10 Best Places to Visit in Kausani

10 Best Places to Visit in Kausani

Kausani is one of those hill towns in Uttarakhand that does not need much introduction once you see it. Sitting at about 1,890 meters above sea level in the Bageshwar district, this small town gives you one of the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas anywhere in India. Mahatma Gandhi called it the “Switzerland of India” and honestly, standing at the main ridge on a clear morning, you will understand exactly why. At Travel Shrine, we have explored Kausani thoroughly across different seasons, and in this guide, we are giving you the 10 best places you must visit when you are here. Whether you have 2 days or 5, these are the spots that will stay with you long after you have returned home.

Quick Overview — 10 Best Places in Kausani

1. Kausani Viewpoint — The Reason Everyone Comes Here

If there is one place in Kausani that you absolutely cannot miss, it is the main viewpoint along the ridge. From here, on a clear day, you can see a stretch of Himalayan peaks that spans nearly 300 km. Peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, and Panchachuli line the horizon in a way that genuinely stops you in your tracks.

The best time to be here is just before sunrise — around 5:30 AM. As the sky slowly turns from dark blue to orange and pink, the snow on the peaks catches the first light of the morning. It is one of those views that no photo does full justice to. You have to stand there and see it with your own eyes.

Travel Shrine tip: Carry a warm jacket even in summer. The viewpoint gets very cold in the early morning and the wind can be strong.

Best for: First-time visitors, photographers, couples, everyone Entry: Free Distance from town center: Walking distance

2. Anasakti Ashram — Where Gandhi Found Peace

Anasakti Ashram is one of the most historically important places in Kausani. This is where Mahatma Gandhi stayed for 14 days in 1929 and wrote his famous commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, called “Anasakti Yoga.” The ashram sits right on the ridge and has one of the best unobstructed views of the Himalayan range.

Today, the ashram is a quiet, well-maintained place. There is a small museum inside with photographs and writings from Gandhi’s time here. The atmosphere is calm and spiritual, and even if you are not particularly interested in history, the view from the ashram’s terrace alone makes it worth visiting.

Travel Shrine tip: Visit in the evening when the light on the peaks turns golden. It is a very calming experience after a day of sightseeing.

Best for: History lovers, spiritual travelers, everyone Entry: Free Distance from town center: About 1 km

3. Uttarakhand Tea Estate — A Walk You Will Not Forget

Kausani is one of the few places in North India where tea is commercially grown, and the Uttarakhand Tea Estate here is open for visitors. Walking through the neat rows of tea bushes with the Himalayan peaks visible in the distance is a genuinely beautiful experience.

You can also buy fresh Kausani tea directly from the estate. The green tea and the herbal varieties made here are known to be very good quality, and they make for a perfect souvenir to carry back home.

The walk through the estate takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. The path is easy and suitable for all age groups.

Travel Shrine tip: Go in the morning when the light is soft and the mist is still lifting from the hills. It looks magical.

Best for: Nature lovers, photography, families Entry: Free or minimal charge Distance from town center: About 1 km

4. Baijnath Temple — Ancient History Along the River

Baijnath is a small town about 19 km from Kausani, and it is home to one of the most beautiful ancient temple complexes in the Kumaon region. The Baijnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was built in the 12th century by the Katyuri kings. The temple sits right alongside the Gomti river, and the setting is absolutely stunning.

The architecture of the main temple and the surrounding smaller shrines is intricate and very well preserved. The riverbank next to the complex is peaceful and clean, and many visitors spend time just sitting there after the temple visit.

This is a half-day trip from Kausani and is easily done by taxi or private car.

Travel Shrine tip: Try to go in the morning when the temple is less crowded and the light is good for photography.

Best for: History lovers, spiritual travelers, architecture enthusiasts Entry: Free Distance from Kausani: 19 km (about 40 minutes by road)

5. Rudradhari Falls and Caves — The Hidden Trek

Rudradhari Falls is one of the most underrated places near Kausani. Located about 12 km from town, the waterfall is reached by a trek of about 2 km through thick forest. The trek is not very difficult and is suitable for people with basic fitness.

At the end of the trail, you find a beautiful waterfall dropping into a small pool, surrounded by trees and rocks. Next to the waterfall, there is a small cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu. The whole place has a very raw, untouched feel to it.

This is a full-day activity when you factor in the drive to the trailhead and the trek itself. Carry water, snacks, and good walking shoes.

Travel Shrine tip: Visit between March and June or in September and October. During monsoon, the trail can get slippery and the water level rises significantly.

Best for: Trekkers, nature lovers, adventure seekers Entry: Free Distance from Kausani: 12 km to trailhead, then 2 km trek

6. Sumitranandan Pant Gallery — For the Curious Traveler

Not many people know that Kausani is the birthplace of Sumitranandan Pant, one of the greatest Hindi poets of the 20th century. The gallery dedicated to him is a small but very interesting museum that has his personal belongings, manuscripts, letters, awards, and photographs on display.

It is not a large place, but it gives you a nice window into the life of someone who was deeply inspired by the natural beauty of Kausani — the same beauty you are there to see yourself.

The gallery is managed by a trust and is open on most days of the week. It takes about an hour to go through properly.

Travel Shrine tip: Combine this with the tea estate walk in the afternoon. Both are close to each other.

Best for: Literature lovers, curious travelers, students Entry: Small fee Distance from town center: About 1 km

7. Lakshmi Ashram — A Quiet and Inspiring Place

Lakshmi Ashram, also known as Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust Ashram, is a working ashram in Kausani that focuses on the education and development of girls from rural Uttarakhand communities. It was founded in 1946 by Sarala Devi, a British woman who was deeply inspired by Gandhian values.

The ashram is open to visitors and the setting is very peaceful. Walking around the ashram and its surroundings gives you a different perspective on Kausani — one that goes beyond tourism and connects you to the social life of the region.

Travel Shrine tip: Be respectful of the ashram’s working schedule and the residents. It is a functioning institution, not just a tourist spot.

Best for: Thoughtful travelers, those interested in social history Entry: Free Distance from town center: About 2 km

8. Someshwar Valley — A Drive Worth Taking

About 22 km from Kausani, Someshwar Valley is a wide, flat valley surrounded by terraced fields and small villages. It is very different from the forested ridges of Kausani — here you see farmland, rivers, and a more open landscape with the mountains in the background.

There is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Someshwar town that is worth visiting. The drive to the valley itself is scenic and relaxing. Many travelers use this as a half-day road trip combined with a stop at Baijnath.

Travel Shrine tip: If you have a 4-day itinerary, combine Baijnath and Someshwar Valley into one day trip. They are close to each other and complement each other well.

Best for: Road trip lovers, rural landscape photography Entry: Free Distance from Kausani: 22 km

9. Pindari Glacier Base Area — For the Serious Trekker

Kausani serves as a starting point or a stop on the way to the Pindari Glacier trek, one of the most popular glacier treks in the Kumaon Himalayas. The full trek to the glacier and back takes about 6 to 7 days, but even visiting the base area and the first stretch of the trail is a great experience for trekking enthusiasts.

The trek passes through remote villages, dense forests, and high-altitude terrain. The views along the way are incredible, and the sense of going deeper into the mountains is something trekkers really love about this route.

Travel Shrine tip: This is not a casual day activity. If you want to do the full Pindari Glacier trek, plan a separate 7 to 8 day trip specifically for it. Proper gear, a guide, and good physical fitness are necessary.

Best for: Experienced trekkers, adventure travelers Best season: May to June and September to October

10. Kausani Shawl Factory — Take a Piece of Kausani Home

The Kausani Shawl Factory is run by a cooperative of local weavers and produces beautiful handwoven woolen shawls, stoles, and blankets using traditional techniques. Visiting the factory gives you a chance to see how these items are made on handlooms right in front of you.

The products here are genuine, fairly priced, and of very good quality. Buying directly from the factory also means the money goes directly to the local weavers and artisans. It is a great place to pick up gifts and souvenirs.

Travel Shrine tip: Woolen items here are much better quality than what you will find in the market stalls. If you are planning to buy Kausani shawls, buy them here.

Best for: Shopping, local culture, supporting local artisans Entry: Free Distance from town center: About 1 km

How to Plan Your Kausani Trip Around These Places

Final Word From Travel Shrine

Kausani is small in size but very big in experience. Every place on this list offers something different — history, nature, spirituality, adventure, or just a quiet corner to sit and look at some of the most beautiful mountains in the world. You do not need to rush through any of it.

Take your time, walk slowly, talk to the locals, drink the tea grown right there on the hillside, and let Kausani show you what it is really about. It is one of those destinations that gets better the more attention you give it.

Happy travels from all of us at Travel Shrine.