Photo spot in Kausani
Anasakti Ashram
Kausani, Uttarakhand
The hilltop ashram where Gandhi stayed in 1929 and wrote his commentary on the Anasakti Yoga — a simple, serene retreat with a small museum and grand peak views.
Best time
Early morning, when the peaks are clear behind the white building; late afternoon for soft light in the garden.
Best angle
Stand in the garden with your back to the ridge and take a photo of the white ashram building with the snow peaks rising behind it.
Entry fee
Free
Opening hours
6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Crowd level
Low
Best outfit colors
Overview
Best time to visit Anasakti Ashram
Early morning, when the peaks are clear behind the white building; late afternoon for soft light in the garden. Crowds here are typically low. Arrive a little early to claim your angle and catch the softest light before the day tips over.
Poses & angles
Photo tips for Anasakti Ashram
Stand in the garden with your back to the ridge and take a photo of the white ashram building with the snow peaks rising behind it. Work a few of the pose ideas below, shoot wide for context and tight for detail, and give yourself a couple of extra minutes to get the frame right.
At the ashram terrace
By the prayer hall
Outfit guide
What to wear at Anasakti Ashram
For photos at Anasakti Ashram, white, cream and khadi beige work beautifully — they stand out against the setting without fighting it. Pick one hero colour and keep the rest of the look calm so you stay the subject of the frame.
Best outfit colors for photos
Trending wear for this spot
Popular modern looks travellers are wearing across Kausani.
Traditional wear for this spot
Timeless, cultural looks that suit Anasakti Ashram.
Eat nearby
Food near Anasakti Ashram
Round out the visit with something to eat. Look for aloo ke gutke nearby, or settle in at one of the 1 restaurants close by.
Special dishes to try
Restaurants & food places nearby
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Good to know
Local tips
Come early in the morning for the clearest view of the peaks from the garden.
Ask at the office for the day's prayer time and sit in quietly at the back.
Keep your voice low and your phone on silent inside the museum and prayer hall.
Book the ashram's simple rooms well ahead for October and the summer holidays.
Do not bring alcohol, cigarettes or meat into the ashram.
Walk on to the Sumitranandan Pant museum nearby for a second short stop.
Ask before photographing people during prayers.
Gandhi's two weeks in Kausani
In June 1929, during a tour of Kumaon, Mahatma Gandhi stopped in Kausani to rest. He had planned a short stay, but he liked the place so much that he stayed about two weeks. During that time he worked on his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, published as Anasakti Yoga, the yoga of non-attachment. He is widely quoted as calling Kausani the "Switzerland of India", the phrase the town still uses.
The ashram today
The bungalow where he stayed was later turned into the Anasakti Ashram, named after that book. It is a simple, whitewashed building on the ridge, with a garden and an open view of the snow peaks to the north. It is run as a Gandhian ashram rather than a tourist site, and the mood is quiet.
The museum and prayer hall
A small museum inside shows photographs from Gandhi's stay, some of his writings and a few simple belongings. Morning and evening prayers are held in the prayer hall, and visitors may join or sit quietly at the back. Timings vary with the season, so ask at the office.
Staying here
The ashram has a few basic rooms that visitors can book, with shared meals. Expect simple furniture and early nights. Alcohol, smoking and meat are not in keeping with the place. Book ahead in October and the summer holidays.
Visiting
Entry is free. The ashram is a short walk from the Kausani market and the bus stand, and the Sumitranandan Pant museum is nearby. Keep voices low, dress modestly and take off shoes where asked.
Questions
Anasakti Ashram — FAQ
What is the best time to visit Anasakti Ashram?
Early morning, when the peaks are clear behind the white building; late afternoon for soft light in the garden. Stand in the garden with your back to the ridge and take a photo of the white ashram building with the snow peaks rising behind it.
What are the opening hours of Anasakti Ashram?
Anasakti Ashram is open 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
What should I wear at Anasakti Ashram?
White, cream and khadi beige photograph especially well here. Explore the trending and traditional outfit ideas on this page for full looks.
How crowded does Anasakti Ashram get?
Crowd levels are typically low. To miss the busiest window: early morning, when the peaks are clear behind the white building; late afternoon for soft light in the garden.
What food should I try near Anasakti Ashram?
Try aloo ke gutke, available at nearby restaurants.
When did Gandhi stay at Kausani?
In June 1929, for about two weeks. Sources differ between 12 and 14 days.
What did Gandhi write at Kausani?
He worked on his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, published as Anasakti Yoga. The ashram is named after it.
Can I stay at Anasakti Ashram?
Yes, it has a small number of basic rooms. Book ahead, and expect simple food and quiet rules.
Is there an entry fee at Anasakti Ashram?
No, entry is free. Donations are welcome at the office.