In my offbeat destination series of 2024 in Uttarakhand after New Tehri and Chakrata
Welcome to Binsar, a hidden gem hidden away in Uttarakhand’s central region! Join us on an unforgettable journey as we discover Binsar’s tempting charms – a unique natural sanctuary that offers peace, immaculate scenery, and an unparalleled bond with the Himalayas. Experience the undiscovered treasures of Binsar in 2024 on an exclusive journey where every second is a getaway into the peace of nature.
Garhwal and Kumaon are the two regions that make up Uttarakhand. Visitors can enjoy a variety of experiences in these areas, which are known for their unique cultures, landscapes, and historical significance.Binsar, which is in the Kumaon region, is an excellent unique spot to spend some time away from the crowd. People who stay clear of popular tourist spots like Manali, Shimla, or Nainital will undoubtedly find Binsar in Uttarakhand to be a pleasant surprise.
Binsar a Hidden Gem in Uttarakhand
What is there in Binsar to see? The breathtaking views and extraordinary natural beauty provide a clear response to this query. This place, which is situated inside a protected forest, is a haven for anyone who enjoys hiking, camping, ancient architecture, wildlife observation, photography, or just the beauty of the mountains in general. The tranquility encompassing the area is ideal for unwinding and restoring oneself.
Even though the town of Almora is close by, the location is rarely crowded. With a possibility of snowfall in the winter, the weather is pleasant all year round. This post will include information on how to get here, what to see, and where to stay.
About
There are two places that come to mind when we mention Binsar. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is the other, and the tiny village of Binsar is the first. Nonetheless, the two locations are situated adjacent to one another in the same area. Although it is difficult to determine which is named after whom, Binsar Valley refers to the entire region.
The Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988 with the intention of conserving the Central Himalayan regions’ diminishing broad leaf oak (Quercus) forests. In addition to 200 different species of birds, a large number of reptiles, butterflies, and twenty-four different kinds of bushes and seven different types of grasses can be found within its 46 km 2 expanse.
These days, Binsar is just one of many small villages in Uttarakhand. However, the Chand Kings, who ruled over Kumaon from the eleventh to the eighteenth centuries AD, used this location as their summer capital in antiquity.
Location
Binsar, located in the Almora District, is 2420 meters above sea level and lies on the Jhandi Hills in the Kumaon regions. it is close to Nainital, Mukteshwar, Almora, and Chaukori.
How to Reach Binsar
There is excellent road access to Binsar. Actually, some of Uttarakhand’s best roads can be found in this area. You have the option of driving your own car or taking public transportation, depending on your preferences.
First, allow me to discuss the road route to Binsar. Since Delhi is where I’m from, I view Delhi as the starting point. However, only the trip leading up to Nainital might be different even if you were traveling from a different city. The remaining points remain valid.
How to travel by road from Delhi to Binsar
Delhi – Hapur – Moradabad –Haldwani- Nainital – Almora – Binsar
Distance from Delhi by Road is 411 km. It will take approximately 10 hours to reach.
By Bus
It can be a little difficult to go to Binsar by bus, and you’ll need to divide the trip into several segments. Almora is the only place you’ll be able to find a direct bus to Binsar. You might have to hunt for a shared taxi as there aren’t many direct buses from Almora, and you might not be able to find one at all.
A better option would be to take any bus heading towards Bageshwar and get off at Papar Saili or Ayarpani. For Binsar, you can take a shared taxi from either of these locations.
Through Air
The closest airport to Binsar is 140 kilometers away in Pantnagar. As soon as you land, the airport itself has taxis that go to Binsar. Approximately four to five hours will pass between Pantnagar and Binsar. A taxi will cost you between Rs. 4000 and Rs. 5000 from Pantnagar.
By Rail
The closest train station to Binsar is located in Kathgodam. The Kathgodam railway station is conveniently connected to a number of significant cities, including New Delhi, Dehradun, Kolkata, Kanpur, and Jammu. It is located approximately 121 km away.
Binsar attractions
The main draw of the location is its untouched natural beauty. The location is wonderfully encircled by a thick forest and offers a wonderful diversion from the bustle of everyday city life.
For bird watchers, Binsar is a haven. BirdLife International deemed it an essential birdwatching location. Over 250 different bird species have been recorded in the sanctuary, including the Kalij pheasant, forktail, magpies, woodpeckers, monal, eagles, Jays, nuthatches, and parakeets.
Barking deer, Himalayan Ghoral, wild boar, jackal, pine martin, langur, flying squirrel, and porcupine are among the sanctuary’s four-legged residents. Additionally, if you’re fortunate enough, you might be able to see Binsar’s magnificent leopards, which are big cats.
The 45 square kilometer Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Jhandi Dhar hills, in the middle of the Himalayan range. One of Binsar’s highest points, Zero Point, provides breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape. Over 300 kilometers make up the Himalayan peak range that is visible from Binsar. Pindari Glacier, Mrigtuni, Maiktoli, PanvaliDwar, Nanda Devi East/Sunanda Devi, Nanda Khat, Panchahuli Peaks, Nampa, Rajrambha, Chhanguch, KarchaKund, Chaukhamba, Neelkanta, and Nanda Devi, Kamet, Nanda Gunti, and Trishul (1, 2, 3).
- The small village of Binsar is actually the center of the valley.
- The wildlife sanctuary of Binsar A dense forest covering 46 km2 that is home to a number of rare trees, birds, mammals, and reptiles
- Wildlife Sanctuary Museum: Inside the sanctuary is a small museum where you can purchase mementos.
- The Views: Stunning views surround the KMVN Rest House, a lovely guest house inside the sanctuary where you can spend your vacation.
- Zero Point: A viewpoint providing a full 360-degree panorama of the valley
- Pariyadeva Pashan: another viewpoint and archaeological site
- Temple of Bineshwar Mahadev: An old temple honoring Lord Shiva
- Gairar Golu Devta Temple: An additional ancient Golu Devta temple
- Kasar Devi Temple: Situated in Almora.
Things to Do
Here are a few more things to do in Binsar besides sightseeing at the locations mentioned above.
- Taking Pictures,
- Appreciating the Night Sky
- Observing Birds
- Walking and Trekking.
- Recognize the Regional Culture
That is essentially all there is to it. It is not advisable to spend your entire day rushing from one location or activity to another in Binsar.
Best Time To Visit Binsar
Binsar is the ideal destination if you’re thinking about taking a relaxing vacation to an offbeat place. Although there are certain months that are not ideal for travel, Binsar experiences fantastic weather most of the year. The pleasant weather of the summer makes it ideal for trekking and sightseeing, while the snowfall of the winter makes it great too.
Therefore, April through October, excluding the monsoon months, is the ideal time to visit Binsar. As the year draws to a close and there is a tourist rush throughout Uttarakhand and Himachal, I also enjoy visiting Binsar in November and December.
Weather
For the majority of the year, It is a delightful alternative destination located in Uttarakhand. In Binsar, summer temperatures range from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures range from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius. Therefore, Binsar experiences year-round pleasant weather, with the exception of the winter months.
Winters
Be ready for the possibility of snowfall during the winter months of December and January. It is one of the Uttarakhand locations close to Delhi where snowfall occurs.
Summer
In Binsar, the summers bring pleasant weather and views of verdant surroundings. In this peaceful village, the monsoon season is lovely. However, if you have never been in the hills during a period of intense rain, it is best to stay off the roads to prevent landslides.
Monsoon
By the end of June, pre-monsoon showers begin to fall across the entire region, and they last well into September. When making travel plans during the monsoon season, it is advisable to check the weather forecast as it is likely to rain heavily in this area. There are occasions when the rain can last for days on end, causing landslides that can destroy whole stretches of road. There will be a minimum of 15°C and an average temperature of 25°C.
Positively, the best views are experienced during the monsoon season. It will appear as though the valley and the hills have just been cleaned.The forest’s vegetation and animals come to life during the rainy season, covering everything in a layer of green vegetation. The best views are experienced during this time.
Stay Options in Binsar
Within the wildlife sanctuary is the KMVN rest house. It is an excellent location that is also fairly priced, and reservations can be made through the KMVN Online portal. If you don’t like KMVN, there are plenty of other hotels in the area that you can choose from. Israelis and hippies like visiting Kasar Devi village, also known as Papar Saili. For that reason, you can search for lodging here at a low cost.
Few resorts I personally recommend while you are in Binsar are
Where to Eat
Since Binsar’s main draw is its solitude dining options are essentially lacking. However, there are a number of resorts in and around Binsar where you can eat. Roadside dhabas are also useful in these kinds of places. The two eateries with the most options are Anjana and Mohan’s Café.
Simba Café & Lodge looks like to be a good choice for travelers on a budget. The sanctuary’s lone café is called Simba. In addition, it offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms and camping spaces for your convenience.
You would have to eat at the KMVN rest house solely if you were staying there. Naturally, the wildlife sanctuary does not have a restaurant. Many restaurants are located outside the gates, but they are all several kilometers away. You can eat out if you went for a drive; otherwise, you’ll have to limit your dining options to your hotel or resort.
Shopping
There are small souvenir-worthy items available for purchase at the sanctuary’s museum. Other than that, Binsar really doesn’t have anything to buy. Your best bet for shopping is to visit the markets in Almora or Nainital.
Of course, no trip would be complete without some shopping. Purchase some locally produced goods like rhododendron juice (A MUST – Highly recommended), woolens, hand-knitted shawls, handmade soaps, and so on, or get yourself some trinkets like crafted wooden items.
Tips to visit Binsar
- Stay clear of trekking in Binsar during the rainy season or monsoon.
- During the busiest season, it could be challenging to find lodging. A more commercial area nearby is called Almora.
- The area has excellent cell phone coverage, particularly for Jio and BSNL.
- While there may occasionally be a problem with electricity, it is not a major worry if you are staying at one of the resorts. Longer-term closures may be necessary for smaller resorts, particularly during the summer.
In Binsar, where is Zero point?
Zero point is close to the KMVN rest house and situated inside the Binsar wildlife sanctuary. Any employee can help you find the right path if you ask them
Binsar Valley is where?
The Binsar Valley refers to the region inside which the village and wildlife sanctuary are situated.
Does Binsar get snow?
Yes snow does fall, but it does so very infrequently. If you were hoping to find snow, you should check in with the hotels by giving them a call beforehand to find out the current conditions.
Conclusion
The breathtaking views of the Himalayas, adorned with snow in the distance, are unmatched for their calming effects. And that’s what Binsar offers! Binsar is the place to go to soothe your soul and re-establish a connection with nature, where rare birds sing beautiful melodies exclusively for you.
You’ll find new places to call your own by exploring the less traveled paths that make for lovely hikes around the hamlet. Don’t miss them. Bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and landscape photographers will find Binsar to be the perfect retreat.
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