KHIRSU

Window to the snow-crested Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nandakot and Panchchuli peaks, there are very few places in the Himalayas whose beauty can be compared to that of Kausani - a picturesque hill station famous for its scenic splendor and its spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of the Himalayas.

With a total area of 5.2 sq. km, situated at a height of 1890 m above sea level, located 51 km north of Almora, Kausani is the birthplace of famous Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant, who wrote some of his memorable poems in praise of this paradise on earth. In 1929, Mahatma Gandhi stayed here for 14 days at the Anasakti Ashram while scripting his book titled 'Anasakti Yoga' and was greatly impressed by its environs.The town is accessible all year round. For those who wish to avoid the cold, the best season is between April to June and again between September to November. Summer months will require light woollen clothing and winter- heavy woollen clothes.

Being at Khirsu needs a different mindset. This place makes you introspective, closer to your natural self. Leaving behind your city life, your urban existence like a mere slough, get yourself immersed completely, into the serene surrounding.

Even on a sunny day one can't see the sky above, as one descends through the thick forests of Pine, Oak and Deodars, past elegant pathways covered with bright green moss and fascinating growth of fern. You will pass through an unknown world amidst numerous apple trees, bunches of Mushrooms grown in the dark underneath, refresh your mind with the fragrances of nameless wild flowers and exotic herbs, listen to the songs of the nature, accompanied by chirping birds.

It's an experience, exclusively yours, because Khirsu never sees a multitude of visitors. When you reach the top, you get a breathtaking view of the Himalayan range. As if a conjured world surrounding you, is putting you into a philosophical trance, concentrating on yourself and your space in the universe.

BEST TIME TO VISIT
The town of Khirsu has three seasons – summer, winter and monsoon. The climate that the town of Khirsu experiences is sub tropical, where summers are warm and not too hot and winters are cold. The best time to visit the town of Khirsu would be during the summer months, when people normally flock to Khirsu in order to escape the heat experienced in the mainland.

Summers in the town of Khirsu run through the months of April, May and June, and these three months will experience a maximum temperature of around forty five degrees (45°C) and a minimum temperature of around twenty nine degrees (29°C). This is a good time to visit the hill station.

The monsoon months of July, August and September experience moderate rainfall, and this is not an ideal time to visit Khirsu as your travel around the town will be affected due to rains.

Winters in the town of Khirsu normally extend through the months of October, November, December and January. These months will experience a maximum temperature of around twenty five degrees (25°C) and a minimum temperature of around zero degrees (0°C). The early winter months are also a good time to visit Khirsu.