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.
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.
Kausani 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.
Places to see:
Pant Museum - Pant Museum
is 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.
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.
Bageshwar : Situated some
39 kms from Kausani, Bageshwar is one of the important
places in Kumaon hills. This place is located at a place
where river Saryu and Gomti meet. This whole place is dotted with
temples. There are two ponds, Suryakund and Agnikund, which are
very famous. Every year in January a fair, Uttaryani, is organised
here.
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.
Then there are treks to glaciers
which are really full of adventure.
Some well known trekking routes
are:
Kasauni - Pinakeshwar
Kasauni - Garud valley - Baijnath Dham
Kasauni - Garud valley - Baijnath Dham - Gwaldam
Kasauni - Chanuda - Someshwar
Kasauni - Pindari Glacier
Kasauni - Kafni and Sunderdunga Glaciers
