Kausani is a small hill village at about 1,890 m on a pine-covered ridge in Bageshwar district, about 52 km from Almora. It is known for one thing above all: on a clear morning, a 300 km-wide wall of snow peaks fills the horizon, from Trishul and Nanda Devi to Panchachuli, turning pink and gold at sunrise.
It is a place to slow down: watch the peaks from your balcony, walk through pine forest and tea gardens, visit the ashram where Mahatma Gandhi stayed, and make short trips to the ancient Baijnath temples. There is little nightlife and only a small market, which is exactly why people love it.
The story of Kausani
In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi came to Kausani to rest and stayed for 14 days at a guesthouse that is now the Anasakti Ashram. Here he worked on his ideas of anasakti, or non-attachment, from the Bhagavad Gita. He was so struck by the hills that he called Kausani the 'Switzerland of India', a name it still carries.
Kausani is also the birthplace of the Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant (1900-1977), one of the great poets of the Chhayavad movement, whose love of nature grew in these hills. His family home is now a small museum.
Why go to Kausani
A 300 km Himalayan view
Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti and Panchachuli in one sweep from the ridge.
Gandhi and Pant
The Anasakti Ashram where Gandhi stayed in 1929, and the poet Sumitranandan Pant's birthplace.
Pine forest and tea
Quiet walks through pine woods and the Kausani tea estate.
Main things to see
Anasakti Ashram
Gandhi's 1929 stay, a small museum of photos and his words, and a prayer hall facing the peaks.
Sumitranandan Pant Museum
The poet's childhood home with his books, letters and manuscripts.
Kausani Tea Estate
Walk through the tea gardens and buy local tea.
Baijnath temples
A group of old stone temples on the Gomti river, about 16-17 km away.
Distances from Kausani
Before you go
- Book a room with a mountain-facing balcony; it is the whole point of Kausani.
- The view is best from October to February; from March to June haze increases, and in the monsoon clouds hide the peaks.
- The market is small; carry cash and basic supplies.
- Nights are cold most of the year; carry a warm layer.
Kausani FAQs
Why is Kausani called the Switzerland of India?
Mahatma Gandhi gave it the name during his 14-day stay in 1929, struck by its view of the Himalaya and green hills.
Which peaks can you see from Kausani?
On a clear day, a long line of peaks including Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Ghunti and Panchachuli, spread over about 300 km.
How far is Kausani from Almora?
About 52 km, around 2 hours by road.
Does it snow in Kausani?
Sometimes, in January or February, but not every year.
How many days are enough for Kausani?
Two nights is ideal: one day for the ashram, museum and tea estate, and one for Baijnath and Bageshwar.
