Kausani

Kausani is a small hill town in the Almora District of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. The town is very peaceful and one can enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayas from almost any part of the town.

Understand
The lower part of Kausani has a 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 found. The temperature is pleasant in the summer months and extremely cold in the winter seasons. 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 which holds a special place in the entire town's economy. The locals are very polite and helpful. An Indian Military Base is also in the uptown Kausani but 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 6:30AM and you can reach Kausani by noon. The road condition is pretty good, but it is advisable to avoid the monsoon season.

Get around
Kausani is a walkable small town. All the tourist points are in a small circle that can be easily walked to. You could get a taxi to go far off places like Rudradhari.

See
The main attraction of the town is the majestic view of the Nanda Devi Range. This range can be viewed from most parts of the town. Other attractions are Gandhi Ashram, Girihas Uttaranchal Tea Pvt. Ltd, Shawl Factory, Baijnath Temples, Sumitranandan Pant (poet) museum and the local market.

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 in the upper part of the town. Inside the Ashram (whete 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.

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.

I would not advise you to visit Sumitranadan Pant Museum. But if you want to, ask the locals where it is as there are no directions anywhere. It is 200m downhill from Gandhi Ashram. When you visit, look for the guide who stays in the museum. He will show you around and give you access to the poet's belongings (which are mostly books).

Baijnath Temple is around 20 km north from Kausani Town and is a series of small and big temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Feeding the fishes just beside the temple is considered a ritual after offering your pujas.

Visit the Tea Gardens and Girihas Tea Estate.

Do
Almost all Hotels in Kausani are facing the Nanda Devi Range and one can just sit back and enjoy the panoramic view by sipping coffee or tea. Some of the famous peaks in the range 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.

One can do trekking in the various surroundings around Kausani.

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 and you can buy some from Girihar Tea Estate.

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 roadside 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 beforehand. 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 and there are hotels of various ranges to suite every purse. The better hotels are in the uptown near the Gandhi Ashram and the budget hotels are around the local market.



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:



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, and BSNL connections are available in remote areas too.

Go next
If you have time, 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 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.