Bhulla Tal Lake
Pauri, Uttarakhand · lake
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry Fee₹20
Bhulla Tal is a small, serene man-made lake set among the deodar and blue-pine slopes of Lansdowne, the historic cantonment town of Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand, at an altitude of roughly 1,700 metres. It was created and is lovingly maintained by the Garhwal Rifles, one of the Indian Army's most decorated regiments, and its name carries real emotional weight: "Bhulla" means "younger brother" in the Garhwali dialect, and the lake is dedicated as a tribute to the young jawans (soldiers) of the regiment. That dedication gives what is, on the surface, a simple boating pond an unexpected tenderness — a quiet civic memorial rather than a commercial attraction.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Garhwal Rifles refreshment kiosk at Bhulla Tal (on-site) - simple vegetarian snacks such as tea, samosas, hot Maggi and biscuits; the easiest reliable bite right by the lake.
- ✦Gandhi Chowk (main bazaar) dhabas, a 5-10 minute walk uphill - several small eateries serve vegetarian North Indian thalis, chai and snacks; Lansdowne is a mixed cantonment town, so confirm a kitchen is pure-vegetarian before ordering.
- ✦Tea-and-Maggi stalls along the lake and bazaar road - vegetarian by default and good for a hot cup with a pine-and-ridge view; hours are informal.
- ✦Bakeries in Gandhi Chowk - vegetarian patties, buns and biscuits for a quick picnic supply; check ingredients if you avoid egg.
About
Bhulla Tal is a small, serene man-made lake set among the deodar and blue-pine slopes of Lansdowne, the historic cantonment town of Pauri Garhwal district in Uttarakhand, at an altitude of roughly 1,700 metres.
- It was created and is lovingly maintained by the Garhwal Rifles, one of the Indian Army's most decorated regiments, and its name carries real emotional weight: "Bhulla" means "younger brother" in the Garhwali dialect, and the lake is dedicated as a tribute to the young jawans (soldiers) of the regiment.
- That dedication gives what is, on the surface, a simple boating pond an unexpected tenderness — a quiet civic memorial rather than a commercial attraction.
- The lake sits below Lansdowne's main bazaar at Gandhi Chowk and is compact enough to walk around in a few unhurried minutes.
- Well-clipped lawns, flower beds, shaded benches and a small children's play area ring the water, and gentle paddle-boating (self-pedalled pedal-boats and small rowing boats) is the headline activity — calm, shallow and well-suited to families with young children.
- Ornamental fish glide in the clear water, and the surrounding pines keep the air cool and resin-scented even in the warmer months.
- Because Lansdowne remains an army cantonment, the whole area is notably clean, orderly and safe, and the lake is a favourite weekend picnic and stroll spot for both local families and visitors escaping the plains.
- Bhulla Tal is best treated as one gentle stop on a slow Lansdowne itinerary rather than a full-day destination in itself.
- It pairs naturally with the town's other quiet draws — the War Memorial and the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Museum, and the pine-view points of Tip-in-Top and Snow View — all within a short drive or walk.
- The mood everywhere is unhurried, hushed and green; this is a place to sit with a cup of chai and watch the light move across the ridges, not to chase adventure.
- For vegetarian travellers, the lake has a small Garhwal Rifles-run refreshment kiosk on-site serving simple vegetarian snacks — tea, samosas, hot Maggi noodles and biscuits — the easiest reliable bite by the water.
- Lansdowne is a mixed cantonment town, so for a fuller meal it is worth walking up to Gandhi Chowk, where several small dhabas serve vegetarian North Indian thalis, chai and snacks; ask and confirm a kitchen is pure-vegetarian before ordering.
- Carry a bottle of water and a light layer even in summer, as evenings on the ridge turn cool quickly.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Bhulla Tal, near Gandhi Chowk, Lansdowne Cantonment, Pauri Garhwal, Pauri, Uttarakhand, 246155
How to Reach: Bhulla Tal lies within Lansdowne town, just below Gandhi Chowk (the main bazaar), and is an easy 5-10 minute walk downhill from the market — signposted and reachable on foot. Lansdowne has no railway or airport of its own. The nearest railhead is Kotdwar (about 40 km / 1.5-2 hours by winding hill road), from where shared jeeps and taxis run up to Lansdowne. By road it is roughly 150 km from Rishikesh and about 250 km from Delhi via Kotdwar. Local taxis and your own vehicle can reach a parking area near the lake; the final approach is a short walk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings and entry fee for Bhulla Tal in Lansdowne?
Bhulla Tal is reported to be open roughly 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily, with a small entry charge of around Rs 20 per person and separate paddle-boating charges (typically a few hundred rupees per boat). Boating usually stops a little before closing. Timings and fees shift with the season and weather, so confirm locally on arrival.
Who built and maintains Bhulla Tal, and what does the name mean?
The lake was created and is maintained by the Garhwal Rifles, a decorated regiment of the Indian Army headquartered at Lansdowne. "Bhulla" means "younger brother" in the Garhwali dialect, and the lake is dedicated as a tribute to the regiment's young soldiers - which gives this quiet boating pond the character of a gentle civic memorial.
Is Bhulla Tal good for families and children?
Yes. It is one of Lansdowne's most family-friendly spots: the lake is small, shallow and calm, with manicured lawns, shaded benches, a children's play area and gentle paddle-boats suited to young kids. As part of an army cantonment, the whole area is clean, orderly and safe. Plan on about an hour to an hour and a half.
How do I reach Bhulla Tal?
The lake is within Lansdowne town, an easy 5-10 minute signposted walk downhill from Gandhi Chowk, the main bazaar. Lansdowne has no railway or airport; the nearest railhead is Kotdwar, about 40 km away by winding hill road, from where shared jeeps and taxis climb up. By road it is roughly 150 km from Rishikesh and about 250 km from Delhi via Kotdwar.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Bhulla Tal?
There is a small Garhwal Rifles-run kiosk at the lake serving vegetarian snacks like tea, samosas and hot Maggi - the simplest reliable option by the water. For a fuller meal, walk up to Gandhi Chowk, where small dhabas serve vegetarian thalis and snacks; because Lansdowne is a mixed cantonment town, ask and confirm a kitchen is pure-vegetarian before you order.
What else can I combine with a visit to Bhulla Tal?
Treat Bhulla Tal as one gentle stop on a slow Lansdowne itinerary. It pairs naturally with the War Memorial and the Garhwal Rifles Regimental Museum, and the pine-view points of Tip-in-Top and Snow View - all a short walk or drive away. The mood throughout is hushed, green and unhurried.
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