Located at an elevation of 1890 metres, Kausani in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district is a hidden treasure in the Kumaon region. Embrace the sunrise from its numerous viewing platforms and revel in the panoramic vistas of Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli. Situated on a ridge adorned with chir and blue pine forests, this lesser-known hill station provides an ideal weekend escape. Beyond the mesmerizing mountain views, there's much more to explore. Immerse yourself in the tranquillity of the surrounding forests, where babbling creeks and melodious bird songs create a serene atmosphere. Bird enthusiasts will delight in spotting over 50 species, including woodpeckers, barbets, parakeets, robins, and fork-tailed birds. The renowned Kausani Tea Estate also serves as a beautiful spot for bird-watching. The charm of this place has also captivated the film industry, as scenes from the Hrithik Roshan-Preity Zinta starrer movie "Koi Mil Gaya" (2003) were filmed here.
Places To See
Anasakti Ashram
It is the same place where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during his visit in 1929. The village's beauty intrigued him so much that he called it "the Switzerland of India." It is believed the pleasant weather and peaceful atmosphere of Kausani inspired Gandhi to write 'Anasakti Yoga.' Currently, the site is a research and study centre featuring a small prayer room, a museum, a library, and a few accommodation rooms.
Kausani Shawl Factory
Established in 2002, the shawl factory promotes traditional Kumaoni artwork, creating employment opportunities for the local community. It is a popular souvenir store known for its availability in various colours and designs crafted by skilled local weavers.
Kausani Tea Estate
Another place that will interest tourists is the Kausani Tea Estate. Visit this beautiful estate spread over 200 hectares and buy authentic Kausani tea from the outlets here. Besides, there are fruit orchards where you can savour freshly plucked apricots and pears. The nearby pop-up stores selling fruit jams, jelly and pickles will also interest you.
Someshwar Valley
Located approximately 10 km from Kausani, Someshwar Valley is situated on the banks of the Kosi and Sai rivers. It consists of two sections Lod Valley and Boraro Valley, where tourists can explore various adventure activities such as hiking, camping, and cycling.
Sumitranandan Pant Museum
A renowned poet from the Chhayavaadi school of Hindi literature, Sumitranandan Pant was born in Kausani. He was a recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Jnanpith awards. Influenced by his birthplace, his literary work connects to Kausani. To commemorate his legacy, his ancestral house has been transformed into a government museum in Kausani. The museum showcases manuscripts of his poems, draft copies of his literary works, personal belongings, letters, photographs, and awards.
Temples
Temple excursions must not be missed in Kausani, as these temples stand out for their unique architecture and history. Start by visiting the Someshwar temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is believed to have been founded by Chand Dynasty. Another Shiva temple is the Rudrahari Mahadev temple, known for its cave. Situated on the banks of the Kosi River, the temple is a surreal spot to meditate. Baijnath Temple is another revered temple known for its Nagara style of architecture. Besides the Shiva temples, a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhramari is perched on a hilltop. Every year in August, an annual fair is organized at the temple to mark Nanda Ashtmi, drawing visitors from different corners.
Things To Do
Trekking
Head to a village called Pinnath by trekking 5 km from Kausani. The village falls at the foot of Gopalkot Peak and is known for its Bhairon temple. The temple also marks the end of the trek. Besides, visitors can also explore Rudrahari waterfalls, Adi Kailash Trek, Base Kausani Trek and a trek to Kafni Glacier.
Stargazing
Given its altitude, stargazing in Kausani is worth to be experienced here. Witness a clear mountain view hovered by twinkling stars on a clear day. Besides, the place is ideal for astrophotographers seeking to capture the celestial charm. There is an observatory and an open-air planetarium for those wanting to dig deeper into the subject. According to the Uttarakhand tourism website, stargazers can enrol in short-term astrophotography courses here.
Where To Shop
Given the remoteness of the area, shopping options are limited. However, one can make the best from the select number of shops on Mall Road in Kausani. The shops in this area are known for selling Kumaoni shawls, hand-woven jackets, caps and other woollen essentials. Among eatables, don't forget to buy jams, chutneys, and pickles from the famous Puran Singh Tea Store and Anand and Sons. The tea gardens and Kumaon shawl emporium-cum-factory will help you get authentic buys.
Where To Stay
Kausani offers a range of accommodation options to suit various preferences. The village has a mix of hotels, resorts, guesthouses, and homestays. Some popular options include Chevron Mountain Villa, Hotel Kausani Best Inn, and The Buransh. For a more personalized experience, guesthouses and homestays like Himalaya Darshan Resort and Sun n Snow Inn provide a warm atmosphere. Kausani also offers government-run accommodations like KMVN Tourist Rest House and TRH Kausani, which provide comfortable rooms and stunning views.
When To Visit
The ideal time to visit Kausani is from September to May. The months of March to May offer pleasant temperatures during the summer season. If you are interested in witnessing fresh snow, visit the village between October to February.
Getting There
By Road Kausani is well-connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand and neighbouring states. Regular bus services and taxis are available from nearby towns and cities like Almora, Nainital, and Ranikhet.
By Air Reach Pantnagar Airport, located approximately 178 kilometres away from Kausani. Flights from major cities like Delhi operate to Pantnagar Airport.
By Train Reach Kathgodam, the nearest railway station to Kausani. It is about 142 kilometres away from the village. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India and serves as the gateway to the Kumaon region.
Cover Photo Credit Shutterstock
