During Independence of India in 1947, Kausani was situated in the Almora District till 15 September 1997 after which Bageshwar district was carved out of Almora district.
Kausani is located 52 Km north of Almora, a major hill station and the historical capital of Kumaon Kingdom. Nearby Towns include Garur and Someshwar . It has an average elevation of 1,890 m (6,200 ft) above mean Sea Level. Kausani lies atop a ridge amidst dense pine trees overlooking Someshwar valley on one side and Garur and Katyuri valley on the other on Almora–Bageshwar–Didihat Highway. Kausani is a part of the Lesser Himalayas, a region watered by rivers like Kosi, Gomti and Ramganga. Their banks, known as seras, are highly fertile.
The town is very peaceful and one can enjoy the beautiful view of the Himalayas from almost any part of the Town. The lower part of the town has the local market and the upper part of the Town, where the Gandhi Ashram is situated is the place where most of the better Hotels are situated. The temperature is pleasant in the summer months and extremely cold in the winter seasons.
Kumaoni is spoken by majority; however, Hindi and Sanskrit are the official languages.
Many of Kausani’s men serve in the army – a phenomenon common in the northern hill towns of the country. The rest of the population depends on agriculture and allied activities, tourism and other small businesses for their livelihood. The local handloom factory produces shawls, woolen apparel and blankets. Besides handloom products, the factory sells other local artefacts and tea from Kausani’s tea estate. Kausani Tea Estate was established in 2000-2001 and produces 70,000 kg Tea.
The main attraction of the town is the majestic view of the Nanda Devi Range. This range can be viewed from most parts of the town. Other attractions are Gandhi Ashram, Girihas Uttaranchal Tea Pvt. Ltd, Shawl Factory, Baijnath Temples, Local Market.
An Indian Military Base is also situated in the uptown Kausani and the area is restricted to outsiders.
Some notable personalities who are linked with the town are –
Sumitranandan Pant (20 May 1900 – 28 December 1977) was born in Kausani Village. Mahatma Gandhi (2 October 1869 – 30 January 1948) stayed here for 14 days at the Anashakti Ashram, while scripting his book titled ‘Anashakti Yoga’.
Harish Bisht – Eastern Naval Command chief was born in Kausani Village.
