Binsar Travel Guide

What never ceases to amaze me is that there are so many hidden gems to visit, in India. And of those, Binsar is on the top of my list. Why, you ask? Here’s why – a short distance from Almora, Binsar is one of those little towns in Uttarakhand, Northern India from where you can get an eyeful of the Himalayan peaks. Set in a lush, forested land with rhododendrons and pine trees to name a few, Binsar is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries.

What to expect in Binsar

With average annual temperatures of 14˚C, the hottest months are May and June and January the coldest. If you are planning a visit, then September through March is considered the best time to visit Binsar. Depending on your travel plans, you may or may not need cold-weather gear. With more people becoming intrepid travelers, it is a good idea to book in advance – air or train tickets, hotels as well as tickets to the wildlife sanctuary and other tourist spots.

How To Reach

The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (120 km). The nearest airport is Pantnagar (152 km). Plan to stay for a week or more to get your fill of wildlife, trekking, and other adventure sports. If you are making the trip to Binsar from elsewhere and have the budget for it, book yourself a comfortable and reliable taxi service in Haldwani. The prices are quite reasonable, and it is a good idea to get a quote in writing. Expect a 4-hour road trip to reach Binsar and you can keep the car and driver to travel in and around Binsar.

See Also: Auli – A Complete Travel Guide

Things to see and do

Where do I start? I sometimes wonder how it is even possible to fit so many exciting activities into a little spot like Binsar. Here is a list of things to see and experience while you are in Binsar

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Expect to see leopards, gorals, musk dear, langurs, macaques and other animals here. The wildlife sanctuary also has a rich variety of flora that bloom and put on a show at different times of the year.

The Bird Sanctuary

If you are an avid birder, this is the place for you. With over 200 species of birds to look at, you should bring along your camera and take as many pictures as you can. That way you won’t miss out on pheasants, parakeets, eagles and so many more.

Zero Point

This is the highest point of the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, and this is the place to feast your eyes and feed your imagination with a panoramic and 360˚ view of the Himalayan peaks. Just a short trek from the Wildlife Sanctuary’s Resthouse, you can walk up to the point. The best time for views is October-November.

Pariyadeva Pashan

Close to Binsar, this attraction can be traveled to by bus or car. Of historical interest and containing archeological relics dating back to the Megalithic age, this is a must-visit spot. Be prepared to have your breath taken away by the swirling mists, tree-covered mountains and evidence of human life dating back to 500 BC.

The Mary Budden Estate

Located ca. 8000 feet above sea level, it was a favorite with the British for its bracing climate and greenery. Worth a visit to get an idea of why it was such a popular retreat.

Bineshwar Mahadev Temple

A temple dedicated to Shiva, the town gets its name from the temple. Close to the Mary Budden Estate, it is famous for its architecture. If you are coming from Delhi, traveling around gets easier if you book a cab from delhi to Binsar and look around. Binsar is close to many other wonderful tourist spots in North India that you can get a good deal on a cab booking based on duration and other factors.

Last but not least, since armies travel on their stomachs, don’t forget to check out some of the local specialties. Try Madve ki roti, Bhaang di katai, Kumaoni raita. Let the locals guide you with their food suggestions with vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Get surprised and let your trip be memorable all around.

Image Source:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Binsar_4.jpg

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