Binsar, The Charming Hill Station of Kumaon

Binsar is a charming retreat for nature lovers. Located at a height of about 2,400 metres, it gives the tourists a much-needed relief from the heat and humdrum of city life. Located in the Almora district, it offers pleasantly mild summers and bearable winters. Treating you with its peaceful environs, it also spoils you with opportunities for action too, such as hiking and camping. Whether it’s the spellbinding vistas of the Himalayas, the exciting wildlife of the North, or the pure religious sentiment that it holds, Binsar impresses you on all fronts!

Why Visit Binsar?

Binsar is known for its lush green pastures, accompanied by calmly moving streams. While other hill stations are beautiful and everything, the beauty of Binsar is in a league of its own! You will not only get to savour some of the most breathtaking views, but will also be able to admire the massive number of colourful hill birds here.

In addition, there are several places of tourist interest in Binsar which range from temples, scenery points, and a wildlife sanctuary to Binsar wildlife sanctuary.

Places to See

From wildlife to places of high religious significance there are plenty of places in Binsar, do visit the following:

The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

It is undoubtedly the first place most tourists visit. Though it came into being with the primary purpose of preserving the rapidly reducing numbers of broad leaf oak trees, it quickly evolved into a tourist hotspot.

You can see here the Himalayan wildlife such as leopards, musk deer, chital, jungle cat, goral, black bear, pine martens, foxes, porcupines, barking deer, flying squirrels, and more. Also, there are over 200 species of birds, including the laughing thrush, parakeets, Eurasian Jays, Eagles, woodpeckers, and blackbirds, among others.

And in spring, it comes alive with butterflies swarming the area. The Sanctuary is also home to oaks, rhododendrons, pines, mosses, and deodar trees. Moreover, it offers ample opportunities for bird watching, photography, and trekking.

The Khali Estate

It’s another place worth visiting in Binsar. The palatial building was once home to Sir Henry Ramsay, who served as commissioner of Kumaon from 1856 to 1884. The Estate’s claim to fame is that Vijaylaxmi Pandit, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s sister, once resided here.

The Mary Budden

It is another colonial legacy with an old Shiva temple in the premises.

Binsar Mahadev

Located in a forest about 70 kilometres from Almora, it’s popular among pilgrims. It attracts a large number of pilgrims, especially in the holy month of Shravan and on Shivratri day.

And only 9 kilometres from here you will find the Kasar Devi temple, popular for being the place where Swami Vivekananda spent time in meditation.

Gananath Temple

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, its USP is a natural Shiva Linga, under a water-dripping tree. It lures in droves of devotees, especially on Kartik Purnima. Ancient meditation caves nearby serve as another attraction point.

Nearby Place to Visit

While there’s a lot to see in Binsar, don’t stop yourself from visiting the nearby beautiful places, such as:

Mary Budden Estate

This place is seated on a tranquil 5 acres of lush green land and is situated at an elevation of almost 8,000 feet above sea level. This place is also one of the five privately owned estates in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Binsar Sanctuary Museum

Located at a distance of 33 km from Almora, this museum is an encyclopedia for the Binsar wildlife sanctuary, which adorns the Himalayan ranges. Visit here and you’ll gain wholesome insights about the region, including the biodiversity and landscape.

Pariyadeva Pashan

This is one of the most popular tourist attractions for it is home to one of the most iconic archeological site. It is known to contain ancient relics dating back to the Megalithic age (1500 BC to 500 BC). In case you are an archaeology enthusiast, then a visit to this site is a must.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Binsar is during the months of September to November, as during this period the weather is cool & pleasant and the breeze is soothing.

Other good months to visit Binsar are from April to June.

People who want to watch the snow should come here during the winter months of December and January.

It is not advised for you to visit Binsar during the monsoon months (July & August) since the entire area remains prone to heavy landslides and avalanches, making the visit here extremely dangerous.

Right after the monsoon months, however, the lush greenery welcomes you along with the clear blue sky.

How to Reach

You can reach the hill station by all three major transport methods:

• By Air – Pantnagar airport is the closest airport to Binsar, located at a distance of 152 km. You can easily get taxis and cabs from the airport.
• By Rail – The closest railway station is the Kathgodam railway station, which is at a distance of 119 km. This railway line is connected with all the major cities like Lucknow, Kolkata, Delhi, etc. The connecting trains run on a daily basis here.
• By Road – Binsar is well connected to all the major road networks in northern India. There is ample availability of buses, taxis, and cabs that connect to some of the major cities of India, like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata, among others.

Here’s the route map of Binsar from Delhi:

Delhi → Hapur → Moradabad → Rampur → Haldwani → Almora → Binsar

Food Scene in Binsar

The speciality about food here is that it’s made from locally sourced ingredients, especially spices, giving the dishes an authentic Pahadi touch. Do try the following (and thank us later!):

• Aloo ke Gutke: Get your hands on these boiled potatoes sautéed in spices until all the flavours get soaked in the soft crumbs. Local herbs are also used in the preparation of this lip-smacking dish.
• Madua ki Roti: This flatbread is made from Ragi and is rich in protein & other nutrients.
• Bhang ki Khatai: This is a speciality of the hilly areas! Made from hemp seeds, this tangy sauce often serves as a condiment with other dishes.
• Palak ka Kapa: Get your dosage of leafy greens with this spinach curry cooked in local spices to perfection.
• Rhododendron Squash: This one is a must-try since Rhododendron grows only at high altitudes. You won’t even find it at other places! Sweet in taste, it also has a lot of nutritional value.

For trying the traditional Kumaoni dishes, check out the following restaurants:

• The Kasar Kitchen
• The Acorn
• Bird Song

Accommodation

Tourists in Binsar have access to hotels and guest houses ranging from budget to luxury types, offering basic amenities and a comfortable stay. In addition, you can also get yourself eco-resorts which provide an immersive experience in nature. Here are some top choices in the region:

Binsar Forest Retreat

Located inside Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, this solar-powered eco-lodge is a tourist favourite. Spoiling you with organic meals and panoramic views of the hills, this is ideal for nature lovers.

Mary Budden Estate

This luxury homestay is popular for providing a 5-star experience in a forest setting. If you’re looking for a luxurious experience in a private manner, away from the crowd, then this would be a perfect place.

The Kumaon

Offering farm-to-table dining, the hotel impresses with its eco-luxury and award-winning architecture. Moreover, you can enjoy the stunning sunset views of the Himalayas from here.

Binsar Adventure Camp

This stay mainly provides camps and dorms, which are generally equipped with basic amenities. Giving you the true-blue camping experience, it lets you enjoy bonfires and stargazing!

KMVN Tourist Rest House

This government-run lodging will provide you with clean and affordable rooms. Another great advantage of it is that it’s located close to Zero Point. It’s best if you book it in advance on their official website.

One of the highest hill stations, Binsar is a trekking haven, a pilgrimage place, and a magnet for nature aficionados – all rolled into one. You’re really missing out if you’ve never visited here!