Landour

The first permanent building in all of Mussoorie-Landour was built in Landour in 1825 by Captain Fredrick Young, the “discoverer” of Mussoorie, who was also the Commandant of the first Gurkha (or Gorkha) battalion raised by the British after prevailing in the Gurkha War. Young’s house, “Mullingar” (hinting at his Irish blood), was the family home during the hot summers in the plains.

Landour was initially built by and for the British Indian Army. From 1827 when a sanatorium was built in Landour, the town was a convalescent station for the military, and hence much of Landour is a Cantonment. The original sanatorium is now occupied by the Institute of Technology Management (“ITM”) of the DRDO; it is at the eastern end of the Landour ridge. In the early 20th century, a full British Military Hospital (BMH) was opened, with a medical staff than specialized in tropical diseases; the hospital closed soon after 1947. Also within the ITM premises is the former Soldiers’ Furlough Home, a holiday home for British and Irish soldiers and JCOs in Indian regiments who lacked the means to return to Europe regularly. Or, the holidaying soldiers were serving in British regiments on rotation in India, their tours of duty lasting anywhere from 6 to 48 months.

Racially, Landour was distinctly more European than Mussoorie. The events of 1857 led to a spurt in the European population of Mussoorie-Landour, with many families leaving the ‘exposed’ towns of the Gangetic Plain. Among the Britons who thus moved to Landour were the parents of Jim Corbett who were married at St Paul’s Church in Landour. Aside from the obvious British legacy, Landour has a thick vein of Americana too, with American missionaries having had a strong footing in the town since the 1830s, when the policy changes introduced by the supremacist Lord Macaulay prompted the rapid growth of American missions across India, particularly those of the Presbyterian and Baptist churches. Generations of American missionary children were educated at Woodstock School and/or born in Landour . Of late, their descendants have been deeming a dekko worthwhile. Nowadays, many young Americans on gap years or on exchange programs spend time learning Hindi at the popular Landour Language School, which was founded in the late 19th century to teach newly-arrived missionaries.

Special Attributes
It offers seclusion and verdant mountain scenery.

Nuisance
The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing Restrictions
Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity
Taxis and private vehicles as well as commuter jeeps go up to Landour. Dehradun is the nearest rail head. Jolly Grant airport (Dehradun) is also connected with major airports in India.

Enjoyed by
All Nature Lovers and people looking to getaway from the madness of citylife.

Exposure
You will hardly be exposed to sunshine on the tree-canopied trail of Upper Chukkar, however La Villa Bethany enjoys excelleant sunshine from dawn to dusk. However as Landour, is much cooler than lower Mussoorie, it is advisable to carry a layer of woolens at least.

Seasonal Recommendation
Avoidable – None. Best time to experience snowfall – January/February.

Facilities
Old world homely comforts with modern luxuries. Enjoy the joys of simple living while being one with nature.

Tip
Carry woollens, even if the weather in main Mussoorie is warm. Do not consider Landour a tourist spot, but a place to spend some quiet time and commune with nature.

Type of Site
Scenic spot.