Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

The summer capital of the erstwhile Chand kings (7th - 18th century) of Kumaon, Binsar is a picturesque, sleepy hamlet and one of the most scenic spots in the Kumaon Himalayas. Pitched at the impressive altitude of 2,420 m, 95 km from Nainital, it offers a majestic view of the snowy Himalayan peaks like the mesmerizing ranges Chaukhamba, Trishul, Nanda Devi, Shivling and Panchchuli.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Encircled by a vast wildlife sanctuary, a home to many rare animals, birds and wild flowers Binsar is a truly fascinating spot. Binsar is also a trekker's paradise. One can go on long treks in the clean air, amidst the misty mountain trails, towering Oaks and Rhododendrons. Binsar is a formation of sleepy hamlets amidst orchards, silver streams and green meadows. The blanket of green hangs all around - rocks covered with unusual moss and ferns, flowers and shrubs - foliage sprouting out of every conceivable nook and corner of the hillside. The entire area is now a sanctuary.

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Tourism

Time just stands still at Binsar. You will keep discovering new walking trails up the mountains and down the valleys, new lookout points for another spectacular sunset. This intimate little hill retreat makes you feel that nothing can ever come between you and nature.

Mary Budden Estate-Binsar:

Mary Budden Estate is located in a cozy corner of the Kumaon, in the magnificent middle Himalayan Mountains. Come to Mary Budden Estate to relax in a serene setting within the secluded Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, where we are proud of our environmental and cultural sustainability.

You will get to unwind and re-connect with nature at our family run luxury homestay, a fully restored heritage home dating back to the 19th century. Mary Budden Estate harvests rain water, is fully powered by solar energy and its gardens are abundant with organic produce.

Mary Budden Estate Lodge

The sanctuary serves as a home for leopards, ghorals, wild boar, kakars, monkeys, Indian red fox, jackals, pine martens, Himalayan black bears, and porcupines. In addition to this, it also houses more than 200 species of birds that are of both resident and migratory.

We also run a two room village home stay in Dalar village, one of five villages inside Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Typical village mud walls and the traditional craft of wall painting called aipan, grace the walls and though every point of comfort along with an en suite bathroom is part of this home, one is transported into an authentic village experience.

A day trek into the village, meeting the other residents and getting to know their way of life is an integral part of your stay. Kumaoni village cuisine and a chance to sit around a fire in the evening to the sound of a flute or a possible music recital by some villagers are some of the highlights of the Dalar Village Home stay.