Kausani: Alpine Beauty

Kausani lies on the ridge separating the Kosi valley in the west from the Gomti river valley in the east. Both the mellow slopes of Kosi valley, which run along Almora-Kausani Road, and Garud valley on the Gomti river, on the road to Bageshwar, are carpeted with fields and meadows all along.

When Mahatma Gandhi came to Kausani in 1929 to relax for a couple of days during his pan-India tour, so captivated was he by the majestic view of the greater Himalaya from this quaint little town that he stayed on for 14 days, even christening it the ‘Switzerland of India’.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

The town itself is nothing more than a few local shops, a tiny taxi stand and a few houses on crossroads. There is no local public transport, no Mall Road like Mussoorie or Nainital with their numerous restaurants or gift shops. But that also means that there are no bustling crowds of tourists.

Walks

Kausani’s location at a height, with the Kosi valley below, offers gentle walks on winding, mist-covered roads, with the clouds parting occasionally to reveal views of the greater Himalayas.

From the crossroads, the road leading to KMVN Tourist Rest House and Estate Guest House offers the best view of the Himalayas above and a green undulating landscape below. If you’re coming from Almora, take the second left to reach the Estate Guest House. A beautiful Colonial building dating from 1922, it is only open to VIPs and you’ll need to have good contacts to be able to actually stay here. However, you can take a walk around the expansive grounds.

Anasakti Ashram

This ashram, located a few minutes’ steep walk from the crossroads, is dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhiji wrote the prologue of his famous work, Anasakti Yoga during his two-week stay here.

The ashram has books on Gandhi and his philosophies, and a display of black-and-white photos detailing his youth, student life and his vast political career. It is also possible to stay at the ashram. There is no entry fee, but a donation is expected.

Pristine grounds of Anasakti Ashram, Kausani

Amit Kapil

Pant Museum

Located in a narrow lane off the crossroads, this is more a memorial to Sumitranandan Pant, the famous Hindi poet and literary figure, than a museum. He was born in this house, and spent his formative years here. The memorial has photos from Pant’s life, including ones with his friend Harivansh Rai Bachchan, father of superstar Amitabh Bachchan, and quite a large library. However, the place is not well-maintained and is in dire need of upkeep.

Tea Garden

Five kilometres on the Bageshwar Road, you’ll come across the tiny tea garden of Girias Uttaranchal Tea Company. It is a small, unprepossessing place, but you can ask for a tour of the factory, and they will happily show you around.

WHERE TO STAY AND EAT

The best option here is Mountain Villa (Tel: 05962-258060, Delhi Reservations Tel: 011-22753151/8774; Tariff: ₹3,500-5,000), part of Chevron Hotels & Resorts. Another excellent option, again by Chevron, is Eco Lodge (Delhi Reservations Tel: 252867; Tariff: ₹6,500-9,500; ask for packages). The Heritage Resort (Cell: 08958667000, 09720193444; Tariff: ₹3,500-5,500), on Baijnath Road, has rooms and independent cottages. KMVN’s Trishul Tourist Rest House (Tel: 258006, Cell: 08650002545; Tariff: ₹1,800-3,000) has cottages, suites and rooms. Hotel Hill Palace (Tel: 258002; Tariff: ₹3,500-8,000) is a fancier option. The elegant Kosi Valley Retreat (Cell: 09594785345, 09820841006; Tariff: ₹5,500, with two meals) is on the Almora Road, 18 km from Kausani. They organise adventure sports.

Kitchen Restaurant and Yogi Restaurant on the Mall, and Hill Queen and Saurabh near Anasakti offer vegetarian Punjabi, Gujarati and sometimes Kumaoni cuisine.

When to go April-June and September-November Location At an elevation of 5,500 in the Kumaon Himalayas, 145 km NW of Haldwani Air Nearest airport: Pantnagar Rail Nearest rail: Kathgodam