Kasar Devi is a little village nestled in the peaceful Kumaon highlands of Uttarakhand. Uttarakhand is noted for its many unexpected gems and stunning vista. Kasar Devi is no exception. The local goddess Kasar Devi presides over a temple in town, and it is from her that the city takes its name. There is a sacred temple devoted to the goddess Devi located which is not very far from the city of Almora.
The town got its name from the temple dedicated to the local deity of the same name. The temple itself was constructed in the 2nd century CE. During the 1890s, several western seekers, including Swami Vivekananda, Sunyata Baba Alfred Sorensen, and Lama Anagarika Govinda, made the journey to Kasar Devi on pilgrimage. Crank’s Ridge, situated on the outskirts of the village, is also a significant tourist attraction. Crank’s Ridge was a mecca for hippies in the ’60s and ’70s, and it still attracts hikers and tourists today. On Kartik Poornima, the temple hosts an annual fair dedicated to the goddess Kasar Devi (November–December).
Best time to visit Kasar Devi
The months after the monsoon season, the spring and summer, are the best time to visit if you want to get the most out of your trip. As a bonus, planning a trip around the Kasar Devi festival is a great idea. Between the winter, snow is possible anytime, although it is more likely to occur in December and January. During the hottest part of summer, temperatures average 25 degrees, while winter lows seldom drop below 9 degrees. The weather is mild and comfortable throughout the summer. Climate-wise, the spring months of March through May are similar to the autumn months of September through November in that they are chilly and temperate. It’s tough to go around the hills during the rain since the roads are usually in bad shape.
Things to do in Kasar Devi
Kasar Devi is not only a charming village but also a fantastic base for exploring the region’s beautiful landscapes. Here’s a rundown of some of the attractions and activities in the area:
The Temple of Kasar Devi
This temple, a shrine to Kasar Devi, is mainly responsible for giving the neighbourhood its name. It was in the second century CE that construction began on the temple. From the entrance on the main road, you may take a winding walk up to the peak of the hamlet, where you’ll find the temple. One can see Almora and the Hawalbagh Valley from the temple, as well as a panoramic vision of the Himalayas that runs from Bandarpunch peak on the border of Himachal Pradesh to Api Himal in Nepal.
Experiencing the Fair of Kasar Devi
On Kartik Poornima, the full moon between November and December on the Hindu calendar, the temple celebrates with a major event known as the Kasar Devi Fair.
Examining the Neighborhood
One of my favourite things is to explore the neighbourhood and see how the locals in the hills live. In little towns like Kasar Devi, we get to unwind and experience local life for what it is, and we make the most of it. In particular, nature lovers will rejoice at the sight of the vast, verdant forests. Beyond that, you’ll learn more about the customs and lifestyles typical in Uttarakhand.
Looking at Birds
Those interested in witnessing exotic animals and birds around the globe can find the Binsar. Wildlife Sanctuary not far from Kasar Devi. A decent pair of binoculars is required to view the majority of the resident and migratory birds that pass by the Sanctuary throughout the year.
Places to visit in Kasar Devi
Observe the setting sun from atop the Ridge
If you go to the Kasar Devi Temple in the evening, you can observe many automobiles and scooters parked close to the ridge. This is very noticeable. You must take advantage of that view since the location allows visitors to see some of the most breathtaking sunsets.
Spend some time strolling in the Binsar Forest
Within half an hour or less, you’ll arrive in a haven that has been unspoiled over the years and is now covered with oak, rhododendron, and pine trees. And if the weather cooperates, you could even catch a glimpse of the mighty Himalayas covered in snow. You may take in the breathtaking panoramas by walking to zero point, which is around 1.5 kilometres away from the
beginning place. Even if there are various resorts inside the sanctuary where you may stay and choose to go on safaris, you must return by six o’clock.
Martola
A trip to Martola in the Himalayas makes for an ideal escape for the whole family. This location is roughly 10 kilometres outside the city centre and is situated on the summit of a hill. From here, visitors may enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the city set against the Himalayas. Even if you are alone during your trip, you will find that this location offers a beautiful respite from
crowded city streets and other popular tourist destinations.
Perform Yoga
In addition to meditation centres, ashrams, and yoga centres, the town has several ashrams. Yoga at Kasar Devi would help them feel better than any other activity.
Interesting Facts
Kasar Devi is a quant little town which holds a lot of religious and spiritual prestige in India. It is significant place for reviving spirituality and is the home of Goddess Kasar Devi.
The location around Crank’s Ridge
Pine trees dot this hill, which was formerly Kumaon’s capital. This hill was a retreat for bohemian artists, writers, poets, and people seeking enlightenment in the 1920s and 1930s. Swami Vivekananda, a Hindu monk, came to this area in the second part of the 19th century to meditate. Soon after his visit, this ridge became well-known across the area. Tim Leary, Bob Dylan, D.H. Lawrence, Cat Stevens, Alfred Sorensen, George Harrison, Jawaharlal Nehru, Allen Ginsberg, Richard Alpert, and many more famous artists and authors gathered here in the 1960s. D.H. Lawrence, a significant personality in the counterculture era, was one of the guests.
NASA made a shocking and unexpected discovery.
Kasar Devi is a well-known pilgrimage destination in India and a vital hippy path that attracts many well-known individuals who go undercover. Located on the Van Allen belt’s geomagnetic field, where intense and highly charged particles from the solar winds congregate, it is at risk from these conditions. The ancient monuments of Stonehenge and Machu Picchu are both located on this belt found by NASA. Those who have taken the time to meditate here have reported feeling refreshed and revitalized.
A Shakti Peeth
Kasar Devi is one of the 108 Shakti Peeth in India. Goddess Kali is worshipped along with Goddesses Laxmi and Saraswati, her sisters.
How to reach Kasar Devi?
The distance between Delhi and Kasar Devi, including stops at Moradabad and Bilaspur, is 373 kilometres. It is easy to get there by car, but you may also fly or take the train for most of the journey. Here’s a travel itinerary to assist you in travelling more efficiently:
By air: If you’re planning on flying, the nearest airport is at Pantnagar, which is 124 kilometres away. You may get a cab at Almora and visit Kasar Devi. Or, take a bus from Pantnagar to Almora and then, once you are there, get a taxi for the last eight kilometres.
By train: The nearest railhead to Kasar Devi is Kathgodam, 88 kilometres away. Taxis and buses leave Kathgodam towards Almora regularly. You may get to Kathgodam by the Ranikhet Express or the Sampark Kranti Express, which runs often.
By road: Almora has robust connectivity to the major cities of northern India through roads that are adequate for motor vehicles. Buses for both Kathgodam and Almora runs from the ISBT Anand Vihar terminal in Delhi. Taxis, shared taxis, and local buses are available within the Kumaon region, making Almora a convenient destination.
Accommodation
The quaint little temple town of Kasar Devi has several hotels and backpacking hostels. If you are planning a peaceful getaway with friends or solo, here’s a place for exactly that.
goSTOPS Kasar Devi
goSTOPS Kasar Devi is a vibrant, picturesque hostel surrounded by pines and deodars. From hammocks on the lawn to foosball tables in the common areas, this is one of our most loved, celebrated hostels. We have spacious, airy dormitories with not more than 4 to 6 beds each. There are also private rooms with single beds and double beds. Accommodation starts at as low as INR 500. You will also enjoy amenities like running hot water, a parking area, WiFi, Laundry, Clean Towels, indoor games, a luggage room, lockers, etc. You will love the beautiful mountain view from the hostel.
Conclusion
Formerly known as the Hippie Hill of Uttarakhand, Kasar Devi now offers various attractions. Its gorgeous scenery and relative quiet made it a favourite among peaceniks in the 1970s. Heading to Kasar Devi, you’ll find that the hills are plenty of tranquil spots. It is perfect for your next workation or even a weekend getaway. You can also experience snowfall here in the peak winters. If you are visiting this town, all the temples, the Swami Vivekanand House and the Zero Point have to be on your bucket list. Are you planning a trip soon? Let us know in the comments.
