• Binsar

Binsar lies in the heart of Kumaon, Uttarakhand at an altitude varying from 1500 to 2500 meters. In the lap of great peaks of Nanda devi, Trishul and Pachachuli. it is unique in its unparalleled beauty and breathtaking view of the Himalayas. With rich forests containg three species of Himalayan oaks, Chir Pine and Deodar and phenomenal bird life and wild animals. Binsar harbors one of the last remaining natural temperate broadleaved forests in middle Himalayas. it is only wildlife sanctuary in the country where walking is permitted on the 62 kmm of designated paths. Binsar is open all year round, offering unique experiences in its fours seasons. It has also been politically significant, hosting many distinguished political personalities before and after independence. Here one can walk in the footsteps of luminaries like Henry Ramsay, Vijayalakshmi Pandit, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel, Tiziano Terzani and Uday Shankar.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful, quiet and wild Himalayan destination with rich natural surroundings among dense forest. Binsar is perched on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills. This place is situated 33 km north of the Almora town in the Uttarakhand state of India.

From Binsar one can see the 300 km panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, Trisul and majestic Nanda Devi from a place called ‘Zero Point’.

Binsar was the summer capital of the Chand Kings, who ruled over Kumaon, from 11th to 18th centuries AD. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988, for the conservation and protection of the shrinking broad leaf oak (Quercus) forests of the Central Himalayan region, and it inhabits 200 bird species.

Binsar which was the former capital of the Chand Rajas of Kumaon, is now home for a pristine mid altitude wildlife sanctuary. In the older days people came from far-flung villages, trekking on paths they themselves created to pay homage to Bineshwar Mahadev. Unlike Shimla, Nainital and Ranikhet – north Indian hill stations discovered and developed by the British, Almora is a truly Indian hill resort with its own unique flavor.

Binsar Hills known and Jhandi Dhar, rise to a height of 2412 mts and offer an excellent view of Almora town, Kumaon hills and the greater Himalayan valley. The surroundings abound in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and species of wild flowers. The chief attraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas – a 300 km, stretch on famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, nanda Kot and Panchchuli.

Binsar is the epitome of serenity and tranquillity with perched on top of a hill with a spectacular view of the snow capped peaks and the Almora valley. Surrounded by abundant garlands of alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and many other species of wild flowers, tourist can feel close to heaven.