Landour is like the colour green – the one you see on park benches. It's cold, but not too much to make you feel distant. Just right enough to make you cosy. As you climb up from the city, you will find yourself in the midst of tall pine trees, stone roads, small cafes with wooden interiors, sunset points, and furry dogs.
If you've seen Gilmore Girls and wanted to visit a town like Starry Hollow, Landour is the closest example you'll find in India.
A famous summer destination of the British-Raj era, Landour is approximately 35 km from Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Or to put it better, a small bike/ car ride away from Mussoorie. A rather steep journey it is, so be prepared. Small tip, if I may, take some extra fuel and carry a sunblock, you might need it.
You may ask though, what lies on the top. For me, just reaching somewhere after a not-so-moderate journey is a reward enough. Though, Landour has much more to offer. Serenic views
You don't even need to visit a certain place, the whole of the area is a viewpoint in itself. Stand anywhere and look towards the mountains and you'll see the mighty Himalayas in all their glory. The best part is if you're visiting it around November, you would find three kinds of mountains – the snow-covered ones on the top, the brown ones right after it (that look like a Toblerone bar), and the green ones with trees flourishing on them. Seeing all these together is outright magnificent.
When the last of sunlight falling on the trees makes the top look like flowers
Picturesque cafes
Remember those cafes that you read about in the books of Agatha Christie or see in Julia Roberts' movies? Landour has many of them. The most famous one is Landour Bakehouse. The place is a beautiful amalgamation of aesthetics, comfort, and soul-warming. In a word, it's wholesome. Sitting there feels like sipping a cup of hot chocolate on a pleasantly cold December evening. While you're there, don't forget to order a carrot cake (it looks super cute) and an almond cake (you're gonna fall in love with the texture). If you're someone who does not like things too sweet, you can avoid the first.
A few other places that you should check out are Savoy Cafe (if you're into European eateries, you'll like this one), Ivy Cafe, and Lal Tibba (more for views than food).
Colonial architecture You'll find hints of British-style and Gothic architecture in big and small things. Parks in the middle of the road, churches with stained glasses, ample use of stones both on walls and on roads, and red and white striped window curtains are a few examples of the same. As you will explore, you'll find your own examples.
Small population
Since Landour used to house military folks during the colonisation period, it came with its set of limitations like no deforestation and barriers to constructing new properties. What it did was put a stop to the total number of people who can live there – be they, residents or guests. Hence, the town remains less populated as compared to others in India. A charm you can't describe in words but can feel when you're there.
POV: You're lying on the grass basking in the winter sun
To an offbeat experience!
P.S. Don't forget to stop by Char Dukaan and grab some quick snacks. P.P.S. Buy a few postcards from shops at Sister Bazaar.
P.P.S. If you’re an old-school soul, stop by to buy a few postcards.
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