Kausani is an extremely tranquil and offbeat place with spectacular Himalayan views located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. Kausani is famous for its 300 km scenic views of some of the highest peaks of the Himalayas, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli.
You come to the mountains in search of peace! But when we come to the mountains, we see that the famous tourist places here are more crowded than the cities and to take advantage of this huge crowd, hotel owners pay higher rents. In fact, as soon as you come to visit, you are at such places, which are not only beautiful but also very popular, and due to this popularity, the huge crowd coming here spoils all the fun of visiting the mountains.
Kausani
Located under the lush greenery of the Kumaon Himalayas, Kausani, also known as the Switzerland of India, offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the snow-capped peaks of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nandakot, and Panchchuli.
Nestled on a hilltop, the village is surrounded by thick pine forests with a view of the Someshwar, Garur, and Katyuri valleys! Few locations on Earth can match Kausani’s natural beauty, and the little village in Uttarakhand has the reputation of a charming little hill station.For those who are willing to explore, Kausani has a lot to offer. It’s a happy place for backpackers and a haven for writers.
About
Situated at an elevation of 1890 meters above sea level, the small village of Kausani spans 5.2 square kilometers. Not only that, but historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi were enchanted by this place’s mesmerizing beauty! Mahatma Gandhi is known to have frequently referred to Kausani as his native Switzerland. Of course, the two locations’ landscapes are very similar, which makes the snow-covered Himalayan ranges that surround them the ideal backdrop!
Location
Kausani is located in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, in the Bageshwar district. The village is roughly 51 kilometers north of Almora. From an environmental point of view, the area is most well-known for its tea estate, which grows some excellent, premium tea leaves.
The past
Kausani, the location of the wealthy kingdom of Katikyapur, was frequently referred to as the Valna in previous generations. In addition, renowned Hindi poet SumitraNandan Pant was born and raised in Kausani. Indeed, many of his poems are devoted to this breathtaking hill station, Kausani, and discuss its ethereal beauty. Additionally, During his 14-day stay at the Anasakti Ashram in 1929, Mahatma Gandhi wrote the book “Anasakti Yoga” and fell in love with the hill station’s picturesque surroundings.
The ideal time to visit Kausani
March through October are the ideal months to visit Kausani. This time of year has nice weather that is perfect for outdoor activities. On the other hand, December through February is the ideal time to visit Kausani if you want to see the snow.
The most amazing clear views of snow-covered peaks can be found during the winter! But don’t let that prevent you from going in the summer, when the landscape is equally stunning. You’ll wake up to chirping birds and breathtaking, jaw-dropping views as the days get earlier!
The weather Condition
The weather in these Himalayan hill stations is generally the same. Additionally, bear in mind that navigating through the monsoons can be challenging, particularly when trying to get to the small town. But the main reason for this is that the hills are prone to landslides at this time of year. Additionally, the summers span April through July and have a maximum temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. Winter officially begins in November and lasts until February. It is characterized by an exceptionally cold temperature and a lot of snow. It should be mentioned that January and February have the highest chance of snowfall.
How to get to Kausani
Kausani is a great weekend getaway because it’s close to Delhi (406 KM). It is an enjoyable vacation because there are many recreational activities available. There is good road access in Kausani. It should be mentioned that Uttarakhand’s air and rail systems are far from ideal, so your best option is to use the roads!
By Flight
The closest airport to Kausani is located 168 kilometers away in Pant Nagar. To get to your destination, you will need to hire a cab from this location. Additionally, buses to Kausani are offered from Haldwani, Kathgodam, and Nainital.
By Train
Kathgodam, which is located 135 kilometers away, is the closest train station. You can go to Kausani from here by way of Ranikhet or Almora and back. Kathgodam enjoys decent connectivity with major Indian cities as this is the gateway to Kumaon region.
By Road
To reach Kausani from Delhi by road, you can take the following route:
Delhi – Hapur – Moradabad – Rampur – Haldwani – Kathgodam – Bhimtal – Bhowali – Khairna – Almora – Kausani
Depending on the exact route and traffic conditions, the trip from Delhi to Kausani takes approximately 9.5 to 11 hours. The distance covered in this time frame is approximately 410-412 km.
Things to do in Kausani
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous getaway or a relaxing vacation, Kausani has lots to offer.
The following are a few of the top activities in Kausani:
Trek to the nearby Anashakti Ashram.
Situated in Kausani, Anashakti Ashram Kausani is a popular destination for tourists and those interested in exploring the fascinating town.
In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi wrote about his life experiences for two weeks at Anasakti Ashram. Gandhi Ashram is another name for Anasakti Ashram. This location houses a small museum honoring Mahatma Gandhi. The museum uses words and images to tell the stories of Gandhi’s life. Here are his other personal belongings and his charkha. Additionally, there is a small library with books on Gandhian philosophy.
I heartily urge you to attend the evening prayers held at the Ashram in Gandhi’s honor. If there are still rooms available, it is also possible to stay in the ashram’s basic rooms for Rs. 200. The museum does not charge entry. From the Anasakti Ashram viewpoint, one can see perfect views of Kausani’s sunrise and sunset.
Kausani Eco Park/ Forest Walk
The entire Kausani Eco Park trail was surrounded by pine trees and had a pleasant scent. We saw a small temple perched atop a hill after wandering through the eco park for about ten minutes. The sound of the bells enthralled us as we hiked to the temple!
One excellent way to take in the beauty of the Kausani region is to walk through the forest. The trail passes through a range of forest types, such as pine and oak forests. It takes a few hours to finish the walk, which is quite easy. The Kausani Forest Walk is a wonderful way to take in the scenery and breathe in some fresh air.
The Kausani Shawl Factory
If you’re anything like me, you like to collect mementos from your travels. Anything that moves you back to your former home, even for just a few days, is a welcome gift in your day-to-day routine. Don’t forget to check out the Emporium for an amazing assortment of fine woolen shawls that are masterfully crafted by the local weavers.
In addition to fine woolen shawls, trendy woolen jackets are also available for purchase. After settling on one Jacket I paid about 800 rupees for it. On the lower level, one can also observe the weavers at work as they create shawls on traditional handlooms.
The place has a variety of handmade shawls, sweaters, and woolen clothes. The shop provides employment to local people. The staff is friendly and supportive, showing customers how shawls are made.
Kausani Tea Estate
Kausani’s climate is ideal for growing tea, and the nutrient-rich soil serves as another benefit. Kausani claims to have the biggest tea estate in the state of Uttarakhand. It produces tea in various grades that are then shipped abroad, including to Germany, Australia, the US.
The world is well aware of the Kausani Tea Plantations for producing superior tea. After being hand-selected, the tea leaves are prepared using the age-old Chinese technique of rolling and steaming. As a result, the tea has a strong flavor and fragrance.
In contrast to the more well-known teas from Darjeeling, Munnar, or Assam, few people are familiar with Kausani tea. However, that is also a contributing factor to its intrigue.
Rudradhari Trek ,Rudradhari Mahadev Temple
The historic Rudradhari Mahadev Temple is situated in Kausani, Almora, Uttarakhand, by the banks of the Kosi River. You must hike through the jungle for approximately 3–4 kilometers (both ways) in order to reach the Rudradhari temple.
At the entrance to the cave is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a stunning natural waterfall with ice-cold, crystal-clear water right next to the cave. Since the spring’s water originates from the mountains, you can unwind and take in the tranquility in the area around the waterfall during the summer. The spring’s water dries up in the summer. However, the Rudradhari temple trek is evergreen, so devotees can go there
There aren’t many people around because the location is in a rural area. Ideal spot to relax, take in the beauty of nature, and receive blessings from Lord Shiva.
SumitraNandan Pant Museum
The well-known Sumitranandan Pant Museum in Kausani honors the renowned Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant. Through a variety of exhibits, such as manuscripts, letters, and photos, the museum highlights the poet’s life and creative output.
The renowned Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant was born in Kausani, which is 650 meters away from the Dr. Sumitranandan Pant Museum. He was a passionate admirer of the natural world, and many of his poems extol the generous beauty of Kausani. The poet’s handwritten works are all on display in the museum. Additionally, it has a library stocked with Hindi and English books by Pant and other authors.
To commemorate the birth anniversary of this versatile Indian poet, a literary meet is arranged annually, drawing poets and art enthusiasts from all over the world to this location.
Sarla Bahen Ashram (Lakshmi ashram)
Established in 1946 by Catherine, a follower of Gandhiji, the ashram’s goal is to provide women with training and the means to earn a livelihood through voluntary work in the community. The locals called Catherine Sarla behn with affection. In addition to being a school alternative, Lakshmi Ashram (also known as Sarla Ashram) teaches girls. The ashram was founded primarily with the intention of empowering hill women.
Attractions in the Kausani Neighborhood
Binsar
The breathtaking views and extraordinary natural beauty provide a clear response to this query. This place, which is situated inside a protected forest, is a haven for anyone who enjoys hiking, camping, ancient architecture, wildlife observation, photography, or just the beauty of the mountains in general. The tranquility encompassing the area is ideal for unwinding and restoring oneself.
Even though the town of Almora is close by, the location is rarely crowded. With a possibility of snowfall in the winter, the weather is pleasant all year round
The distance between Kausani to Binsar is 62 km It will take 2 and half hour to reach.
Bageshwar
Bageshwar is located 40 km from Kausani, at the meeting point of the Saryu and Gomti rivers. This town is a significant location for Lord Shiva worship. Hindu texts state that the sage Markandaya resided here and worshipped Lord Shiva for a long time. The journey to the glaciers of Pindari, Sunderdunga, and Kafni starts in Bageshwar.
Baijnath
20 kilometers from Kausani, Baijnath is home to an impressive complex of historically significant shikara-style temples that date back to the 7th and 11th centuries.
There are idols of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Chandika, Ganesh, Kuber, and Surya in the Baijnath temples, which have special religious significance.
The ideal places to stay
KMVN is a great place to stay and has a lovely location. There are many hotels in Kausani, ranging from inexpensive hotels to expensive boutique accommodations. Staying at a hotel or homestay farther out from the market is preferable to staying at one of the establishments in the market. One of the main things that allows me to travel slowly is that I stay at nice homestays.
Best places to eat
Near Anasakti Ashram, there are a few neighborhood restaurants, and the Kausani market has a large number of dhabas and cafés. There are a few posh restaurants in town these days, but according to recommendations from new visitors, the food quality is allegedly subpar.
Aloo daal pakora, allo tamatar ka jhol, aloo ke gutke, baadi, chainso, gahat chappatis, and many more traditional Kausani dishes are definitely worth trying. The majority of Uttarakhand cuisine is non-vegetarian but equally delicious.
Travel Tips
One travel tip for Kausani is to plan your visit during the summer months of April to June, which are considered the best time to visit due to the pleasant weather and clear views of the Himalayas
Additionally, make sure to visit iconic attractions such as the Gandhi Ashram (Anasakti Ashram), Rudradhari Falls, Sumitranandan Pant Gallery, and Baijnath temple
You can also engage in activities like trekking to Pinnath, exploring tea plantations, and visiting apricot and pear farms.
Finally, be prepared for limited network connectivity and consider staying in a place that offers a clear view of the sunrise, as it is a remarkable experience in Kausani.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kausani is often referred to as India’s Switzerland. It is a lovely mountain town with amazing Himalayan landscapes.Kausani is a fantastic location to unwind and get away from the bustle of the city. Make sure to include on your list of places to visit if you’re searching for a quiet place to relax.
