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Places to Visit in Kausani

This peaceful abode is one of the best places to visit in Kausani and is a tribute to the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, who wrote his memorable commentary on Anashkti Yog here. Gandhi spent a few days of his life here and was touched by the blissful splendor of this richly gifted spot. Also known as Gandhi Ashram, this tranquil retreat has now been converted into a study cum research center and a residential facility with 24 rooms is available for your pleasant stay. 

The simple whitewashed chalet also features many of Gandhi’s books and pictures.Spend a few minutes of quiet time to meditate and bring out your spiritual self, introspect over your journey, revel in the serenity with yourself or simply soak in the relaxing aura. 

Location: Almora district, Kausani, Uttrakhand

Entry fee/charge: N/A

The enchanting Rudradhari falls are a natural hidden attraction of Kausani and feature many ancient caves. The base of the waterfall is surrounded by small cascades merging into one single large pool, and a lush green valley surrounding it which makes the place awe-inspiring. Nature lovers can enjoy a small trek from the neighboring Kantali village to the main point of this magnificent waterfall.

Surrounded by thick pine trees, lush green hill farms, and terraced paddy fields, the waterfalls are one of the popular places to visit in Kausani and can be viewed while trekking to Adi Kailash. It is one of those places that you can count on if you are looking to de-stress yourself from the hustles and bustles of daily monotonous life.

Location: Kantali village on Kausani-Almora road, Uttarakhand

Entry fee/charge: N/A

Timings: 8 AM to 6 PM

One of the top tourist places in Kausani for Himalayan tourists, this famous tea garden sits at an altitude of 1,890 m, spread across 208 acres of area and is a perfect heaven for tea lovers. The organic tea produced here is savored by locals and tourists alike and is even exported to many countries, including Australia, Germany, and the US.

You can choose from an array of high-flavored tea including the iconic Girias Uttaranchal tea or Darjeeling-style long grain and other kinds, available from popular stores, right outside the tea factory.June to September is the best time to visit this place when it is covered with lush greenery and the cool air with a pleasant, musky aroma of freshly plucked tea leaves rejuvenates you.

TIP: Wear comfortable shoes so that you can walk uphill and downhill as you meander in the tea estate. Interact with locals to get to know how the tea leaves are processed and packed.

Location: Kausani, Uttarakhand

Entry fee/charge: N/A

Timings: 8 AM to 6:30 PM

Starscapes Observatory Kausani is the first public observatory from Starscapes which is located near the famous Anashakti  Ashram Kausani. There are regular shows every evening where you can learn about reading the night sky, identifying objects in it, and the science behind their movements and appearances. You will get to observe the Moon, various planets, galaxies, nebulae, and even some interesting star systems, through our state-of-the-art equipment. There are shows during the day too – you will see our very own star, the Sun, through special filters that let you study its surface. And maybe, if you are lucky, you will be able to catch a sunspot or a solar flare!

At the Starscapes Observatories, in the show Conducted by resident expert StarGuides, you will spend time looking at the amazing night sky. You will get to know about stars and constellations – identifying them, their origins, the science behind them, the mythologies we as humans built around them, and the rules governing their cycles and appearances.

You will then get to observe various celestial objects through state-of-the-art telescopes mounted in the observatories. Depending on the time of the month or year, the night sky has various interesting objects to observe in detail.

You’ll also have the chance to observe nearby galaxies, nebulae, and star cluster systems including the Milky Way’s nearest big neighbour, the Andromeda Galaxy, which is double the size of our galaxy.

Starscapes Observatory Offerings:

Watch the glittering delights of the sky and star gaze at the heavenly creations through the telescope at this planetarium-cum-internet cafe. Early morning and late night are the perfect time to marvel and spot the stars as they dazzle brightly in the sky and if you are lucky you can spot some of the most impeccable moments on a clear night.

This is a great place to visit for families with kids and to learn about the interesting fundamentals of astronomy and celestial objects like Moon, star clusters, planets, and galaxies. The guided tour on the celestial positioning of many planets and star constellations and the view of mountainous peaks of Nanda Devi by the owner makes it an enthralling experience.

Location: Kausani, Uttarakhand

Entry fee/charge: Rs 100

Timings: 6 AM to 10:30 PM

This museum gallery is the native place of legendary Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant, and showcases a vivid collection of literary works and manuscripts of the celebrated poet as well as few of his belongings and letters to his acquaintances, all showcased in glass shelves. The museum is a riveting place for art connoisseurs, where they can enjoy the beauty of literature amidst the graceful backdrop of green landscapes.

Every year, the museum hosts a poetry conference, to mark the birth anniversary of Pant, and is visited by many prominent poets from across the country. One good thing about this place is that like most other tourist attractions in Kausani, it is not that crowded, so you can peacefully revel in the solitude of nature.

Location: Kausani, Uttarakhand

Entry fee/charge: Rs 10

Timings: 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Built in 1964, by Catherine Hillman, a student of Mahatma Gandhi who later became known as Sarla, this ashram is one of the famous places to visit in Kausani dedicated to the cause of local women. At the ashram, women are trained in several community skills, like cooking, sewing, growing vegetables and looking after the animals.

The ashram works for the upliftment of many orphaned Kumaoni girls and woman who take refuge here and equips them with practical teachings to lead a self-dependent life. The idyllic place is inspired by the British colonial times and is a must visit if you are seeking spiritual and mental bliss.

Location: Kausani, Uttarakhand

Entry fee/charge: N/A

Located on the banks of Gomti River, in the ancient town of Baijnath, this is a series of small and big temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. The sacred shrine depicts the early medieval north Indian temple architecture with beautiful sculptures and carvings typical of the golden era  and is thronged by devotees around the year.

Baijnath was the ancient capital of the Katyuri rulers who reigned over Uttaranchal during the 12th century. The town holds religious significance too, as according to Hindu mythology, Lord Shiva and Parvati were married at the Sangam of river Gomati and Garur Ganga.

TIP: The water of this temple is believed to be of medicinal value and has the power to cure several illnesses and diseases. Feeding the fishes in the pond just beside the temple is considered sacrosanct after offering your pooja.

Location: Baijnath, Kausani, Uttrakhand  

Entry fee/charge: N/A

Timings: 6:30 AM to 9 PM

Part of the 124 temple group and the largest altar in Jageshwar, the Dandeshwar temple houses Hindu God Shiva and is situated slightly upstream from the main temple complex. The temple is a visual delight with a picturesque landscape and offers a calming retreat. One can spot a number of cascading waterfalls which makes it a perfect place for nature lovers too.

The revered temple holds great significance to the local tribes of the region and has historical ruins belonging to Shivaji’s era. The scenic surroundings and the divine panoramic views of the plains make up for the ruins that are remaining of the temple. Remember to carry your cameras as the place is a great spot for capturing hues of colors of nature and provides a great view of the woods, village, and the nearby areas.

Location: Jageshwar Dham, Uttarakhand

Entry fee/charge: N/A

Timings: 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM

Located in a small cave just beside the Rudrahari waterfalls, this temple is about 12 km to the base of the hill from where one has to trek along the marshy landscape. The caves feature a large repository of beautiful scriptures and inscriptions dating back to few centuries.It is a treat for trekkers and nature lovers and one can get a glimpse of the pristine grandeur this place has to offer. 

You can also relax in the vicinity of the waterfall and enjoy the tranquility there. For adventure seekers, the huge mountain and the deep dense forests present an excellent opportunity to explore and trek on its meandering ways. It is advised to carry your own umbrellas, windcheater, a bottle of water and some snacks to eat along the way.

Location: 10 km from Kausani, Uttarakhand

Entry fee/charge: N/A

Timings: 6:30 AM to 8 PM

This small village located at the foot of the Gopalkot peak is just 5 km away from Kasauni and makes for an ideal destination for trekkers owing to its accessibility, ease of trek and breathtaking views. It is known for a temple by the same name, dedicated to Bhairon and every year in October, celebrations are conducted in the village.The temple has a slated conical shape and is nestled atop a hillock at an altitude of 2,750 m above sea level and is one of the prominent tourist places in Kausani for a one-day trip.  

The walls of the temple give prominence to Lord Mahadev and Devi and are adorned with wooden carvings and figures of the five Pandavas. Make sure you plan a visit in such a way that you can enjoy the serene and calming view of sunrise or sunset from atop.

Location: Pinnath, Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand

Entry fee/charge: N/A

Designed by the founder of the Chand dynasty, this small hamlet is one of the famous tourist places to visit in Kausani due to the religious significance attached to it. The town has an ancient temple with a long-standing stone carved Lord Shiva as its chief deity built by Raja Som Chand. The temple features fine architecture and is built on a hill, offering a divine view of the surrounding areas.

The rustic ambiance of the temple, the tinkling bells, the strong aroma of 'dhup' and the prayers and rituals practiced inside the holy premises make you feel blessed and one with the higher Self. The temple is visited throughout the year by spiritual seekers looking for peace and serenity of mind.

TIP: There is an age-old ritual associated with the magical wishing-well and spring next to the temple and upon ceremoniously practicing it, one's wish is said to be fulfilled.

Location: Kausani-Almora route, Uttarakhand

Entry fee/charge: N/A

Timings: 6:30 AM to 8 PM