Kausani – Switzerland of India is located 52 km north of Almora. Situated at an elevation of 1890 meters Kausani is a picturesque hill station famous for its scenic splendour and its spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. Window to the snow-crested Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nandakot and Panchchuli peaks, there are very few places in the Himalayas whose beauty can be compared to that of Kausani. Mahatma Gandhi called this place the ‘Switzerland of India’, due to similarity in landscape. Though Kausani is not as well known as any of the other hill stations, the area is full of deep and dense pine forest and tea gardens. Major attractions around Kausani are the Temple town of Bageshwar situated at the confluence of the river Sarayu and Gomti, the Gandhi Ashram and the Rudradhari falls and caves.
Places to see
Overcast weather and afternoon haze hindered the view of snow-clad mountains. These views are a prime attraction to Kausani. Kausani doesn’t have much to offer other than these stunning beautiful Himalayan views. Far from the maddening crowd, Kausani is a calm and idyllic resort. One just has walked down the hills amidst dense forests or trek around to reach the highest points of the hills, Pinnath (5 km), Burapinnath (5.5 km) and Bhatkot (12 km). Enjoy some relaxing time and get wonderstruck by the starry nights.
Anasakti Ashram
In the evening, we visited Anashakti Ashram where Mahatama Gandhi stayed for some time. We bought a handful of apricot to keep my mouth occupied and descended strolled back and forth.
During clear weather, this place provides a view of high ranges and attracts tourists every evening. In 1929 Mahatma Gandhi, spent some time here while writing his book on ‘Anasakti Yoga’. His spinning wheel (Charkha) and other memorabilia are kept here. There is also a study with a small library where one can find books on Gandhian philosophy. The Ashram can accommodate up to 300 people and every evening prayer is conducted in the main hall. One can enjoy mesmerizing sunset and sunrise from the Ashram premises.
Lakshmi Ashram
is one kilometre away from the Kausani, and is a centre run by Kumauni women and dedicated to social service and the upliftment of women. Gandhiji’s disciple, Sarla Behn (Kaitherine Heileman) established the ashram in 1948,[1] and spent her life here doing social service and also established Anashakti Ashram. Lakshmi ashram is located in a solitary area among dense pine forest.
Tea gardens (5 km on Bageshwar Road), Baijnath group of temples (16.5 km on Bageshwar Road) and Bageshwar are the places of interest nearby.
Places around Kausani
Baijnath
Most important historical place in Uttarakhand, situated at a height of 1126 meters above sea level on the banks of River Gomti. It is 19 km from Kausani towards Bageshwar. Main attractions are the 12th-century old temples of Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahama with beautiful carvings and sculptures.
Lakhudiyar
Known for its caves and rock paintings.
Bageshwar
40 km away from Kausani, on the confluence of rivers Saryu and Gomti lies the holy township of Bageshwar, an important centre of worship of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu scriptures, the sage Markandaya lived here and spent many years worshipping Lord Shiva.
This is also the place from where one can start his journey towards Pindari, Sunderdunga and Kafni glaciers.
Chaukori
87 km from Kausani, a picturesque tourist spot amidst mighty Himalayan peaks.
Trek Near Kausani
- Pindari Glacier Trek- The Pindari Glacier is a glacier found in the upper reaches of the Kumaon Himalayas, to the southeast of Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot. The glacier flows to the south for a short distance of about 3 km (1.9 mi) and gives rise to the Pindari River which meets the Alakananda at Karnaprayag in the Garhwal district.
- Milam Glacier Trek – Milam Glacier is a major glacier of the Kumaon Himalaya. It is located in the tehsil of Munsiyari, part of the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, India, about 15 kilometres (9 mi) northeast of Nanda Devi. It ranges in elevation from about 5,500 metres (18,000 ft) to about 3,870 metres (12,700 ft) at its snout. It covers around 37 km2 (14 sq mi) and is 16 km (10 mi) long. Milam glacier was reopened in the year 1994. It was closed in 1962, so it was inaccessible for trekkers and other visitors. It is a popular destination among trekkers now. The trekking for the Milam glacier commences from Munsiyari.
Best Season / Best time to visit
Kausani experiences a moderate climate. Summers (March-May) are pleasant with a maximum temperature of 25°C and a minimum of 11°C. During winters the maximum temperature is 15°C and the minimum comes down as low as 2°C. Winters are accompanied with heavy snowing. Monsoons (June – August) makes the hilly regions slippery and have medium rainfalls.
The best period to trek in Kausani is post monsoons, post winters and summer. During this period clear views of meadows, waterfalls and pine forests in the trekking route are assured.
Best time to visit Kausani is from September to May.
How to reach Kausani
By Flight
The nearest airport is Pant Nagar, (178 km). One can hire a taxi from Pant Nagar to reach Kausani
By Train
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (141 km), from there one can hire a taxi to Kausani via Almora. An equally beautiful route is via Ranikhet (163 km).
By Road
Kausani is linked to several other hill stations by road. Some of the major road distances are Almora-51 km, Ranikhet-60 km, Pithoragarh-107 km, Gwaldam-39 km and Nainital-117 km. From Delhi, it is 431 km away.
Where to stay in Kausani
Kausani is full of accommodation options for all the range. Some of the cheaper options are on the main road near the circle (Taxi stand). Kausani does not offer many options for budget travellers/backpackers. Some people also prefer to stay at Anashakti Ashram. Ashram lies on the hilltop and offers a view to the snow-clad mountains. Paying guest sort of accommodation are also available but scarce.