Kausani—often called “the Switzerland of India”—is a tranquil hill town in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Perched at 1,890 meters, this Himalayan paradise offers sweeping views of peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli, as well as peaceful forests, tea gardens, and crisp, clean air. Traveling from Mussoorie (in Garhwal) to Kausani (in Kumaon) is a classic Uttarakhand journey, blending winding hill roads, vibrant valleys, and glimpses of India’s colonial-era charm and natural grandeur. Here’s a thoroughly detailed, 1,000+ word guide to help you plan every aspect of your Mussoorie-to-Kausani adventure.
Distance and Overview
- Road Distance: Approximately 320–325 km (drive), with many sources reporting 323 km as average.
- Travel Time: About 5.5–7.5 hours by car/taxi without long breaks, typically 8–10 hours with meal stops and tourist halts.
- No direct trains or flights. All travel is by hill road, occasionally combined with a train/road option.
- Route Note: The journey traverses both Garhwal and Kumaon regions, passing through lush forests, river valleys, and famous cultural towns.
Main Route Options
1. By Road – Car, Taxi, or Self-Drive (Most Convenient and Flexible)
Recommended Route
- Mussoorie → Dehradun → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Najibabad → Kashipur → Almora → Kausani
- Key segments:
- Mussoorie–Dehradun: 34 km
- Dehradun–Haridwar: 55 km
- Haridwar–Najibabad: 110 km
- Najibabad–Kashipur: 85 km
- Kashipur–Almora: 90 km
- Almora–Kausani: 53 km
- Key segments:
- Alternative via Ramnagar (for Jim Corbett Park): A slightly longer route (adds ~20–30 km), but great if you wish to visit Corbett Tiger Reserve en route.
Road Details
- Drive Time: 5.5–7.5 hours in ideal conditions; plan for 8–10 hours to allow for rest stops, meals, and traffic.
- Road Type: Highways (NH307, NH9, NH109) and scenic mountain roads; mostly well-paved but narrow/curvy in hilly stretches.
Cab/Taxi Info
- Fares: ₹7,000–₹10,000 (one-way sedan), can go higher in peak season or for larger cars (SUVs), depending on operator and negotiation.
- Booking: Hire through Mussoorie or Dehradun taxi unions, online platforms, or directly from hotels.
- Local Advice: Negotiate a fixed price in advance; consider a round-trip bargain or overnight wait charges if returning the same day.
Why Choose Road?
- Door-to-door travel, flexible stops.
- Ideal for families, groups, and travelers who want maximum comfort or wish to explore towns en route (such as Haridwar, Corbett, Almora).
2. By Train + Road (Economical, Scenic, and Comfortable)
No direct train to Kausani—the nearest railhead is Kathgodam (approximately 140 km from Kausani).
Step-by-Step Itinerary
- Mussoorie to Dehradun: 34 km (taxi/bus, 1.5 hours)
- Dehradun to Kathgodam (train): Several direct trains, including overnight and day services. Approx. 7.5–8 hours.
- Kathgodam to Kausani: 140 km by taxi or bus (4–5 hours, hilly drive).
Train Details
- Trains: Shatabdi, Jan Shatabdi, or Naini Doon Jan Shatabdi run between Dehradun and Kathgodam several times weekly.
- Fares: Sleeper ₹ 200–₹ 400; 3rd AC ₹ 450–₹ 1,300.
- Booking: Advanced booking is recommended during peak summer, festivals, or holidays.
Road Transfer Kathgodam–Kausani
- Regular UTC buses and shared jeeps ply this route, especially morning/early afternoon.
- Private taxis available at Kathgodam station (₹ 2,200–₹ 3,800).
Why Choose This Route?
- Overnight train means restful travel, and you wake near the Kumaon hills.
- Flexible for solo travelers, budget tourists, and those combining Kausani with Nainital/Bhimtal/Ranikhet trips.
3. By Bus (Budget Option for Backpackers or Solo Travelers)
- No direct Mussoorie–Kausani bus. Instead, reach Dehradun/Haridwar by local bus, then take a state or private bus to Almora or Kausani.
- Buses from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Almora are frequent; from Almora, Kausani is <2 hours by connecting bus or jeep.
Travel Time
- Budget 10–14 hours with all transfers and possible layovers.
- Fares: ₹600–₹1,200 total, split across segments.
Tips
- Prefer early morning buses for best connections and daylight arrival in Kausani.
- Book tickets on UTC/UPSRTC portals or local agents.
What to See En Route
- Haridwar/Rishikesh: Spiritual ghats, temples, and yoga ashrams.
- Jim Corbett National Park (if detour): World-famous for tigers, elephants, and birdlife.
- Almora: Markets, banyan trees, Kumaoni crafts.
- Tea Estates: Near Kausani, world-renowned for their flavor and setting.
- Rivers: Ganga, Ramganga, Kosi; cross iconic bridges, picnic on riverbanks.
- Scenic Vistas: Terraced fields, pine forests, and panoramic hill views, especially as you ascend from Almora to Kausani.
Local & Practical Tips
- Start early: For comfortable hill driving and stunning morning views.
- Pack snacks, water, and cash: Small shops dot the route, but meals/stops may be far apart.
- Weather: Carry a light jacket/sweater (even in summer), raincoat/umbrella (monsoon), and warm clothing (autumn/winter).
- Accommodations: Pre-book in Kausani during peak season; options range from family-run guesthouses to luxury boutique hotels.
- ATM and Fuel: Available in major towns (Almora, Ranikhet, Kathgodam) but limited in upper hills.
- Motion sickness: Carry medication for winding roads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can the journey be done in one day?
A: Yes, with an early start, you can reach Kausani by dusk via car/taxi. With train+road, plan one overnight segment.
Q: Cheapest way to travel?
A: Bus segments (via Dehradun/Haridwar/Rishikesh to Almora) plus local bus/jeep to Kausani.
Q: Is the route safe in monsoon/winter?
A: Roads are good but can be slow during monsoon due to possible landslides. Autumn is ideal; winter can bring frost, but roads usually remain open.
Q: Can I hire a car in Mussoorie for the full route?
A: Yes, local taxi unions offer full-route bookings; clarify all costs, especially for overnight or return trips.
Q: Is this journey family-friendly?
A: Absolutely; taxis and even buses are used frequently by families and groups.
Sample Daywise Itinerary
| Day | Details |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mussoorie → Dehradun → Haridwar/Rishikesh (rest or sightsee) |
| Day 2 | Haridwar/Rishikesh → Kashipur → Almora → Kausani |
| (Private taxi, bus + taxi, or bus + jeep) |
Or by train:
| Day | Details |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Mussoorie → Dehradun (evening train to Kathgodam, overnight) |
| Day 2 | Kathgodam → Kausani by taxi/bus; explore tea gardens, sunset |
Must-Do in Kausani
- Anasakti (Gandhi) Ashram: Stay or visit this tranquil heritage site where Gandhi wrote “Anasakti Yoga.”
- Kausani Tea Estate: Walk among the tea bushes and taste local brews.
- Panoramic Viewpoints: Sunrise and sunset spots with views of Nanda Devi and Trishul.
- Rudradhari Falls & Caves: Day hike for nature lovers and picnickers.
- Baijnath Temple: Riverside stone temple complex, about 17 km from Kausani.
Quick Reference Table
| Segment | Distance (km) | Time (hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Mussoorie to Dehradun | 34 | 1.5–2 |
| Dehradun to Haridwar | 55 | 1.5 |
| Haridwar to Almora | ~195 | 5–6 |
| Almora to Kausani | 53 | 2 |
| Total | 320–325 | 8–10 (road) |
Conclusion
The journey from Mussoorie to Kausani is a splendid trans-Uttarakhand adventure—linking the misty strolls of Garhwal’s colonial hills with the sweeping pine vistas and Himalayan grandeur of Kumaon. With flexible taxi and train options, and plenty of scenic stops along the way, this route suits every kind of traveler. Pack for hill weather, book ahead, and prepare for a rewarding escape—from the Queen of Hills to the Switzerland of India.
