Kausani is a small, quiet hill station in Bageshwar district, Kumaon, at about 1,890 m. It is famous for one thing above all: a wide, unbroken view of the Himalaya that stretches for nearly 300 km, from Trishul and Nanda Devi to Panchachuli. Mahatma Gandhi stayed here in 1929 and was so moved by the view that he called Kausani the "Switzerland of India".
Kausani is about 135 km from Kathgodam and 52 km from Almora. It suits travellers who want calm, sunrise views, tea gardens and short walks rather than a busy Mall Road.
Kausani at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| District | Bageshwar, Kumaon |
| Altitude | About 1,890 m |
| From Kathgodam | About 139 km, 5 hours |
| From Almora | About 52 km, 2 hours |
| From Nainital | About 120 km, 4.5 hours |
| From Delhi | About 410 km, 10 to 11 hours |
| Best time | October–November (clearest views) and March–June |
| Days needed | 2 nights |
Places to visit in Kausani
1. Anasakti Ashram (Gandhi Ashram)
Gandhi ji stayed at this guesthouse for about two weeks in June 1929 and wrote his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Anasakti Yoga, here. The ashram now has a small museum with photos and his belongings, a prayer hall and a viewpoint. Evening prayers are held daily. Keep silence inside.
2. Sunrise and sunset views
The main reason to come. On a clear morning the first light turns Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli pink and then gold. Most hotels face the peaks. The ashram lawn and the road above the market are good public viewpoints.
3. Sumitranandan Pant Museum
The famous Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant was born in Kausani in 1900. His childhood home is now a small museum with manuscripts, letters and photos. A must for Hindi literature lovers.
4. Kausani Tea Estate
A few kilometres from town, this estate grows organic tea on the hill slopes. You can walk through the gardens and buy fresh tea at the outlet.
5. Lakshmi Ashram and Kausani Shawl Factory
Lakshmi Ashram was started in 1946 by Sarla Behn, a disciple of Gandhi, to educate hill girls. Nearby weaving units sell woollen shawls and stoles made by local women. These make good gifts.
6. Baijnath Temple (about 17 km)
A group of old stone temples built by the Katyuri kings around the 12th to 13th century, on the bank of the Gomti river. The main temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is peaceful and very photogenic in the morning.
7. Rudradhari Falls and Caves (about 12 km)
A short forest walk through pine trees and terraced fields leads to a waterfall and caves linked to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. Best after the monsoon.
8. Bageshwar (about 40 km)
A temple town at the meeting of the Saryu and Gomti rivers, known for the Bagnath temple and the Uttarayani fair in January.
How to reach Kausani
By train
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 139 km away. Take a taxi via Bhimtal, Bhowali and Almora (about 5 hours), or a shared jeep/bus to Almora and change.
By air
The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 170 km away.
By road
- Delhi to Kausani: about 410 km via Moradabad, Haldwani and Almora.
- Nainital to Kausani: about 120 km via Bhowali and Almora.
- Almora to Kausani: 52 km, about 2 hours.
- From Haridwar: about 380 km via Najibabad, Kashipur and Ramnagar or Haldwani.
UTC buses run from Delhi's Anand Vihar to Almora and Bageshwar. Shared jeeps connect Almora and Kausani.
Best time to visit Kausani
| Season | Months | Temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to April | 8 to 22°C | Rhododendrons, good views |
| Summer | May to June | 15 to 28°C | Pleasant, some haze |
| Monsoon | July to September | Rainy | Green but clouds hide the peaks |
| Autumn | October to November | 6 to 20°C | Clearest Himalayan views; best season |
| Winter | December to February | 0 to 12°C | Cold, clear days; occasional snow |
Our tip: for the mountain view, go in October or November. Sunrise is usually clearer than sunset.
Where to stay in Kausani
Most hotels are spread along the ridge with Himalayan-facing rooms. When booking, ask specifically for a room with a mountain view.
- Budget: guesthouses near the market and the Anasakti Ashram area.
- Mid-range: hotels on the ridge with balconies and good views.
- Government: the KMVN Tourist Rest House is a reliable option.
- Homestays: in the villages around Kausani for a quieter stay.
Suggested itinerary: 2 nights in Kausani
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kathgodam to Kausani via Almora (stop at Kasar Devi or Chitai Golu Devta if time allows). Sunset from your hotel. |
| 2 | Sunrise view. Anasakti Ashram, Pant Museum, tea estate, shawl factory. Afternoon at Baijnath temple. |
| 3 | Sunrise again, then drive to Almora, Binsar or Chaukori, or back to Kathgodam. |
Kausani pairs well with Almora, Binsar and Chaukori on a 6-to-8-day Kumaon trip.
Things to know
- Kausani is a small place with a limited market. Carry cash; ATMs can run out.
- Nights are cold even in May. Pack a light jacket year-round.
- Mobile networks (Jio, Airtel, BSNL) work in the main town.
- Power cuts can happen. Most hotels have a backup.
- Respect the quiet of Anasakti Ashram and village areas.
Explore Kumaon with Gokeys
Our Auli–Nainital–Kausani–Almora 8-day tour includes Kausani with mountain-view stays. We can also plan a custom Kumaon trip from Kathgodam, Delhi or Haridwar. Contact us.