Kausani Trip - Perfect Getaway to the Switzerland of India

Kausani is a peaceful hill station with plenty to offer in terms of peace and amusement. A personage no less than Mahatma Gandhi spirited away to the healing embrace of Kausani after the rigors of imprisonment, showering praises on the views from this paradise in the Kumaon Hills. He had given this quaint hill station in Uttaranchal, the name of “Switzerland of India”. His ashram which still welcomes seekers of learning and solititude today, enjoys a grandstand view of the heavens.

A visit to Kausani promises a serene retreat amidst the majestic Himalayas. Situated in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, Kausani is renowned for its panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys, and serene ambiance. If you are planning a visit, read on to know more.

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Kausani Location and Route

Location: Perched at an elevation of around 1,890 meters (6,200 feet) above sea level, overlooking the Kosi and Gomti rivers, and located 50 km northwest of more, Kausani offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. Its strategic location amidst the mountains makes it a popular destination for nature lovers, trekkers, and those seeking tranquility amidst breathtaking scenery.

Route: To reach Kausani, you have several transportation options depending on your starting point.

By Air: The nearest airport to Kausani is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), located approximately 178 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kausani. The drive takes around 5-6 hours, depending on road conditions.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Kausani is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM), situated around 142 kilometers away. Kathgodam is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Lucknow. From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kausani. The journey by road typically takes around 4-5 hours.

By Road: Kausani is well-connected by road to nearby cities and towns. You can either drive your own vehicle or take a bus from major cities like Delhi, Dehradun, or Kathgodam. Several private and state-run buses operate on the route to Kausani. The road journey may take varying durations depending on the starting point and traffic conditions.

By Taxi: You can also hire a taxi or cab from nearby cities like Kathgodam, Almora, or Ranikhet to reach Kausani. This option offers flexibility and convenience, especially if you prefer a more comfortable and direct mode of transportation.

Note:

It’s advisable to check the current weather and road conditions before planning your trip, especially during the winter months when snowfall may affect travel.
While driving to Kausani, be prepared for mountainous terrain and narrow roads, particularly in the hilly regions.
Booking transportation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, is recommended to ensure availability and a smoother travel experience.

Choose the mode of transportation that best suits your preferences, budget, and travel plans, and enjoy the scenic journey to the beautiful hill station of Kausani!

Things to do and see in Kausani

The drive up from Kathgodam gets progressively more beautiful as you climb. In Summer, rhododendrons flower in such profusion that they practically carpet the route. Buransh squash (rhododendron squash) is a great buy in this region, and trust me, it’s truly fantastic.

Katarmal Sun Temple – known to the locals as the sun temple, it is second only to Konark in its grandeur. It lies at a detour of a few kilometers but the route is not graveled and hence the 45-minute hike is a terrible wheezing ride. However, when you arrive at the 800-year-old 44 Temple complex, you will realize the drive is worth it. Pro tip: if you can reach at dawn, you will be able to see rays of sun streaming through a square aperture in one of the small temples, to pay homage to Sun God in the main temple.

Kainchi – where the ashram of Neebkarauri Baba sits right next to the road. With several miracles to his credit, he is considered an avatar of Hanuman and is credited for establishing 108 temples in India.

Anashakti Ashram – It is here that Mahatma Gandhi wrote his commentary on Anashakti Yoga inspired by the views. The legacy of Gandhiji’s love for Kausani has been preserved in the ashram by his disciple Sarlaben(Katherine Heileman. The ashram focuses on women’s education and empowerment and offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature. Travelers can also stay in this ashram.

Kausani Rambles – The memorial of noted Hindi literature stalwart, Sumitra Nandan Pant is well worth a visit. Next to his ancestral home, the old furniture is preserved along with a library showcasing his life and works. On his birth anniversary (20th May) every year, poets and authors from across the country come here and have sammelans here.

Kausani Planetarium: Learn about the mysteries of the universe at the Kausani Planetarium, where you can witness captivating shows about astronomy and space exploration.

Visit Tea Estate – The Girias tea estate is a noteworthy one where you can enjoy a beautiful 2 km walk from near the KMVN hotel to the tea gardens to the factory to the main road. Learn about the tea cultivation process and you can also sample some freshly brewed tea while enjoying the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills. You can buy tea from the store near the estate, those in the know the claim that some varieties are a few grades better than Darjeeling Tea.

Kausani Weather and Best Time to Visit

From September to May is the ideal time to visit Kausani. March to May are summer months with pleasant temperatures, whereas Kausani sees snowfall from October to February when temperatures reach freezing point.

Around Kausani

Bajinath (16 km)

A little lower than Kausani, Bajinath is a one-horse town on the banks of the Gomti River, in the Garuda Valley. The main attraction here is the temple complex. Ensure to grab a packet of channa to feed the fish here. the black stone idol of Goddess Parvati in the main temple is exquisitely worked and worth spending time on. About 8 km from this temple is another temple dedicated to Goddess Kali called the Kot-ki-mai temple.

Bageshwar (39 km)

Bageshwar is located at the confluence of the Gomti and Sarayu rivers at 3200 feet. The temple complex is one of the main tourist draws. The temple is strung with bells – traditional Kumaoni offerings. They come truly alive during the Uttarayani Mela each year in January.

Neeleshwar and Bheeleshwar are two facing hills, within easy distance of the town center. While there is a motorable road up to Bheeleshwar(15 15-minute ride), Neeleshwar can only be accessed via a flight of stairs. There is a Chandika Temple atop Bheeleshwar and an old Shiva Temple atop Neeleshwar.

Bageshwar is also popular for trekkers. It is also a base camp for treks to Pindari, the most accessible glacier in this region. The season begins around 15th April and lasts till June 15th. Day tours are available from Bageshwar to Shikhar, Chaukori, Berinag, Gangolihat, and Patal Bhuvaneshwar.

If you are looking for options in Kashmir, check out my posts on Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Snowfall in Kashmir, and Best time to Visit Kashmir. If you are looking for options in Ladakh, check out Ladakh Weather, Nubra Valley, 5 Days Kashmir Itinerary, Best Packing tips for Ladakh & best tourist places in Ladakh.

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