There are many offbeat places to visit in #Uttarakhand where thousands of tourists come every year in search of peace. One of these beautiful tourist places in Uttarakhand is #Binsar, which is not less than anyone in beauty. Binsar, situated at an altitude of 2,410 meters on the hills of Jhandi Dhar is one of the best places to visit in India.
Binsar is a small town in Uttarakhand known for the snow-laden Himalayan peaks and dense forests. Binsar is located at a distance of 33 km from Almora, 95 km from Nainital and 40 km from New Delhi. It is one of the most scenic spots in the Kumaon Himalayas filled with oak, pine and deodar trees. It is home to beautiful green meadows and is a trekker's paradise.
Binsar, is known for its exotic bird population and staying there gives you the opportunity to experience some bird watching. Pack your bags for a fascinating time in Binsar, which is also very famous as a bird sanctuary. Get uninterrupted views of the Himalayas, an interesting insight into the life of the Kumaon hills and enjoy nights of stargazing.
The forest is home to oak, chir pine, rhododendron and deodar trees. The trees are so dense that it seems to be whispering the secrets of the universe. And if it gets too foggy to look at the stars, light a fire, curl up in a blanket, take a book and sleep in the heat of the Himalayas. No wordplay here. Binsar is a place to unwind and give your worn soul that much needed rest with a promise to yourself to be back again into this serenity.
Binsar in Garhwali means new dawn. Here the first rays of the morning captivate the mind of the tourists. Binsar is also known in the country and the world for its serene atmosphere. As it is away from crowded places, Binsar has become a favorite place for people who like peace and are fond of trekking. There are many nice places near Binsar where tourists can visit.
Earlier it used to be the capital of Chand Rajas from the 11th century to the 18th century. Binsar is a beautiful tourist place where you experience peace as well as adventure. There are many such beautiful tourist places where you can spend some time in peace, while you can also take the beautiful scenery here with your camera. Trekking, hiking, village walk, photography, bird watching can also be enjoyed in Binsar.
From Binsar you can see the Himalayan mountain peaks, which is the biggest beauty here. You can reach the summit only from the middle of the dense forests. On reaching the summit, you will get to see the snow-capped peaks of Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Nandakot Peak, Panchachuli Peak, and Trishul Peak. Among the major tourist places of Binsar, Binsar Zero Point, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mary Budden Estate, Binsar Mahadev Temple are famous.
 | Nanda Devi |
There are many things to do in Binsar such as trekking, wildlife, photography, visiting religious places, shopping, during your visit to Binsar. Here are the best places to visit in Binsar.
1. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
For wildlife lovers, Binsar is no less than a paradise. Binsar is the home to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary for preserving several endangered endemic species of flora and fauna. Binsar wildlife sanctuary located in the Himalayas on the Jhandi Dhar hills, is known for the rarest of the species of animals, birds, butterflies and exotic flora. It is also home to many wild animals such as leopard, Himalayan black bear, jackal, Indian red fox but they can be seen occasionally.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of about 50 square kilometers. This sanctuary was established in 1988, in which many types of herbs, flora as well as rare fauna can be seen. It is the main tourist place of Binsar where you can enjoy wildlife. This sanctuary is located at a distance of about 30 km from Almora and is at an altitude of about 2,500 meters.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, is a must-visit place. It is a reserved habitat for a myriad of flora and fauna. It is home to the rarest species of animals, birds and butterflies. These include the state bird of Uttarakhand, the beautiful vibrant Monal. It's rich forests and quiet atmosphere make it the perfect tourist destination, however, it is still unheard of by most.
Many faunas, flora, and many species of wildlife are protected in Binsar Wildlife Park and is a perfect place for nature lovers to visit. It has been declared a Bird Area by Birdlife International. Among the main animals found here, many other animals and birds like musk deer, wild cat, flying squirrel, barking deer, Neelkanth, pheasant, etc. will also be seen.
Here you will get to see about 200 animals like Leopard, Chital, Deer, Bear, Fox, Woodpecker and Monal Bird. Zero point inside the sanctuary offers scintillating views of the snow capped Himalayan ranges of Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, Trishul and Nanda Devi! The Kumaon Himalaya ranges includes Nanda Devi, Kedarnath, Trishul, Nanda kot and Panchchuli.
2. Binsar Market
Binsar is a small tourist place to visit where there is no big market or shopping mall available. In the markets here (Binsar Market), mainly the local products are more visible here. From the market, you can buy warm clothes like shawls, warm mufflers, self-made sweaters, hats, and items like carpets.
At the same time, the demand for fresh fruit jams, juices, and handicrafts made in the homes here is very high, which tourists coming from far and wide take them with them. The juices and jams made here are very tasty to eat.
3. Almora
Binsar is a beautiful tourist place, seeing the beauty of which thousands of domestic and foreign tourists come here every year. Binsar is no less than a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers too. Photographers can capture the wonderful beauty of the Himalayas visible from here in their camera, beautiful trees of deodar and oak standing around here, scattered greenery, vast valleys, and snow-capped as seen from here.
The mountain peaks add to the beauty of the place. If the photographers want, they can capture the spectacular views here in their cameras.
4. Gananath Temple
You can also enjoy the religious places present in Binsar. Binsar is situated in the lap of the Himalayas, due to which many such temples exist here which are situated at a great height. You can enjoy the serenity as well as an adventure by visiting these temples. At the same time, tourists get immense peace after seeing the ancient temple located in the Himalayan mountain region.
The main temples here are Bindeshwar Temple, Golu Devta Temple, and Gananath Temple, which you can visit during your visit to Binsar. Coming here you get immense pleasure. The famous Gananath Temple is situated at a distance of 25 km from Binsar which is dedicated to Shiva. The Gananath temple lies amidst the natural caves.
5. Jageshwar
Binsar is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas where you can enjoy beautiful treks amidst nature. The main treks here are from Kasar Devi to Binsar Trek and from Binsar Sanctuary to Jageshwar Dham. During the trek, you get a chance to know about the small villages and learn about the culture here.
During the trek, you will get to see dense forests of pine and deodar, which further enhance the beauty of this trek. You can also see the snow-capped mountain range of the Himalayas up close. If you want, you can also capture the beauty of this place in the camera.
During the Binsar tour, you can enjoy trekking in the beautiful plains here. You can taste the local food there. Potato Gutka, Cannabis chutney, Jhangora Ki Kheer, Raita, Madua ki Roti, Sisun ka Saag, Kapa, and the famous sweets found here are more liked by the tourists.
The night is fairly glamorized by the heaven full of silent stars. The forest and darkness seems to be each other's admirer, where a sense of affection prevails. The dawn puts a imprint on the campaign of the sun in the sky. The first sun rays kisses the peaks of Trishul turning into bleak golden, actually promising to turn from fine coppery into purest yellow, watching this modest spectacular event you are bound for aesthetic appreciation of the peak.
6. Binsar Zero Point
Watching the sunset is a must experience activities. It requires a short trek of 2 km to reach the zero point. As you start to trek you will feel as you have entered into a abundance of deep dense and majestic plant life. The trees look like the towers of the forest, ageless as they seem to touch the sky their roughness had been worn down by the soft greenness of moss.
You can trek through the dense deodar forests to Zero Point. The multitude of sounds in the jungle is created by the playful birds twittering and flying from tree to tree and the crimson and orange leaves of the forest floor composed a rustling sound as your feet go shuffling through the leaves. While getting mesmerized in the pleasures of the forest, you will reach the zero point.
From here you can easily see the snow-capped peaks of Nandakot, Kedarnath, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Shivling. You can also admire the beauty of the entire Kumaon. Here you will be enthralled to see the red sun fall below horizon casting it's divine magic into the woods. Your heart will lament as you leave the forest.
7. Binsar Mahadev Temple
The lower passes has a cover of greenery, the peaks are embellished with ice, without a word passing between them, creating a land of green and cold virgins. A part from the charming solitude corners, include the temples dedicated to Shiva. Binsar is a beautiful hill town near the city of Almora which is also home to the Binsar Mahadeva temple.
The ancient temple of Binsar Mahadev was built by King Kalyan Chandra around the 16th century. Binsar Mahadev Temple is one of the major tourist and religious places here. This temple is dedicated to Shiva and Parvati. The idols of Ganesha, Maheshmardini, and Har Gauri are placed in its sanctum. Devotees come from far and wide to the famous Bindeshwar temple here. Coming here, devotees experience wonderful peace.
This temple was built by King Pithu in the memory of his father Raja Bindu, due to which it is also known as Bindeshwar temple. This temple is situated amidst dense deodar forests. A huge fair is organized here every year where devotees come from far and wide. A huge Bhandara is organized every year in this temple. At this time, Baba Mohangiri Ji Maharaj is the main Pandit and priest of that place. Devotees come from far and wide to worship and receive the offerings of the Bhandare.
Places to Stay in Binsar
During your travels, you like to stay in a place where you can feel comfortable and feel like you are at home. There are many hotels, lodges, and tent houses in Binsar where you can stay during your Binsar tour. Binsar is a tourist place, due to which all kinds of tourists come and go, due to which you will get all types of hotels to stay in Binsar. These hotels are available to you in the price range from 1,500 to 5,000 INR.
Binsar is nothing less than a paradise for nature lovers to see birds and live in solitude and cool place. One can reach Binsar from Almora by taxi. There you can experience snowfall several times in winter during the months of November to January. From here a wide range of Himalayas can be seen. In addition to the KMVN Tourist Rest House in Binsar Century, there are a few retreats, resorts, guest houses.
Tourists coming to Binsar - also like to stay in hotels outside the sanctuary. Hotels, resorts, guest houses of every budget is available in the places Paparasaili and Kasar Devi. Kasar Devi near Binsar is also a very beautiful place.
Binsar's top hotels and resorts include Binsar Forest Retreat, Grand Ook Manor Hotel, The Mountain Homestay, Suman Nature Resort, Hotel Leaf and Dew, etc. which offer a home-like experience. If you have booked a rest house in KMVN, you will be staying very close to wildlife sanctuary, as you will feel the moist air laden with alpine fragrance.
Binsar Forest Retreat is a beautiful homestay located in Binsar which is situated at an altitude of 7,600 feet. This beautiful homestay is surrounded by dense forests on all sides from where you can see the beautiful view of the Himalayas. Waking up here in the morning, the chirping of birds and the snow-capped mountain range of the Himalayas visible from the front will make you intoxicated.
Binsar Forest Retreat Homestay is located at a distance of about 140 km from Pantnagar Airport, where you can enjoy local food along with staying here. There is a large playground outside the Binsar Forest Retreat Home Stay where children can enjoy outdoor play. The facility of car rental etc. is also provided by the same homestay to its residents. You may have to pay Rs 7,000 per night to stay in this homestay.
Tree of life Grand Oak Manor Hotel is one of the beautiful hotels in Binsar. This hotel is located inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Tree of life Grand Oak Manor Hotel is located at a distance of about 25 km from Almora which is a two-storey hotel where you get accommodation as well as dining facilities.
Free Car Parking, Wi-Fi, Gym, Laundry, are provided to you by the hotel, while CCTV cameras have also been installed everywhere in the hotel for the safety of the boarders. Luxury and premium rooms are available in the hotel. For staying in this hotel, you may have to pay a fee of up to 7,500 per night.
The Mountain Home Stay is a beautiful homestay located in Binsar. This is a budget homestay where you can enjoy your stay with your family. This beautiful homestay is surrounded by dense forests from all around, from where you can see the beautiful view of the Himalayas. Waking up here in the morning, the chirping of birds and the snow-capped mountain range of the Himalayas visible from the front will make you swoon.
The Mountain Home Stay Homestay is located at a distance of about 140 km from Pantnagar Airport, where you can enjoy local food along with staying here. There is a large playground outside The Mountain Home Stay where children can enjoy outdoor play. To stay in this homestay, you may have to pay Rs 1,200 to 2,200 per night.
Suman Nature Resort is one of the most beautiful resorts located in Binsar where you can enjoy a stay with your family and also spend some time in peace with your family. This resort is situated amidst dense pine forests, which is located at a distance of 12 km from Almora and about 5 km from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.
You can reach here easily by taxi or your vehicle. Banquet hall, conference hall are made in this hotel, while there is also a playground outside the resort where children can enjoy outdoor games. Apart from staying in this hotel, tourists can also enjoy eating here. The local food prepared here is very tasty.
The restaurant in this resort is built on the terrace of the hotel, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of nature along with food. The hotel provides you with free parking, laundry, Wi-Fi, hot and cold water, etc. In the hotel, you get the facility of Luxury, Deluxe, and Executive Rooms, whose rents range from around Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 per night.
Kasar Himalaya Holidays Hotel is one of the beautiful hotels located in Binsar, from where you can see the beautiful view of the Himalayas. This is a budget hotel where you can enjoy your stay with your family in the quiet valleys. This hotel is located in Kasar Devi. Bike or car rental is also provided by this hotel to the tourists.
Apart from staying in the hotel, you can also enjoy the food, for which there is a restaurant in the hotel itself. Here you can eat the food of your choice, although the demand for local food is high here. There is also a small playground outside the hotel where children can enjoy outdoor games. The hotel provides free parking, laundry, Wi-Fi, hot and cold water. You may have to pay 3,000 to 4,000 per night for a stay at this hotel.
Places to Eat in Binsar
Binsar has all kinds of restaurants, etc. where you can enjoy the food of your choice.The major restaurants here are Dolma Restaurant, Hayat Hotel & Restaurant, Bird Song Restaurant, The Acorn Restaurant, The Kasar Restaurant, etc. where you can enjoy local cuisine.
Weather of Binsar
The best thing about this place is that you can visit this place in any season of the year. Due to Binsar being in the Himalayan region, the weather here is pleasant throughout the year but from October to March, the weather here remains colorful and green all around.
Binsar in summer: Summer is the best time to visit Binsar. There is not much heat here even during the summer season and the weather remains pleasant. Summer here usually starts in March and lasts till mid-June. During this, the maximum temperature of Binsar remains up to 30 degrees and the minimum temperature remains around 15 degrees.
During these months it is hot during the daytime but it gets cold during the night. June is the hottest month here. These months are the best to visit Binsar and there is a huge crowd of tourists.
Binsar in winter: Due to Binsar being in the Himalayan region, the weather here is pleasant throughout the year. Winter here usually starts from October and lasts till March. During this, the maximum temperature of Binsar remains up to 20 degrees and the minimum temperature remains around 2 degrees.
During winters, it is cold here which is why it is advised to carry warm clothes with them during these months. December and January are the coldest months here. During this, there is also a huge amount of snowfall here, which tourists reach here from far and wide. These months are considered to be the best for newly married couples to celebrate their honeymoon.
During winter, you can enjoy a lot of trekking and roaming. At the same time, during the winter, there is snowfall here, for those who enjoy the snow, the winter season in Binsar is ideal.
Binsar in monsoon: In the monsoon season, tourists should avoid going here. Here the monsoon usually starts from mid-June and lasts till the end of August. During this, the maximum temperature of Binsar remains up to 30 degrees and the minimum temperature remain around 15 degrees.
During the rains, there is greenery all around here. This season is the best to visit Binsar for the spectacular and beautiful views of nature and for those who like photography. Being a hilly area, landslides occur here during the rainy season, so tourists are advised not to travel here during these months.
How to reach Binsar
By Bus: The roads of Binsar are well connected with the major cities of the country and other States. The nearest bus station to Binsar is located in Almora, for which buses operate from the districts of Uttarakhand and the capital of the country, New Delhi. The distance from Delhi to Binsar is 390 km. You can also easily reach Binsar by your private vehicle. At the same time, taxis are easily available to visit the local places.
By Air: Binsar does not have an airport of its own. The nearest airport to Binsar is at Pantnagar, which is located at a distance of about 152 km from Binsar. From outside the airport, you will easily get a private taxi to Binsar, so that you can reach here easily. For Pantnagar, flights are operated smoothly from New Delhi, the capital of the country, and Dehradun, the capital of Uttarakhand, to Binsar. Daily travel is operated from Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport to Pant Nagar.
By Train: Binsar does not have a railway station of its own, but the nearest railway station to Binsar is at Kathgodam, which is located at a distance of about 120 km from Binsar. From outside the railway station, you will get a private taxi to Binsar, so that you can reach here easily. If you want to come to Binsar by bus, then you have to get down to Haldwani railway station sometime before Kathgodam and from here you have to go to Haldwani bus station. From Haldwani bus station, you can easily get Uttarakhand transport and other buses to Binsar, so that you can reach Binsar while enjoying the natural scenery.
Article contributed by: worldtravelfeed