Picturesque Binsar: A Dreamland of Kumaon Hills

Shaili takes us on a tour of a nice get-away, picturesque Binsar, a sleepy hamlet and a dreamland of Kumaon. We are introducing this weekly column, every Monday, exclusively for Different Truths.

Binsar, is a picturesque sleepy Hamlet, one of the most scenic spots of breathtaking beauty in the Kumaon Hills and is home to many rare animals, birds and wildflowers, any nature lover’s delight! Binsar is indeed a summer trekker’s paradise on earth! Trekking in salubrious air, amidst the misty mountain trails, towering oaks, and Rhododendron, well, to say the least, a lifetime experience!

 The mantle of lush green hangs all around, rocks are covered with ferns and moss, foliage sprouting out of every conceivable nook and cranny of hillside.

The mantle of lush green hangs all around, rocks are covered with ferns and moss, foliage sprouting out of every conceivable nook and cranny of the hillside. The Binsar hill is locally known as Jhandidhar. It offers a panoramic view of Kumaon hills. Almora is about 38 km. Binsar is crested by the majestic deodar trees and at night, the lights of Almora look fascinating!

To reach Binsar, the closest airport is Pantnagar (157Km) If you plan to come via Delhi, it is a distance of 410Km. One could take a train to Haldwani (120Km) and visit Binsar via Nainital. Nainital, another beautiful hill station and a major tourist attraction is about 90 km. There are several guesthouses and hotels available to suit every budget. It would be advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during the summers when everybody seems to head towards the hills to escape the scorching heat.

In springtime, the full bloomed rhododendron flowers form a red carpet to welcome travelers.

In springtime, the full bloomed Rhododendron flowers form a red carpet to welcome travelers. These flowers are also used to make a tasty soft-drink (rhododendron or buransh squash) which is extremely refreshing and also acts as a tonic for heart diseases, asthma and high blood pressure. Also, trekkers must beware of the notorious herbaceous plant, the Himalayan nettle that stings on contact.

Once in Binsar, you could go off for the Sanctuary tour that covers dense Oak and Rhododendron forests, a house to a number of birds, a paradise for bird watchers. The Binsar forest is blessed with medicinal plants and herbs. Mallika and Gananath temples are 25Km away from the main Binsar.

It’s worth a visit to Chaukori, surrounded by the towering Himalayas and lush green tea gardens.

Also, it’s worth a visit to Chaukori, surrounded by the towering Himalayas and lush green tea gardens. These tea gardens yield high quality of tea. One would get a panoramic view of the Himalayas from Chaukori. Many tours are available by road as packages. Amongst these the most popular are the Bageshwar-Baijnath-Kasauni Tour (85Km.) The Ranikhet tour and the Patal-Bhuvaneshwar tour. These tours include a visit to Sangam of two rivers, Srayu and Gomti, Baijnath temple where you see a variety of fish in the kund (pond) and a particular stone that can be lifted by nine little fingers.

The tour also covers a visit to Chaubatia gardens, Kumaon centre and Jhoola Devi Mandir. You also can visit the underground cave complex known as the commune of the Gods. The unique part is that there are 65 temples situated inside the cave of different gods and goddesses.

Sir Henry Ramsay had called Binsar as a ‘dreamland’ of Kumaon hills and had great love for this picturesque valley calling it as the most beautiful valley in India.

The trip to Binsar is a wholesome holiday that includes both leisure blended with pleasure and beauty. Binsar is a complete getaway for complete relaxation of nerves! The various tours will provide further insight into this beautiful valley. Sir Henry Ramsay stayed in Binsar for several years in the Khali Estate, the Erstwhile royal palace. This was later occupied by Vijay Lakshmi Pandit and is presently a Heritage Hotel. Sir Henry Ramsay had called Binsar as a ‘dreamland’ of Kumaon hills and had a great love for this picturesque valley calling it as the most beautiful valley in India.

Well, indeed Binsar has a dreamlike quality about it! This intimate little hill retreat can make you feel that nothing can come between you and nature! Enjoy the tranquility and mesmerising beauty of Kumaon hills, the sleepy hamlet, Binsar!

Photos from the Internet