If Nainital is Kumaon’s lake, Kausani is its balcony onto the Himalaya — Mahatma Gandhi called it the “Switzerland of India”. Paired with the ancient temple town of Almora, it makes a rewarding two- or three-day loop from Nainital through some of Uttarakhand’s finest mountain scenery.
- Nainital → Kausani
- ~116 km, ~4 hours
- Nainital → Almora
- ~65 km
- Taxi from
- ₹4,500 (Kausani)
- Famous for
- Himalayan sunrise views, tea gardens
Kausani — the Himalayan panorama
Kausani is all about the view: a roughly 300-km sweep of snow peaks including Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchachuli, best at sunrise. Beyond the panorama, visit the Anasakti Ashram (Gandhi’s retreat), the Kausani tea estate, and the Baijnath temple complex on the way.
Almora — culture, temples and bazaars
Almora, spread along a horseshoe ridge, is the cultural heart of Kumaon. Wander the old Lala Bazaar, visit the Nanda Devi and Kasar Devi temples, and try the local bal mithai. Kasar Devi’s ridge has drawn artists and seekers for decades and has a famously serene atmosphere.
Suggested route and timing
A relaxed loop runs Nainital → Almora → Kausani → (optionally Baijnath/Bageshwar) → back. Kausani is about 116 km and 4 hours from Nainital; Almora sits conveniently midway at around 65 km. Two nights lets you catch a Kausani sunrise without rushing the drives.
Booking a private tour cab
The mountain roads reward an unhurried pace and frequent photo stops, which is exactly what a private cab allows. A one-way Nainital–Kausani cab starts from about ₹4,500; for the full loop we quote a fixed, all-inclusive package based on your nights and vehicle.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kausani from Nainital?
About 116 km, roughly a 4-hour drive, usually via Almora.
How many days for a Kausani and Almora tour?
Two to three days is ideal — enough for an Almora stop and a Kausani sunrise without rushing.