Location:
Kumaon Region (Uttar Pradesh)
Altitude: 1890 m above Sea Level.
Originally Called: Valna
Best Time: September to April
THE ETHEREAL
TOWN
Located
53 km to the north of Almora, Kausani, is a picturesque hill station
famous for its scenic splendour and its spectacular 300 km-wide view
of the Himalayas. Snuggled amongst thick, dense pine forests, atop a
narrow ridge, the view of the snow covered Trishul and Nanda Devi is
so vivid that one gets a feeling of the snow being within touching
distance.
The ethereal
sunrise that Pithoragarh offers has attracted thousands of visitors to
this place time and again. Eulogized by poets and philosophers, this
scenic and beautiful spot has on offer something or the other for
every visitor from sightseeing, history, sport and pilgrimage to
complete relaxation all year round. In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi stayed
here at the Anashakti Ashram, and was greatly impressed by its
environs.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Ashrams
Anashakti
Ashram: It is located at a quiet place where the Father of the
Nation, Mahatma Gandhi spent some days. Set against the breathtaking
beauty of the Himalayas, this Ashram offers a good resting place for
travellers. It also has a magnificent library.
View of the
Nanda Devi Hill:
Some spectacular views of the hills exist and several snow-capped
peaks spanning a 300-km range can be seen from vantage-points around.
One of the best spots from which one can photograph the Nanda Devi
Range is the State Bungalow at Kausani. A particularly good time is
prior to sunrise when one can watch the sun slowly lighting up the
tips of the Nanda Devi Range
EXCURSIONS
Baijnath: (19 kms.) Situated on the banks of the Gomti River and
just below the Kausani Ridge is Baijnath, an important pilgrimage and
historic centre. A group of ancient temples dating back to the 12th
and 13th century, line the bank of the river, presenting a beautiful
sight. Their intricate carvings and stone work are simply
awe-inspiring.
Bageshwar:
(42 kms.) This important Shaivite centre stands at the confluence
of rivers Gomti and Saryu. The famous Baghnath temple built by King
Lakshmi Chand in 1602 AD, adorns the city. Not only temples but the
sacred confluence & famous Uttarayani Fair held annually in mid-
January, also make it a revered spot for pilgrims, who often equate it
to Varanasi, in divinity and sanctity.
Gwaldam: (48
KMS.) At an altitude of 1829 m, this typical small Himalayan town
surrounded by fruit orchards, is an ideal base for trekking to
Roopkund and Pindari glaciers (in Kumaon Himalayas).
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air: Nearest
airport is Pantnagar, 180 kms.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 142 kms.
Road: The hill station is well connected by road to all nearby
towns.
PLACES TO STAY
KMVN Tourist Bungalow.
Pine View Hotel.
Forest Rest House.
Himalayan Hotel.
Forest Rest House.
Hotel Krishna
Mount View, near Gandhi Ashram.
Sagar Hotel, State Bungalow Road.
