- Location: Kumaon, Uttarakhand
- Area: About 5 square kilometers
- Altitude: 1890 meters
- Temperature: Summer season: 11.0-25.0 degree Celsius, Winter season: 2.0-15.0 degree Celsius
- Famous for: picturesque hills
- Languages: Kumaoni, Hindi
- Best Time to Visit: Months between September and April
Kausani is a renowned hill resort of Uttarakhand which is famous for its unimaginable beauty. Known for its fantastic Adventure treks, this place is widely known as India’s Switzerland. As you visit it, you will be enamored by its remarkable and dazzling natural surroundings.
Commonly called by the name of Valna, Kausani is an ultimate hilly destination which is situated in the Kumaon district. As you reach the place, you will gracious by the warmth of this charming retreat. The amazing vistas seem to appeal you in every way. As you have an enchanting view of the majestic Himalayas that form its backdrop, you will be at the loss of words. Mahatma Gandhi, who visited this place once, was driven by its overwhelming beauty. He was so impressed that he wrote his experiences in his commentary called Gita-Anashakti. Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, and Trishul can be viewed from here.
Attractions of the Place
Nanda Devi Mountain
Looking form of the vantage points, the spectacular scenes of Nanda Devi are visible from here. As you relax in the tourist bungalow, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of this scenic place. Sunrises and sunsets are worth viewing here.
Anashakti Ashram
While visiting Kausani, Mahatma Gandhi spent some time at this Ashram. Known for its peaceful environment, this place was chosen by him to write his commentary. You can take rest here or spend some quality time surfing through the books at a library in Ashram.
Excursions
Baijnath
Situated 19 kilometers from Kausani, this revered place was the capital of Katyuri Kings. The most important place here that you can visit here is Baijnath Temple which belongs to 12 century. This temple carries a huge religious significance for Hindus. As you enter the premises, you will notice idols of many deities like Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, Brahma, and Surya. In fact, there are a number of other Temples that are dedicated to several gods.
Bageshwar
Lying at the pious confluence of Bhagirathi and Saryu Rivers, Bageshwar is a holy town that is believed to have purgation power. Surrounded by mighty Nileshwar and Bhileshwar mountains, this pace carries a historic significance also. A Bagnath Temple here is highly venerated by thousands of devotees. It was constructed by Lakshmi Chand in 17th century. Bageshwar is located 42 kilometers from Kausani.
- See Also: Popular Hindu Temples in Uttarakhand
Gwaldam
You will marvel at the amazing beauty presented by fruit orchards here. It is also one of the bases for trekking to glaciers of Pindari and Roopkund.
Gannath
This area is famous for Shiva temple as well as caves. Tourists find the temples set within the natural surroundings a splendid place worth spending a day.
Jageshwar
This place is situated within a distance of 34 kms from Almora. Jageshwar is an ancient series of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The articulate designs on the walls and pillars of the temples will insist a beholder to have a closer look to it.
Katarmal
This Sun temple is the second most important among the sun temples of India. The ancient temple is almost eight centuries old but due to lack of knowledge tourist don’t visit it much. This gives the viewers a chance to explore this temple without barging into a crowd. Sheer negligence has made the temple turn in ruins yet, you can see the architectural finesse in some of the remains of the temple.
Kalimath
This is yet another ancient temple and it is situated at an altitude from where you can have a clear view of Almora city (4.5 km away) and its adjoining sites.
Binsar
This place is one more temple situated 30 km away from Almora city. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and its construction was done with the efforts of King Kalyan, who belonged to Chandravanshi dynasty. The temple has been set at a lofty height of 2412 mts and this renders the serenity to this temple.
Nanda Devi Temple
A holy place for Hindus, this temple stands its site from ancient times. The significance of the temple in the social and religious life of the people of Almora rests on the strong faith of the deity enshrined in it. The temple architecture and delicately carved images on its walls and pillars are a matter of astonishment for beholders. Nanda Devi fair held annually at the temple premises is an interesting celebration to see.
Chitai Temple
Located 8 km away from the region of Almora, this temple occupies a special place in the heart of local people. The site of the temple is within the natural settings and this attracts the nature lovers to this place.
Adventurous Activities
If you are an adventure seeker, then Kausani offers you a chance to experience sports like trekking. As the place abounds in rugged mountain ranges, there are several opportunities available to get your hand on trekking. Some of the famous treks are Adi Kailash and Bageshwar Sunderdhunga.
Accommodation
There are several staying options that you can choose from. They range from deluxe, budget and standard hotels. Tourist bungalow by GMVN, Himalayan hotel, Sagar Hotel, Shivaay Hotel and Hotel Krishna are some of the good options.
Nearby Cities
Cities which lie near to the destination are Kathgodam (142 km), Pantnagar (180 km), Gwaldam (48 km), and Bageshwar (42 km).
Famous treks
Base Kausani, Phurkia, Pindari Glacier, Sunderdhunga, and Adi Kailash trek are some of the famous treks that you can undertake.
Clothing
Light woollens in summer and heavy woollens clothes in winter are recommended.
Kausani is a paradisiacal place that will allure by its spell bound ambience and tranquil surroundings.