Only 8 kilometres away from Almora, Kasar Devi is a hushed hamlet situated in the silence of Kumaon hills. One of the best-hidden jewels of Uttarakhand, Kasar Devi village got its name from the namesake local deity, Kasar Devi.
A Devi temple in the village is a popular pilgrimage destination in the vicinity of Almora. The serenity exuberated at Kasar Devi is only superseded by the mind-blowing picturesque view of the hamlets, valleys and rivers.
Best Time To Visit Kasar Devi
If you love the freezing cold weather of the Himalayas, then it is best to visit Kasar Devi between November and February. The temperature here drops as low as 0-degree celsius. The weather is pleasant during summer and the temperature allows you to make the most of your trip to Almora.
The monsoon rains wash away the dirt and leave scenic lush green beauty behind. The monsoon season can be an option if you don’t mind carrying an umbrella around.
History Of Kasar Devi
Kasar Devi was the place where Swami Vivekanand visited and meditated and since then, the place became prominent among all kinds of travellers. Swami Vivekanand liked this place so much that he mentioned it in his writings.
Numerous foreign travellers got attracted to Kasar Devi after a Danish man called Alfred Sorenson or Sunyata Baba made this quaint hamlet his home. The Hippie Hill, also known as Crank’s Bridge became a popular attraction during the peak hippie era.
Major Attractions And Things To Do In Kasar Devi
1. Village Walk
A walk through the quaint Himalayan villages around Kasar Devi temple is a pleasuring and rejuvenating thing to do for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and have a peek inside the Uttarakhandi traditions and culture.
2. Bird Watching
The Kasar Devi temple is very close to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary which is an ideal spot for bird watching. Don’t forget to pack your binoculars to spot residential and migratory birds here.
3. Yoga & Meditation
Kasar Devi is away from all the hustle and bustle of a city that makes it an ideal place to do Yoga and meditation. The atmosphere here is so calm and serene and surrounded by lush greenery and snow-covered mountains make it one of the best places for spiritual awakening.
4. Deer Park
The Deer Park is located at Narayan Tiwari Dewai which is about 3 kilometres away from Almora. The park is surrounded by pine and oak forests that adds up a natural charm to it.
5. Bright End Corner
Bright End Corner is a beautiful spot located at a distance of 2 kilometres from the scenic Almora district. This natural paradise offers a mesmerising view of the sunset and sunrise.
How To Reach Kasar Devi
The Kasar Devi temple is well-connected by major cities and can be reached via local buses or private taxis. The nearest airport is Pantnagar in Dehradun and the nearest railway station is Kathgodam station.
By Air
The Pantnagar Airport of Dehradun is the nearest one to Kasar Devi which is 124 kilometres away. From the airport, travellers can easily board local buses or private taxis to Almora which is 8 kilometres away from Kasar Devi temple. The remaining distance can be covered by buses and cabs.
Here is a list of Indian cities from where flights are available To Reach Kasar Devi
By Train
The nearest railway head to Kasar Devi is Kathgodam Railway Station and it is at a distance of 88 kilometres from the temple. Local buses and private taxis run from the station to Almora on a daily basis.
By Road
The final destination, Kasar Devi is just 8 kilometres away from Almora, which is well-connected by major cities. The distance between the temple and Delhi is 373 kilometres, which can be covered via buses, taxis or private cars.
Travel Tip
Make sure that you carry something warm with you because temperatures can drop drastically if it rains. The region is hilly, make sure you bring comfortable hiking shoes. Book your accommodation in advance as there are not many options to stay. If you want to enjoy the authentic traditions of Uttarakhand then visit the temple during Kartik Purnima.