can find a lot of other stuff in this store.
Where to stay in Landour?
Rokeby Manor is a heritage property that has been restored to its original 19th Century décor. Resting between the rolling hills of Shivalik and the lush valleys of Himalayas, Rokeby is a perfect abode in the wilderness.
Tabor Cottage is a heritage home with retro decor offering panoramic view of Doon Valley. It’s a cozy place to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle.
Doma’s Inn is in the same building as Ivy Cottage. This beautiful inn looks like a typical home of a Tibetan family. Each room is tastefully decorated and the authentic Tibetan dishes are delightful.
