Culture · Kausani, Kumaon
Baijnath temples in the old Katyuri capital
Drive 17 km down from Kausani to Baijnath on the Gomti river, where a group of stone temples marks the old Katyuri capital of Kartikeyapura. The main temple is dedicated to Shiva as Vaidyanath and the site is protected by the ASI.
Photo: Shikharsaxena1618 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · CommonsBefore the Chand kings ruled from Almora, the Katyuri dynasty controlled much of Kumaon from the Garur and Baijnath valley, known as Katyur. Their capital, Kartikeyapura, is linked with this site, and the temples at Baijnath are among the best surviving works of their period. They stand on the bank of the Gomti in a flat, fertile valley.
The main temple is to Shiva as Vaidyanath, lord of physicians, with smaller shrines around it. The image of Parvati in the main sanctum is admired for its carving. The Archaeological Survey of India protects the group, and the setting by the river with steps down to the water is calm early in the day.
Remove shoes before entering the shrines and follow any rules on photographs inside. The village of Baijnath has tea stalls and simple eateries. Return the same way to Kausani or continue 23 km to Bageshwar, the confluence town of the Saryu and Gomti, on the way to Munsiyari.
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Munsiyari and the Johar valley by shared jeep
Shared jeeps and buses via Almora, Chaukori, Thal and Bageshwar
Questions
Before you book
How far is Baijnath from Kausani?
About 17 km, 30–40 minutes by road down the Garur valley. A taxi for the return trip costs ₹1,000–1,500, and shared jeeps run on the Kausani–Bageshwar road.
Who built the Baijnath temples?
They are linked with the Katyuri dynasty, who ruled from this valley before the Chand kings. The temples are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Can I visit Baijnath on the way to Munsiyari?
Yes. Baijnath lies on the road from Kausani to Bageshwar, the usual route to Munsiyari via Thal. A short stop adds about an hour.