Binsar Travel Guide, Tourism in Binsar, Almora, India.

Binsar is located in Uttrachal, India. This hilltop wildlife sanctuary is 33 km north of Almora in Kumaon at a height of 7,913 ft.

At about 6500+ ft asl, Almora is an idyllic Himalayan hamlet at 68 kms from Nainital. Almora is gateway to more remote destinations of Chaukori, Munsiyari, Patal Bhubaneshwar and Pithoragarh. 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.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary : Set deep in the foothills of the Great Indian Himalayas, Binsar is a comparatively small wildlife sanctuary, covering only an area of 47.04 sq. kms. A small protected area, Binsar was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1988, following a long local movement for its establishment.

22 kms from Almora is Binsar Sanctuary (8000 ft asl) which is known for walks and bird watching around the reserve forest. The area enjoy spectacular Himalaya views during winter (Oct-March) and excellent for walks around the area during Oct-June season. Around Almora there is Kasaar Devi Temple, Jageshwar Shiva Temple and a number of view points.

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.

Nearby Attractions :-


Bineshwar Temple : Built in the 16th century, this is a Shiva shrine from which Binsar derives its name. Bineshwar Temple is situated 6 kms away from Ayarpani and can be visited while driving up to the wildlife sanctuary. This temple was constructed by the Chand Rajas, who had once their summer capital at Binsar.

Golu Devta Temple : Just 4 kms away from Binsar, this temple is dedicated to the popular deity of Kumaon. Like the devotees visiting here to fulfil their wishes, you can also hand a bell to make a wish or as thanks for one that comes ture.

Kasar Devi Temple : Situated at a distance of 9 kms from Binsar, this spot was occupied by a Dutch monk in the 1970s and 80s, setting off a 'Hippie' boom in the area around. While those 'Hippies' are no more but it still remains a popular handout for foreigners. The Kasar Devi Temple attracts large number of people from far and near.

Almora : 23 kms away from Binsar, Almora is one of the important centres of Kumaon. Almora rose to prominence in the 16th century as the capital of the Chand Rajas. Later, the British made it as the district headquarters and now it is a bustling crowded town. Even today, Almora retains its traditional character, which you can observe in its quaint by-lane shops and colonial buildings.

How To Reach :-

Binsar is not directly connected via airways, so you have to reach there either by the railways or roadways. Kathgodam (126 kms) is the nearest railhead from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. If you want to visit Binsar from New Delhi then take the overnight Ranikhet Express from Old Delhi railway station to reach Kathgodam. From Kathgodam you have to take a taxi to reach Binsar. If you want to travel by road, then take National Highway 24 from Delhi to Rampur via Hapur and Moradabad, then National Highway 87 to Kathgodam via Rudrapur. Uttaranchal Roadways runs a morning and evening bus from Delhi to Kathgodam. If you want to stay within the sanctuary take a taxi from Almora as there is no public transport service beyond the park gate.