Lansdowne earlier known as Kalundanda is a picturesque hill resort located amidst densely forested area teeming with wild life at a height of about 5800 feet. It is home of the valiant Garhwalis and a heritage military station. The Garhwal Rifles moved here in 1887. Kalundanda was suggested as a suitable site for a cantonment by Mr D Campbell, the then Deputy Commissioner of Pauri Garhwal. The idea was approved by Brigadier General JI Murray, General Officer Commanding, Ruhelkhand District. The new cantonment was named Lansdowne after the then Viceroy of India, Lord Lansdowne. Nowadays, the famous Garhwal Rifles of the Indian Army had its command office here. 81 km. from Pauri, Lansdowne is situated at an altitude of 1,706 meters on a hill, which was originally known as ‘Kalundanda’ in local language, en route Kotdwara-Pauri road. The nearest railway station is Kotdwara at a distance of 41 km.

Lansdowne is a Military station developed by the Britishers, which is catering for the Recruits Training centre of the Garhwal Rifles. Surrounded by thick Oak and Pine forests, Lansdowne is a very charming place for a quiet holiday as it is devoid of the usual hustles and bustle of other stations. Lansdowne has scenic beauty and good surroundings. The pine and oak trees provide a healthy climate. The Cantt Board keeps the town fresh as a daisy.

The Motto of Cantonment Board of Lansdowne is, to provide civil services to the civil residents of Lansdowne Cantt, like sanitations, water supply, medical facilities, education, street lighting, public urinals, cleaning and maintains Cantt fund, properties, such a public roads, buildings, parks etc. It functions under the provisions of the Cantt Act 2006.