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	Landour Language School
Landour, Mussoorie, 248179, Uttar Pradesh, India Landour Language School was established around 1910 to teach Indian languages to foreign Christian missionaries. Nowadays it is a self-governing institution financed primarily by International students who are enroled for the intensive Introductory Hindi course as part of their University program. Many individuals also attend the school as beginners or to improve their conversation and literary skills in Hindi. The school is a great place to meet a wide variety of people from different backgrounds but who share a common interest in learning the Hindi language.
The Course Called 'an intensive introduction to Hindi' the beginners course is based on five weeks of four classes per day. The school has its own course book and emphasises that it does not offer a 'teach yourself' program but the book is simply a reference for what is learnt in class. Individuals can take lessons on a one-to-one basis, and there are a number of experienced teachers to choose from. Although the school mainly accommodates beginners, intermediate students can benefit from classes based on their individual requirements, whether they are studying Hindi literature or need to review Hindi grammar.
The Setting One of the main attractions of the school is its location in the Garhwal foothills of the Himalayas. Mussoorie is a popular Indian tourist resort during the summer months for people wanting to escape the scorching heat of Delhi and the plains. The school is situated about 2km by road above the buzzing centre of Mussoorie. Its peaceful surroundings command excellent views of the forested hills and even the peaks of the Himalayas during spring and after the monsoons. Some pleasant walks can be made in and around Mussoorie and it is possible to venture further afield to other senic spots in the Garhwal hills such as Yamunotri and Gangotri.
Details The Principal of the school is Mr Chitranjan Datt. Enquiries about the school can be made by phone - 631487, or by e-mail lls@nde.vsnl.co.in. The school is open from February to December.
Getting There From Delhi - get a train to Dehra Dun, either Shatabdhi Express (day train) or Mussoorie express (night train). Taxis or buses are available from Dehra Dun to Mussoorie (ask to go to Picture Palace/Kulri Bazaar). A taxi can take you straight up to the school where you can enquire about nearby accommodation.
Accommodation Mr Datt can advise on accommodation, which can be quite scarce during the school's busy months of July to November. There is one hotel, Devdar Woods, where most of the International student groups stay. There is one guest house, Rokeby, which is run by Christians. A few apartments are available - among the best of these are at Wolfsburn and Oaklands Cottages. The owners of the tea shops in Char Dukan (just 5 minutes down from the school) or Mr Prakash who runs the general store in Sister's Bazaar (five minutes beyond the school) can also help with accommodation.