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Saturday, November 30, 2013

BINSAR

BINSAR

Binsar is situated at an altitude of 2,480 m It is a beautiful, quiet and wild Himalayan destination with rich natural surroundings among dense forest. Binsar is perched on top of the Jhandi Dhar hills. This place is situated 33 km north of the Almora town in the Uttarakhand state of India. From Binsar one can see the 300 km panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks like Kedarnath Peak, Shivling, Trisul and majestic Nanda Devi from a place called 'Zero Point'.



BINSAR Valley


History of Binsar

Binsar was the summer capital of the Chand Kings, who ruled over Kumaon, from 11th to 18th centuries AD. Binsar is also noted for mythological warfare between King of Binsar and Golu Devata. Due to some confusion Golu Devata was beheaded and his trunk fell at Gairad Dana Golu near Binsar national Park and his head felled at Kaparkahan near Binsar. Both The places has ancinent temples of Lord Golu.





In the older days people came from far-flung villages, trekking on paths they themselves created to pay homage to Bineshwar Mahadev. Unlike Shimla, Nainital and Ranikhet - north Indian hill stations discovered and developed by the British.


Geography of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over 45.59km² and situated at an altitude varying 900 to 2500 metres with an average height of 2412 mts. Binsar is rich in its flora and fauna. The slopes have a varying expanse and the terrain has been shaped by the action of running water. The sanctuary lies some 400-odd kms north of New Delhi on the Moradabad-Kathgodam-Almora route, some mid-way between Corbett National Park and Nanda Devi national Park.
Binsar Hills known and Jhandi Dhar, rise to a height of 2412 mts and offer an excellent view of Almora town, Kumaon hills and the greater Himalayan valley. The surroundings abound in alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and species of wild flowers. The chief attraction of Binsar is the majestic view of the Himalayas - a 300 km, stretch on famous peaks which includes Kedarnath, Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, nanda Kot and Panchchuli. Binsar is the epitome of serenity and tranquillity with perched on top of a hill with a spectacular view of the snow capped peaks and the Almora valley. Surrounded by abundant garlands of alpine flora, ferns, hanging moss and many other species of wild flowers, tourist can feel close to heaven.

A well known forest reserve and bird sanctuary on the Jhandi Dhar hills of Kumaon. Once the capital of the Chand Raj Dynasty, it is located at a distance of 26kms from Almora. The entire region is surrounded by virgin forests of oak, rhododendron, pine and deodar making it a popular getaway for those looking for solitude and a close experience with nature.


Flora & Fauna at Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Flora 

The main forests types found in this sanctuary are listed below :- 
1. Oak and moist mixed deciduous forests. 
2. Temperate moist coniferous forests including deodar and blue pine. 
3. Sub-alpine birch, fir and spruce forests. 
4. Sub-alpine pasture and scrub. 

The place has Pine forest at the lower level and Oak and Rhododendron at the higher altitude. This place is abundant in alpine flora, Bryophytes, Pteridophytes, hanging mosses and many other species of wild flowers. Other main plants of this sanctuary are Kaphal (Myrica esculenta) , Pinus roxburghii, Engelhardtia spiicata, Macaranga pustulata, Quercus gloca, Quercus incana, Quercus leucotricophora(Banjh), Quercus semicarpifolia, Quercus dilatata, Cedrus deodara, Alnus napalensis, Aesculus indica, Pinus wallichiana , Quercus lanuginosa and Quercus floribunda, etc. 

Fauna 

This sanctuary is the home of many high altitude species of animals and birds. These includes leopard (Panthera Pardus), Nemorhaedus goral (goral), Chital (Axis axis) Musk deer , Serow (Capricornis sumatiensis) , Jungle Cat (Felis chaus), Sus scrofa, Black Bear, pine marten,Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Langur (Presbytis entellus), monkey (Macaca mulatta), Porcupine, Flying Squirrel (Petaurista petaurista),Barking Deer(Muntiacus muntjak), amongst others. It has been declared an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International with over 200 species including Tits, Forktail, Nuthatches, Blackbirds, Parakeets, Laughingthrush, Magpies, Kalij Pheasant (Lophura leucomelana), Monal, Koklas, eagles, Woodpeckers and a range of others. Binsar is also home to many reptiles and innumerable invertebrates including a wide range of Butterflies.


Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Binsar wildlife sanctuary was set up in 1988, and spreads over an area of 45.59 sq kms. Binsar wildlife sanctuary was set up for the conservation and protection of the shrinking broad leaf oak (Quercus) forests of the Central Himalayan region It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, and over 200 species of birds. 

The sanctuary has been declared an “Important Bird Area by Bird life International.” There are more than 200 bird species in the sanctuary, including Forktail, Blackbirds, Laughing Thrush, Kalij Pheasant, Nuthatches, Parakeets and Monal. 

Surrounded by dense forests all around, you can catch some amazing views of the Himalayan peaks. Zero Point is the best place to see the enthralling view of the snow capped peaks of Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul and Nanda Devi (best visible in autumn and spring). Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is a famous 16th century temple, 8 kms away with the shrine of Lord Shiva. Binsar is said to have been named after this temple.

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.


Bineshwar Mahadev Temple

Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is the temple from which Binsar derives its name. The presiding deity of this temple is the Lord Shiva and it was built during the prosperous reign of King Kalyan Chand; one of the scions of the Chand Raja dynasty. The Chand Rajas had their summer capital at Binsar and Bineshwar Mahadev temple is one of the few constructions dating back to the 16thcentury architectural style that are still there in Binsar.

Bineshwar Mahadev Temple is situated at a distance of 6 kms from Ayarpani and it is convenient to visit it on the way to the Binsar Wildlife sanctuary.

Binsar Sanctuary Museum

Binsar has a museum about the flora and fauna of the region and provide good and valuable information about the Sanctuary.


Kasar Devi Temple

Kasar Devi Temple is located at a distance of around 9 km from the Binsar, it was the house for Dutch Monk from 1970 to early 80s. It is said that this temple was the house for the hippies and hippie culture got popular from here. This temple is still a major tourist attraction for the foreigners.


Archaeological Spots in Binsar 

The Binsar hills are rich in ancient relics. Near Dinapani on the Almora-Binsar road, there is a point called Pariyadeva-Pashan where there is a long stone with cup-marks. According to Historians these cup Shaped marks belong to Megalithic Age.


Climate of Binsar - Weather of Binsar

The climatic conditions prevailing in the Binsar sanctuary range from temperate to sub-arctic. Winters are very cold and Heavy snowfall is received. 

You Can Visit Binsar By Taxi Or By Tours & Travel Packages
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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Unforgettable Himachal : Dharamshala

Dharamshala

This is a hill station lying on the spur of the Dhauladhar range about 17 kms north- east of Kangra town. This hill station is wooded with oak and conifer trees and snow capped mountains enfold three sides of the town while the valley stretches in front. The snowline is perhaps more easily accessible at Dharamshala than at any other hill resort and it is possible to make a day's trek to a snow-point after an early morning's start. Dharamshala is also the headquarter of the Kangra district.

In 1905, tragedy struck Dharamshala when an earthquake levelled it completely. After its reconstruction, Dharamshala flourished as a quiet health resort. It is divided into two distinct parts. Lower Dharamshala has civil offices and business establishments with courts. Kotwali bazar and Upper Dharamshala comprise of places with names which bear witness to its history like McLeod Ganj and Forsythe Ganj. Since 1960, when it became a temporary headquarter of His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Dharamshala has risen to international fame as "The Little Lhasa in India". Mcleodganj is 9 km from Dharamshala.
In and around Dharamshala, one can visit the Kangra Art Museum at Kotwali bazar, War memorial, Kunal Pathri temple and tea gardens on way to Kunal Pathri. There is also a beautiful Cricket stadium in the city facing mighty Dhauladhar.

General information

Languages Spoken: Hindi, Punjabi, English and Pahari are understood and spoken by the people engaged in tourism trade
Shopping centres: Kotwali Bazar, a general shopping area, and McLeod Ganj for Tibetan handicrafts
Area: 5739 sq. km
Population: 13.39 lakh

Altitude: Between 1250 m to 1550 m (Dharamshala)
Temperature: Max. 38 C in June; Min. 0 C in Jan.
Annual rainfall: Varies between 290 cm to 380 cm second highest rainfall in the country.
Best season: January to June; September to December. July-August is rainy season. 
Clothing
  • Winter:    Heavy Woollens
  • Summer:  Light Woollens and tropical 

Approach



Air: The nearest airport at Gaggal is 14 km away after which it is accessible by road.

Rail: Pathankot is the nearest broad gauge railway terminal to Dharamshala. From Pathankot there is a narrow gauge railway line up to Kangra (94 km) and from here Dharamshala is 17 km by road.
Road: Direct and regular bus service from Delhi (520 km), Chandigarh (250 km), Jammu (210 km), Shimla (238 km), Chamba (185 km) and Manali (240 km).

PLACE OF INTREST

The variety Dharamsala offers for sightseeing ranges from temples, churches and monasteries to museums, ancient towns and places of natural beauty. Every season and every spot has its own special offering.


KANGRA ART MUSEUM, KOTWALI BAZARThis treasure trove of the Kangra Valley displays arts, crafts and rich past, artifacts that date back to the 5th century. It includes a gallery of Kangra's famous miniature painting and a representative collection of sculptures, pottery and anthropological items. Shamianas and dresses used by local royalty, old carved doors, jails, lintels and pandals are also on display Coins, jewelry and manuscripts are included. A section houses the work of contemporary artists, sculptures and photographers.

WAR MEMORIAL At there start of town, landscaped lawns and a web of narrow paths fill a pine grove where a monument has been raised to commemorate the post independence war heroes of Himachal Pradesh.

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH (8 Km) : 8 km from Dharamsala, between Forsythganj and Mcleodganj is the charming church of St. John in the Wilderness. Under the shade of deodar branches, a memorial has been erected over the body of the British Viceroy, Lord Elgin who died at Dharamsala in 1863. There is a well tended old graveyard on these grassy sloped.

MCLEODGANJ : Often called the Little Lhasa, at 1770m is the residence of His Holiness, The Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Government in exile has been head quartered here for over three decades. The impressive monastery has larger than life images of the Buddha, Padmasambhava and Avaloktwshwara. The large Tibetan community and the presence of traditional architectural designs drawn from Tibet have enhanced the area. Tibetian handicrafts and garments are available on sale every Sunday. The Tibetian Institute of Performing Arts is just a km away and organises a ten day festival from the second Saturday of April.

DAL LAKE (12 Km) : 12 km from Dharamsala and surrounded by deodar trees this is an enchanting and serene picnic spot.

BHAGSUNATH (11 Km) : Close to fresh springs, this ancient temple is 11 km from Dharamsala. It is a popular picnic spot and the famous slate quarries are close by.

CHINMAYA TAPOVAN : 10 km from Dharamsala on the banks of the rivulet Bindusaras, is an ashram complex established by the late Swami Chinmayananda, a noted exponent of the Gita. The complex includes a 9 meter high image of Lord Hanuman, a magnificent Rama Temple, a meditation hall, a school, and a health and recreation centre.

NURPUR : 66km from Dharamsala and 26 km from Pathankot, Nurpur is famous for old fort and a temple of Brijraj. Nurpur acquired its name in 1672, when Jahangir, the Mughal Emperor named it after his wife Nurjahan.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS : The temple of Jwalamukhi, Chamunda Devi and Brijeshwari Devi are other pilgrim centers close to Dharamsala. The fort of Kangra and Ma11ngarh are other attractions.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES AND SPORTS : Between May and October, the Dhauladhar ranges offer an enormous variety of trekking and rock climbing.

FISHING : The 20 km stretch of the river Beas between Nadaun and Pong Dam offers ample opportunities in angling for Mahaseer.

SHOPPING : For local handicrafts visit Kotwali Bazar, Tibetan handicrafts and carpets are available at Mcleodganj.

Masrur (or Masroor) (42 Km): The major attraction of this place is the fifteen exquisitely carved monolithic rock temples dating back to 8th century. The carvings of these temples are similar to Kailash temple at Ellora. In the sanctum of the main temple, one can find images of Lord Ram, and the Goddesses Sita and Lakshmi. Masrur is 15 km south of Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.
Bhagsu Waterfall (11 Km): This waterfall is in Bhagsu, 2 km from McLeodGanj. It lies behind the Bhagsunag Temple. During Monsoon, the fall turns into a 30 feet cascade.
Bhagsunag Temple: Temple of god Shiva situated around 2 km from McLeodGanj Bazaar. Constructed by 1 GR by around 1800 century and then worshipped majorly by 14 Gukha platoon villages in Dharamshala. Very next to Bhagsunag temple is a water fall, one of the major tourist attraction spot in Dharamshala.
Art Gallery: Naam Art Gallery is a popular tourist spot in McLeodGanj. There are paintings and exhibitions on display. These paintings are works of the renowned German painter Elsbeth Buschmann and English painter A.W. Hallett. It is in Sidhbari village, which is on the main Dalhousie-Chamunda Road.
Kangra Museum: Situated close to the bus stand, Kangra Art Museum is a unique museum displaying the artifacts of Tibetan and Buddhist cultures. This is a treasure of Kangra valley’s cultural past, crafts, arts and other ancient artifacts. Some of the displayed items in the museum are dating back to 5th century.
Kangra Museum encloses a gallery consisting of miniature paintings of Kangra’s rich past, pottery, rare coin memorabilia, sculptures and anthropological materials. It has a varied collection of tribal jewelry, embroidered costumes and wood carvings. A section dedicated to contemporary artworks adds the attraction to the museum.
Tourists can easily reach by bus or taxi and it will take 30 mins to one hour to see the museum. While visiting the museum, never miss to explore the Kotwali bazar
Kunal Pathri Temple (3 Km): This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kalpeshwari and is located 3 km from the Kotwali Bazaar. It's believed that a part of Goddess Sati's skull fell here when Lord Shiva was carrying the charred body of the Goddess; hence the name of the temple.
Chamunda Temple: This temple is around 15 km from Dharamshala on the right bank of river Baner on the Mandi-Pathankot highway. According to mythology, Goddess Kali killed the demons Chand and Mund at this place.
Dal Lake (12 Km): The Lake is spread in an area of 1 km and is bounded by rhododendrons, deodars, and junipers forest. Annually, a fair is held at the Kali Temple near the Lake. There is another temple close to the lake that is dedicated to sage Durvasa. Dal Lake is 2 km walk westwards from McLeodGanj bazaar.
Triund: Triund is nestled in the foothills of Dhauladhar and is around 17 km from Dharamshala. It's a trekking destination from McLeodGanj, and offers magnificent vistas of the mountains and valleys. The nightstays are in the hoods, small time caves, that local gaddis with their goat herds use as shelters from rains during the daytime.
Naddi: This scenic picnic spot is located 5 km northwest of McLeodGanj. Naddi offers a spectacular view of the Kangra valley. You can trek to Kareri Lake, Triund, and Guna Devi from here. It's becoming a popular destination for nature lovers.
Jama Masjid: Built in 1719 AD near Old bus stand, main Kotwali bazaar.
Thaneek Pura: or Thanik Pura is a hill station village (hamlet) in Chintpurni in the Una district of the state of Himachal Pradesh in India. It is near the Chintpurni Temple, which is a place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Sikhs. The area is surrounded by the western Himalaya in the north and east in the smaller Shiwalik (or Shivalik) range bordering the state of Punjab.
McLeodGanj: is around 9 km from Dharamshala. This place is famous for its markets from where one can shop for handicraft items, eat Tibetan food and visit statue of Lord Buddha.[18]
Sidhbari: A village located 6km from Dharamshala near Yol Cantonment and a place of historical spiritual significance. Attractions around Sidhbari include the Kapila Muni Cave, Chinmaya Ashram, Gyuto monastery, Aganjar Mahadev Temple and the newly constructed State legislature. The agricultural hamlet of Rakkar nearby is an ideal base to explore the rest of the Kangra district and experience the traditional lifestyle and mud architecture of the Gaddi community.



Dharamshala
Dharamshala: Dhauldar Mountain