Binsar, Uttarakhand

Binsar

Binsar is situated at an altitude of 2,480 m it 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 is also noted for mythological warfare between King of Binsar and Golu Devata. Due to some confusion Golu Devata was beheaded and his trunk fell at Gairad Dana Golu near Binsar national Park and his head felled at Kaparkahan near Binsar. Both The places have ancinent temples of Lord Golu.

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.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 45.59km² and situated at an altitude varying 900 to 2500 meters with an average height of 2412 mts. Binsar is rich in its flora and fauna. The slopes have a varying expanse and the terrain has been shaped by the action of running water. The sanctuary lays some 400-odd kms north of New Delhi on the Moradabad-Kathgodam-Almora route, some mid-way between Corbett National Park and Nanda Devi national Park.

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.

A well known forest reserve and bird sanctuary on the Jhandi Dhar hills of Kumaon. Once the capital of the Chand Raj Dynasty, it is located at a distance of 26kms from Almora. The entire region is surrounded by virgin forests of oak, rhododendron, pine and deodar making it a popular getaway for those looking for solitude and a close experience with nature.

The place has Pine forest at the lower level and Oak and Rhododendron at the higher altitude. This place is abundant in alpine flora, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, hanging mosses and many other species of wild flowers. Other main plants of this sanctuary are Kaphal (Myrica esculenta) , Pinus roxburghii, Engelhardtia spiicata, Macaranga pustulata, Quercus gloca, Quercus incana, Quercus leucotricophora(Banjh), Quercus semicarpifolia, Quercus dilatata, Cedrus deodara, Alnus napalensis, Aesculus indica, Pinus wallichiana , Quercus lanuginosa and Quercus floribunda, etc.

This sanctuary is the home of many high altitude species of animals and birds. These includes leopard (Panthera Pardus), Nemorhaedus goral (goral), Chital (Axis axis) Musk deer , Serow (Capricornis sumatiensis) , Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Sus scrofa, Black Bear, pine marten,Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Langur (Presbytis entellus), monkey (Macaca mulatta), Porcupine, Flying Squirrel (Petaurista petaurista),Barking Deer(Muntiacus muntjak), amongst others. It has been declared an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International with over 200 species including Tits, Forktail, Nuthatches, Blackbirds, Parakeets, Laughingthrush, Magpies, Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelana), Monal, Koklas, eagles, Woodpeckers and a range of others. Binsar is also home to many reptiles and innumerable invertebrates including a wide range of Butterflies.

Binsar wildlife sanctuary was set up in 1988, and spreads over an area of 45.59 sq kms. Binsar wildlife sanctuary was set up for the conservation and protection of the shrinking broad leaf oak (Quercus) forests of the Central Himalayan region It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and over 200 species of birds.

The sanctuary has been declared an “Important Bird Area by Bird life International.” There are more than 200 bird species in the sanctuary, including Forktail, Blackbirds, Laughing Thrush, Kalij Pheasant, Nuthatches, Parakeets and Monal.

Surrounded by dense forests all around, you can catch some amazing views of the Himalayan peaks. Zero Point is the best place to see the enthralling view of the snow capped peaks of Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul and Nanda Devi (best visible in autumn and spring). Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous 16th century temple, 8 kms away with the shrine of Lord Shiva. Binsar is said to have been named after this temple.

Binsar is famous for its 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.

Binsar is known for its several temples like the Bineshwar Mahadev Temple from which the town derives its name. The presiding deity of this temple is the Lord Shiva and it was built during the prosperous reign of King Kalyan Chand; one of the scions of the Chand Raja dynasty. The Chand Rajas had their summer capital at Binsar and Bineshwar Mahadev temple is one of the few constructions dating back to the 16th century architectural style that are still there in Binsar. Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is situated at a distance of 6 kms from Ayarpani and it is convenient to visit it on the way to the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous old temple and one of the important sightseeing attractions in Binsar. Besides being a religious place, the temple is also known for its architectural excellence. It is one of the ideal halting spots for tourists heading to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Kasar Devi Temple is located at a distance of around 9 km from the Binsar; it was the house for Dutch Monk from 1970 to early 80s. It is said that this temple was the house for the hippies and hippie culture got popular from here. This temple is still a major tourist attraction for the foreigners.

The Binsar hills are rich in ancient relics. Near Dinapani on the Almora-Binsar road, there is a point called Pariyadeva-Pashan where there is a long stone with cup-marks. According to Historians these cup Shaped marks belong to Megalithic Age.