The Retreat in The Binsar Sanctuary
27.09.2006
http://www.thebinsarretreat.com
http://www.panchachuli.com
The Retreat is known for its Eco friendly tourism. Situated at a height of 7,500 feet in the Kumaon Himalayas, it is the only accommodation available for hire, in the core zone of the incredibly beautiful Binsar Sanctuary. The Retreat comprises five exquisite luxury tents and modern bathrooms. Able to house a maximum of 15 intrepid holiday seekers, each tent is unique. Set in spacious private gardens, the tents feature polished wood floors and furniture, traditional textiles and furnishings.
The premise of the Retreat was based on the need to conserve the delicate balance between man and nature and show, through example, how tourism can be constructive and when necessary, controlled effectively. We, from the urban environment, have forgotten how to relate to our natural habitat, to respect and nurture it. The Retreat’s endeavour is to propagate, through interactions there, and the special experience, this very important balance and its comprehension.
Set in core area of the exquisite Rhododendron and Oak forest, ½ an hour's drive
from Almora city, The Retreat offers the time challenged executive a luxurious
home away from home to conduct offsites.
Binsar Sanctuary-
The name Binsar is a British distortion of Veeneshwar one of the many names of Lord Shiva. The forest of Binsar has been sacred since ancient times when the saptrishis are said to have meditated here. The Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Kumaon district of Uttaranchal in Northern India. It comprises 50 sq. kms of protected area on a mountain 8000 feet high above neighbouring valleys of dense Oak, Rhododendron and Pine. It is home to diverse wildlife including over 180 species of birds. The Sanctuary commands a stunning view of the higher Himalayas from Yamunotri in Garhwal to Mt. Nampa in Nepal. Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nand Kot dominate the horizon.
The denudation of the Binsar Forest was halted by the notification of Binsar as a sanctuary in 1988 under the Wildlife Protection Act. Mukti Datta was instrumental in this declaration as well as the set-up of the Panchachuli Women’s Weavers Association. The Binsar Retreat boutique stocks pure Tibetan Pashmina and local wool shawls made by Mukti’s organization, amongst other local produce.
The facilities available on site
Accommodation. –Five Luxury double bedroom tents with verandahs and ensuite bathrooms. Extra beds are available.
Dining
The Binsar Retreat provides wholesome and nutritious meals with a variety of traditional Kumaoni, Indian and Continental cuisine including homemade bread, dairy products and jams. Picnic hampers are provided for day treks and trips in and around the sanctuary.
Lounge verandah & reading room
Drinking Water- Copper Jug with potable drinking water is provided daily. However, filtered water can also be provided should you require it. The Sanctuary is a no-plastic zone, so mineral water bottles may not be brought into the area. Laundry services are available. Laundry is done manually and sun dried.
Hot water is available on request
Bed Tea is available with prior intimation
Medical Assistance available
Helipad available
Transfers to & from helipad & railway station are available
Special evening and talks with conservationists who have dedicated their lives to Binsar and the preservation of the Sanctuary.
Activities and Excursions (pricing of excursions on request)
i. Bespoke one of a kind excursions, no two days in the forest are the same. Walk through the core area of the Binsar Sanctuary with guides. Trails lead through dense forests filled with over 200 species of resident and migratory birds and wildlife such as Leopard, Barking Deer, Ghoral, WildBoar, Pine Marten, Fox, Porcupines and Langurs.
ii. Trek from Binsar to the famous Jyotirlinga Temple of Jageshwar (20 kms), Vriddha Jageshwar (18 kms) and the shrine of Ganna Nath (20 kms) with a picnic lunch and return to the Retreat in a four wheel drive vehicle.
iii. Patal Bhuvaneshwar (120 kms) these incredible subterranean caves are located 120 kms North East of Binsar in Pithoragarh. This excursion would involve a full day with a 3-½ hour drive one-way. Visitors will need 2 hours to explore the caves. The trip includes lunch and refreshments.
iv. Other Places in the vicinity that offer spectacular views of the Greater Himalayas are Kausani and Chaukori.
v. Visit the Panchachuli Women Weavers where over 700 village women engage in weaving Pashmina, lambs Wool and natural fibre making shawls, tweeds, carpets and furnishings.
vi. Visit Almora Town famous for its copper smiths, gold smiths, the Nanda Devi Temple, the bell temple of the local deity Dana Golu at Chitai and the sun temple at Katarmal.
vii. Visit local villages within the sanctuary to gain an insight into the traditional life and culture of the people. This delightful walk includes a typical village meal.
viii. The Retreat can also orgainse high altitude trekking, fishing, rappelling, and rock climbing.
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