Binsar

Once the ancient capital of the Chand Raj kings who ruled in the 7th and 8th centuries Binsar is an epitome of solitude, quietness and natural beauty for today's traveler. Perched on top of Jhandi Dhar hills, Binsar is 35 km from Almora and is a notified forest reserve and bird sanctuary. There is no town called Binsar, not even a settlement of huts or anything, it is just the forest reserve that has been named Binsar. The placed affords wondeful views of the snowcapped Himalayan ranges, like the peaks of Nanada Devi, Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Panchchuli and Nanda Kot.

TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

Binsar is famous for it's views of the snow capped Himalayan mountain ranges, so one can sit back and enjoy the view while savouring your favourite drink. One can also go trekking with abundant nature trails available from Binsar. Binsar also houses a forest reserve with a rich diversity of flora and fauna with forests of oak and rhododendron with a large species of flowers and birds along with some wild animals. The famous temple of Binsar Mahadev is also nearby.One can also make a detour to nearby places like to Kausani, Ranikhet, Jageshwar or Chowkori

MAJOR TOURISTS ATTRACTIONS

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary - The Binsar wild life sanctuary encompasses an area of about 50 sq. Kms in the middle Himalaya near Almora. The forest abounds with wildlife - commonly seen are leopards, deer and wild boar.

Jageshwar Temple - It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is regarded as one of the most sacred 'tirthas' in the Kumaon region, with a linga considered to represent one of the 12 jyotirlingas. The temple complex comprises 124 temples of which 5 are major ones. Of the numerous temples in the Jageshwar group of temples, the Mrityunjaya temple seems to be the oldest dating back to the 8th century.

Baijnath Temple - The third most well-known temple is the Baijnath temple at Bageshwar which is one of the few temples where both Lord Shiva and Parvati are worshipped. The temple complex holds a pond where you can see a variety of fish. It also holds a particular stone which can only be lifted by nine male little fingers. Bageshwar represents the meeting of the Srayu and Gomati rivers.

Japanese Cave - The local people called " Abyau Binsar". Abyau means Cave and Binsar means Grandmother. As well known Japanese cave, because at the time the Japanese Army used it as a hide out and logistic center. About 3000 Japanese soldiers are believed to have die inside. this place you can find many kinds of guns and war machines which were used during the Pacific War at mini museum.

Binsar Mahadev - Just one kilometre from Upat is Kalika with its famous temple to the Goddess Kali. It also has good forest nursery. A beautiful snowcapped mountain peak is available on the other side of the golf link at Upat. From Kalika a 45 minute drive away, through misty, pine forests is another temple, the Binsar Mahadev.

Chitaidevi temple - It is close to Almora, is steeped in legend. Here devotees tie a bell, make a wish and even write letters seeking divine intervention in legal issues to Chitai, who is regarded as the God of Justice.

Patal Bhuvaneshwar - Patal Bhuvaneshwar looks over steep green valleys to the Himalayan foothills, beyond which lies the glorious view of the snow-capped mountains. This underground cave complex is over 6000 years old. The Pandavas are said to taken shelter inside the cave during their period of isolation. The cave, which takes you down 30 feet, is a natural formation and has been created out of a single rock. The rock face of the innerwalls has depictions of characters from Hindu mythology, such as Kamadhenu, Sheshnag, Airavath as well as other characters from the Mahabharata.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Binsar can be traveled round the year. but its better to plan your tour between October to November, as this is the most ideal time for all visitors.

HOW TO REACH

By Air - Binsar is 380 km from Delhi. The closest airport is at Pantnagar, 127 km.
By Rail - Train Last station is Kathgodam 120 km from Binsar.
By Road - You can take a tourist bus, taxi or drive up via Almora, 30 km from Binsar.