Kausani, perched at 1,890 metres in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, is a serene hill station where snow-capped Himalayan peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli decorate the skyline. Often called the “Switzerland of India” for its postcard-perfect vistas, this charming spot in the Kumaon hills offers apple orchards, Kausani Tea Estates, and Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful retreat at Anasakti Ashram. The Delhi to Kausani distance of about 400 kms makes it an accessible escape for city dwellers craving fresh air, short treks, and lazy sunsets. Far from crowded tourist traps, Kausani invites you to unwind amid pine-scented trails and valley breezes.
How to Reach Kausani
By Road: Getting to Kausani is straightforward and scenic. The Delhi to Kausani distance via NH9 and Haldwani takes 10-12 hours by road, perfect for self-drive with stops at dhabas for aloo parathas and steaming hot cups of tea. For an overnight journey, UPSRTC or private Volvo buses (charging ₹800-1,500) from Delhi’s Anand Vihar depart late evening, arriving at Kathgodam (Haldwani bus stand, 115 kms from Kausani) by morning, then hop on a shared taxi or cab (₹500-800, 4 hours) to journey through pine forests and tea gardens to finally reach Kausani.
By Air: For tourists travelling from far off, fly to Pantnagar Airport (Nainital, 170 kms away) via Delhi (1 hour direct flight), followed by a taxi ride.
By Rail: Trains to Kathgodam (run overnight from Delhi, 6 hours) are comfy too, with onward jeeps. From Haldwani, Uttarakhand Transport buses run regularly.
Pro Tip: Monsoon roads can be slippery, so check weather apps and carry motion sickness medicines for the curvy uphill climb.
Best Time to Visit Kausani
April to June is prime, mild 15-25°C days, blooming rhododendrons, ideal for tea estate walks and peak gazing. September to November brings golden autumn foliage and crisp air (10-20°C), perfect for photography. Winters (December-February) offer snowy magic and clear Himalayan views (0-10°C, pack a lot of woolens). Monsoons (July-August) turn everything lush but risk landslides. Gandhi Jayanti (October) adds cultural events at Anasakti Ashram.
Where to Stay
Kausani’s stays blend hill charm with convenience. Riverside View Palace or Chevron Eco Lodge offer valley-facing rooms near Kausani Tea Estate, with bonfires and home-style meals. Budget picks like KMVN Tourist Rest House sit close to Anasakti Ashram, ideal for families. Luxury stay options include Krishna Mountview Resort, which features infinity views and spa. Homestays in Almora Road village provide authentic Kumaoni hospitality, fresh rotis and orchard fruits. Book ahead for weekends and during peak seasons.
Must-Visit Places
Kick off at Anasakti Ashram, Gandhi’s 1929 stay where he penned “Anasakti Yoga.” Wander through wooden rooms, library, and meditation hall overlooking Trishul as peaceful mornings here feel timeless. Entry’s free; join evening prayers.
The Kausani Tea Estate spans 100 hectares, stroll rolling greens, sip factory-fresh brews, and learn plucking secrets. Sunrise tours (₹100) offer misty magic; buy tea leaves as souvenirs for self and loved ones back home.
Rudradhari Falls (short trek through forests), Baijnath Temple (12th-century riverside peace), and Sumitranandan Pant Gallery (poet’s home with Kumaoni artifacts) are also on the must-visit list. Sunset Point showcases 300-kms Himalayan panoramas.
Things to Do in Kausani
Trek to Rudradhari (1-2 hours, easy), explore waterfalls, caves, and watch langurs. Birdwatch for flycatchers and barbets, cycle through tea estates (₹300/hour), or indulge in yoga at ashram gardens. During winters, enjoy playing in the snow at Kausani Heights. Shop woolens, honey, and buransh squash at local haats. Evening stargazing beats city lights.
OЫeat Spots and Detours: Hidden Delights Near Kausani
Discover Bageshwar’s Bagnath Temple (50 kms away, famous for ancient fairs), Art of Living Ashram (meditation retreats), or Kosi River picnics. Explore Kausani Estate trails for wild berries, and visit Gandhi Smarak Museum for artifacts. Detour to Ranikhet (50 kms) for golf courses or Binsar Sanctuary (80 kms) for leopards.
The Famous Kumaoni Food in Kausani
Savour bhatt ki churkani (black soybean curry), aloo ke gutke, and bal mithai sweets at dhabas. Tea estate cafes serve croissants with Kausani brew; homestays offer thali with madua roti and gahat dal. Try bhunga squash juice and singori (leaf-wrapped sweets). Vegetarian treats dominate the region with trout in season.
Packing Essentials and Getting Around
Layers of clothing (tees, fleece, jacket), trek shoes, rain poncho, cap, sunscreen, water bottle, power bank. Cash for markets and medicines for altitude.
Walk Kausani’s 2-km stretch on foot or take autos (₹50-100), bikes (₹200/day), taxis (₹1,500 full-day) for hills. Shared jeeps ply between Kausani and Almora.
Sample 5-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Delhi overnight bus/train to Kathgodam, cab to Kausani, check-in, tea estate sunset stroll. Or if you are taking a flight take an early morning flight from Delhi.
Day 2: Visit Anasakti Ashram for morning meditation followed by Kausani Tea Estate tour and Rudradhari trek.
Day 3: Take a daytrip to Baijnath Temple and Pant Gallery; indulge in village market eats.
Day 4: Enjoy sunrise at Sunset Point, take a detour to Bageshwar, and wrap the evening with a cozy bonfire.
Day 5: Start with a light hike, do some shopping and finally depart with tea packs.
Other Nearby Cities to Explore: Almora (35 kms for crafts), Nainital (120 kms for lake), Jim Corbett (200 kms for tigers).
In Conclusion
Kausani whispers rather than shouts, tea leaves rustling, peaks glowing, ashram bells tolling. From Delhi-Kausani drives to orchard picnics, it’s a reset button for the soul. Come, breathe the hills, sip the serenity, and let its quiet beauty refill your wandering heart.
By: Anushka Singhal
