Uttarakhand
Kausani Travel Guide — India's Switzerland on a Budget
Best months
Per-day budget
₹700–1,470/day
Getting there
Kausani is a small hill station in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, perched at 1,890 m on a ridge overlooking the full sweep of the Western Himalayas. Mahatma Gandhi called it the Switzerland of India during a 1929 visit, and the panoramic mountain view from Kausani is indeed exceptional — Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli and Nanda Kot are all visible in a single line that stretches over 300 km of the Himalayan arc. Kausani is quieter than Nainital and smaller than Almora. The town is surrounded by tea gardens that produce the Kausani variety of green tea. The main attractions are the Gandhi Ashram (Anasakti Ashram) with its small museum, the Baijnath temple complex with its 12th-century stone temples, and the short walks to the tea gardens and the Rudradhari waterfall.
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Why go
Kausani is primarily a viewing deck for the Himalayas. The best Himalayan view in Kausani is from the Sunrise Point near the Anasakti Ashram — the entire range from Kedarnath to Nanda Devi is visible in one sweep. The town is small and walkable, and most of the accommodation is along the ridge with direct mountain views. The Baijnath temple complex, 15 km from Kausani, has a group of 12th-13th century stone temples dedicated to Shiva and Parvati, built in the Nagara style. The tea gardens around Kausani offer short walks through the plantation. The Kausani tea is a distinct variety sold in shops along the main road.
The Rudradhari waterfall trek is the best short walk in the area — a 4 km downhill walk from Kausani through terraced fields and forest to a 12 m waterfall with a small cave temple nearby. The Kausani-Almora ridge trek is a 2-3 day route through the Kumaon hills for more experienced trekkers. The nearby village of Someshwar is the starting point for the trek to the Pindari Glacier. For less demanding activity, the walk to the Kausani tea gardens takes about an hour and ends at a viewpoint with the Himalayas behind the green tea bushes.
How to reach
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 150 km from Kausani. Trains from Delhi to Kathgodam take 6-7 hours (sleeper class ₹300-500). From Kathgodam, buses to Kausani take about 4 hours (₹200-350). Direct buses are limited and may require a change at Almora — check current timings and fares with UTC (utc.uk.gov.in) before travel. The nearest airport is Pantnagar, about 170 km away. Kausani is about 50 km from Almora — shared taxis from Almora cost ₹200-300 per person and take about 1.5 hours. The town is compact and walkable.
What a day costs
| Homestay / budget hotel | ₹500–900 |
| Food (Kumaoni thali) | ₹150–350 |
| Local transport (shared taxi) | ₹50–200 |
| Gandhi Ashram entry | ₹0–20 |
When to go
October to November is the best period — the air is crystal clear and the Himalayan views are at their finest. March to June is also good with pleasant temperatures and clear skies. December to February is cold (temperatures can drop to 2°C) but the views are excellent and accommodation is cheapest. July to September is monsoon — the ridge gets heavy rain and the Himalayan views are frequently clouded out. January-February is the quietest and coldest period. For the best photographs of the full Himalayan arc, visit in late October or early November.
Suggested itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and Sunset View
Arrive in Kausani from Almora by afternoon. Check into a homestay on the ridge. Walk to the Gandhi Ashram for the sunset view of the Himalayas. Have dinner at a local restaurant — try Kumaoni thali.
Day 2: Baijnath and Tea Gardens
Visit the Baijnath temple complex in the morning (shared auto ₹100-150, 15 km). Explore the 12th-century temples and the riverbank. Return to Kausani by midday. Walk to the tea gardens in the afternoon — the Kausani green tea shops near the main road have tastings.
Day 3: Rudradhari Waterfall and Depart
Walk to Rudradhari waterfall (4 km downhill, about 1.5 hours) in the early morning. Return by midday. Lunch in Kausani. Catch a bus to Kathgodam or Almora for the return journey.
Student hacks
- ▸The Gandhi Ashram is free and has the best sunset view of the Himalayas in Kausani — no entry fee and no crowd.
- ▸Stay in a homestay on the ridge rather than in the main market — the mountain-facing rooms are in the homestays just outside the town centre.
- ▸The Kausani tea gardens are free to walk through and make for a good breakfast walk before the tourists arrive.
- ▸Carry cash from Almora — ATM reliability in Kausani is poor and UPI can be patchy.
- ▸Kausani can be combined with Almora, Binsar and Jageshwar for a week-long Kumaon circuit — the distances are short.
Safety & permits
Indian nationals do not need any permit for Kausani or Baijnath. The town is very safe and walkable. The Rudradhari waterfall trail can be slippery in the monsoon — wear proper shoes. The Gandhi Ashram has a small donation-based entry. ATMs are limited in Kausani — carry cash from Almora or Kathgodam. Mobile coverage from all major networks is available on the ridge but can be patchy in the valley areas. The town is safe for solo travellers including women. The Baijnath temple complex has a caretaker and is safe for visits at any time of day.
FAQs
How do I reach Kausani from Delhi?
Take a train to Kathgodam (sleeper class ₹300-500), then a bus to Kausani via Almora (4-5 hours, ₹200-350).
What is Kausani known for?
Kausani is known for its panoramic 300-km view of the Himalayan range, its green tea gardens, and the Anasakti Ashram where Gandhi stayed.
Is Kausani worth visiting?
Kausani is worth it for the Himalayan view alone — it is one of the best places in Uttarakhand to see the full sweep of the range without trekking.
Is Kausani safe for solo travellers?
Yes. Kausani is very safe and quiet. The ridge is walkable and the town has a relaxed atmosphere.
How many days do I need in Kausani?
Two days is enough — one for the town and Gandhi Ashram, one for Baijnath and the waterfall.