Kausani: The Switzerland of India and a Peaceful Himalayan Getaway

The moment you hear the name Kausani, an image of Switzerland instantly flashes across your mind. Mahatma Gandhi himself described Kausani as the “Switzerland of India.” The immense peace and tranquillity of this hill station fascinated him, which is why he spent considerable time here.

A breathtaking view of the Himalayas from Kausani.

If you are planning to explore the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Kausani can be an excellent destination. Here, you can not only experience unparalleled peace but also enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-covered Himalayan peaks from close quarters. A visit to Kausani is therefore not just relaxing but also an exciting and memorable experience.

Kausani is located in the Garur tehsil of Bageshwar district and is counted among India's most beautiful hill destinations. It is situated about 53 kilometres from Almora, the cultural centre of Kumaon. Perched on Pingnath Peak, Kausani offers spectacular views of the Himalayas. From here, visitors can enjoy magnificent views of the snow-clad Nanda Devi peak.

Apart from its natural beauty, Kausani is also known for its religious and cultural attractions. Besides Nanda Devi, visitors can see several impressive Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Ghunti, Chaukhamba, Nilkanth, Trishul, Nanda Khat, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli.

Kausani has many other beautiful places worth exploring. Yet, perhaps the most remarkable thing about these destinations is the extraordinary silence and tranquillity that surrounds them.

Anashakti Ashram

Anashakti Ashram brings alive the memories of Mahatma Gandhi, as Kausani was one of his favourite places. He frequently visited the hill station and spent long periods amidst its beautiful valleys.

The ashram is also known as Gandhi Ashram and was established as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. It was during his stay in Kausani that Gandhi wrote his famous work “Anashakti Yoga.”

The ashram has a study room, library and prayer hall, where photographs of Gandhi are displayed. These photographs offer visitors a glimpse into different phases of his life.

There is also a small bookshop inside the ashram, offering books about Gandhi, his life and works, as well as the writings of the celebrated nature poet Sumitranandan Pant, who was born in Kausani.

Prayer meetings are also held at the ashram, and people staying there are encouraged to participate in them.

Pant Museum and Lakshmi Ashram

The renowned nature poet Sumitranandan Pant was born in Kausani. Inspired by the spectacular natural beauty of the region, he drew extensively from nature in his poetry.

A museum dedicated to him is located a short distance from the Kausani bus stand. The house where Pant spent his childhood has been converted into a museum. It preserves several objects associated with his daily life, along with his letters, awards and collections of poetry.

Kausani is also home to Lakshmi Ashram, popularly known as Sarala Ashram. It was established in 1948 by Saralaben, a devoted follower of Mahatma Gandhi. Her original name was Catherine Hillman.

The ashram provides a home and education to orphaned and underprivileged girls. Along with their studies, the girls are encouraged to develop practical and entrepreneurial skills. Their activities include taking care of animals, cooking and growing vegetables.

The girls also work in a workshop where they make sweaters, gloves, bags and mats, among other products.

Kausani Tea Estate is Another Major Attraction

Tourists visiting Kausani rarely miss the opportunity to explore its famous tea gardens. Located near Kausani, the tea estate is spread across approximately 208 hectares and is known for producing high-quality Giriyas Uttarakhand tea.

Visitors can walk through the tea gardens and also visit the tea factories to learn about the process of tea production. Many tourists also buy tea as a souvenir of their visit.

Kausani tea is also exported to several countries. Major international markets include Australia, South Korea, Germany and the United States.

Places to Visit Around Kausani

If you are visiting Kausani, make sure to explore some of the fascinating destinations in the surrounding region.

One of the most popular places is Bageshwar, located about 42 kilometres from Kausani. The town is situated at the confluence of the Saryu and Gomti rivers and is known for the historic Bageshwar Temple.

The temple was built in 1602 by Lakshmi Chand. The idols housed within the temple complex are believed to date from between the 7th and 16th centuries.

Around the time of Makar Sankranti in January, the famous Uttarayani Fair is held here. The festival attracts a large number of visitors from different parts of the region.

A short distance from Bageshwar are the Nilakeshwar and Bhileshwar hills, where visitors can also seek blessings at the Chandika Temple and Shiva Temple.

Another interesting destination near Kausani is Tehsilhat, located around 21 kilometres away. The Kot Bhramari Temple here is dedicated to Goddess Durga in her Bhramari form, which she is believed to have assumed to defeat the demon Arun.

The temple is situated on a mountain, and the face of the deity is oriented towards the north. A three-day fair is organised here every August and attracts a large number of devotees.

Scenic Tea Gardens of Kausani.

How to Reach Kausani

Reaching Kausani is relatively easy as the destination is accessible by air, rail and road.

If you are travelling from Delhi by road, regular buses to Kausani are available from Anand Vihar. Kausani is approximately 413 kilometres from Delhi, and the journey takes around 10 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

The road route generally passes through Ghaziabad, Hapur, Garhmukteshwar, Gajraula, Moradabad, Rampur, Rudrapur, Haldwani and Kathgodam before reaching Kausani.

For those travelling by train, Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest major railhead. From Kathgodam, Kausani can be reached by road. The distance is approximately 134 kilometres, and the journey takes around four hours, depending on road and traffic conditions.

Kausani is connected by road through NH 109, and state transport buses and taxis are readily available.

If you prefer to travel by air, Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport. From Pantnagar, Kausani is around 168 kilometres away and takes approximately five hours by road, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

With its snow-covered Himalayan peaks, peaceful ashrams, literary heritage, tea gardens and scenic surroundings, Kausani is an ideal destination for travellers seeking both tranquillity and natural beauty.