Visitor Information
- Famous for: Natural beauty, environment, photography.
- Entrance fee: No entry fee required.
- Visiting time: Every day all day, but evenings are not preferable times.
- Visit duration: Typically, 3 to 4 hours.
Rudradhari Falls and Caves, Kausani, India, looks like a cottage central to a fairy tale the first time you see it. Located high above the ground, in cloudy climes, it comprises of falls, valley, woods, house, caves, all. In the midst of Uttarakhand, one of India’s most popular tourist destinations, it is beloved among the religious as it is directly connected to the Hindu Gods Shiva and Vishnu, believed to be a manifestation of them. It is enclosed on the sides by lush greenery, pine forests and trees. There are also caves close at hand, which are important historically and should be explored. There are steps you have to climb to reach it, and there is a 2-hour long trek you have to undertake as part of the journey to it.
Traveller Tips
- You can photograph all you like around here, there are no restrictions on filming and clicking.
- Plastics aren’t allowed, as they cause pollution.
- There are bathroom facilities available on the premises.
- Wear shoes suitable for the substantial hike up to the place.
Things to Do
- Explore the caves lying around the falls, and get to know the history and facts behind them.
- You can trek to other regions along the mountains as well, all of them are tourist locations.
- Visit the Someshwar temple lying nearby.
- Take walks through the tranquil woods to rid yourself of the city stress.
- Indulge in some shopping for souvenirs or useful local articles at nearby markets.
Availability of Guides
Guides are a must when you are visiting the Rudradhari Falls and Caves. Make sure to hire a guide locally, and check to see if he speaks a language you understand. There are some tour companies who take guides along that are knowledgeable about the place.
Best Time to Visit
This is one of those places that have temperatures which allow visiting in both summer and winter, unlike most other places. The best times to visit are twice a year. One of those is May to September, in summer and monsoon, and the other is in peak winter, December to January. Also, once you are here, visit the falls during day time, as sightseeing is not as enjoyable after sunset.
How to Reach
Uttarakhand is predominantly a mountainous region, so railway junctions are less in number, but there are important stops like Haridwar, Rishikesh, etc. These spots are well connected by road, though, to a number of Indian cities. Once you descend at one of these stops, you can head to Rudradhari. It is located on the Kausani Almora road, two kilometres through Kantauli village. Once you are at the foothills, you have to trek up for approximately 2 hours to reach it.
Interesting Facts and Trivia About Rudradhari Falls and Caves
- The name for this comes from the names of the Hindu gods Shiva and Vishnu. Another name for Shiva is Rudra, and for Vishnu is Hari.
- This temple is located at an incredible height of 1555 metres above ground.
- This temple’s history is connected to the Hindu holy books, the Puranas.
- There are samples of terraced cultivation that can be viewed from here.
Nearby Attractions
- Baijnath temple, with small and big temples.
- Kausani Tea Estate, which is very famous.
- The Somweshwar Temple for devotees.
- Anashakti Ashram, also referred to as the Gandhi Ashram.
- Sumitranandan Pant Museum, containing paintings, poems and manuscripts.
Nearby Restaurants
- Garden Restaurant, which is very pretty, and is located opposite Tea Factory.
- Amit Guest House, Kausani.
- The Yogi, for indigenous hillside food.
- Valley Restaurant, which offers magnificent views as well.
Rudradhari Caves and Falls is the next place to be on vacation if you are looking for peace and quiet, beauty and history and religion with it all. There is tranquil atmosphere, beautiful photography options and ancient legends as well. Also, you can trek up gorgeous hillsides. Need we say more to make our case?