Kausani
Kausani is a small town in the Northern Indian State of Uttarakhand.
Understand
Kausani is a small Hill town in the Almora District of the northern Indian state of Uttarkhand. The views from the Town is so beautiful, that once Mahatama Gandhi called the place "Switzerland of India" during his brief stay at the Town. The town is very peaceful and one can enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayas from almost any part of the Town. The lower part of the town has the local market and the upper part of the Town, where the Gandhi Ashram is situated is the place where most of the better Hotels are situated. The temperature is pleasant in the summer months and extremely cold in the winter seasons. One can do trekking in the various surroundings around Kausani. The panoramic view of the Nanda Devi Biosphere from a distance of 300 km away is simply breathtaking. Life is very slow in this small Hill Town and as a tourist it is advisable to stay within your Hotels after dark, because there is not much of night life. The weather is very unpredictable and carrying an umbrella is a must. The main activities of the villagers is Cultivation and Tourism holds a special place in the entire town's economy. The locals are very polite and helpful. An Indian Military Base is also situated in the uptown Kausani and the area is restricted to outsiders.
Get in
There are several ways to reach Kausani, one can go directly by road from Delhi to Kausani. If travelling by Train, you will have to get off at Kathgodam Station and hire a Tourist Taxi to take you to Kausani. Kathgodam station is connected to major cities of India. It takes around 5 hours by car from Kathgodam to Kausani along the beautiful roads and scenery of Uttarkhand. You can stop by at Almora enroute to Kausani. This is the best place to have some refreshments and head for Kausani. Ranikhet Express from Old Delhi station reaches Kathgodam at 6.30 a.m and you can reach Kausani by 12.00. The road condition is pretty good, but it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season.
Get around
Gandhi Ashram is the most sought after place by the tourist. This is the place where Mahatma Gandhi stayed briefly and written the 'Anashakti Yog'. The Ashram is situated on the upper part of the Town. Inside the Ashram, (Photography not allowed) consists of various pictures of the great leader in different phases of his life. The view of the Himalayas can be viewed from this Ashram also is quite splendid.
Baijnath Temple, situated around 20 km north from Kausani Town and is a series of small / big temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Feeding the fishes just beside the temple is considered a ritual after offering your pujas.
If you have time in hour hand, half a day may be reserved for Rudradhari. It is 20 km away from Kausani, and a unique experience of 1 Km trekking through the mountains and beautiful scenery to reach the century old Lord Shiva temple. The trekking is not that tough, but Senior Citizens should avoid going there. Guides are available (even though not required) but one can take their help if kids are accompanying you. One can enjoy the pure air and small springs all around, not to mention the beautiful small/big trees of different nature. If you are lucky, you can meet the Baba/priest and spend some time with him talking about Religion. He might also give you puffed rice as Prasad.
Visiting the Tea Gardens and Girihas Tea Estate.
See
The main attraction of the town is the majestic view of the Nanda Devi Range. This range can be viewed from most part of the town. Other attractions are Gandhi Ashram, Girihas Uttaranchal Tea Pvt. Ltd, Shawl Factory, Baijnath Temples, Local Market.
Do
Kausani is a small town in the state of Uttarkhand and the best time to visit is from October to February. One can enjoy the majestic view of the Nanda Devi Bisospere spaning more than 300 km away. Almost all Hotels are facing the Nanda Devi Range and one can just sit back and enjoy the panoramic view by sipping Coffee/Tea. There are various open restaurants, facing the Nanda Devi Range, and the best way to spend the evening is enjoy the view by having specially made Tea. Some of the famous peaks are Trishul, Nanda Devi etc. Just like any other small Indian Hill town, there is not much night life, but a camp fire can be arranged by the Hotel Staffs if requested.
Some of the places of interest are Gandhi Ashram, Shawl Factory - where one can witness how the famous Kausani Shawls are made and manufactured by using age old techniques. Just above the factory, a shop is also situated and those willing to buy shawls can do so. Kausani is also famous for Tea, and one can visit the Girihas Tea factory. The tea manufactured is Leaf Tea and can cost up to ₹2000/- per Kg.
Buy
Kausani Shawls can be purchased from the local market or from the Kausani Shawl factory.
Uttaranchal Tea is one of the finest in India.
Eat
Continental and Chinese dishes are served in almost all Hotels and Restaurants. Even though there are no separate Restaurants, but there are quite a few Road side eateries. It is suggested to have the major meals from within the Hotels one is staying. Non Veg foods are available, but it takes bit more time to prepare. It is best not to ask for too much of varieties, and have the simple food as served by the Hotels. Food is bit costly at this part of the Country. Local fruits like cherries of different types can be tried.
Drink
Most of the hotels have water filtered/aquaguard, but it is advisable to purchase mineral water which is available in plenty in almost all shops.
Drinks are not served in most of the Hotels and one must buy Drinks before hand desired. Wine shops are available in Kathgodam, Nanital or you may ask the local taxi driver to stop over at a wine shop on your way to Kausani. Branded drinks are not available in these small shops.
Tea is available and plentiful, one must try Girhias Tea in any of the roadside eateries and enjoy the view of the Himalayas.
Sleep
Kausani has become a very busy tourist spot over the last decade and there are Hotels of various ranges to suite every purse. The better hotels are situated in the uptown near the Gandhi Ashram and the budget hotels are situated around the local market.
Even though there are quite a few Hotels in Kausani, some of the prominent Hotels can be found below:
- Chevron Eco Lodge.
- Chevron Mountain Villa.
- Hotel Sun n Snow.
- Krishna Mount View.
- Suman Royal Resort, ☏ +91 5962 258 218.
Most of the hotels have their own dedicated internet sites and bookings can be done online.
There is also a resort approximately 1 km from the Kausani market:
- Prateek Resort, Baijnath road. Room rent around 1200/- per day..
- 1 Janardan Resort Kausani, 3 km from Kausani Tea Factory (Take a taxi/bus from Kausani to Bageshwar road.), ☏ +91 9795005888, +91 9795009888, contact@janardanresort.in. Check-in: 24/7, check-out: 24/7. The resort has 10 rooms with 24x7 hot & cold water, attached toilets, room service on call, balcony restaurant & LCD TV. Panchshuli Himalayan Ranges are visible from balconies & room windows. The in-house restaurant, Janardan Rasoi, serves Chinese, Continental and Indian food, both veg and non-veg. The food is simple and tasty with a Kumaoni touch and costs ₹200 for 2 people. Rs 700.
Connect
There is an internet cafe within the hill queen restaurant's rooms. It is at a T junction, where the road to the Gandhi Ashram branches off. Mobile connectivity is pretty good and Vodafone, Airtel, BSNL etc. connections are available in remote areas also.