Landour is the old hill settlement just above Mussoorie, at about 2,200-2,300 m in Dehradun district. The British opened a sanatorium for soldiers here in 1827, and most of Landour is still a cantonment run by the Landour Cantonment Board. Strict building rules have kept it very different from busy Mall Road below: narrow lanes, old cottages, oak and deodar forest and very little traffic.
Most visitors come to walk the Chakkar, the loop road around the top of the ridge, stop for tea and snacks at Char Dukan, see the two old churches and catch the Himalayan view from Lal Tibba. Author Ruskin Bond has long lived in Landour, which has made the area well known among readers.
Why go to Landour
Quiet forest walks
The Chakkar loop runs under oak and deodar with long views, and there is little traffic once you are inside the cantonment.
Old Landour
St Paul's Church (1840), Kellogg Memorial Church (1903), an old cemetery and colonial-era cottages.
Himalayan views
On clear days, especially from October to December, Lal Tibba looks out over a long line of snow peaks.
Main places in Landour
Char Dukan
A small cluster of old snack and tea shops next to St Paul's Church. The name means 'four shops'.
Lal Tibba
The viewpoint at the top of Depot Hill, about 2,275 m, often called the highest point of Mussoorie-Landour.
St Paul's Church
An Anglican church at Char Dukan, consecrated in 1840.
Kellogg Memorial Church
A church built in 1903; its building also houses the Landour Language School, known for teaching Hindi to foreigners.
Sisters' Bazaar
A tiny market on the ridge, named after the nursing sisters who worked at the old military hospital.
Before you go
- If you plan to drive, register your vehicle before the trip; check the Landour Cantonment Board's official notices for the current process.
- The easiest way in is on foot from Mussoorie via Picture Palace and Landour Bazaar. The climb is steep.
- Wear good walking shoes; the lanes are steep and can be slippery in the monsoon and winter.
- Respect cantonment rules: no littering, no loud music and no photos of army areas.
- Cafes get crowded on weekends; go on a weekday morning if you can.
- Monkeys are common around Char Dukan; keep food out of sight.
Landour FAQs
How far is Landour from Mussoorie?
Char Dukan is about 3 to 5 km uphill from Mall Road, depending on where you start. The usual route goes past Picture Palace and through Landour Bazaar.
Do I need a permit to visit Landour?
Not on foot. From April 2026, tourist cars need prior registration to enter the cantonment, and only a limited number are allowed each day.
Is there an entry fee for Landour?
There is no entry ticket for walking around Landour. Some private viewpoints at Lal Tibba charge for their telescopes.
How much time do I need for Landour?
Half a day is enough for Char Dukan, the Chakkar walk and Lal Tibba. Stay a night if you want a quiet morning and sunset.
