Binsar, Uttarakhand

Impressive views of peaks like the Nandadevi, Trishul, Nanda Ghunti, Badri Nath and Kedarnath among others. Animal species including leopards, tigers, wild boar, deer and bear as well as a variety of colourful bird species. Binsar in the state of Uttarakhand offers travellers all this and much more. The one time refuge of British officer Henry Ramsay, Binsar is located at an altitude of 6,600 ft above sea level in the Jhandi Dhar hills of Kumaon , Uttarakhand. Lush and thick forests of oak, pine and silver birch add much to the beauty of the mountain resort. For walkers, Binsar is just the place to be. Stay options are available at colonial-buildings-turned-resorts, dating back to the 1800s.

Sightseeing tour of Binsar
Start your tour to Binsar with a visit to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, set up in 1988. The sanctuary in Binsar spreads over an area of around 45.59 sq km and is home to a number of floral and faunal species as well as 200 different species of birds. Get to Zero Point to soak up heart-stirring views of the Himalayan peaks.

Next to visit is the famous 16th century temple – Bineshwar Mahadev Temple. There is another temple called Golu Devta Temple at a distance of 4 km from Binsar. Pariya Deva Pashan features stone from the megalithic age.

For adventure lovers, Binsar offers exciting trails for jungle walk and trekking. Bird watchers can spend quality time exploring the varied bird population in Binsar.

Excursions from Binsar
The hill town of Binsar in Uttaranchal lies close to places like Almora (34 km), Kausani (90 km) and Ranikhet (19 km from Binsar Mahadev Temple). So, during your tour to Binsar, you can also plan to visit a couple of other hill stations in the state.

Getting to Binsar
The town of Binsar in Uttaranchal is at 370 km from Delhi, India's capital city. To reach Binsar from Delhi take this route : Hapur-Moradabad-Rampur-Rudrapur-Lalkua-Kathgodam-Bhowali-Almora. If you travelling to Binsar from Old Delhi, you can also catch the Ranikhet Express.

Staying in Binsar
Given below are a few retreats and resorts where staying can be fun.
Khali Estate
Cost: Rs 4,200 (that include all meals for two)
Contact : 05692251048/ 09869005642
Email: mountainresort@rediffmail.com
Website: www.resorthimalaya.com

Village Ways
Cost: Rs 3,000 (that include boarding, lodging and guide per day)
Contact: 09411105450
Email: info@villageways.com
Website: www.villageways.com

Grand Oak Manor
Contact: 05692 290006/ 09412909518
Email: info@grandoakbinsar.com
Website: www.grandoakbinsar.com
The Binsar Retreat
Contact: 09412092199
Email: thebinsarretreat@yahoo.com

KMVN Guest House
Contact: 05942 236374
Email: kmvn@yahoo.com
Website: www.kmvn.org