Mahatma Gandhi is so omnipresent in India that you are sure to come across his statue, roads that carry his name, institutions, and whole towns and cities named after him wherever you go. Mahatma Gandhi left his mortal body in 1948, but his legacy survives in many forms across the length and breadth of the country. His footprints still linger in the most remote corners of the country. So it was that when we were travelling in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand and exploring some hidden gems, we came across the Anasakti Ashram Kausani.
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In The Mahatma’s Footsteps – Anasakti Ashram Kausani, Uttarakhand, India
The Anasakti Ashram in Kausani, Uttarakhand is not just another Ashram in the Mahatma’s name. It is the place where the Father of the nation stayed for about two weeks in the year 1929, much before India won its independence from the British on the 15th of August, 1947.
Kausani – Switzerland of India
The magical town of Kausani enchants with its beautiful vistas. It is known for its mesmerizing views of the Himalayan peaks Trisul, Nandadevi, and Panchachuli. The fairy tale town is a perfect honeymoon getaway. The beauty of Kausani so enthralled Mahatma Gandhi, that he called it the ‘Switzerland of India”.
Of course, the natural beauty of Kausani has you in thrall and literally hypnotizes you, but there are some other landmark attractions to visit when you are there. One, of course, is the Anasakti Ashram Kausani and the other is the birthplace of the romantic Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant.
Anasakti Ashram Kausani – History
The Anasakti Ashram Kausani also known as Gandhi Ashram Kausani has earned its place in history because of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit and stay. A simple and spartan place much in keeping with Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy, the place is where Mahatma Gandhi stayed for two weeks in the year 1929.
In the peaceful environs of the place, the Mahatma wrote his commentary on the Anasakti Yoga or the Yoga of non-attachment as described in the Bhagavad Gita. The Anasakti Ashram was established by his close associate and follower Sarla Behn who was born Catherine Marie Heilman. She is known for her deep influence on the evolution of the Chipko movement in the Himalayan region of Uttarakhand.
Anasakti Ashram Today
As you enter the precincts of the Anasakti Ashram in Kausani, what immediately strikes you is the serenity that envelops it. The spartan structure overlooks a valley which is embellished by deodar trees and orchards, a sea of green. In the distance can be seen the exquisite sight of the Himalayan peaks clad in snow. White clouds linger in the blue skies presenting a scene that looks more like a painting.
A black colored statue of the Mahatma stands underneath a canopy. Right behind are the figures of three monkeys, one of Mahatma Gandhi’s favorite metaphors that symbolize the act of not seeing, speaking, or listening to evil.
At the center of the Ashram is a small prayer hall which has pictures of the Mahatma as well as a Charkha. Prayers are held in this hall in the mornings and evenings. There is a small museum and a library with Gandhian literature. There is also a guest house in the Ashram premises where guests can stay and immerse themselves in the serenity of the place.
Another interesting thing to do is climb up on a small observation desk to see the Himalayan peaks in the distance. There is a small map that shows the different peaks that can be seen here.
In the Republic Day Parade of 2019 in Delhi, the theme was Mahatma Gandhi to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary year of the Mahatma. Among the 22 floats dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi from different states was one depicting the Anasakti Ashram Kausani by the state of Uttarakhand.
How To Get To Kausani
♠ Kausani is located in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand in the Kumaon region in the Bageshwar district
♠ Kausani is at a distance of about 410 kilometres from Delhi
♠ The nearest railway station to Kausani is Kathgodam at a distance of about 132 kilometres
♠ The nearest airport is about 162 kilometres away at Pantnagar
♠ Kausani is well connected by road with all major centres of Northern India
♠ Public transport or taxis can be used to reach Kausani either from Kathgodam or Pantnagar or from other cities
If you are planning a trip to Pantnagar or Delhi or Dehradun, you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here.
In And Around Kausani
Kausani is a beautiful destination to spend time in the lap of nature. However, there are many attractions in and around Kausani.
♠ Kausani was the birthplace of the famous Hindi poet Sumitranandan Pant and the place is now a small museum
♠ Lakshmi Ashram or Sarla Ashram founded by Sarla Behn is a basic education centre for girls
♠ Rudradhari Falls is an enchanting waterfall that one must visit when in Kausani
♠ Kausani tea estate is a sprawling one that spans a massive area of 208 hectares
♠ The 12th-century Baijnath Temple is located about 20 kilometres away
♠ The famous sun temple of Katarmal is located about 42 kilometres away
♠ The picturesque town of Ranikhet is located about 59 km away
Where To Stay In Kausani
There are many picturesque resorts, hotels, homestays, and guest houses to stay in Kausani. The KMVN TRH Kausani is a great place to stay. It has an awesome location with a ringside view of the Himalayan peaks of Trisul, Nandadevi, and Panchachuli. The wooden cottages are the best and provide the most spectacular of views.
You can book your hotel through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Makemytrip or Priceline conveniently right here!
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Have you been to Kausani or any other part of Kumaon? Have you visited the Gandhi Ashram in Kausani? We hope that this post will help you if you are planning a visit to Kausani. Do connect with us in case you need any further information.
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