8 Best Places Worth Making A Pit Stop To Refuel, Munch, Rest and Explore Enroute Delhi To Lansdowne

Mountains are calling! Irrespective of the season, it is always a good idea to head to the hills for a fresh change and air, ofcourse! However, to be realistic, road trips do take a toll on the body, no matter how young you may be. *crying about that back pain* So, it’s time to make your drive to Lansdowne- an all time fave vacay spot of Delhiites, easier and a lot more comfortable. With a 6 hour journey that is near about 260 kms from Delhi, you’re going to be exhausted before you can even spot the mountains. Thus, we‘ve curated a list of 8 best pit stops on the Delhi to Lansdowne highway. Check ‘em out!

1. Ghaziabad 

Picture Credit : Akhilesh Kumar Singh

This place is like that friend who always throws the chillest hangouts but doesn’t get enough hype. Drop by for a quick bite at the legendary Vaishno Dhaba or the Insta-worthy delights at Lalaji Chaat Corner. Feel like a true local with a spicy golgappa or a rich paratha that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. For a pit stop that’s both lit and delicious, Ghaziabad’s where it’s at. Snap a pic, drop a geotag, and enjoy the vibes!

2. Kalagarh Tiger Reserve 

Ready to channel your inner wildlife explorer? Kalagarh Tiger Reserve is calling! This wildlife safari has around 100 tigers where you can spot majestic tigers. It’s the ultimate spot for safari enthusiasts who hunger for thrills. Buckle up for some epic animal sightings, and maybe catch a tiger doing a li’l strut for the gram. For the adventure squad looking to level up their road trip, Kalagarh is where you let the wild side roar!

3. Ganga Ji Ghat

Picture Credit : Jitender Kharb

Stop the car, folks, 'cause Ganga Ji Ghat is where your zen mode kicks in. This place creates a peaceful space for you and your thoughts. Whether you’re into meditative moments or just want to enjoy the serene vibes, this spot is perfect. It gives you a chance to catch your breath before diving back into road-trip chaos. You can also book a boat to explore the beautiful view of the River Ganga. Gangetic Dolphin and Gharial can be seen from the Ghat, so caution is necessary. Don’t forget to capture the magical sunset on your feed – it’s basically an Insta must!

4. Meerut 

Picture Credits: devanshbhalla

The Delhi-Meerut expressway or the National Expressway-3 (NE-3) is another reason why you must get going on this amazing road trip. It’s a wonderful experience sailing like butter on the newly made expressway, which also drastically cuts our travel time as opposed to the older route. Some of the cool pit stops that appear on this route are Rangroot Restro & Cafe, The Hookup Cafe, or a quick cold coffee at the Garden City Resort Cafe Coffee Day. Meerut also has a lot of attractions for the history & culture buff, and if you are one of them, you can check out - Draupadi Ki Rasoi, Bhole Ki Jhaal, Shaheed Samarak, Shapir, Augharnath Temple and so much more! 

5. Khatauli 

Picture Credits:  Dr Shubham Narnoli

A very popular pitstop on the route, Khatauli is an oasis of many first-class eateries. The home to the well-known and forever favourite of many, Cheetal Grand, Khatauli is the perfect place to have a meal. Other than Cheetal, you can also choose to stop at other pitstops like Namaste Midway, which has a huge number of posh restaurants and gives an overall village mela type vibe. It’s a great place for a stop. You can also go to Devrana, Tea Cafe, & Haveli.

6. Bijnor 

Picture Credits: Ankur Khanna

By the time you reach Bijnor, you must be aching to stretch your legs, and take a break from all the road-trippin’ and hours of sitting in the car. Luckily for you, Bijnor has an abundance of gardens where you can stretch your limbs, take a small run/ jump in the parks, and have a fun time with your fam. The parks you can check out here are Indira Park, Sudama Park, and so on. You can also stop for boating and other activities at the Fairy Land Amusement Park, and have evening tea, making it a cool pitstop!

7. Kotdwar 

Picture Credits: kotdwara_city

Kotdwar is where the plains start transforming into the majestic Garhwal mountains, that is, the beginning of your pahadi rasta. Although Lansdowne is only 40 km from Kotdwar, the road being hilly, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach. If you want to take a small breather before embarking on the mountainous route, Kotdwar is your respite. You can savour the scenic grace of the mountains up ahead, breathe the fresh air and enjoy the beauty and vivacity of the Khoh River. You can also visit the second largest church in Asia, St Joseph’s Cathedral and relax your mind in the soothing environment and appreciate the architecture. You can also visit the Kanvashram, a picturesque settlement on the outskirts which is believed by Hindu devotees to be of great cultural significance, before carrying forward with your journey.

8. Dugadda   

Picture Credits: jatinchoudharyphotography

What’s the point of driving through the hills if you don’t stop to admire the beauty around you? (And hog onto Maggi - it’s so essential it goes without saying) Dugadda is a small town located on the banks of the river Khoh, translation - scenic AF. You must visit the famous Durga Devi Mandir here, which appears to be made beautifully on the slope of a mountain and has a cave-like construction. The temple offers many picturesque & breathtaking views and you can even take a dip into the river or get clicked near the water, all in all, it’s an A1 and refreshing pitstop.

 And finally, you reach your destination, Lansdowne, a sight to behold! Being a cantonment town, Lansdowne is very well maintained & serene. Some attractions here are the Tip-n-Top (highest point) for some great views of the Himalayas, St. Mary’s Church, Bhulla Tal Lake, Tarkeshwar Mahadev Temple and the Garhwal Rifles Regimental War Memorial. The best part about this retreat is the air of calmness that surrounds you in Lansdowne. Just taking a stroll on the empty roads and enjoying the mind-boggling views!