BINSAR

THE SCENIC HAMLET
Binsar, once the summer capital of the Chand Rajas (7th to 8th centuries) is located at a distance of 34 kms from Almora. It is one of the most scenic spots in the Kumaon Himalayas and a well acclaimed hill resort.

Binsar is an idyllic hamlet whose chief attraction is the panoramic view of the Himalayas -a 300-km stretch of famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchchuli. In olden days, the devout came to pray at the Temple of Bineshwar (an aspect of Shiva) built of by Raja Kalyan Chand.

Binsar hills known as Jhandi Dhar, rising to a height of 2412 m, offer an excellent view of Almora town, Kumaon Hills and the greater Himalayas. From the complex, a walk through dense oak and rhododendron forest leads to a vantage point at the summit, which affords an uncluttered view of the Himalayan range and the surrounding valley

EXCURSIONS

The surroundings abound in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and countless species of wild flowers. Almora:
(34 kms.) The district head quarter of Almora has still maintained its old traditional character which can be felt in the tiled roofed houses and paved streets. Places of tourist interest here are bright-end-corner, Chitai Temple, Kasar Devi, Deer Park, Nanda Devi temple & Ram Krishna Mission Ashram.

Jalna:
(59 kms.) At a height of above 5500 feet, Jalna provides a wide panoramic view of the Himalayas. A number of orchards produce a variety of fruits such as apricots, peaches, pears, plums and apples. Nearby is the temple of Kutumbari Devi & Banari Devi considered to have been constructed in the 9th century A.D.

Katarmal:
(51 kms.) Katarmal is a must for history lovers. It houses the famous sun temple built by the Katyuri rajas some 800 and 900 years ago, atop a steep hill.

Jageshwar:
The temple town, housing one of the 12 jyotirlingas in India, stands on the Almora- pithoragarh road, in the beautiful Jataganga valley. The grand temple complex, consisting of 124 temples, is famous not only for its exquisite craftsmanship but also for its pristine beauty due to its proximity to the forests of thick Deodar.

HOW TO GET THERE

Air: Nearest airport is Pantnagar, 157 kms.

Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 120 kms.

Road: Binsar is well connected by roads, to all prominent towns- Almora (34 kms.), Nainital (120 kms.) & Delhi (418 kms.).

PLACES TO STAY

Nanda Devi, KMVN Tourist Bungalow. Forest Rest House.

NEARBY CITIES

Almora : 34 kms
Nainital: 120 kms
Pantnagar: 157 kms.
Kathgodam: 120 kms.

OTHER INFORMATION

Tourist information and reservation: Manager Tourist Bungalow, Binsar, District Almora, Uttar Pradesh. Manager Holiday Home, Almora, District Almora, Uttar Pradesh.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Altitude: 2412 m.

Temperature:
 Summer  Max. 29.4°C    Min. 9°C
 Winter  Max.4.4°C   Min. 2°C

Rainfall: 85 cms average.

Clothing:
 Summer: Cottons/Light Woollen.
  Winter: Heavy Woollens.