With the rapid commercialization of most hill stations, people in Delhi search for unexplored destinations where one can find peace and explore nature. Being part of this very group we decided to explore Binsar. After loads of search and efforts on Google we finally planned a weekend trip to Binsar.
Situated about 30 km beyond Almora in the Kumaon region, Binsar is one of the prettiest hill town in Uttranchal. Just a quick one before I get mesmerized about my trip to Binsar. There are two places in Uttrakand known as Binsar, one where Binsar Mahadev temple is located near Ranikhet and the other where Binsar Bird Sanctuary is located.
Here I am talking about Binsar Bird Sanctuary 
Binsar is about 3 ½ hour drive from Kathgodam (the nearest railway station), but we planned to drive all the way from Delhi. For most of our journey ahead of Kathgodam, river Kosi was by our side. It took us about 10 hours to reach Binsar from Delhi and we stayed at the KMVN resort located in the middle of the Binsar Wild Sanctuary.
The KMVN rest house is located about 10 km into the jungle. The last 2 km stretch is a little tough in terms of being narrow and steep. We reached Binsar around 5 p.m in the evening and were overwhelmed with the courteous response received from the staff of KMVN.
The best thing of KMVN rest house is its location. The food is vegetarian although egg is served.
If you have a craze for astronomy, then this is the place to be. After a day long journey and no electricity it was a wonderful experience to watch the beautiful starlit night sky. I have rarely seen such a clear sky with thousands of stars. Don’t forget to carry your telescope if you really want to enjoy the night sky to the best.
After spending 2 hours just gazing the sky we planned to return to our rooms for a good night sleep just to wake up at 6.30 in the morning to get the first view of the sunrise from behind the snow covered mountains.
Sharp at 6.35 am we could see the snow covered mountain slowly change its colour from white to bright orange. It was a breath taking view and a privilege to witness. Just to add that extra bit, we were served hot tea at the terrace while watching the sunrise. It was just marvellous J
Sharp at 7 a.m we were given 2 buckets of hot water to freshen up. We decided to dedicate the day to trekking. We took the 2 km walk inside the forest to reach the highest point of the sanctuary- “Zero Point”.
The most interesting aspect of the Zero point was the view of the snow capped Himalayas in the distance. We trekked back to our rest house and not to forget that on our way we did see a few birds although not many.
The evening plan was decided much in advance. We had to see the sunset. Situated some ½ km from the KMVN rest house is the sunset point. We decided to take a walk and feel the natural beauty all the way down to the sunset point.
The morning sunrise hadn’t settled in as yet and we experienced yet another nature’s beauty to its truest extent. I don’t have words to describe the beauty of those 5 min when the Sun just went hiding behind the mountains leaving behind a clear yellowish orange sky for us to cherish all throughout.
Having experienced the pleasure of the natural beauty surrounding Binsar, next day we decided to head to Jageshwar temple, situated some 65km from Binsar. Of all the temples of Lord Shiva, the twelve Jyotilingas are considered to be most important, Jageshwar temple is one of them. The distance to the temple is quite picturesque. Just few minutes before we were to reach the temple, it seemed we had entered into an altogether different world-full of Deodars reaching the sky!!
With all the beautiful memories captured in our heart we decided to head back to Delhi. I can say that Binsar is truly a heaven on Earth!
