Perched at an altitude of 2,290 meters above sea level, Landour is a quaint hill town in Uttarakhand that whispers tales of history, nature, and peace. Just a few kilometres uphill from Mussoorie, Landour is often called its “quieter, older cousin.” While Mussoorie dazzles with markets and crowds, Landour offers calm mornings, pine-scented air, and the nostalgic charm of British-era bungalows.
From heritage walks on the famous “Landour Chakkar” to cozy cafés serving freshly baked delights, and from snow-dusted Himalayan views to age-old churches, Landour feels like stepping back into a slower, more soulful world. If you’re looking for an offbeat escape in 2025, Landour is where the Himalayas meet history.
👉 Fun Fact: Landour gets its name from a Welsh village in the UK, showing how deeply it’s rooted in the colonial past.
Landour Tourism Guide: How to Reach the Colonial Retreat 🚗✈️🚉
Reaching Landour is as much a part of the experience as staying there—the winding roads, crisp air, and Himalayan panoramas set the mood for your holiday.
- By Air
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~60 km).
- Flights: Well connected with Delhi and major cities.
- Travel from Airport: Pre-paid taxis (~₹2,500–₹3,500) take about 2 hours.
💡 Tip: If traveling solo, shared cabs from Dehradun city to Mussoorie are budget-friendly.
- By Train
- Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun (~35 km).
- Trains: Overnight trains like the Nanda Devi Express from Delhi are popular.
- From Dehradun: Local taxis (₹1,500–₹2,000) or buses to Mussoorie, then cabs to Landour.
👉 Practical Example: Many travelers prefer an overnight train from Delhi to Dehradun, followed by an early morning cab ride—reaching Landour just in time for breakfast at a local café.
- By Road
- From Delhi: ~300 km (7–8 hours) via Haridwar road.
- From Mussoorie: Just 5 km (20–30 minutes uphill drive).
💡 Tip: Hire a local driver if you’re not confident with hill roads—some stretches are steep and narrow and due to this sometimes traffic jams also occurs.
Top Tourist Places to Visit in Landour 🌄
- The Landour Chakkar (Circular Walk)
A scenic 4 km loop that takes you past pine forests, colonial bungalows, and panoramic Himalayan viewpoints.
💡 Tip: Early mornings on the Chakkar are magical—mist often rolls in, giving you postcard-worthy frames. - Kellogg’s Memorial Church
Built in the 19th century, this historic Presbyterian church still echoes the British presence in Landour. The gothic architecture and stained-glass windows are a must-see. - Char Dukan & St. Paul’s Church
Char Dukan is not just four shops anymore—it’s a legendary stretch of cafés serving lemon-ginger tea, pancakes, parathas, and bun-omelettes. Just opposite stands St. Paul’s Church (built in 1839), where famous author Ruskin Bond often comes for Sunday service.
👉 Practical Example: Tourists often share how sipping chai here while watching children play cricket on the church grounds makes them feel part of a timeless story. - Lal Tibba Viewpoint
At 2,290 meters, it’s the highest point in Mussoorie-Landour region, offering sweeping views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Badrinath on clear days. A telescope installed here lets you see distant mountains up close. - Sisters Bazaar
Once the hub of British cantonment life, today it’s a peaceful corner with small shops, bakeries, and the iconic Landour Bakehouse—famous for its old-world recipes.
Activities in Landour ⛰️
- Nature Walks: Explore forest trails dotted with deodar and rhododendron trees.
- Bird Watching: Spot Himalayan species like the red-billed blue magpie.
- Café Hopping: Try Anil’s Café at Char Dukan, Landour Bakehouse, and Emily’s Café at Rokeby Manor.
👉 Example: Many visitors say that trying cinnamon rolls at Landour Bakehouse while overlooking the hills is an experience they remember long after their trip.
Landour 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors 🗓️
- Day 1: Arrive, walk the Landour Chakkar, evening at Char Dukan with chai & bun omelette.
- Day 2: Visit Lal Tibba Viewpoint, explore Sisters Bazaar, heritage walk past old bungalows.
- Day 3: Morning at St. Paul’s Church, café hopping, relax before heading down to Mussoorie.
The best thing would be that you club Landour with Mussoorie plan then it will be a great tour of 3-4 days.
Best Time to Visit Landour in 2025 🌸❄️🍁☀️
- Summer (April–June): Pleasant weather, perfect for walks and views.
- Monsoon (July–September): Lush greenery, misty walks (carry raincoats).
- Winter (October–February): Chilly, often snowy—ideal for cozy stays.
💡 Tip: October and November offer the clearest views of the Himalayan peaks.
Where to Stay in Landour: Hotels & Homestays 🏨
Category | Price Range (₹/night) | Details |
Budget | ₹1,000 – ₹2,000 | Guesthouses & hotel City Castle. |
Mid-Range | ₹3,000 – ₹7,000 | Starz clarks Inn, boutique stays |
Luxury | ₹8,000 – ₹20,000+ | Rokeby Manor (heritage luxury), Light of Landour. |
💡 Tip: Staying at Rokeby Manor gives you a taste of colonial architecture along with modern comforts.
There are better options available near the mall road in Mussoorie in different price range, so the Landour can be covered well even after staying there as so many hotel options are available only 2-3 Km away from Landour.
Estimated Cost of a Landour Trip (3 Days per person) 💰
- Travel (Delhi round trip): ₹1,500–₹3,000 (train + cab), ₹6,000+ (private car).
- Accommodation:
- Budget: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000
- Mid-Range: ₹6,000 – ₹12,000
- Luxury: ₹20,000+
- Food: ₹600–₹1,200/day (₹2,000 – ₹3,500 total).
- Activities: Mostly free (walks, views), café hopping & heritage visits ₹1,000–₹2,000.
👉 Total Approx. 3 Days:
- Budget: ₹6,000 – ₹8,000
- Mid-Range: ₹12,000 – ₹18,000
- Luxury: ₹30,000+
Essential Travel Tips for Landour
- Wear comfortable shoes—the hilly walks can be steep.
- Carry light woolens year-round—nights are cool even in summer.
- ATM options are limited—carry some cash.
- Respect the quiet atmosphere—Landour thrives on its calm charm.
Final Words
Landour is where history and nature live in harmony—an old-world retreat with pine forests, heritage churches, and cafés that feel like home. Whether you’re walking the Chakkar, watching the Himalayas from Lal Tibba, or savoring pancakes at Char Dukan, Landour makes you slow down and breathe.
If Mussoorie is the “Queen of Hills,” Landour is her timeless crown jewel—a place to visit in 2025 when you want the Himalayas without the noise.