The top things to do in Kausani include visiting Anasakti Ashram, exploring Baijnath Temple, walking through tea estates, trekking to Rudradhari Falls, and catching the sunrise over the Himalayas. This small Uttarakhand hill town packs a lot into a short trip.
Mahatma Gandhi called Kausani the “Switzerland of India” in 1929, and the title still holds. From one viewpoint, you get a 300 km wide panoramic view of peaks like Trishul, Nanda Devi, and Panchachuli. That alone makes the 6-hour drive from Delhi worth it.
But Kausani is not just about the view. It has history, nature, local culture, and some genuinely good food. Whether you have 2 days or 5, this guide covers everything you need to plan a solid trip.
Enjoy Nature and Scenic Views
Kausani’s biggest draw is its natural beauty. You do not need to trek hard or plan much. Just step outside, look up, and the Himalayas do the rest.
Watch the Sunrise Over Nanda Devi and Trishul
Wake up early. That is the only rule here.
The sunrise view from Kausani is one of the best in all of Uttarakhand. As the sun comes up, the snow peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli turn golden. The 300 km wide panoramic view is something most people remember for years.
The best spots to watch the sunrise are:
- Anasakti Ashram terrace (free, open early morning)
- Kausani viewpoint near the bus stand
- Your hotel rooftop (many hotels are built facing the peaks)
No entry fee. No guide needed. Just set an alarm for 5:30 AM and show up.
Walk Through Girias Uttaranchal Tea Estate
Kausani sits at around 1,890 metres and the cool climate is perfect for growing tea. The Girias Uttaranchal Tea Estate is the most well-known plantation here. It covers a large stretch of land just off the main road.
This is a great spot for a slow, easy walk. The rows of tea bushes go on for a long stretch, and the air smells fresh. You do not need to be a tea lover to enjoy it. It is simply a peaceful place to spend an hour.
| Detail | Info |
| Best Time to Visit | Morning (8 AM to 11 AM) |
| Entry Fee | Free to walk through |
| What to Buy | Green tea, black tea, herbal tea packets |
| Time Needed | 45 minutes to 1 hour |
You can buy directly from the estate shop. The local Kausani green tea makes for a great gift to carry home. Prices are reasonable and quality is much better than supermarket brands.
Visit Spiritual and Historical Spots
Kausani has two places that are worth visiting even if you are not religious. One connects you to India’s freedom movement. The other takes you back 800 years in time.
Anasakti Ashram (Gandhi Ashram)
Mahatma Gandhi stayed at this ashram in 1929 for 14 days. During that stay, he wrote a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, which he later titled “Anasakti Yoga.” The ashram was named after that work.
Today, the ashram is a quiet, well-maintained place open to all visitors. It has a small museum with Gandhi’s letters, photographs, and personal items from his stay.
Three reasons tourists love Anasakti Ashram:
- The museum gives a rare, personal look at Gandhi’s life and thoughts
- The terrace view is one of the best sunrise spots in Kausani
- The calm atmosphere makes it a genuine break from noisy tourist spots
Entry is free. Morning hours are the best time to visit. Plan around 45 minutes here.
Baijnath Temple
Baijnath Temple is about 16 km from Kausani and sits right on the banks of the Gomti river. It was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to Lord Shiva in his form as “Vaidyanath,” the lord of physicians.
The temple complex is not just one shrine. It has a group of stone temples built in the Nagara style of architecture. The carvings on the walls are detailed and well-preserved for their age.
Three reasons tourists love Baijnath Temple:
- The 12th-century stone carvings are some of the finest in the Kumaon region
- The riverside setting on the Gomti makes the whole complex feel peaceful
- The history connects you to medieval India in a very direct, physical way
You can visit Baijnath as a half-day trip from Kausani. Combine it with a stop at Baijnath town’s local market for some fresh local snacks.
Try Adventure and Unique Experiences
Kausani is not just a sit-and-stare destination. If you want to get moving or do something different, these two activities are worth adding to your list.
Trek to Rudradhari Falls and Caves
Rudradhari Falls is one of the best short treks near Kausani. The trail is roughly 2 to 3 km and takes you through dense pine forests, terraced fields, and small streams. It is not a difficult trek. Most people with average fitness can complete it without any trouble.
At the end of the trail, you reach a multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by thick green forest. Near the falls, there are small natural caves with ancient shrines inside. The whole place has a raw, untouched feel to it.
Key details for the trek:
- Distance: Around 2 to 3 km one way
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best Season: April to June and September to November
- Time Needed: 2 to 3 hours for the full round trip
Pro Tip: Wear proper grip shoes or sports shoes. The trail gets muddy and slippery after rain. Flip flops or sandals will make the walk genuinely difficult.
You can find more trekking options and route details for the Kumaon region on the Uttarakhand Tourism official website.
Stargaze at Starscapes Observatory
Most hill stations in India have too much light pollution for good stargazing. Kausani does not have that problem.
Starscapes Observatory in Kausani is one of the few dedicated stargazing setups in the entire Kumaon Himalayan region. The low light pollution and high altitude make the night sky here genuinely spectacular. On a clear night, you can spot planets, star clusters, and even the Milky Way with the naked eye.
The observatory has guided sessions with telescopes. It is a great activity for families, couples, and anyone who has never properly looked at the night sky before.
Book your slot in advance, especially during peak season.
Explore Local Food and Shopping
Kausani has a small, quiet market. Do not expect a big Mall Road or crowded bazaar. What you get instead is a relaxed local experience with some genuinely good finds.
Eat at Garden Restaurant
Garden Restaurant is one of the top-rated local dining spots in Kausani. It serves simple, fresh food in a comfortable setting. The menu has a good mix of North Indian, Kumaoni, and basic continental options.
It is a great place to sit down after a morning of sightseeing. The portions are decent and the prices are budget-friendly compared to hotel restaurants.
Shop at Kausani Shawl Factory
The Kausani Shawl Factory is the best place to pick up authentic Kumaoni handwoven shawls. These are made locally and the quality is noticeably better than what you find in tourist shops elsewhere.
What to buy in Kausani:
- Kumaoni woollen shawls from the shawl factory
- Local tea packets (green tea and herbal tea from Girias estate)
- Homemade pickles and jams available at small shops near the market
- Angora wool products like socks and caps
Essential Travel Tips for Kausani
Best Time to Visit
- March to June: Pleasant weather, clear skies, great Himalayan views
- September to November: Post-monsoon greenery, excellent visibility
- December to February: Cold and snowfall possible, roads can get blocked
- July to August: Monsoon season, landslide risk, avoid if possible
How to Reach Kausani
- By Train: Nearest railway station is Kathgodam (roughly 140 km away). Book trains to Kathgodam on IRCTC. From Kathgodam, hire a taxi or take a shared cab to Kausani.
- By Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport (around 165 km away). Taxis are available outside the airport.
- By Road: Regular buses run from Haldwani and Almora to Kausani. From Delhi, it is roughly a 10 to 12 hour drive via NH9.
Quick 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Early morning: Sunrise view from Anasakti Ashram terrace
- Morning: Explore Anasakti Ashram museum
- Afternoon: Walk through Girias Tea Estate
- Evening: Stroll through Kausani market, shop at Kausani Shawl Factory
- Night: Stargazing session at Starscapes Observatory
Day 2
- Morning: Trek to Rudradhari Falls and Caves
- Afternoon: Drive to Baijnath Temple (16 km)
- Evening: Lunch at Garden Restaurant, head back
A Few Quick Tips
- Carry warm layers even in summer, nights get cold
- ATMs are limited, carry enough cash
- Book hotels in advance during April, May and October
FAQs about Kausani
Is 2 days enough for Kausani?
Yes, 2 days is enough to cover the main spots. If you want to do longer treks or just slow down, 3 days is ideal.
Can you see snow in Kausani?
You cannot walk on snow in Kausani itself, but you get clear views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul from the viewpoints. Winter months bring occasional snowfall to the town.
How are the roads to Kausani?
Roads are generally good from Kathgodam to Kausani. Avoid travelling during heavy monsoon months as landslides can cause delays on mountain roads.
Final Thoughts
Kausani is one of those rare hill towns that delivers without overpromising. Pack your bags, set your alarm for sunrise, and let the Himalayas do the rest