The Switzerland of Uttarakhand - Kausani
Kausani is a village and a quaint hill station in the Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand. It is located at an elevation of 1890 meters above sea level. Kausani is also famous for its tea estate as it grows the best quality of tea leaves. This is a happy place for backpackers and a dreamland for writers. It is also the birthplace of Sumitra Nandan Pant the famous Hindi poet who wrote many poems. Kausani offers the best panoramic view of Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli peaks, it is a very fascinating place as it cradle under the sun and surrounded by the dark green hills. Mahatma Gandhi who is also called the Father of Nation also visited this place. He was so much mesmerized by the view of this place that he referred to Kausani as the “Switzerland of India”. The beauty of this place is enhanced when the snow-clad mountains turn into gold by the morning rays of the sun and turn red-orange when the evening ray of setting sun falls on snow. Kausani is considered a good winter destination as it also welcomes the new year full-heartedly. This place is located close to Delhi so it is considered as a good weekend destination and apart from that id offers activities like photography, birding, village walks and hiking for couples and honeymooners.
Kausani is referred to as “Valna” in the old days. Kausani is the place where Sumitra Nandan Pant took birth, who was the most celebrated Hindi poet. It is also believed that the Father of Nation, Mahatama Gandhi also visited this place and in his memory, Anashakti Ashram was built. While his stay in Kausani he penned his memorable commentary on “Gita-Anashakti yoga” which was inspired by scenic grandeur. He was so much allured by the beauty of this place that he referred to as the Switzerland of India.