This Landour travel guide in short: Landour is a quiet cantonment town above Mussoorie, best for slow walks, cafes, old churches and mountain views. Reach it via Dehradun, spend two or three nights, walk the Chukkar loop, visit Char Dukan, Lal Tibba and Sister's Bazaar, and avoid the heaviest monsoon weeks.
Landour is the kind of place you visit to do very little, beautifully. It has no big attractions to rush between, which makes it ideal for families who want fresh air, long walks and time together. Landour is one of the places our family loves for exactly that reason, and this Landour travel guide covers what you need to plan your own slow weekend.
Where is Landour and why is it different from Mussoorie?
Landour sits on the hill above Mussoorie in Uttarakhand. It began as a British cantonment and sanatorium, and much of it is still cantonment land. That is why it has stayed so quiet: there is limited construction, narrow lanes, deodar and oak forests and very little traffic.
Mussoorie is busier and more commercial. Landour is peaceful and residential. If you are weighing the two, my Mussoorie vs Landour comparison breaks it down.
How do you reach Landour from Delhi?
- By road: drive via Dehradun and up to Mussoorie, then on to Landour. Leave Delhi early to avoid traffic and reach before dark, as the hill roads are narrow.
- By train: take a train to Dehradun, then a taxi up the hill.
- By air: fly to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun, and drive up from there.
Parking in Landour is limited and some lanes are restricted. Check with your stay about parking and whether you should leave your car lower down and walk or take a local taxi.
What are the best things to do in Landour?
Walk the Chukkar
The Chukkar is a loop road around the top of Landour, shaded by tall trees with views of the valleys and, on clear days, Himalayan peaks. It is flat enough for a stroller in many stretches and perfect for a morning walk.
Char Dukan
The famous cluster of small shops and cafes near St Paul's Church. Families come here for hot drinks, pancakes, Maggi and a slow hour watching the world go by.
Lal Tibba
One of the highest points in the area, with a viewing deck and telescopes for the Himalayan range on clear mornings.
Sister's Bazaar
A tiny bazaar known for its old-style provision store, local jams, cheeses and peanut butter. Lovely for picking up gifts.
Old churches and the clock tower
St Paul's Church and Kellogg Memorial Church are part of Landour's history. Landour Clock Tower marks the edge where Landour meets Mussoorie's busier side.
Bookish Landour
Landour is well known as the home of author Ruskin Bond, and the area has long inspired writers. If your children are readers, pack one of his stories for the trip.
What does a two-day Landour itinerary look like?
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive up from Dehradun, check in | Lunch, rest, short walk to Char Dukan | Sunset from the Chukkar, early dinner |
| Day 2 | Lal Tibba for clear views, Chukkar loop | Sister's Bazaar, churches, slow lunch | Board games, bonfire if your stay offers one |
| Day 3 (optional) | Walk down to Mussoorie's Mall Road or Company Garden | Drive back to Delhi | Home by night |
When is the best time to visit Landour?
- March to June: pleasant days and cool evenings, the most popular time with Delhi families escaping the heat.
- July to September: monsoon brings mist and greenery, but also heavy rain and possible landslides on the roads. Check weather alerts before travelling.
- October to November: crisp, clear skies and some of the best mountain views.
- December to February: cold, sometimes with snowfall. Beautiful if you pack properly.
For winter trips, use my hill station winter packing list.
Is Landour good for travelling with kids?
Yes, with a little planning. Children love the forest walks, the monkeys from a safe distance, and the cosy cafe stops. Keep in mind:
- The roads are steep in places, so a baby carrier is often easier than a stroller for toddlers.
- Evenings get cold even in summer; carry layers.
- Medical facilities are more limited than in a city, so carry a basic kit and know where the nearest hospital is in Mussoorie or Dehradun.
- Choose a stay with a garden or common area so the little ones have space to play.
Where should families stay in Landour?
Landour has a small number of stays, ranging from heritage cottages and boutique guesthouses to homestays in old bungalows. A few things matter more with children than the property's photographs:
- Location on the hill: a stay close to Char Dukan or the Chukkar means fewer steep climbs with a toddler.
- Heating: ask whether rooms have heaters and hot water at all hours, especially from November to February.
- Food: check if meals are served in-house, as evening options within walking distance are limited.
- Access: confirm whether a car can reach the door or whether there are stairs to carry luggage.
If Landour is full, staying at the quieter end of Mussoorie and visiting Landour for the day is a good compromise.
What should you know before you go?
- Book stays early for long weekends and summer holidays; Landour has a limited number of rooms.
- Carry some cash for the small shops.
- Respect cantonment rules and signboards, and do not feed the monkeys.
- Keep your plan loose. Weather in the hills changes quickly.
Beyond this Landour travel guide, Landour also features in my list of weekend getaways from Delhi for families. Slow, scenic stays like this are central to my family travel and hotel collaborations.