About
St. Mary’s Church is based on a Victorian-style architecture and was constructed by the Col. A.H.B. Hume of the Royal Engineers. This Catholic Church is snuggled near the Tip N Top Point in Lansdowne. The construction of the church was started in 1895 and was completed in 1896. This is one of the hidden gems of the Lansdowne which adds charms to the surroundings. This is a paradise for historians as well as nature lovers.
History of St. Mary’s Church
St. Mary’s Church is a popular attraction of Lansdowne and it was closed after 1947. The preaching in the church stopped after 1947 as the church was converted into the museum by the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre. Now, this small museum displays artifacts and old pictures during the pre-independence era. This museum has a picture gallery and a short 10 minute documentary on the history of Lansdowne and Garhwal Rifles is played. The museum is opened only on the weekends.
Location
This hidden gem of the beautiful hill station is resting in the lap of the heavenly abode of Lansdowne. The church was established during the British Era. To reach there one needs to take a steep path through Bhulla Tal to reach this church. The church stands tall amidst the picturesque setting, overlooking the hills and valleys. It is located in the Pauri Garhwal District on the Kotdwar Pauri Road of Lansdowne.
How to reach
St. Mary’s Church is situated at just 2.5 km from the Lansdowne City and one can easily reach there by trek. The nearest airport from the city is the Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun which is located at a distance of 150 km and one can avail of a cab or taxi till Lansdowne.
The nearest railway station is the Kotdwar Railway Station which is located at a distance of 42 km. One can catch a bus or book a cab from the railway station to the city. Lansdowne is well-connected with the rest of the state and with the nearby major cities by the road network.
Best time to visit
The ideal time to visit this place is during the summers and winters. In the summers, the weather remains pleasant and balmy which makes the sightseeing comfortable. Those who wish to witness the enchanting beauty with the backdrop of the snow-clad peaks for them the winters are the best time to visit here. Monsoon is not the recommendable time to travel to this place as the muddy trails make the excursion difficult.
St. Mary’s Church Timings: 8:00 A.M to 5:00 P. M. (open only on Saturday and Sunday)
St. Mary’s Church Entry Fees: INR 10 per person
