10 Best Places to Visit in Kausani – Uttarakhand

So, you are heading to Kausani. Good for you. After all, it is one of the best off-beat destinations, offering something to everyone. Let’s take you through the best places to visit in Kausani.

Whether you are a nature lover, peace seeker, adrenaline junkie, birder, or a student of history, culture, or religion, Kausani has you covered. With its panoramic vistas, lush terraced fields, and serene ambiance, this charming destination offers a refreshing escape from the hustle of city life. From watching the sun climb up and go down behind the snow-capped peaks to exploring the rich history and culture of the region, there’s so much to do in this sleepy little hill station.

• Suggested Reading: Top Hill Stations in Uttarakhand 

Join me, as I take you on a virtual tour of the top things to do and places to visit in Kausani. Let’s together uncover the hidden gems and timeless beauty of this Himalayan haven, and put it firmly on your radar for the next vacation. For more information on Kausani, you can read my detailed article: Kausani: Your Travel Guide to the Serenity of Himalayas. From history, location, and how to reach, to tips, itineraries, and more, you’ll find everything that you should know before planning a trip.

Without further ado, let’s jump right in.

1. Places to Visit in Kausani: Kausani Tea Estate

Just 5 km from Kausani town, you’ll come across the Kausani Tea Estate, the biggest tea garden in Uttarakhand spread across 208 hectares. At an elevation of over 1,800 meters (6,000 feet) above sea level, the tea plantation offers a beautiful vista of lush green tea bushes against the backdrop of the mighty Himalayan peaks. It’s a perfect setting to relax, refresh, and enjoy some solitude.

Kausani Tea Estate produces some of the finest varieties of tea, exported to the US, Australia, Korea, and Germany. When here, don’t forget to sample a cup of freshly brewed tea, made from the leaves grown in this Himalayan paradise. You can even engage with polite tea experts here to learn the nuances of tea production. Trust me, it’s a learning experience even if you aren’t a tea lover.

Things to Do in Kausani Tea Estate: 

There’s so much to do in this secluded sanctuary for all age groups.

1. Stroll: 

Just venture into the verdant terraced tea gardens, and you’ll be captivated by the lush greenery, unique aroma, calmness, and the symphony of bird calls. The rhythmic dance of the tea pluckers, hand-selecting the tender tea leaves is also a sight to behold.

2. Factory Tour:

During your visit, you have the opportunity to witness the entire tea-making process. From plucking to processing and packaging, the staff will take you through it all. This is your chance to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in brewing the perfect cup.

3. Taste & Buy:

Just try out different tea flavors grown in the tea garden, and let different flavors explode in your mouth with every sip. If you like what you taste, feel free to buy it from the factory outlet.

How to Reach Kausani Tea Estate:

Just 2 km away from the main bus stand, the Kausani Tea Estate is easily reachable via a cab or shared taxi. Even the Baijnath-bound private local buses can be a good option. However, you can also walk your way to the tea garden in 20 minutes while enjoying the panoramic view around.

• Entry Fee: Zero
• Famous For: Tea, Photography, Nature
• Best Time to Visit: March, April, Sep, Oct & Nov
• Visiting Hours: 10 am to 5:30 pm, Daily
• Engagement Time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Location: 2km from Kausani Town on the Baijnath-Kausani Rd
• Coordinates: 29.8565° N, 79.6038° E

2. Places to Visit in Kausani: Kausani Planetarium

If you enjoy looking at the night sky, Starscapes Observatory Kausani will surpass your expectations. Previously Stargate, the private observatory is home to an 8-inch computerized GoTo telescope and a seasoned StarGuide to help you explore the sky and befriend the celestial objects. Sine 2016, it has been one of the places to visit in Kausani for kids, amateur astronomers, and photographers.

Starscapes Observatory offers various programs to suit all age groups and interests. Upon finishing your visit, you will know how to read the night sky, identify celestial objects, and more. Don’t forget to catch a glimpse of Jupiter and its four Moons, Saturn and its Rings, and creators on the Moon’s surface. While the prices are affordable, you can expect offers on online bookings to save extra.

Feel free to access the terrestrial telescope for some close-up views of the Trisul, Nanda Devi, and Panchchuli Peaks. The observatory also conducts workshops for schools, amateur astronomers, and photographers on Astrophotography. If you too wish to expertly capture celestial bodies on camera, you know where to head to. You can even buy souvenirs and food within the observatory’s premises.

Things to Do at Starscapes Observatory Kausani:

All in all, it’s a great place to explore for all age groups.

• Be a Part of the Shows:

Feel free to be a part of any of the three celestial shows on offer at the observatory.

• • The Night Sky Show: will take you on a journey to the deep sky, introducing you to the different celestial bodies and visiting nebulae, galaxies, and star clusters on the way.
  • The Himalaya + Nature watch: session where you can observe the slopes of Trishul as it changes color by reflecting off different shades of sunlight. Marvel at the glory of Nanda Devi, the tallest peak completely in India through their field scope.
  • The Starscapes observatory has a completely safe IOA specification professional Solar filter to observe the closest star from the earth, that is the sun!

• Entry: Paid
• Best Time to Visit: March, April, Sep, Oct & Nov
• Visiting Hours: 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, Daily
• Engagement Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Location: 2km from Kausani Town on the Baijnath-Kausani Rd
• Address: RJV3+G9J, Kausani, Someshwar Range, Uttarakhand 263639

3. Places to Visit in Kausani: Sumitranandan Pant Gallery

Kausani is the birthplace of Mahakavi Sumitranandan Pant, one of the leading figures in Hindi literature. In the heart of Kausani, there’s a namesake museum gallery that celebrates the legacy of the town’s very own sonneteer. If you have grown up admiring Sumitranandan Pant’s works, this museum should be on your bucket list. At face value, you might dismiss it as just another building. But once you step foot inside, the life and times of Pantji come alive leaving you awe-struck.

Just make your way through the narrow entrance and a garlanded statue of the great poet greets you just outside the three-room house. As you move inside, several curated exhibits will transport you into an era when Pantji used to live here. The property is in bad shape but manages to retain its historical appeal. The walls carry a brief account of Pantji’s life and a catalog of his works.

From shawls, lamps, cupboards, and citations to books and photographs, everything that Pantji used is preserved here. For me, his photographs with Mahadevi Verma, Harivansh Rai Bachchan, and Dinkar are the highlights, showcasing Hindi literature’s most influential personas. During my visit in 2022, the property was undergoing renovation. I hope things have improved by now.

Things to do in Sumitranandan Pant Gallery

If you are a fan of literature, this museum has plenty to keep you hooked for hours.

• Explore the Exhibition:

Immerse yourself in the life and works of Sumitranandan Pant through carefully curated exhibits. Take your time to read his iconic poems and understand the context behind these masterpieces.

• Admire Artifacts:

Marvel at the personal belongings, manuscripts, and memorabilia of Sumitranandan Pant. It’s your chance to get an intimate insight into the poet’s life and creative journey.

• Reflect in the Library:

The gallery is home to Pantji’s personal library where you can come across a collection of books, manuscripts, and literary journals. Like me, you too might spend hours exploring books here.

• Explore the Photo Gallery:

You cannot afford to miss the historic photographs dotting the walls and shelves of the property. They take you through the life and times of Pantji in the most subtle yet impactful manner.

How to Reach Sumitranandan Pant Gallery? 

Just 500 meters from the Kausani Bus Stand, it is easily reachable on foot. However, you might face problems locating the old, worn-out building due to the lack of signboards. So, you can seek directions from local folks.

• Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
• Famous As: Sumitranandan Pant’s ancestral home
• Best Time to Visit: January to June, September to October
• Visiting Hours: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Daily
• Engagement Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Location: 500 meters from Kausani Bus Stand
• Address: RJV3+CJ4, Kausani, Someshwar Range, Uttarakhand 263639

4. Places to Visit in Kausani: Anashakti Ashram

Welcome to Anasakti Ashram, easily one of the most historical places in Uttarakhand. What makes it so is the fact that Mahatma Gandhi lodged here for two weeks in 1929. Gandhiji penned his Anasakti Yog, an interpretation of Geeta Anasakti Yog, in this small cottage. The book revolves around Karma (actions) and detachment from the outcome of Karma to achieve eternal life. Given its attachment to Gandhiji, the locals often refer to this small Victorian cottage as Gandhi Ashram. Read more.

• Suggested Reading: Top Historical Places in Uttarakhand  

As you step inside the compound, a life-sized statue of Gandhiji welcomes you. Inside the ashram, you will find a small museum showcasing photographs and memorabilia related to Gandhiji’s life and his stay in Kausani. In every nook and cranny of this cottage, you will find imprints of what Gandhiji stood for, non-violence, self-reliance, and simplicity. Gandhiji’s teachings, quotes, and historic photographs are scattered across the cottage walls that will transport you into the bygone era.

Things to do at Anasakti Ashram:

From exploring history and pursuing meditation to hiring an accommodation for a few days, there’s a lot you can do here. It’s not for nothing that they call it one of the best places to visit in Kausani.

• Explore the Museum:

You can start by exploring the museum within the ashram. Here, the photographs and memorabilia related to Gandhiji’s stay give insights into his life, principles, and his time spent at the ashram.

• Meditate:

The calm and peaceful environment of the ashram provides an ideal setting for meditation and reflection. Sit quietly in the peaceful surroundings, and contemplate the teachings of Gandhiji.

• Enjoy Panoramic Vistas:

The ashram sits pretty on a hilltop, treating you to a 180-degree view of the snow-kissed Trisul, Nanda Devi, and Panchchuli Peaks. The views become surreal every time the sun rises and sets behind these peaks. Even the surrounding areas are also a feast for the eye.

• Attend Prayers:

If you are keen on religion, don’t miss the morning and evening prayers held in the ashram daily. As a fellow traveler, Ashish Verma told me, “These group prayers help me connect with the divine.”

• Hire Accommodation:

How about staying amidst history and culture? Well, you can choose one of the 24 rooms available for vacationers. The management will provide you with healthy vegetarian food and great service.

How to reach Anasakti Ashram? 

A fifteen minutes walk from the local bus stand, which is about 900 meters away, will take you to Anasakti Ashram. It’s on the road that leads to the Sumitranandan Pant Gallery. If the walk tires you, feel free to enjoy some tea, coffee, and other snacks in the small Chai Shop at the parking.

• Entry Fee: INR 10 per person
• Famous For: Mahatma Gandhi’s Historic Stay in 1929
• Best Time to Visit: January to June, September to October
• Visiting Hours: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, Daily
• Engagement Time: 1 to 2 hours
• Activities: Prayer, Historical and Cultural Tourism
• Location: 500 meters from Kausani Bus Stand
• Address: RJV3+CJ4, Kausani, Someshwar Range, Uttarakhand 263639

know more here.

5. Bajinath Temple

Baijnath is a small town on the Gomati river banks in the Bageshwar district in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand, India. The place is most noted for its ancient temples, which have been recognized as Monuments of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India in Uttarakhand.

Baijnath is one of the four places connected by the ‘Shiva Heritage Circuit’ in Kumaon, under the Swadesh Darshan Scheme of the Government of India. Baijnath, then known as Kartikeyapura, was the seat of the Katyuri kings who ruled over an area consisting of combined parts of Garhwal and Kumaun in the modern-day state of Uttarakhand, India, and Doti in Modern-day Nepal.

6. Places to Visit in Kausani: Rudradhari Falls

Head 12 kilometers on the Kausani-Almora road, and a natural wonder awaits to spell-bind you. Located in the Kantali Village, Rudradhari Falls stands as a shimmering gem amidst lush greenery and overwhelming serenity. The sight of water cascading down a rocky cliff and plunging into the natural pool below creates a mesmerizing play of light and shadows. the sheer magnificence of the waterfall makes it one of the best places to visit in Kausani for trekkers and nature lovers alike.

Things to Do at Rudradhari Falls:

You have the option to indulge in several delightful activities amidst the pristine surroundings.

• Witness the Waterfall:

Even though Rudrahari Falls isn’t the biggest waterfall, it’s spectacular nonetheless. Just spend time admiring the beauty of the cascading waters and the natural pool below, and you’ll feel elated and relaxed. Beware, its awe-inspiring charm and serenity might keep you hooked for hours.

• Trek Your Way Up:

The 2-km trek from the Kantali Village takes you through dense forests and picturesque terrains. As you meander along the trail, the cool breeze, chirping birds, and soothing sound of gushing water accompany you. That sets the tone for the enchanting encounter awaiting you. It is a moderately difficult trek, accomplishable in 90 minutes, depending on your pace and fitness levels.

• Explore Caves:

Over the years, several caves have been explored in this area. If time permits, you too can explore a few caves nearby the waterfall. However, it can be dangerous when doing it for the first time.

• Other Activities:

The area around the falls is an excellent spot for a picnic with family and friends. If you are a bird watcher, there are plenty of Himalayan avian species to discover in this area. Also, you can take a plunge into the fall’s shallow punch pool to beat the heat and refresh your senses.

Expert Tip:

You can hire a local tourist guide from the Kantali village for INR 300 to 400 to be on the safe side. Also, kids and the elderly should avoid the trek, as it involves steep inclines, rocky surfaces, and slippery stairs.

How to Reach Rudradhari Falls? 

The site is 12 kilometers away from Kausani on the Kausani-Almora Road. You need to travel 10 kilometers to be at the Kantali Village, preferably in a taxi, which costs around INR 800 to 1200. The remaining 2 kilometers shall be covered on foot while enjoying the scenic beauty around. You’ll find a tea stall in the Kantala Village just at the start of the trek, should you feel the need to eat.

You can also see this fall from a distance when trekking your way to Adi Kailash or Trishul Parvat.

• Entry Fee: Zero
• Best Time to Visit: January to June, September to October
• Engagement Time: 2 to 3 hours
• Activities: Prayer, Historical and Cultural Tourism
• Location: 12 Km from Kausani Bus Stand
• Address: RHX4+R95, Kantali, Someshwar Range, Uttarakhand 263656

7. Laxmi Ashram

Lakshmi Ashram, also known as the Sarla Ashram, was established in 1948 by Catherine Hillman, a Mahatma Gandhi disciple. A big admirer of Gandhi, Catherine left London in 1931 and joined Gandhi in his independence struggle. Later she adopted the name Sarlaben and founded the Ashram to educate the girls living in the Himalayan region.

In this ashram, girls are taught various skills, such as cooking, growing vegetables, and cleaning. This ashram is home to several orphan girls and women. The ashram’s main aim is to give Kumaoni women a safe place to live and teach them skills to lead independent life.

Catherine Hillman, a disciple of Mahatma Gandhi traveled all the way from London to Kausani to set up an educational institute for the rural girls here. Her foundation, Lakshmi Ashram continues to touch the lives of the rural folks since its inception in 1946. At present, the institute is providing basic education in line with Gandhiji’s vision of Nai Talim to about 50 girls, from class 1 to 12. As a side note, Catherine converted to Hinduism and adopted the name, Sarala Behn.

8. Dandeshwar Temple

Dandeeswarar Temple (Shri Dandeeswarar Temple) is a Shiva temple in Velachery, a Chennai suburb. The temple was built during the Pallava reign and was repaired and rebuilt during the Chola reign. The temple complex consists of the main temple complex and a tank and is 2 kilometers towards the east from Guru Nanak College on the Velachery main road. The HR & CE Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu administers the temple.

9. Rudradhari Mahadev Temple

Just next to the Rudradhari Falls is an ancient cave temple, Rudradhari Mahadev Temple. As the name says, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva like a majority of the temples in Uttarakhand. Why I created separate entries for two places to visit in Kausani sharing the same location? Well, the temple has a significance of its own. For devotees, it is the prime attraction, not the waterfall. So, before enjoying the waterfall and exploring the surroundings, step into this little temple to seek blessings.

Located along the banks of River Kosi, 2 km away from Kantali Village, the temple has a remote location. You can come here to pray, soak in the beauty of the region, seek solace, or even practice meditation. Like all cave temples, Rudradhari Mahadev Temple is carved into a natural cave, which serves as the backdrop for the temple. You will find the sanctum sanctorum in the inner chamber of the cave. While Lord Shiva is the temple’s main deity, Lord Vishnu is also worshipped here.

Speaking of the name, Rudradhari Mahadev Temple gets it from two prominent Hindu gods, Rudra (Lord Shiva) and Hari (Vishnu). As the legend goes, Lord Shiva revealed himself in a Raudra form to his ardent devotee, Bhairav Nath who resided in these mountains. For starters, Rudra is the most powerful and fierce manifestation of the Lord Shiva. The calm environment, thick pine forest, and lush terraced paddy fields add to the temple’s overall charm. It’s a rare mix of nature and spirituality.

How to Reach Rudradhari Falls? 

The site is 12 kilometers away from Kausani on the Kausani-Almora Road. You need to travel 10 kilometers to be at the Kantali Village, preferably in a taxi, which costs around INR 800 to 1200. The remaining 2 kilometers shall be covered on foot while enjoying the scenic beauty around. You’ll find a tea stall in the Kantala Village just at the start of the trek, should you feel the need to eat.

• Entry Fee: Zero
• Best Time to Visit: January to June, September to October
• Engagement Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Activities: Prayer, Historical and Cultural Tourism
• Location: 12 Km from Kausani Bus Stand
• Address: RHX4+R95, Kantali, Someshwar Range, Uttarakhand 263656

10. Pinnath

How about some serious trek into a beautiful remote village? If yes, then head straight to Pinnath, just 5 km away from Kausani. Situated at an altitude of 2,750 meters (9,022 feet) at the foothills of Gopalkot Peak, the village offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain ranges and lush green valleys. However, the prime attraction in Pinnath is a namesake temple, dedicated to Bhairon, a Vajrayāna deity worshiped by Hindus. It’s an important pilgrimage site for devotees in the region.

Overlooking the Kosi River, the Pinnath Temple has a unique, awe-inspiring architecture. It bears a conical shape with walls featuring images of kings and Pandavas. In the innermost chamber, you will find the statues of Mahadev and Shakti. The calm atmosphere, stunning vistas, and verdant surroundings make it an ideal destination for peace seekers and nature lovers. You can consider planning your trip during October when this little village comes alive with festival celebrations.

• Suggested Reading: The Festivals of Uttarakhand.

How to reach Pinnath? 

You have no option but to trek your way to this sleepy little village near Kausani. Depending on your pace and fitness levels, the 5 km trek can be completed in 2.30 hours. The steep inclines are few and far between and the trail is well-defined. So, the Pinnath trek is a safe bet even for beginners.

• Entry Fee: Zero
• Best Time to Visit: January to June, September to October
• Engagement Time: 2 minutes to 3 hours
• Activities: Prayer, Cultural and Village Tourism
• Location: 5 Km from Kausani
• Address: RGWR+798, Someshwar Range, Uttarakhand 263656 

Conclusion: