Binsar Hills Tour

Binsar is located in Uttrachal, India. This hilltop wildlife sanctuary is 33 km north of Almora in Kumaon at a height of 7,913 ft.

Binsar is a deliciously quite and peaceful wildlife sanctuary in the Kumaon Hills unless you are listening in on the birds, in which case it transforms into a short of bustling avian information exchange. The air changes perceptibly as you approach Binsar there is a cool, freshly laundered scent that it carries. Wthe entry barrier itself located about 12km short of Binsar proper the drive is a charming one with oaks and deodars looking down on you with all the majestry of age. It is one of those places, which just lets you be and tells you, a la the Beatles, to let it be. It is peacefully devoid of touristy spots and the pressure to go there and do that. But Binsar does hold one claim to fame the unmatched views of the peaks of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Shivaling, Trishl and the majestic Nanda Devi.

With at least 166 identified bird species in the region, Binsar is a varitable goldmine for birdwarchers. There is the brainfever, streaked laughing thrush, spotted dove, large ped wagtail, yellow backed sunbird white capped redstart and then there are the butterflies, or you could even go chasing after a sight of the solitary leopard that inhabits Binsar. Stand worshipfully outside his cave at sunset and try not to think of him laughing his head off at you.

The newly inaugurated little museum at the entry to Binsar is worth a visit for the fund of information it affords about the flora and fauna of the region. Going up to Zero Point is an absolute must do. A viewing tower here affords a remarkablepanoramic view of the Himalayan Range at an aerial distance of arely 25 km and is the best spot from which to watch the sun rise and set.

Almora

Almora 33 km from Binsar is one of the rare places in the hills station where short distances take hours to cover because of twisty winding hill roads which allows you to visit many places from one central point. Settle down in one of the many high altitude resorts dotting the hillsides from mountain views and cool, brecing air. Then pay visits to Binsar, Kausani, Ranikhet, Katarmal or Jageshwar.

In Almora itself, discover the art and culture of the Kumaon region at the Gobind Vallabh Pant Public Museum near the bus stand. You will be surprised to find a very rare collection of Apen folk paintings apart from other treasures. Bright End corner is the place to eat the air and watch the sun rise and set over the hills.

Do also visit the Chitai Temple a good 8 km from Almora. Soak in the atmosphere at this important shrine to Gollu deva who is the most popular Kumaon deity.

Almora has plenty of shopping centres, including the near 200 year old Lal Bazaar. Among the more interesting buys are angora cloth made from the fur of angora rabbits not goats. Do also pick up some of Almoras speciality tamta copper vessels for your kitchen.

Come to Almora in September for the Nanda Devi Mela at the 100 year old Nanda Devi Temple.

Around Binsar

Jageshwar 66 Km

A pilgrim town Jageshwar was a medieval centre of Lakula Shaivism and is widely accepted as the eighth Jyotirlinga. The temples range in age fro the 8th century early Katyuri Dynasty to the 18th century chand Dynasty.

Jageshwar’s major attraction is the temple complex, with the most important temples being the Mrityunjaya and the Jyotirlinga itself. The Dandeshwar Temple complex a few kilometers away is also worth a visit. A trek up to the Briddha Jageshwar Temple is rewarding for the journey itself. A warning though the 3 km uphill trek is steep and you need to be reasonably fit. Carry a bottle of water along and avoid the goat paths.

The recently opened Archaeological Museum located next to the KMVM Tourist Rest House is worth a visit. Open 10am – 4pm every day Sunday closed, it houses exquisite idols and statuettes removed from the Jageshwar shrine dating as far back as the 10th century.