Trishul and Mrigthuni from the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. More pics at Flickr Photoset

As I begin to pour my thoughts down concerning a brief holiday-stopover at the notable forests of Jhandidhar, I am nearly getting a feeling that I might be doing injustice to the beauty and inimitability associated with this location. As a travel blogger, I have always felt that writing about experiences after the visits have long been concluded is a grave error one would commit and only the portrayal churned out by the relative thought-process provides the soul to the travel-memoirs. And yet, this time with the aid of travel-notes of my first excursion to Binsar, I am attempting to recreate my experience about a break which dates back to the summers of 2011.

Popularly known as Binsar, the forest of Jhandidhar derives its name from the ancient temple of Veeneshwar (or Bineshwar) located within the sanctuary. Spread in the heart of Kumaon at altitude varying from 1500 to 2500 m, Binsar is about 30 km on the Almora-Jageshwar road (SH37) from the main township of Almora. The smooth motorway from Almora makes its way through the forests of Jhandidhar to reach the interpretation centre-cum-entrance gate of the sanctuary. The notice boards at the interpretation centre clearly states the general obligations of a visitor with respect to the biodiversity inside the sanctuary. The entry ticket, obtainable only during the daytime, is valid for up to three days.

“Come and Get Lost”!! More pics from the Kumaon region at Flickr Photoset

Jhandidhar’s popularity shot up when during the days of British Raj, Binsar was declared to be the administrative centre of Almora. As many as six estates still exist within the confines of the sanctuary and several other colonial bungalows could still be spotted in its vicinity. The sprawling estates have played host to a number of politicians and celebrities including the likes of Henry Ramsay, Vijaylaxmi Pandit, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Sardar Ballabh Bhai Patel, Tiziano Terzani and Uday Shankar, etc. Thanks to the efforts of environmentalists especially the Goralkot estate owner, the ridge and its forest wealth was saved from the clutches of commercialisation when it was notified as a sanctuary by the then UP government. Today, the forests of Jhandidhar are among the few remaining densely wooded green patch in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Mercifully, Binsar continues to harbour one of the few remaining natural temperate broadleaved forests in middle Himalaya.

The name Binsar originates from the ancient temple of Lord Shiva, Bineshwar Mahadev, situated in the middle of the sanctuary. More pics from the region at Flickr Photoset

As elsewhere, I had not made any prior arrangements to spend the night inside the sanctuary. There is no dearth of accommodation around the sanctuary but inside it is very limited. Located at a distance of 13 km from the main gate, the KMVN tourist rest house is positioned just perfectly on a ridge top. To keep myself away from the touristy humdrum, I was inclined towards staying at the Forest Rest House located a couple of km further. The supply of electricity inside the sanctuary is very limited and both properties operate on solar energy. Wooden floored, the FRH was still in its original state.

As the light fades, tourists inside the sanctuary throng the FRH compound to admire the sunset

Interiors of the FRH still retain much of its original charm. More from the region at Flickr

The then caretaker of the FRH, Sh Bache Singh Bisht readily agreed to double up as a guide through the forest. Having gobbled up a cup of hot ginger tea, we headed into the denseness of the forest. It is claimed to be the only wildlife sanctuary in the country where walking is permitted on the 62km of designated paths. Depending on the interest of the visitor, there are many identified trek routes within the jungle. The most popular of the lot is the one to the ridge top marked as Zero Point. The remainder of the trek options are for those who intend to observe the village life. There are as many as five villages inside the sanctuary limits. However, venturing into the forest after sunset is strictly prohibited.

The pathway to the Zero Point atop a ridge inside the sanctuary. More from the region at Flickr

The watch-hut named Zero Point atop the ridge. More images from the region at Flickr Photoset

Commanding an uninterrupted panoramic view of the Great Himalayan Range from Yamunotri in the west to Nepal’s Mt Nampa towards the eastern horizon, the vantage point atop the ridge is popularly christened as the Zero Point (2410m). The watch hut at the ridge top is situated roughly at a distance of about two km from both the KMVN facility and the secluded FRH. Impregnated with moisture, the hazy greyish hue in the sky awaiting the grand arrival of monsoon partially obstructed our view towards the snowy heights. Nevertheless, the Goddess deity of Garhwal as well as Kumaon, Mt Nanda Devi was still noticeable above the clouds. It was my first affair with the grand view of Himalaya. The snowy curtain had induced Himalayan addiction into my soul. And as they say once the Himalayas are in your blood, there can be no escape.

A portion of the Great Himalayan Panorama captured from the Zero Point. L to R: Nanda Ghunti to Dangthal in the monsoon-rich skies. More from the region at Flickr Photoset

Binsar is a hiker’s paradise. Pathways are accessible for most part of the year. One may not find habitation for hours at end, therefore, it is advisable to carry supplies along

Not only the magnificence of Himalayan views but the rich flora and fauna along with the folklores ranging from the mythological Saptrishis to the British administrators makes Binsar an idyllic sojourn halt. The relatively unspoilt wilderness is alarmed only by the noises of animals or birds whereas the centuries old oaks testify the changing perspectives. Much before the British moved in, Binsar was the summer capital of Chand Rajas. However, a little survives from its undoubted ancient past except for the thirteenth century temple complex dedicated to Shiva and Parvati.

A large quantity of watering holes, called Naulas, are found in this water retaining Oak forest

Banj and Maaru Oak trees, useful medicinally, are found in the upper reaches of Binsar.

Divinely worshipped, Deodars are considered to be a reliable building material. As a matter of fact, The British had thoroughly exploited Deodar forests throughout the Himalaya.

The forest wealth of Binsar comprises Himalayan Oaks, Chir Pine, Deodars, Rhododendrons, etc. apart from noteworthy birdlife and usual wildlife. I was particularly enamoured by my first sighting of a flying squirrel as it jumped in the thick of moss-covered dense woods. The sanctuary pamphlet I was carrying claimed that Binsar is home to leopards, barking deer, wild boars, monkeys, jackals, red fox and porcupines, etc. Housing over 150 bird species, it is considered to be an absolute paradise for birdwatchers. The popular ones include flycatchers, khaleej pheasant, cuckoo, great barbet, tits, nuthatches, parakeets, thrushes, koklas, golden eagle and himalayan woodpecker, etc.

While morning hours see a buzz at the Zero Point, daytime is generally popular for bird-watching as well as observing village life. As the light starts fading, residents in the confines of the sanctuary throng the FRH compound to admire the setting sun.

The century old FRH is one of the popular Sunset viewpoints inside the sanctuary

In these environmentally testing times, Binsar continues to be one of the last remaining fortresses of well-preserved blooming nature. Unlike most other reserves, the forest sanctuary of Binsar is open throughout the year and offers distinct flavours in all four seasons ranging from the red rhododendron to energetic flame of the forests in spring, from the misty monsoons to the unparalleled vibrant views of autumn and snows in winter.

पहाड़ की चेलीले, पहाड़ की बौरी ले, कभे नी खाया दि रोटा सुखले। हाय हाय ले काटा दुखले दिन ले, पहाड़ की चेलीले, पहाड़ की बौरी ले। More images from the region at Flickr Photoset

Average Altitude: 2200m
Best time to visit: Throughout the year; autumn in particular
Travel Lure: Himalayan views, Wildlife rich forests
Accommodation: Always confirm in advance