Things to Do in Kausani

Baijanath remained the center of rule for the Katyuri dynasty who ruled during the period of seventh to eleventh century AD. It was then known as Kartikeyapura and a temple was built on the confluence of River Gomtiand Garur Ganga. According to Hindu mythology, it was the place where Lord Shiva and Parvati were married. The temple complex has idols of Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Kuber, Chandika, Surya and Brahma. The idols are all carved out of stone and the idol of Parvati is etched out of a single stone. It is believed that the temple was built in one night by Katyuri kings. There is also a beautiful artificial lake constructed in the temple premises.

Trivia- there is a rock in the temple premises. It is said that nine people can lift the rock using only one finger each! The temple also houses all sizes of bells hanging at the entrance.

These serene falls present a breathtaking view of the water gushing down into the river channel downwards. The falls are adorned by the thick green paddy fields and there is a Someshwar temple of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu nearby. You will also find intriguing caves near the waterfall. Pack a picnic basket and have a fun picnic with your loved ones.

Lakshmi ashram was founded by Catherine Mary Heilman, one of the Gandhian reformists and revolutionaries who later on rechristened and became famous as SarlaBehn. This ashram is a shelter home for orphan children and widows. Along with providing the basic education to the children, they are also trained in weaving, handcraft, cultivating vegetables and other such skills to empower them. These residents get to sell their handmade items in the Kausani market which helps them to expose their talent as well as earn some money.

Kausani tea estate is situated 5 kilometers away from the hotels and resorts in the hill station and is a must visit for all the nature lovers. The serenity of the gardens in the backdrop of the mountains enhances the experience. A tea factory is set up in the garden and the officials give a free guided tour to their visitors. A brewery is situated within the estate premises. They sell some of their handpicked tea.

Gwaldham is a small town and another hill station situated at 39.5 Kilometers from Kausani amidst the lush green borders of Garwhal and Kumaon. The place has a historical antiquity of being the battle ground and base camp of military troops of the Kumaoni kings followed by the rule of Katyuri kings. During the 1960s the place became a base for ITBP troops and became the training ground for the SSB army in the 1970s. The valley also has a Budhha Math, a skiing zone and ruins of old temples and forts of the monarchs. This unexplored dale has sights for visiting including

• Buddhist Khamba Temple
• Badhangarhi
• Gwalnaag
• Machhi Tal
• Angora Farm

Spot light : An unclaimed box is situated near the town since the British period and nobody knows what lies within!

Anasakti ashram has its history dating back to Mahatma Gandhi’s stay of two weeks where he exercised and wrote a treatise on Anasakti yoga. The place is dedicated in his memory and is conjoined with a study and a research center which exhibits the life story of Gandhi, his discourses to the people and the period of India’s struggle for freedom through photographs. Accommodation is offered on request and on prior booking. Tourists who avail for accommodation are provided with library for reading and a kitchen for cooking their own meals.

Dr. Sumitranandan Pant Museum is situated 650 meters away from Kausani and is the birth place of the famous Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant. He was an avid nature lover and many of his poems are written in praise of the magnanimous beauty of Kausani. The museum showcases all the works of the poet in hand written form. It also has a library with books of Pant as well as of other writers in Hindi and English. Every year a literary meet is organized and poets and art lovers from all parts of the world gather to this place commemorating the birth anniversary of this versatile Indian poet.