Last Updated on December 27, 2024
Nestled among the lush green, verdant Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, at a comfortable distance of 8 km from Almora district, Kasar Devi is one of the most unique spiritual and healing centers in India. With the presiding deity being Kasar Devi, this popular pilgrimage destination is not only known all over the world for its one-of-a-kind rejuvenating powers but is also an oasis for nature lovers, offering panoramic and breathtaking vistas of its magnificent surroundings. The unmatched exuberance and majestic grandeur of this temple’s location set it apart from the rest.
Kasar Devi can be visited for its quiet, calm, and captivating surroundings, which have attracted numerous tourists from across the globe, including some of the most prominent and popular individuals. This secluded hamlet is also frequented by hippies and backpackers seeking spirituality. One can savor some of the most enchantingly beautiful views of the Almora Valley while meditating on the hillside. Kasar Devi has remained one of the prime sites for yoga, meditation, and spirituality due to its positioning on the Allen Van Belt, which results in a deeply exhilarating experience.
Interesting Facts About Kasar Devi:
Crank’s Ridge
Also known as Hippie Hill, this ridge is a pine-covered ancient capital of Kumaon. During the 1920s and 1930s, this ridge became a safe oasis for bohemian artists, writers, poets, and seekers of spirituality. The popularity of this ridge began with a visit from Swami Vivekananda, who came to meditate in this spiritual hub during the late 19th century. In the 1960s, a number of notable artists and writers flocked to this place, including counter-culture personalities like Timothy Leary, Bob Dylan, D.H. Lawrence, Cat Stevens, Alfred Sorensen, George Harrison, Jawaharlal Nehru, Allen Ginsberg, Richard Alpert, and several others.
Surprising discovery at Kasar Devi made by NASA
Kasar Devi is not one of the typical tourist destinations; it is also one of the prime hippie trails in India, frequented by numerous celebrities in incognito mode. It is located on the geomagnetic field of the Van Allen Belt – a zone of intense and energetically charged particles originating from solar winds. This area was researched by NASA, and the same belt lies over other iconic heritage sites like Machu Picchu and Stonehenge. People who have meditated here are said to have experienced a higher degree of rejuvenation.
Sightseeing Places & Things to Do Near Kasar Devi Temple
Visit Kasar Devi Temple
This high-altitude temple, dedicated to Goddess Kasar Devi, attracts a throng of pilgrims and travelers from across the globe who want to experience an extremely rejuvenating and refreshing experience. It is also advised to plan your visit during Kartik Purnima, when a fair is held at the temple to mark the occasion.
Visit Crank’s Ridge
Popular for being one of the most sought-after hippie trails in India, Crank’s Ridge has been visited by numerous famous personalities of the bygone era, including a number of musicians, writers, mystics, saints, philosophers, and spiritual leaders.
Opt for Mediation
Kasar Devi is known for its highly zen and deeply rejuvenating effects on people who perform meditation here. The entire region is dotted with numerous ashrams and meditation centers, attracting a number of tourists, travelers, and peace seekers.
Perform Yoga
Along with innumerable meditation centers and ashrams, Kasar Devi is also home to several yoga centers which guarantee a refreshing experience. It is believed that performing yoga at Kasar Devi will offer an unparalleled rejuvenating experience compared to practicing it anywhere else.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Lined by thick and tall rhododendrons, oaks, and pine trees, a visit to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is an oasis for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts. It is also a paradise for bird watchers, who can spot various colors and species of birds. All this, combined with fresh and unpolluted air, will definitely make your visit a worthwhile experience.
How to Reach Kasar Devi:
- By Air: The closest airport leading up to Kasar Devi is located at Pantnagar, which is 124 km away. Visitors can hire a taxi or book a cab to Kasar Devi via Almora, which is situated 8 km from Kasar Devi. There are also numerous buses and shared cabs available that cover the Pantnagar to Almora route.
- By Rail: Kathgodam is the closest railway station to Kasar Devi, located 88 km from the temple. There are numerous taxis and buses that connect Kathgodam to Almora on a daily basis. The most readily available trains from Kathgodam are the Ranikhet Express and Sampark Kranti.
- By Road: Kasar Devi is located just 8 km from Almora, which is well connected by a network of motorable roads from all the major towns and cities.
Weather Conditions in Kasar Devi
- Summer: From March to June, the weather is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures ranging between 20°C and 25°C. This period attracts a throng of tourists from nearby cities, making it one of the most popular weekend getaway destinations.
- Monsoon: The rainy season at Kasar Devi lasts from June to September, during which the mountains are susceptible to unpredictable landslides. However, if you visit during this time, outdoor activities are highly discouraged. This is also the best time to experience the Himalayan monsoons, which may prove to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
- Winter: The winter months, from November to February, bring extremely cold and frigid weather, with temperatures ranging between 6°C and 11°C. If you want to experience the chilly Himalayan winter, you can visit Kasar Devi during these months. The conditions are also occasionally wet.
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