Kausani-Where the Himalayas Meet Poetry and Nature
Kausani Uttarakhand
Kausani is a hill station and Village situated in Bageshwar district in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is famous for its scenic splendour and its spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli. Mahatma Gandhi called this place the ‘Switzerland of India’ due to similarity in landscapes.
Kausani is situated at an altitude of around 1,890 meters above sea level and also known for its tea gardens, which produce high-quality tea known as Kausani tea. The town has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its ancient temples and ashrams. Some of the popular tourist attractions in Kausani include the Anashakti Ashram, the Kausani Tea Estate, the Baijnath Temple, and the Rudradhari Falls and Caves.
Travellers can spend an entire day just watching the magical play of colours on the mountain peaks surrounding Kausani. Enjoy a picture-perfect sunrise from one of the many viewing platforms in the village. As the sun peeps above the horizon, the snow-crested peaks take on every hue of the rising golden orb.
Geography
Kausani is located at a distance of 40 km from Bageshwar city and 52 km north of Almora, a major hill station and the historical capital of Kumaon Kingdom. Nearby Towns include Garur 14 km and Someshwar 12 km. It has an average elevation of 1,890 m above mean Sea Level. Kausani lies atop a ridge amidst dense pine trees overlooking Someshwar valley on one side and Garur and Katyuri valley. Kausani is a part of the Lesser Himalayas, a region watered by rivers like Kosi, Gomti and Ramganga.
Treks Near Kausani
Pindari Glacier Trek
Kafni Glacier Trek
Sunder Dhunga Trek
Milam Glacier Trek
Rudrahari cave temple trek
Kafari (3 km from Kausani)
Kausani weather and temperature
Kausani has a temperate climate throughout the year. The weather can vary depending on the season. In general, the summer months from April to June are the most pleasant with mild temperatures and clear skies. During this time, the average temperature ranges from 12°C to 25°C.
The monsoon season from July to September brings moderate to heavy rainfall to Kausani. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 23°C. The town receives an average annual rainfall of around 1700 mm during the monsoon season.
Also read- Mukteshwar-A Serene Hill Station in Uttarakhand
In the winter months from October to February, the place experiences cold weather, and the temperature drops significantly. The average temperature during this time ranges from 0°C to 15°C, and the town occasionally receives snowfall, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the skies are clear.
Places to visit in Kausani
Anashakti Ashram is a quiet and revered place where Mahatma Gandhi spent some days and wrote his commentary of Anashakti Yog. The KMVN (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) resthouse in Kausani is an ideal place to stay and it provides panoramic views of the mountains.
Tea gardens, Baijnath group of temples and Bageshwar are the places of interest nearby. Pant Museum is another best place to see. the place named after the famous Hindi poet, Sumitranandan Pant, who was born in Kausani. Kausani offers a breathtaking view of the Himalayan peaks and is known for its tranquil surroundings. Some popular places to visit in Kausani-
Anashakti Ashram
Anashakti Ashram is a popular tourist attraction in Kausani. It is a peaceful and serene place located amidst the natural beauty of the Himalayas and offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks. The ashram is also significant as it was the place where Mahatma Gandhi stayed for a few days in 1929.
The ashram was established by the famous Hindi poet and writer Sumitranandan Pant, who was a resident of Kausani. The ashram is a place for meditation and reflection, and visitors can spend some time in quiet contemplation and solitude. The ashram has a small museum that displays photographs and artifacts related to Mahatma Gandhi’s life and teachings.
The ashram is open to visitors from 7 am to 7 pm, and there is no entry fee. Visitors can explore the ashram, meditate, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
Baijnath Temple
Baijnath Temple is a popular ancient temple located in the town of Baijnath, near Kausani. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been built during the 13th century AD by the Katyuri dynasty.
The temple is renowned for its magnificent architecture and intricate carvings. The temple complex consists of the main temple of Lord Shiva, along with several smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities. The complex also has a large courtyard and a beautiful water tank that adds to the temple’s beauty and serenity.
Baijnath Temple is also significant as it is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. The temple attracts a large number of devotees and visitors throughout the year, especially during the Shivratri festival.
Kausani Tea Estate
Kausani Tea Estate is a popular tourist attraction located in Kausani. The tea estate is situated at an altitude of about 1,800 meters above sea level and offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The estate is spread over an area of about 208 hectares and is home to several varieties of tea plants.
The tea estate was established in the 19th century and is renowned for producing high-quality organic tea. Visitors can take a guided tour of the tea estate and learn about the tea-making process, from plucking the leaves to processing and packaging. The estate also has a tea factory where visitors can see the tea being processed and sample some of the freshly brewed tea.
Rudradhari Falls and Caves
Rudradhari Falls and Caves is a popular tourist attraction located in Kausani. It is situated at a distance of about 12 km from Kausani and is accessible by road. The falls are formed by the Kosi River, which cascades down from a height of about 30 feet, creating a spectacular waterfall.
The Rudradhari Caves are situated near the falls and are believed to be ancient rock shelters used by sadhus for meditation and spiritual practices. The caves are adorned with intricate carvings and paintings, depicting various Hindu gods and goddesses.
Visitors can take a short trek from the main road to reach the falls and caves. The trek offers scenic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and lush green forests. Visitors can also take a dip in the natural pool created by the waterfall and enjoy the cool and refreshing water.
Sumitranandan Pant Gallery
Sumitranandan Pant Gallery is a popular tourist attraction located in Kausani. The gallery is dedicated to the famous Hindi poet and writer Sumitranandan Pant, who was a resident of Kausani.
The gallery displays several artifacts related to the life and works of Sumitranandan Pant, including his manuscripts, letters, and photographs. The gallery also has a collection of rare books and publications related to Hindi literature.
Visitors can explore the gallery and learn about the life and works of Sumitranandan Pant. The gallery also hosts several cultural events and programs, including poetry recitals and book launches.
Pinnath
Pinnath is a small village located in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, India, at an altitude of about 2,800 meters above sea level. The village is renowned for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which is believed to have been built during the 11th century AD.
The Pinnath temple is a popular pilgrimage site and attracts a large number of devotees from the surrounding areas. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and architecture, and is located amidst scenic surroundings, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Visitors can take a trek to Pinnath from Kausani, which offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The trek is about 16 km long and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. Visitors can also hire a taxi or take a shared jeep to reach the village.
Things to do in Kausani
Kausani is a serene hill station in the state of Uttarakhand, India, offering visitors a chance to unwind and relax amidst the natural beauty of the Himalayas. Here are some popular things to do in Kausani-
Enjoy the Scenic Views –The place is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Visitors can relax and take in the beauty of the region by simply enjoying the scenic views from their hotel or taking a walk in the nearby forests.
Visit the Anashakti Ashram – This historic ashram was once the residence of Mahatma Gandhi and is now a popular tourist spot. Visitors can take a tour of the ashram and learn about the life and work of the father of the nation.
Take a Tea Garden Tour – Kausani is famous for its tea gardens, and visitors can take a tour of the Kausani Tea Estate and learn about the process of tea cultivation and production. They can also taste some of the finest teas in India.
Trek to Pinnath – The small village of Pinnath is located near Kausani and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Visitors can trek to Pinnath and explore the apple orchards and scenic beauty of the region.
Visit the Baijnath Temple – This ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is a popular tourist spot and is known for its intricate stone carvings and architecture.
Explore the Rudradhari Falls and Caves – This scenic waterfall and cave system is located near Kausani and offers visitors a chance to relax and enjoy a peaceful picnic amidst the natural beauty of the region.
Kausani Hotels
Kausani offers a range of accommodation options for visitors, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. Some popular hotels in Kausani:
The Heritage Resort Kausani
This is a luxury resort that offers stunning views of the Himalayas and is located close to major tourist attractions in Kausani. The resort has a range of amenities, including a restaurant, spa, and swimming pool.
Chevron Eco Lodge
This is a budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the Himalayas. The hotel has a restaurant and offers a range of activities, including trekking and nature walks.
Suman Royal Resort
This is a mid-range resort that offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the Himalayas. The resort has a range of amenities, including a restaurant, spa, and children’s play area.
Pratiksha Himalayan Retreat
This is a luxury resort located in a serene setting amidst the natural beauty of Kausani. The resort offers a range of amenities, including a restaurant, spa, and yoga center.
Kausani Best Inn
This is a budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable rooms and stunning views of the Himalayas. The hotel has a restaurant and offers a range of activities, including trekking and sightseeing tours.
Nature Valley Resort is a popular accommodation option located in Kausani. The resort is situated amidst lush green forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
The resort has several types of accommodation options, including deluxe rooms, super deluxe rooms, and family suites. The rooms are spacious and well-equipped with modern amenities such as air conditioning, television, and attached bathrooms.
The resort also has a multi-cuisine restaurant serving a variety of Indian and international dishes. Guests can also enjoy recreational activities such as indoor games, outdoor activities, and bonfire evenings.
How to reach Kausani
The nearest airport to Kausani is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 162 km away. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or bus to reach Kausani. The nearest railway station to Kausani is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is about 132 km away. Kausani is also well-connected by road, and visitors can take a bus from major cities in Uttarakhand to reach the destination. Regular bus services are available from cities such as Nainital, Almora, and Ranikhet.
Visitors can hire a taxi or drive their own car from Delhi to Kausani. The journey takes about 10-11 hours and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Visitors can take a train from Delhi to Kathgodam Railway Station, which is the nearest railway station to Kausani, and then take a taxi or bus to reach Kausani. The journey takes about 7-8 hours.
Kathgodam to Kausani
Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Kausani and is well-connected to major cities in India. Taxis and cabs are readily available at the Kathgodam railway station. The distance from Kathgodam to Kausani is around 140 kilometers, and it takes around 5-6 hours to reach the place by road. Uttarakhand Roadways buses operate from Kathgodam to Kausani regularly. The buses are comfortable and affordable, and the journey takes around 7-8 hours.
