For European tourists, Kausani may give rise to déjà vu. It has a landscape and scenery so reminiscent of the Swiss alpine regions that it has earned itself the soubriquet of being the Switzerland of India. The view from here is simply spectacular with the grand Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, and Trisul majestically standing in the distance. Kausani, at a height of about 1890 meters is a lovely hill station surrounded by pine forests. On one side you have the Garur and Baijnath Katyuri Valley and on the other the Someshwar Valley. Anashakti Ashram is located here, where Mahatma Gandhi spent some time writing. Nature lovers adore it and honeymooners can’t leave Kausani alone. It is simply and enchantingly beautiful.
Getting There
Kausani is about 52 kilometers from Almora. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station. It is about 430 kilometers from Delhi if you travel by road. Pantnagar is the nearest railway station. It is best to go by road if you want to admire the forests, the steep ravines, the mountain peaks, and the fresh cool air. The best time to visit Kausani is in summer, from March to June when it is pleasantly cool. Kathgodam is 146 km away. Nainital is about 120 km away and Binsar is at a distance of 75 km. Buses ply between Kathgodam and Kausani. You can also hire private taxis.
Things to do and see in Kausani
- People come here for a view of the majestic Himalayas spread over a distance of 350 kilometers. That done, you can take off for Anashakti Ashram where Mahatma Gandhi stayed for some time in the 1920s and 30s.
- Not far from Kausani, you will find Rudradhari Cave and Falls, rather quiet and peaceful.
- The tea gardens in and around Kausani are its other attraction. People usually take away souvenirs of locally grown tea leaves.
- From here you can take a short drive to the Baijnath Temple, about 17 kilometers away. The temple is located at the confluence of the local Gomti and Sarju Rivers, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Kausani is the birthplace of the famous poet Sumitra Nandan Pant and his home is now a museum housing books.
- Lakshmi Ashram is another place you may want to visit. It was founded by Catherine Hillman, who was a staunch follower of Gandhiji and assumed the Indian Name, Sarla. The Ashram is also known as Sarla Ashram. Established in 1946 the Ashram currently works for the upliftment of rural poor women.
Accommodation
Summer, from March to April, is when you will love to visit the resort and the place can become crowded. Still, however, you can find accommodations ranging from budget to luxury and guest houses. For meals, you have access to Punjabi and continental cuisine at restaurants. You may want to sample local cuisine in roadside Dhabas to get a true taste of what people eat here.
Kausani is a jewel in the chain of hill stations in Uttarakhand and once you come here, the others lose their charm while Kausani captivates your heart and mind.
0 Comments