Binsar

Not many know of Binsar.

I had heard about it through an ex employer who owned a property there and a friend who was planning a ten day retreat.

I was attracted by its relatively undiscovered existence, its forests and that there was a wild life sanctuary that could be explored on foot....and if while doing so you came across a "bagh"..well then that was your Karma.

Binsar - Nandadevi property

And so it was five and a half hours by train to Kathgodam,then another three hours by taxi via Bhimtal and Almora to just beyond the gates of the sanctuary and then a 20 min ride in a Maruti Gypsy over a narrow stony path with bends that were so sharp that the gypsy could not take them in one go.

I arrived at the gates of Nanda devi resorts at 4.00pm and was met by the cook and his helper who carried my luggage for the next fifteen minute walk that led me to my Stone Cottage.

Binsar - My stone cottage

Nandadevi Resorts is a 20 acre estate owned and run by a remarkable lady called Mukti Dutta...but this is my story...not hers.

Einstein has said...He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand in rapt awe...is as good as dead...

Binsar ensured that I was alive.

The biggest wow factor was the rhododendron tree in full boom just outside my cottage...when it shed its flowers I had my walking on the red carpet moment. A glass of rhododendron juice every afternoon has ensured that my heart will be healthy for a long time.

Binsar - Rhododendron tree in full boom

Whoever said that the Oak is a magnificent tree..is right. It grew alongside  the deodhar  the cheer pine and I am told twenty five other varieties.

Binsar - Oak, Deodhar and 25 other varieties of trees

Wow moments became a part of my everyday life.

Each day was clear...and the Himalayan range of Trishul, Nanda Devi, Kedar Nath..seemed within reach. Musk and barking deer roamed looking for grazing patches..and there were cheeky "langoors" and monkeys.

Long walks up hill and down ensured that my urban lungs were being pumped to new levels of energy...and total bliss was that the wonderful scones, apple pies and even hot pakoras were eaten at tea time with no feelings of guilt. Food,  all menu's were custom tailored.

Binsar - Resting the urban lungs

It was peaceful,quiet except for the sounds of nature, and gave me a sense of ownership.