Kausani - The 'Switzerland of India'

The beautiful hill station of Kausani is located in Uttaranchal, India. It is just 53 km away from Almora which is another beautiful hill station of the state. Called the 'Switzerland of India' by none other than the 'Father of the Nation', Mahatma Gandhi, Kausani is the pride of the Himalayas.

An epitome of serenity and tranquility, and much famed for its pine trees covered valleys and the views of the snow covered peaks of the Himalayas, Kausani is honeymooners' paradise. From here, one can enjoy more than 300 km wide panoramic views of the Himalayas. The mesmerizing sight of the mountain peaks of the Trishul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli from Kausani takes one's breath away. Kausani is also much famous for its beautiful sunsets and sunrises.

The place is so beautiful that it compelled even Mahatma Gandhi to prolong his stay here. He was supposed to stay for just two days here but the idyllic and stunning Kausani enticed him to stay here for 12 days during which he wrote his book on Anasakti Yoga. The place where the 'Father of the Nation' stayed is the Anasakti Ashram that shows Kausani's association with the Mahatma.

Kausani is also associated with the name of the great poet laureate Sumitranandan Pant who was born here. The Pant Museum at Kausani is worth visiting. Lakshmi Ashram at Kausani is yet another attraction of the place and worth visiting. It is symbolic of women emancipation.

Then there is the famous Baijnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva which is just 25 km away from Kausani. This 1000-year old temple is located in pleasant surroundings and attracts people inspired by nature and religion. Mythology has it that the Goddess Parvati went to marry Lord Shiva from this place. The Nanda Devi Temple located 10 km away from Baijnath is yet another prominent attraction of the place. It offers wonderful views of the Himalayas and the pine covered valleys below.

Kausani is well connected by rail, road and air. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar which is 180 km away and the nearest rail head is at Kathgodam which is 142 km away. The best time to visit Kausani is October-November and February-March.

Wildlife Tourism in India

The Indian Wildlife has been varied as well as rich in nature. Indian land is almost 4% is covered by the forests where there are 90 national parks and 482 wildlife sanctuaries. There is the mix of species of the various origins. There is the huge number of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the country. According to the study India has about 60-70% of biodiversity of the whole world.

Our country is the home of the numerous mammals like Asian Elephants, Asiatic Lion, Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Indian Rhinoceros and Leopard that is associated with deities. Other Indian mammals like Wild Asian Water buffalo, Nilgai, Gaur and several species of the antelopes and deer. The dog family members like Indian Wolf, Golden jackal, Bengal Fox and Dhole or Wild Dogs which are vastly distributed over the place. Stripped Hyena, Macaques, Mongoose and Langurs are also find here in vast number.

Indian Wildlife has has the 'Wow' factor as it is having the varied biodiversity and the heritage that attracts the tourists and the visitors from all over the globe. Some of the famous National parks in India are Jim Corbett National Park (Uttaranchal), Bandhavgarh National Park and Kanha National Park in Madhya Pradesh, Gir National Park in Sasangir (Gujrat), Ranthambhor National Park in Sawai Madhopur which is having around 585 bird species. The Jim Corbett was the first National Park of the country which was established in the foothills of Himalayas.

There are certain famous and adventurous wildlife sanctuaries in the country such as:

Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan: It is known as the best bird sanctuary of the country. The Bharatpur Wildlife Sanctuary supports 300 species of birds and is spread over 29 sq kms.

Jim Corbett National Park: It has been located at the foothills of Himalayas. It is having the diverse variety of the flora and fauna. Basically it is famous for the Tigers, Leopards and Elephants. This national park has been established in the year 1936. About the flora of the Corbett it can be said that there are near about 110 species of trees, 50 mammal species, 580 species of birds, an 25 species of reptiles.

Gir National Park in Gujarat: It has been situated at the southwest peninsula of the Gujarat which is spreaded over 116 square mile of the state. The sanctuary has been made for the wild lions. The major wildlife attraction of the Gir National Park is the Leopard and it is known for the largest home for the Leopards.

Periyar National Park in Kerela: In the ranges of the western ghats in Kerela, Periyar National park is situated. It has been a home for the Tigers and Indian Elephants. The other major wildlife attractions of the Periyar National Park is the Gaur, Wild Pigs, Barking Dear, Sambar, Dole or Wild Indian Dog, Mouse Dear.

Manas National Park: Manas National Park or Manas Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at the foothills of Himalayas extended till the parts of Bhutan. The park has been home to the endangered species such as Assam Roofed Turtle, Golden Langur, Hispid Hare and Pygmy Hog. This wildlife sanctuary has been spread over 360 Sq km. It has been declared as the World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO and is basically situated in Assam, India.

Kaziranga National Park: Kaziranga National park is located in Assam. The park was declared as the highest Tiger reserve in the year 2006. The park has almost two-third highest density of the one horned rhinoceros. It has the vast number of the tall elephant grass, marshland and dense tropical moist broadleaf forest.

Kanha National Park: Located in Mandla and Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. Kanha National park is a home to the Royal Bengal Tigers, Sloth Bear, Leopards, Indian Wild Dogs and Barasingha. It has been established in the year 1955.