St Mary Church, Uttarakhand
A Catholic Church of historical importance, St. Mary's Church is located near Tip N Top Point in Lansdowne. In 1895, St. Mary's Church was constructed by Col. A.H.B Hume of the Royal Engineers. A historian, as well as normal visitors, like to visit this jewel in Lansdowne city, St Mary's Church adds to the charm and tranquility of the surrounding.
An old-world charm can be seen at St Mary's Church, but after 1947 preaching at the church was stopped due to deterioration. The Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre takes charges to convert the Church. Now its is a small museum, showcasing old pictures and stories of the pre-independence era. This museum also houses the audiovisual displays of the history of the Lansdowne and Garhwal Regiment.
History & Transformation into a Museum
St. Mary’s Church was constructed during the British period to serve the spiritual needs of the troops posted in the cantonment. After 1947, preaching stopped due to structural deterioration and low visitor use.
Later, the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre restored and converted the church into a heritage museum. Today, visitors can explore:
- Old photographs of Lansdowne during the British era
- Historic artifacts related to the Garhwal Rifles Regiment
- Audio-visual documentary on Lansdowne’s military heritage
This blend of spirituality and history makes it one of the most informative attractions in Lansdowne.
Timings & Entry Fee
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Opening Days | All Days |
| Visiting Hours | 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free (Museum: Nominal charge) |
| Time Required | 30–45 minutes |
Note: Museum availability may vary depending on military schedules.
How to Reach St. Mary’s Church
- By Road: Well connected by motorable roads from Kotdwar
- By Rail: Nearest major station – Kotdwar - 40 km
- By Air: Nearest airport – Jolly Grant (Dehradun) - 148 km
Local taxis and shared vehicles are easily available from Lansdowne city centre.
Location & Distance
St. Mary’s Church is located near Tip N Top and Garhwal Mess, easily reachable from any part of Lansdowne.
| Point | Distance |
|---|---|
| Lansdowne Market | 2 km |
| Tip N Top Viewpoint | 300 m |
| Garhwal Rifles Regimental Centre | 650 m |
| Kotdwar Railway Station | 40 km |
Travel Tips
- Maintain silence inside the church & museum
- Check museum open timings before visiting
- Respect photography restrictions inside museum sections
- Best visited with Tip N Top for scenic viewpoints
St. Mary’s Church in Lansdowne is a charming reminder of the British era blended with the pride of Garhwal Rifles history. Whether you’re visiting for peace, photography, or curiosity, this heritage site offers a memorable and insightful experience.
