Ride_Quaint & Beautiful Lansdowne

Lansdowne is a beautiful, quaint little hill station in Uttarakhand and it is the closest hill station to Delhi. Home of the famous Garwhal Regiment, the town is an army cantonment and thus, is spared from the rampant commercialisation experienced by the other hill stations.

The ride is approxiamately 280 Km with the major segment in the plains with good roads and the mountain roads are generally alright although they can use some repairs. The mountain roads start after Kotdwar.

There are a few "touristy" spots although if you're like me, they are best avoided. Chill in the quaint town square sipping chai or go for long walks in the town or in the forest. Alternatively, just laze and soak in the beautiful nature that you will be surrounded by.

Most popular food stops are Cheetal Grand (~99 Km) just before Khatauli or Monty Millions (~125 Km) at Miranpur. Alternatively, there are numerous dhabas and smaller restaurants along the route.

Tips

• Avoid going through Meerut town - chaotic and crowded.
• If you chose to go through Meerut, go through the Meerut Cantonment area.
• Avoid riding in the night on the Bijnore - Najibabad stretch. It's quite infamous.
• Traffic thickens from Meerut all the way to Delhi from morning till late night. Plan your return ride accordingly.
• Fill up your tank in Kotdwar. There are no fuel stations from there on.
• Keep your headlights on even during the day - you have no idea how many times I've been saved from oncoming vehicles driven by mindless idiots.

Spares

• Keep the usual minor ones.
• You will be able to find mechanics/garages easily along the route.

Ride Hard. Ride Safe.