Top 8 Places to Visit in Kausani: Your Ultimate Guide to the Switzerland of India
Many people love to travel to famous hill stations like Nainital, Mussoorie, Shimla, or Manali. But often these places are too crowded, noisy, and full of tourists. Instead of peace, you face traffic jams and long waiting lines everywhere.
Imagine taking a holiday to relax, but ending up stuck in traffic or waiting in line just to see a view. You wanted peace, but all you got was stress. That doesn’t sound like a holiday, right?
Kausani is different. This small town in Uttarakhand is quiet, calm, and full of natural beauty. From here, you can see the Himalayan peaks shining like silver in the sun. It’s called the “Switzerland of India” for a reason. In this article, we’ll show you the best places to visit near Kausani, travel tips, and hidden gems that will make your trip memorable.
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Why Kausani Should Be on Your 2025 Travel List
Most hill stations today are too crowded. Nainital has traffic jams. Mussoorie has noise and busy markets. Kausani is different. Here, life is slow, calm, and full of natural beauty.
Mahatma Gandhi stayed in Kausani in 1929. He wrote his book Anasakti Yoga while watching the Himalayas from here. The town still feels the same today—green tea gardens, tall pine forests, and ancient temples.
Kausani is perfect for:
- Couples who want quiet mornings with a Himalayan sunrise.
- Families who want fresh air and easy treks.
- Nature lovers who enjoy birds, forests, and peace instead of noise.
👉 If you want real mountains with real peace, Kausani is a better choice than Nainital or Mussoorie in 2025.
Best 8 Places to Visit in Kausani
Kausani has something special for everyone. Let’s look at the best places to visit in Kausani.
1. Anashakti Ashram
This is the place where Mahatma Gandhi stayed in 1929. The ashram is also known as the Gandhi Ashram. It has a small museum, prayer hall, and library where you can learn more about Gandhiji’s life.
The best part is the balcony view. From here, you can see snow-covered peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. In the evening, when the sun sets behind the mountains, the view becomes magical. If you want peace and inspiration, this ashram is a must-visit.
2. Baijnath Temple & Bairaj Lake
About 16 km from Kausani, you’ll find the historic Baijnath Temple, built in the 12th century. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is famous for its stone carvings of gods and animals.
The temple stands on the banks of the Gomti River, but nearby there is also the beautiful Bairaj Lake. This lake is a great spot for families. Kids can enjoy boating and also see fish swimming in the clear water. The whole area has a very calm and divine feeling, making it perfect for both spirituality and leisure.
3. Kausani Tea Estate
Kausani is also known for its lush green tea gardens, spread over 200 hectares. You can take a walk inside the gardens, watch how tea is grown, and even try fresh tea. The cool breeze, green slopes, and mountain background make the walk very refreshing.
Don’t forget to buy fresh tea packets directly from the estate. The taste and aroma are so pure that you’ll always remember it when you sip at home.
4. Rudradhari Falls
If you enjoy nature and short treks, this is a perfect spot. The Rudradhari waterfall is surrounded by tall pine trees, and the sound of water makes the atmosphere very peaceful. The waterfall also flows into natural caves, which are linked to Lord Shiva.
The small trek leading to Rudradhari goes through green forests and small streams. It’s especially beautiful in the monsoon season, when the water flow is strong. Just make sure to wear comfortable shoes because the trail can be slippery.
5. Pinnath Trek
For adventure lovers, the Pinnath Trek is a must-do. This trek takes you to the Pinnath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple stands at an impressive height of 2,753 meters, and the trek is about 7 km from Kausani.
In springtime, the path is filled with rhododendron flowers, which locals use to make juice. The trek is especially popular during Purnima (full moon), when many local people visit the temple to pray.
Once you reach the top, the view of the Kumaon Himalayas from Pinnath is breathtaking. You can see the snow peaks shining under the sun, and the peaceful atmosphere makes the effort worth it.
6. Kausani Observatory
It provides a unique celestial experience for those interested in astronomy. Sitting in the fresh air of the Himalayas, the observatory offers exceptional visibility for observing the stars.
Visitors can use advanced telescopes to discover the wonders of the universe and admire the stars. Guided tours and expert commentary improve the experience, making it perfect for those wanting to discover the secrets of the universe.
7. Lakshmi Ashram
It is a relaxing sanctuary aimed at achieving spiritual awakening. They welcome guests to find their inner peace. Situated in the isolated setting of the Himalayas, the ashram provides an opportunity for meditation, yoga, and spiritual discussions.
You can participate in enriching discussions with resident monks and discover the relaxed environment of the ashram, encouraging an opportunity for self-reflection and rejuvenation.
8. Sumitranandan Pant Gallery
Kausani is also the birthplace of the great Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant. A small gallery here is dedicated to him. Inside, you can see his handwritten drafts, manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings.
If you are someone who loves Hindi literature or poetry, this place will inspire you. It’s a good reminder that Kausani is not just about natural beauty but also about cultural heritage.
Top Things to Do in Kausani
1. Watch Sunrise at the Himalaya Viewpoint
Kausani is also the birthplace of the great Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant. A small gallery here is dedicated to him. Inside, you can see his handwritten drafts, manuscripts, letters, and personal belongings.
If you are someone who loves Hindi literature or poetry, this place will inspire you. It’s a good reminder that Kausani is not just about natural beauty but also about cultural heritage.
2. Relax in Cozy Cafes
After your morning walk, sit back in one of Kausani’s cafés. The Pines & Pots Café is very popular here. You can sip hot coffee and just look at the mountains. The vibe is homely and warm, perfect for travelers who love slow, relaxing moments.
If you are someone who loves Hindi literature or poetry, this place will inspire you. It’s a good reminder that Kausani is not just about natural beauty but also about cultural heritage.
3. Buy Local Woollens
Kausani is also known for its handwoven wool products. Visit the Kausani Shawl Factory, where local women weave beautiful shawls, stoles, and pashmina. The designs are simple yet elegant, and buying from here also supports the local community.
4. Birdwatching in Kausani’s Forests
If you love nature, take a walk in the pine forests and open valleys around Kausani. The area is full of greenery and fresh air, and you can spot many birds like magpies, bulbuls, woodpeckers, and even Himalayan eagles.
5. Stargazing at Night
When the sun sets, the real magic begins. The night sky in Kausani is very clear because there is little pollution. Just lie down on the grass or sit on your hotel balcony and look up at the stars.
Weather in Kausani: Best Time to Visit
Every season feels different in Kausani.
- Summer (April–June): Pleasant (15–27°C). Best for treks, sightseeing, and tea estate visits.
- Monsoon (July–Sept): Forests turn lush green. Waterfalls are big. But roads may get blocked due to landslides.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): Clear skies, festivals, and the best Himalayan views.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Some years, Snowfall it’s totally depend on the weather. Perfect for honeymooners and snow lovers.
Tip: If your main goal is to see the Himalayan peaks, visit in October–November for the clearest skies.
Where to Stay in Kausani
Your trip experience depends a lot on where you stay. So you can stay at the Himalaya Mount View Resort:
- Rooms with balconies facing Trishul and Nanda Devi.
- Close to Anasakti Ashram and Tea Estate.
- Bonfire nights, tasty Kumaoni food, and friendly staff.
Other hotels often face pine trees or valleys. But at this resort, you wake up looking directly at the Himalayas. Many visitors say, “The sunrise from our balcony felt like a blessing.”
Offbeat places near Kausani
If you have some extra days in hand, you can plan short trips to nearby towns and hill stations. Each place has its own charm, culture, and things to do.
Ranikhet (59 km away): Ranikhet is a peaceful army town surrounded by pine forests. It is known for its clean and green environment, and you can even see army training grounds here. If you love playing or watching golf, there is a huge 9-hole golf course.
Almora (53 km away): Almora is one of the oldest towns in Kumaon, filled with history and culture. The town is famous for its ancient temples, like Nanda Devi Temple and Chitai Golu Devta Temple. Don’t miss walking through Lala Bazaar, a 200-year-old market where you can shop for woollen clothes and handicrafts. And yes, Almora is also the birthplace of the sweet Bal Mithai – a must-try if you have a sweet tooth!
Binsar (60 km away): Binsar is heaven for nature lovers. It has a wildlife sanctuary where you can spot barking deer, Himalayan black bears, and many colourful birds.
Chaukori (55 km away): Chaukori is a small village surrounded by tea gardens. It is perfect if you love quiet places. You can walk through green tea estates and see locals plucking tea leaves.
Yes, in many ways! While Nainital is beautiful, it is often crowded and commercialised. Kausani, on the other hand, is peaceful, less crowded, and offers wider Himalayan views.
For most people, 2–3 days in Kausani is enough to see the main spots like Gandhi Ashram, tea gardens, and Rudradhari waterfalls. But if you plan to explore nearby places like Ranikhet, Binsar, or Almora, then 4–5 days would be even better.
Kausani is mainly famous for three things:
Himalayan Views – the sunrise and sunset here are truly magical, with golden light falling on the snowy peaks.
Tea Gardens – you can visit and taste fresh local tea.
Anashakti Ashram (Gandhi Ashram) – where Mahatma Gandhi stayed and wrote about his experiences.
Yes! Over the years, Kausani has grown popular among travelers, so you will find some lovely cafés. The most popular one is Pines & Pots Café, which is loved for its cozy vibe, good food, and Himalayan views. You can enjoy coffee, snacks, or even a full meal while relaxing.
There are many hotels and homestays in Kausani, but if you want the best sunrise view, try staying at Himalaya Mount View Resort.