Kausani

Window to the snow-crested Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nandakot and Panchchuli peaks, there are very few places in the Himalayas whose beauty can be compared to that of Kausani - a picturesque hill station famous for its scenic splendor and its spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of the Himalayas.

With a total area of 5.2 sq. km, situated at a height of 1890 m above sea level, located 51 km north of Almora, Kausani is the birthplace of famous Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant, who wrote some of his memorable poems in praise of this paradise on earth. In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi stayed here for 14 days at the Anasakti Ashram while scripting his book titled 'Anasakti Yoga' and was greatly impressed by its environs.The town is accessible all year round. For those who wish to avoid the cold, the best season is between April to June and again between September to November. Summer months will require light woollen clothing and winter- heavy woollen clothes.

• By Air : The nearest airport is Pant Nagar, (178 kms). One can hire a taxi from Pant Nagar to reach Kausani.
• By Rail : The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (141 kms), from there one starts the climb to Kausani via Almora. An equally beautiful route is via Ranikhet (163 kms).
• By Road : Kausani is linked to several other hill stations by road. Some of the major road distances are : Almora-51 kms, Rainkhet-60 kms, Pithoragarh-107 kms, Gwaldam-39 kms and Nainital-117 km. From Delhi it is 431 kms away.

• KMVN Tourist Rest House : Ph 05962-258006
• Krishna Mount View : Ph 05962-245022
• Uttarakhand Lodge : Ph 05962-258012
• Zila Panchayat Dak Bunglow.
• State Bunglow.
• Forest Rest House

Kausani is a calm and idyllic resort, far from the maddening crowd. Just walk down the hills amidst dense forests. Trek around to reach the highest points of the hills. Pinnath (5 kms). Burapinnath (5.5 kms) and Bhatkot (12 kms). Enjoy a relaxing day and get wonderstruck by the starry nights.

Anasakti Ashram : Refresh the memories of 1929, when Mahatma Gandhi, spent here 14 days while writing his book on 'Anasakti Yoga'. His spinning wheel (Charkha) and other memorabilia are kept here. There is also a study with a small library where one can find books on Gandhian philosophy. Ashram can accommodate 300 people and every evening prayer is conducted in the main hall. One can enjoy mesmerizing sunset and sunrise from the Ashram premises.

Pant Museum : Named after the famous Indian poet. Sumitra Nandan Pant, who was born in Kausani. Museum has the articles of his daily use, drafts of his poems, letters, his awards etc. This Museum is at a short distance from the Kausani bus terminal.

Kumaon Shawl Emporium : A fabulous collection of high quality woollen shawls, exquisitely designed by the local weavers, can be purchased from here.

Baijnath: Most important historical place in Uttarakhand, situated at a height of 1126 meters above sea level on the banks of River Gomti. It is 19 kms from Kausani towards Bageshwar. Main attractions are the 12th century old temples of Shiva, Ganesh, Parvati, Chandika, Kuber, Surya and Brahama with beautiful carvings and sculptures.

Bageshwar : 40 kms away from Kausani, on the confluence of rivers Saryu and Gomti lies the holy township of Bageshwar, an important centre of worship of Lord Shiva. According to Hindu scriptures, the sage Markandaya lived here and spent many years worshipping Lord Shiva.

Bageshwar is also the place from where one can start his journey towards Pindari, Sunderdunga and Kafni glaciers.

Chaukori : 87 kms from Kausani, a picturesque tourist spot amidst mighty Himalayan peaks.

• Best Season : Apr to Jun & Sep to Nov.
• Summer Weather : 15 to 30°C,
• Winter Weather : 0 to -24°C