Binsar – A cultural and historical mecca
Anyone who has seen the majestic mountains of the Himalayas can testify to how marvelous it is a sight to behold. This is especially realized at Binsar, the hill station of Uttarakhand, located in the Jhandhi Dhar hills of the Kumaon district. A resplendent town blessed with the most breathtaking views of the Himalayas,
Binsar was a haven for wildlife before it became the epicenter of attention for the Chand kings during summer from 11 to 18 CE when they ruled the region, Till date, the historical heritage of Binsar still speaks of its acclaim earned centuries ago, and is exemplified at the artworks on display at Jageshwar.
Ascending Binsar – Perched at 2420 meters above sea level, Binsar’s high elevation advantageously positions it to offer gorgeous views of ice-capped mountains located in numerous towns such as Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, all the way to Shivling, and Panchchuli. However, travelers need to be mindful that the climb in height can be rapid while ascent and may possibly challenge the acclimatization process for tourists.
Hence, take your time to reach Binsar from Almora, the nearest pit stop en route to Binsar. After all, the journey is when you will get to soak in all that spellbinding scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset, when one gets to gape at how light rays from the Sun magically pierce through the towering pine trees to cast a mosaic of shadows. The journey is estimated to consume 45 minutes of your time by road, which is advisedly incomplete in the last few kilometers in the journey to Binsar.
The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – Did I mention Binsar was known for its richness in biodiversity? The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is not only sprawling, but houses many exotic species of flora and fauna, rendering it a thriving ecosystem of mammals, birds, and plants. The wildlife sanctuary also appeals to adrenaline junkies who would enjoy hikes on challenging terrains that are otherwise accompanied by an abundance of pristine air, albeit misty due to the high altitude. However, the staggering height of Binsar’s wildlife sanctuary has not compromised on the sheer variety of animals and plants one can get to appreciate at this nature reserve.
A Sacred Site for Hindu Tourists – One of the tourist spots that travelers mustn’t miss in Binsar includes the temple complex located in Jageshwar, which is located about 34km away from Almora. Attracting scores of religious tourists annually for pilgrimage, this temple complex is famous for containing one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India.
The unparalleled views from Binsar – Now to the most important reason, why you should visit Binsar? For the precious opportunity to witness the full splendor of the Sun rising through the Himalayas at the break of dawn. The majestic peaks of the Himalayas that stretch over 200 to 300 kilometers can be easily identified when the sky is clear of clouds and with binoculars.
So don’t procrastinate your trip to the glorious town of Binsar, which is best visited in summer, at one of their many mid-tiers to luxury means of accommodation.
Hi…I am Vaibhav Tiwari, people love to call me VT or Vicky. Born and brought up in the city of Nawabs, Lucknow but I like the old name of Lucknow i.e. Awadh. I love to travel, exploring new places, and meeting new people and not to forget tasting mouth-watering local cuisines which you just can’t miss.
Although, not all get the chance to live their dream or passion, so it happened with me too. Being the guy from 80s, where everybody is pushed to studies to become Engineer, Doctor, and most important anyhow crack the govt. exam and get the job, then “Life set hai boss”.