Kausani - The Switzerland of India

Kausani, India‘s serene hill station, is tucked away in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand.

Kausani Uttarakhand is a backpacker’s paradise and a writer’s fantasy, is also becoming popular as a quaint, tranquil hill station.

This small town is located atop Pingnath Peak and is surrounded by Kosi and Gomti.

It is best known for its panoramic views of Himalayan peaks such as Trishul, Nanda Devi, and the massive Panchachuli.

In reference to its uncanny resemblance to Switzerland’s terrain, It was called the “Switzerland of India” by Mahatma Gandhi, who was awestruck by its aesthetic splendor.

The glory of the snow-capped Himalayan range is at its peak when the sun’s rays turn them gold in the morning and a red-orange sky at sunset.

The renowned Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant, who wrote numerous poems extolling Kausani’s beauty, was born in this picturesque place.

The hill town also serves as the starting point for the Adi Kailash Trek, the Base Kausani Trek, and a trek to the 3,853-meter-high Kafni Glacier.

Best Time to Visit

This beautiful hill station is best visited between September and May. The summer months here last from March to May, with pleasant temperatures, whereas the winter months last from October to February. Winter is the best time to see the majestic Himalayan peaks without interruption.

How to Reach

By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport to Nainital. Nainital to Kausani distance is 117 km appx/5 hrs.

By Train: Kathgodam, also known as the “Gateway to Kumaon,” is the nearest railway station. To get to Kausani, take a road trip through Almora (141 kilometres) or Ranikhet (163 kilometres).

Kausani Places to Visit

The majestic view of the Nanda Devi Range is the town’s main attraction. This range can be seen from almost anywhere in town. Almost all hotels face the Nanda Devi Range, and one can simply unwind and soak in the beautiful landscapes.

There isn’t much nightlife in this small Indian Hilltown, but the hotel staff can arrange a campfire if requested.

Valley view from our hotel rooftop Kausani Best Inn at Kausani. Uttarakhand, India.
Himalayan View from Kausani
Kausani, Hill Station, Town view from during drive at Kausani, Uttarakhand, India.
Kausani Town View

Anasakti Ashram

The scenic grandeur of this richly gifted location inspired Mahatma Gandhi, who spent 12 days in 1929 at Kausani, to pen his memorable commentary on the Gita-Ana-Shakti Yoga.

The Mahatma’s guest house is now known as the Anasakti Ashram (Gandhi Ashram). This museum features books and photographs from Gandhiji’s life.

Entrance of the Anasakti Ashram, Bageshwar, Kausani, Uttarakhand, India.
Anasakti Ashram-Kausani, Bageshwar
Entrance View of the Anasakti Ashram with statue of Mahatma Gandhi, Kausani, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand, India.
Anasakti Ashram Inside the Ashram

Baijnath Temple

Baijnath Temple is about 20 kilometres north of the Town and is a collection of small and large temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Feeding the fish near the temple is considered a ritual after performing pujas. It is located on the banks of the Gomti River.

Outer view of the Baijnath temple, situated on the bank of River Gomti, Kausani, Baijnath district, Uttarakhand, India.
Full View of Baijnath Temple
Inside view of the Baijnath temple, situated on the bank of River Gomti, Kausani, Baijnath district, Uttarakhand, India.
Baijnath-Temple-Inside the Temple Area

Giria's Tea Garden

The Kausani Tea Estate is located 3 kilometers from the main town on Bageshwar Road. Giria’s Tea Estate, located at an elevation of 1,800 meters above sea level, is one of the best tourist attractions. It spreads over 208 hectares in nearly 21 divisions and is an important tea industry here.

View of the Giria's Tea Garden, world acclaimed tea plantation in Kausani, Uttarakhand, India
Giria Tea Garden

Kausani Shawl Factory

A small factory where workers weave shawls and other woollen products on handlooms right in front of your eyes. Woollen products such as shawls, sweaters, and jackets can also be purchased from their retail counter. They also sell other organic and edible items. It is very close to the tea estate.

Outer view of the Kausani Shawl factory located near the Tea Estate, Uttarakhand, Bagheshwar, India
Shawl Factory-Outside View
Inner view of the Kausani Shawl factory, Uttarakhand, Bagheshwar, India
Shawl Factory-Inside View

You may also think about visiting the following locations

Sumitranandan Pant Museum

Shri Sumitranandan Pant, a world-renowned poet who received the Gyanapeeth Award, is honored with this museum. His childhood home has been transformed into this museum, which displays his daily use of articles, draughts of his poems, letters, awards, and so on.

Lakshmi Ashram

This ashram, also known as Sarla Ashram, is home to orphaned poor girls who are taught various skills such as cooking, gardening, cleaning, and so on.

Trekking and stargazing

These are popular activities here. A five-kilometer trek to the lovely Pinnath village is an unforgettable experience. The village is situated at the base of the Gopalkot peak.

Rudradhari

This place is about 20 kilometers from the main town and offers a one-of-a-kind experience of trekking through the mountains and beautiful scenery to reach the century-old Lord Shiva temple.

Shopping (Where and What to Purchase)

This hill station has a small local market. There are no major brands or stores. However, you can purchase Kausani Shawls handcrafted by villager weavers at the Shawl factory. Tea is also available from the Kausani Tea Estate. You can also buy handicrafts, pickles, marmalades, jams, and woolen.

Eating (Where and What to Eat)

Almost all hotels and restaurants serve continental and Chinese cuisine. Although there are no separate restaurants, there are numerous roadside eateries. It is advised to eat the majority of one’s meals at the hotel where one is staying. Local fruits, such as various types of cherries, can be tested.

Accommodation (Where to Stay)
Useful Tips for Travellers
  • Light woolens in the summer and heavy woollens in the winter. In the rainy season, an umbrella and raincoat are essential.

I hope this article has inspired you to add this picturesque hill station to your travel bucket list. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Kausani for an unforgettable experience!

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