Kasar devi Temple: Escape on a Journey of Peace and Energy

The Call to Escape (Kasar devi Temple): As corporate employees, we usually face overloaded work, tight deadlines, criticism, less appreciation, and office politics. We all need a way to detox our body and mind from this chaos—or for some, it’s pure toxicity. The question is, how do you escape? It depends on your vibe. For me, it’s roaming, traveling, trekking, hiking, and feeling spirituality to get a positive boost to always do good.

This time, I chose Kasar Devi Temple, a holy place in the Almora district, also called the Sanskritik Nagri of Uttarakhand.

Why I Chose Kasar Devi

A few years back, I was reading about meditation, when is the best time to do this, and any specific place to do it, and bla bla. While browsing articles and videos, I stumbled upon the Van Allen Belt. It grabbed my attention. I learned about Machu Picchu, Stonehenge, and Kasar Devi—three places with special cosmic energy. Kasardevi, a serene spiritual hub near Almora, is also part of the sacred Manas Khand Mandir Mala, linking it to the region’s ancient pilgrimage circuit.

As Indians, we often get excited about famous foreign spots. For example, we call our beautiful Kausani “Mini Switzerland.” I don’t know why, but we love comparing our places to foreign ones! We haven’t seen those countries, yet we feel proud linking our spots to them. 

There are many things to say about all these, but Back to Kasar Devi—I was amazed it’s in my home state, just 110 km from Pithoragarh, and I didn’t know its significance! I had doubts: How can science measure positive energy? Is it real, or is it just this place?

My Journey

I planned the trip with my friend. I still remember that fresh, foggy morning, cleaning my Royal Enfield (typing this name brings back such feelings)  and wondering: Do I need special skills to feel this energy, or can anyone feel it? I started my bike, prayed at Gurna Mata Mandir (a divine spot where every vehicle stops before a journey), and rode 5 hours from Pithoragarh to Almora. The route was mesmerizing—pine trees, deodar, eucalyptus, and blooming buransh flowers. On the way, I passed Jageshwar Dham, one of the most sacred places of Lord Shiva, part of TravelSifar’s Manaskhand Package and Adi Kailash Yatra package. It has its own charm, but my mind was set on Kasar Devi that Day. I reached my friend’s house in Almora and stayed the night.

Early the next morning, without having breakfast, we left for Kasar Devi. I could’ve gone straight from Pithoragarh, but I wanted to feel the morning energy without any rush. We reached the trek starting point, parked my bike, and began the 15-20-minute climb, steep stairs and cemented paths, not as tough as Shiva’s high-altitude dhams. 

Finally, we reached the temple gate and rang the bell three times. The vibration echoed in my head and ears, hitting differently, as it does in any sacred place. I admit there’s something psychological, too. We took off our shoes and stepped inside. That day had surprisingly few people, likely due to the early morning and off-season timing.

At the temple, I explored the area, prayed in the main shrine, and visited the cave where Swami Vivekananda meditated.

I sat in the main shrine, closed my eyes, and all my doubts vanished. I felt the magic of meditation—calmness, stability, gratitude, and a super positive energy flow. I forgot my worries, my daily hustle, everything. It was just silence and my breathing. People came, prayed, and left, but I was lost in deep peace. After 15-20 minutes, I opened my eyes and saw a monkey sitting next to me. Normally, I’d panic, but I was so calm, smiling at it. The pandit ji said, He came for prasad, but seeing you so still, he stayed too! I couldn’t believe the power of that positive energy. I roamed the temple again, feeling a new perspective on everything.

The temple’s location made me feel like I was above the clouds—fog floated 50 feet below, and peaks and Almora city were draped in mist. Words can’t fully capture it, but I’ve tried to share the best feelings.

Why You Should Visit Kasar Devi:

My story gives you a hint of why Kasar Devi transforms you. Here’s what makes it special:

• A 2nd-century temple at 2116m near Almora, with cosmic energy like Machu Picchu.
• Stunning Himalayan views, exciting treks, peaceful vibes, and a rich history.
• Famous visitors like Bob Dylan came for its unique charm and sunsets.
• Swami Vivekanand ji meditated here for months
• Reader Prompt: Have you felt a place’s energy change you? Share in the comments!

Who Built Kasar Devi Temple:

Local folklore and the Skanda Purana say mythical beings like Yakshas (nature spirits) and Gandharvas (celestial musicians) built it as a sacred cave for Goddess Kasar Devi, a form of Durga. Some link it to the Kashyapa tradition (900 BCE) or a South Indian ascetic, Rudra (6th century CE). The Katyuri dynasty (7th-11th centuries) likely renovated it. The current temple was developed in 1948, blending myth and history.

Related Read: Kedarnath FAQs: Know everything about Kedarnath Yatra and Trek.

Nearby Attractions

• Katarmal Sun Temple (15 km): A 9th-century Surya temple where the first sunrise rays hit the idol. It’s a hidden gem with Katyuri-style carvings, perfect for tranquility seekers.
• Chitai Golu Devta Temple (8 km): A 12th-century temple for Golu Devta, where you tie bells with wishes. It’s peaceful with deodar forests.
• Jageshwar Dham (35 km): A heritage site with 125 Shiva temples, surrounded by hills. A must for spiritual travelers.
• Kainchi Dham (20 km): Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram, a serene spot by a river, famous for its spiritual vibe.

Itinerary: Delhi to Kasar Devi (3-4 Days, Night Travel):

This itinerary is perfect for a quick yet fulfilling spiritual and adventure trip, using the Ranikhet Express for night travel to save a day. It’s designed for August 24-27, 2025, but check IRCTC for train updates. Budget: ₹8,000-12,000/person (AC 3-Tier, homestays, taxis, meals). Add a day for Jageshwar if you want a 5-day trip.

Day 0: Prep for the Journey:

• Pack warm clothes, motion sickness pills, ID, snacks, and a reusable bottle.
• Alternative: Rent a cab (₹4,000-6,000) or drive your car (fuel ~₹3,000) from Delhi to Kathgodam (300 km, 8-10 hours overnight). Book via TravelSifar for deals.
• Tip: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me).

Day 1: Delhi to Bhimtal via Kathgodam + Nainital Stay:

• Night Train: Board the Ranikhet Express (15013) from Old Delhi (NDLS) at 8:21 PM. AC 3-Tier: ₹800-1,200. Sleep through the 8-hour ride.
• Morning Arrival: Reach Kathgodam at ~5:05 AM.
• Bhimtal (Morning): Taxi to Bhimtal (45 km, 1.5 hours). Arrive ~7 AM. Boat on the lake (₹200), visit Bhimeshwar Temple, and enjoy a quiet breakfast by the water. 
• Nainital (Afternoon/Evening): Taxi to Nainital (22 km, 1 hour). Check into a Hotel (₹2,000-3,000/night). Stroll Mall Road, take the cable car to Snow View Point, and dine on momos (₹300). 
• Why This Works: Bhimtal’s calm sets the tone; Nainital adds fun without rushing to Kasar Devi post-train.
• You can customize the itinerary as needed. After a long journey, your body may need rest, so it’s better to book a stay first, settle in, and then explore for the rest of the day..

Day 2: Nainital to Kasar Devi via Kenchi Dham 

• Morning in Nainital: Boat on Naini Lake (₹150), pray at Naina Devi Temple, and hike to Tiffin Top (1 hour).
• Afternoon Transfer: Taxi to Kasar Devi via Kenchi Dham Almora (65 km, 3-4 hour). Stop at Kainchi Dham (20 km from Nainital, 30 minutes) for a quick visit to Neem Karoli Baba’s ashram.
• Evening in Kasar Devi: Arrive by 5 PM. Stay at Kasar. Meditate at the temple during sunset—feel the cosmic energy. 
• Tip: Try a Kumaoni thali for dinner.

Day 3: Kasar Devi Exploration + Katarmal Sun Temple

• Morning: Trek to Kasar Devi Temple (30 minutes, easy). Meditate in the cave where Swami Vivekananda found peace. Feel the positive vibes.
• Afternoon: Taxi to Katarmal Sun Temple (15 km, 1 hour). See the sunrise-aligned shrine and enjoy Himalayan views.
• Evening: Return to Kasar Devi or visit Jageshwar Dham (35 km from Kasar Devi) in the evening. 

Day 4: Return to Delhi via Kathgodam:

• Morning: Depart Jageshwa Dham via the Doll Ashram-Pahadpani route to Haldwani.
• Transfer: Taxi to Kathgodam. Catch the Ranikhet Express (15014) at 8:40 PM (arrives in Delhi at ~5 AM, ₹800-1,200). Or you can catch the 3 PM Shatabdi Express.

Travel Tips

• Book Early: Use IRCTC for trains or Travel Sifar for cabs and homestays with the best quality service.
• Weather: June-August is mild but rainy—carry an umbrella. Roads may be slippery.
• Respect Locals: No leather in temples; dress modestly.
• Total Cost: TravelSifar always provides the best quality service at a decent price.
• Interactive Note: Want to customize this itinerary? Drop your preferences in the comments, and we will tweak them!

Also Read: 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva: Complete List with Locations & Significance

Plan Your Kasar Devi Adventure

Ready to escape the corporate grind like I did? A spiritual trek to Kasar Devi Temple in Uttarakhand is your answer! Feel the meditation at Kasar Devi’s cave, where Swami Vivekananda found peace. The Kasar Devi positive energy, tied to the Van Allen Belt, is unlike anything—trust me, I felt it! Plan your Delhi to Kasar Devi itinerary with stops at Bhimtal to Kasar Devi or Nainital to Kasar Devi for lakeside vibes. Don’t miss nearby gems like Katarmal Sun Temple near Kasar Devi, Jageshwar Dham near Kasar Devi, or Chitai Golu Devta Temple. For a soulful Uttarakhand spiritual journey, ride your Royal Enfield to Kasar Devi or book via TravelSifar – Best Travel agency in Uttrakhand, for the best places to visit near Almora. Curious about Kasar Devi temple history or Kainchi Dham, Uttarakhand? It’s all part of this magical Devbhoomi experience!