BINSAR
Binsar is a small hill station and a wildlife sanctuary located in the Kumaon region of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Binsar is regarded as one of the best view points of the Kumaon region perched at an elevation of about 2420 meter. Binsar was once the summer capital of the Chand Dynasty who ruled from 11th to 18th century. Tourists need to get the entry permit before entering Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary which is available from check post. On a clear day Binsar offers 300 km wide spread of Himalayan ranges of Chaukhamba, Panchachuli, Nanda Devi. The compact hill station of Binsar is encircled by Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Binsar is divided into two parts one is Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and the other Eco Binsar. Eco Binsar is situated outside the wildlife sanctuary. Eco Binsar has gained much popularity among nature lovers for those who love to stay in a calm ambience. The top most part of Binsar offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges of Kumaon, Garwhal and parts of Nepal along with Kedarnath, Badrinath and Gangotri. The KMVN Tourist Rest House is the only staying option lying inside the core area of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary whereas other properties are situated outside the sanctuary, but tourists should also need to know that electricity is not available in this rest house. Only generator facility is provided from 06.00 pm to 09.00 pm. This KMVN Tourist Rest House at Binsar is nestled at an altitude of 7500 ft. Binsar is located around 95 km from Nainital and 33 km from Almora. The route to Binsar from Nainital via Almora is full of scenic landscapes. But vehicles are not allowed after sunset to sunrise as the route passes through the dense greenery of Alpine meadows. During moonlight Binsar offers a majestic view of the valleys. Like all other wildlife sanctuaries and Himalayan jungles, the morning at Binsar gets refreshed with the cacophony of numerous Himalayan birds that inhabit the region. Binsar is an ideal option for tourists who likes to stay in absolute serene and tranquil ambience, surrounded by dense greenery of Oak, Alpines, Cedar, Deodar and above all different species of Rhododendrons all around. Binsar is mainly admired by natural landscape photographers, bird photographers and honeymoon goers.
Places to see around Binsar
Binsar Zero Point: The Binsar Zero Point which is also known as the ‘Jhandi Dhar View Point’ is one of the most fascinating viewpoints of Binsar located around 03 km from Binsar Forest Rest House and nestled at an altitude of about 8200 ft. Tourists need to cross 26 staircases to reach the top of this view point. This viewpoint offers majestic views of Himalayan range of Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, Trishul and Nanda Devi. Tourists are advised to carry a torch while visiting Jhandi Dhar View Point during sunset view.
Binsar Mahadev Temple: Binsar Mahadev Temple also known as Bineshwar Shiv Temple is a 400 years old Shiv Temple built around 1600 AD by King Kalyan Chand of the Chand Dynasty. Bineshwar Shiv Temple or Binsar Mahadev Temple is located on the way to Binsar from Kaparkhan. The temple is set amidst dense greenery of Oak, Alpine, Chir, Deodar and Rhododendrons.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary: Encircling the small hill station of Binsar, this wildlife sanctuary known as ‘Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary’ is the prime attraction of the region. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of about 46 sq km and is home to many wildlife species to name but a few are leopard, barking deer, wild hog, pine marten, Himalayan black bear, Yellow Throated marten, Porcupine, different species of monkeys, Wild cats and many more. Apart from these mammals’ species, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to around more than 200 species of Himalayan birds, among these are Laughing Thrush, Eurasian Jay, Himalayan Bulbul, Oriental Turtle Dove, Black Eagle, Blue Whistling Thrush, Rufous Throated Wren Babbler, Forktail, Magpies, Nuthatches, Kalij Pheasant, Koklass Pheasant and many more. The altitude of this wildlife sanctuary varies from 900 meters to 2500 meters. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is also home to wide species of Rhododendrons, though these flowers bloom in the month of March – April. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1988 for the conservation and protection of the shrinking broad leaf oak forests of the central Himalayan region. At the entry there is a forest check post that leads to the staying option inside this wildlife sanctuary which is maintained by the KMVNL of the Uttaranchal government. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is abundant in rich flora like Himalayan Oak, Rhododendrons, Horse Chestnut, Pine, Deodar and many more. The lower valleys of the wildlife sanctuary have wide alpine meadows while the higher valleys are amidst in Himalayan Oak.
Gairar Golu Devta: Gairar Golu Devta temple is one of the famous and important temples of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The temple of Gairar Golu Devta is located around 02 km from the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Gairar Golu Devta is regarded as the ‘Lord of Justice’ and devotees visiting the temple present cloths, turban and shawls in white colour as a token of love and respect for the god. The Gairar Golu Devta is an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Lord Shiva). Gairar Golu Devta is believed to have been born in Patiya Village in Almora and considered to be the youngest brother of Golu Devta, the deity of Champawat, who has a temple in Chitai, Almora. The temple of Gairar Golu Devta is believed to be 330 years old and is a famous religious site for the Hindus.
Pariyadeva Pashan: Pariyadeva Pashan is a major attraction and a popular archeological site located on the Almora – Binsar road. This archeological site near Binsar is famously known for long stones with cup – marks those dates back to the Megalithic age around 1500 – 500 BC. Pariyadeva Pashan also offers a panoramic view of the snowcapped Himalayan ranges. Pariyadeva Pashan remains open for tourists to visit from 07.00 am to 07.00 pm.
Other places to visit around Binsar:
Khali Estate: Khali Estate was built as a British colonial hill retreat which belonged to Sir Henry Ramsay which was later converted into a heritage hotel. The Khali Estate is within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary and sits at an altitude of about 2000 meter (6600 ft). Khali Estate was established during 1875 and spread over an area of about 25 acres. Few of the notable persons like Shrimati Bijaya Laxmi Pandit stayed in this resort. The Khali Estate is situated amid dense greenery of Pine and Oak trees and also offers panoramic views of the snow clad mountains.
Mary Buden Estate: Mary Budden Estate is a local family run resort within the serene and calm ambience located in the Binsar forest reserve area. Mary Buden Estate was established in the 19th century during the British era. Mary Buden Estate lies amidst dense greenery of Oak and Rhododendrons all over. Mary Budden Estate offers a majestic view of the sunrise at the backdrop of the mighty Himalayan ranges. Mary Buden Estate is set at an elevation of about 8000 ft.
Grand Oak Manor: The Grand Oak Manor was the erstwhile home of Sir Henry Ramsay who used it as his summer home and administrative center as Commissioner of Kumaon. Presently it is converted into a luxurious and heritage hotel. Tourists visiting the Grand Oak Manor can relieve the tranquility within. The Grand Oak Manor is set amidst forty acres of area surrounded by thick Oak, Cedar and Rhododendron forests of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. The Grand Oak Manor exudes the old world charm from the colonial era. The Grand Oak Manor was established during 1856 and it was named after a gigantic sized Oak tree situated behind a church. Till date Grand Oak Manor is regarded as the oldest hotel of Binsar.
Kasar Devi Temple: Kasar Devi Temple is a notable attraction located around 09 km from Binsar and is one of the popular sites of visit for the Hindus. The Kasar Devi Temple has gained recognition in 1820’s when Swami Vivekananda meditated here. It is said that this temple was the house for the hippies and hippie culture which got popular from here. The temple is still a major tourist’s attraction for the foreigners. Kasar Devi is also famous for being one of the three places on earth under influence of the Van Allen belt, which according to research by NASA is a powerful electromagnetic field of immense positive energy created by cosmic rays and solar wind. The unique position of Kasar Devi has attracted sages, mystics and yogis through the ages and visitors today can experience the positive energy and serenity which has remained undiminished.
How to Reach/ Getting There:
By Air: The nearest Airport to Binsar is Pant Nagar which is located around 152 km. Hired cars are easily available from Airport to reach Binsar. Pant Nagar Airport is directly connected with Delhi by daily flights. Tourists can also opt for the Jolly Grant Airport situated at Dehradun. Binsar is well connected with Dehradun by car and bus service. Binsar is about 385 km from Delhi and 176 from Dehradun.
By Rail: The nearest rail head to Binsar is Kathgodam. Binsar is located around 120 km from Kathgodam via Almora. Kathgodam is well connected with strong railway networks with major cities in India. Tourists can also avail train service upto Bereli. From there a government bus via Kathgodam can be reached via Lalkuan and Haldwani.
By Road: Binsar is well connected with strong motor-able road links with major destinations of Uttarakhand. Tourists are advised that not to depend only on government bus options for the entire Kumaon trip, hired cars are also available on this route. The three main hubs of transport at Kumaon are Lalkuan, Haldwani and Nainital.
Best time of Visit: The climatic conditions at Binsar range from temperate to sub – tropic. Summers at Binsar stays between April to June and the climate remains moderate. Summers are the best time to escape the scorching heat of the plains. Monsoon stays from July to September. During monsoon season Binsar gets completely green all over the valleys and the region. Winter at Binsar stays from October to February. Winter is best to get the clear view of the Himalayan ranges and is also best for bird photography. Binsar receives snowfall during winter.