Lansdowne, Garhwal

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Lansdowne | type = city | latd = 29.83 | longd = 78.68
state_name = Uttarakhand
district = Pauri Garhwal
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altitude = 1400
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 7902| population_density =
area_magnitude=
area_total =6.09
area_telephone =
postal_code =
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Lansdowne is a cantonment town in Pauri Garhwal district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

History

Originally known as, "Kaludanda", after Kalun (Black) and Danda (Hill) in local language, Lansdowne was founded and named after then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne in 1887, and by 1901 it had a population of 3943 [ [http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V16_141.gifLansdowne] The Imperial Gazetteer of India, 1909, v. 16, p. 135.] . Lansdowne was developed by the British for catering for the Recruits Training center of the Garhwal Rifles. Lansdowne was a major place of the activities of freedom fighters from British Garhwal during British period. Nowadays, the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army has its command office here [ [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Regiments/Garhwal.html The Garhwal Rifles] ] .

Local attractions

The War Memorial at the Parade Ground of the Garhwal Rifles Center is an attraction for the visitors. Places of interest around the city are Tip-n-Top (org. Tiffin Top), Santoshi Mata Temple, Regimental Museum, Bhulla Taal, St. Mary's Church. The excursions from the city are Tarkeshwar Mahadev temple, Bhairav Garhi temple etc. Annual ‘Sharadotsav’ (Festival of Autumn) is also organized at this hill station during autumn season.

Surrounded by thick oak and blue pine forests, Lansdowne has scenic beauty and good surroundings. The climate of the city is pleasant in summer, very cold in winter. Lansdowne can be visited any time of the year.

Geography

Lansdowne is located at coord|29.83|N|78.68|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/39/Lansdowne.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Lansdowne] ] It has an average elevation of 1,400 metres (4,593 feet). It is situated "en route" Kotdwara-Pauri road. Lansdowne is 81 km from Pauri and about 250 km from Delhi.

It is the nearest hill station from Delhi and is approachable by either Road or Train from Delhi. The nearest railway station is Kotdwara at a distance of 41 km. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, near Dehradun at a distance of 152 km via Kotdwara-Haridwar road.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Lansdowne had a population of 7902. Males constitute 64% of the population and females 36%. Lansdowne has an average literacy rate of 86%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 91%, and female literacy is 79%. In Lansdowne, 9% of the population is under 6 years of age.

References