Originally this place was called Valna. Later it was called Kausani. According to historians the place where Kausani is situated, once there was a flourishing kingdom called Kartikyapur. The remains and ruins of this kingdom can still be seen here. Today Kausani has come up as a major family tourist destination. The sunrise over the peaks in Kausani are mesmerising. The different colours which appear as sunrise attracts tourists round the year. And they do not miss any chance capture these magical moments on camera films. Sunrise is best seen from Anashakti Ashram. Every morning many tourist come here to watch the Sun coming up over the peaks. And when first rays of light clears the darkness of night all areas get painted in different colours. And slowly sun appears over the horizon as a big red fireball.
When tourists come to Kumaon hills, they make it a point to visit Kausani. This is a place which attracts visitors automatically. Everywhere nature has blessed Kausani with immense beauty. From Kausani one can see an arc of peaks almost 300 kms in length. This adds to the grace of Kausani. Dense forests, enchanting greenery, full bloomed and colourful flowers, some great cloud formations all accompanied by a simple living style capture the mind of a tourist.
Kausani is also called the Switzerland of India. It is located in the lap of high mountains. This place is like a gem in Himalayas. On one side of Kausani flows river Kosi and other side is flanked by thunderous Gomti and in the middle is Pingnath Peak where Kausani is located.
Kausani is located at a height of 1890 meters. Influenced by the natural beauty and peaceful environment, Gandhi ji spend 12 days here in 1929. Here is he wrote "Anashakti Yoga". About this place Gandhiji is wrote in one of the papers '... I think astonishingly that leave aside the mountains and the peace here, nothing can match Kausani in the world. The health benefit which we derive from this place is not available to any of European nation...'. The place where Gandhiji stayed and wrote 'Anashakti Yoga' is called the Anashakti Ashram. This place has now been converted into study and research center. Here tourist come and stay. Right in middle of Ashram is a very courtyard. This Ashram is maintained by Uttar Pradesh Gandhi Smarak Trust.
KasaKausani
is also famous for trekking and camping. This area has got some of the
best treks in the world. The slopes of the Himalayas here are also good
for camping. Indeed Kausani is ideal for those who want to escape the
dust, heat and hustle bustle of cities. It is heaven for those who wish
to spend a quite holiday in the lap of nature.
SIGHTSEEING:
Pant Museum - Not far from Kausani bus stand is a very beautiful museum
dedicated to national poet Sumitra Nandan Pant. Sumitra Nandan Pant was
born in Kausani. This building in which the museum is located was the
place where he spend his childhood. His ancestral house has been converted
into the museum. The museum is managed by the state archeological department.
It has a good collection of the items which was used by Pantji in day
to day life. These include letters, poems and manuscripts etc.
Lakshmi Ashram - Just one kilometer from Anashakti Ashram is located a leading social service organisation. This organisation runs many developmental and welfare programmes for women. Sarla Ben, one of the disciples of Gandhiji, stayed here all along her life. From the Ashram are run many awakening and welfare programmes for women. Modern education and developmental activities are main features of this place. The whole Ashram itself is worth having a look.
EXCURSIONS:
Pinakeshwar
: This place
is 20 kms from Kausani. Set at an altitude of 9,500 ft., Pinakeshwar is
a very beautiful place in the mountains. There is a Shiva temple and beyond
the temple are spread deep beautiful valleys. This place is also good
for trekking. The area near Pinakeshwar are also worth giving a look.
Baijnath
Temple Complex : This temple complex is located 17 kms from Kausani.
Baijnath Temple complex has many historic ruins. The temples of Baijnath
group are decorated with some intricate and delicate carvings.
Pindari Glacier
: From Bageshwar a road takes to small village called Cafcote. Cafcote
is 25 kms from Bageshwar. From Cafcote further 16 kms takes to Loharkhet.
Previously there were no roads to this place but now a metalled road has
been constructed. From Lohargarh to Pindari Glacier one has to take a
trek of 35 kms.
Kafni
and Sunderdunga Glaciers : These two glaciers give ample opportunities
for people who love adventure. The Kafni and Sunderdunga glaciers promise
great adventure and thrills. Both these glaciers are located in different
directions from the Pindari glaciers. It is advisable to take an experienced
guide to show the trek and potters to carry load. Sunderdunga is famous
for beautiful stones. The way to Sunderdunga passes through Umla Jetly
village. The Dhakuri camp is 35 kms from here. For Kafni glacier one has
to cover a very difficult trek of 20 kms from Dwali camp.
Someshwar : 19 kms from Kausani is located the famous Shiva temple of Someshwar. This temple is located in a very beautiful valley. It is believed that the temple was built by the Kumaon ruler Somchand. Someshwar temple is built in Katyuri style of architecture.
Chaukori : About 75 kms from Kausani is place called Chaukori. From here one gets a very good view of the Himalayan peaks and ranges.
GETTING
THERE:
Kausani
can only be accessed by roads . There are regular services from Delhi,
Chandigarh, Lucknow, Nainital, Pant Nagar and Ranikhet etc. The nearest
railway station is that of Khatgodam which is 142 kms. Khatgodam is connected
with major cities in the nearby areas. There are trains to Khatgodam.
From here one has to take a taxi or bus to Kausani. The nearest airport
is that of Pant Nagar. Pant Nagar is 180 kms from Kausani. From Pant Nagar
one has to again take a taxi or bus to Kausani.
