Exploring Landour: A Journey Through History, Charm, and Serenity

Landour, a small & serene town, located just a stone's throw away from Mussoorie, ( 25 minutes drive from the picture place). Its history dates back to the early 19th century when Britishers established it as a cantonment area to serve the place as a recuperation centre for their troops after the Gorkha conquest of Kumaon-Garhwal region. To aid the ailing soldiers, a nurses’ camp was also brought to Landour, popularly known as Sisters’ Bazaar these days.

The town’s strategic location and pleasant climate made it an ideal place for British soldiers to recuperate from the warm weather of India. During this time, the place transformed into a picturesque settlement adorned with colonial-style bungalows, churches, and schools. The touch of colonial legacy thus, still lingers in Landour’s architecture and ambiance, offering a nostalgic journey back in time.

The Old-World Charm

Walking through Landour feels like stepping into a bygone era. The narrow, winding roads are flanked by towering deodar trees, quaint cottages with gabled roofs, and charming bakeries that exude an old-world charm. The air is filled with the scent of pine and the occasional whiff of freshly baked bread from local bakeries like Landour Bakehouse, a local favourite.

Just 10 minutes walk away from the famous Ruskin Bond’s residence is the Landour’s hotspot area, popularly known as Char Dukan, where travellers are often found taking a tea & maggi break. This spot has few small eatery shops & cafes boasting spectacular views of Landour’s beauty and charm.

The Walking Trail

The well known ‘Infinity Walk’, also known as the Landour Chakkar also begins from Char Dukan, and as its name suggests “chakkar”, the walking path ends here too. The trail continues to Landour’s farthest end – Sister’s Bazaar.

This walking trail also tells so much about the town’s history and the people residing there. Like the clever little tree boards, put up by the residents, either suggesting tips on how to be a good traveller with some fun or everydays sayings.

One can also find an old Landour Cemetery along the trail, on both sides of the road. It was established in 1828, covering about 1.5 acre area. This cemetery served as the resting place for the British officers and thus offered context to many ghostly sightings in Ruskin Bond’s books. The place is also surrounded by perennial Deodars and Cypress trees, giving it a more enchanting aura.

The Rare Phenomenon

Every year during the months of October till January, the sky works its magic on the horizon and a rare & beautiful phenomena is witnessed throughout Mussoorie & Landour —- The Winter Line.

Visible only in Mussoorie and Switzerland, the winter line appears as the sky transforms into hues of red, yellow, orange, and deep blue. As the sun sets, this natural wonder marks the end of the day with a magical display.

To celebrate the appearance of the winter line, every year, Mussoorie hosts a festival during the end of December. The best views of this rare attraction can be experienced from Landour. The streets are also all decked up with different stalls selling delicious food, unique local items and games.

A Living Legacy

Today, Landour is not just a relic of the past but a living legacy that continues to enchant visitors with its timeless beauty and serene vibes. It also offers various activities for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. From treks to scenic viewpoints like Lal Tibba to exploring the vibrant flora and fauna, the town provides ample opportunities to connect with nature. It thus, is a treasure trove of history, charm, and tranquillity. Its cobbled paths, colonial architecture, weave a story that is both enchanting and evocative, making it an idyllic destination that promises to leave an indelible mark on the soul.

If you are a wanderer and want to be charmed, this place should be on your travel bucket list