Travel Secrets March-April 2015 | Page 63

ahamoment Binsar Basics Location: Binsar sits pretty at 2400 metres, in the Almora District of Uttarakhand. Star Value: The snow-clad peaks of Chaukhamba, Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Kedarnath, which are clearly visible from the here. Hotspots: The Bineshwar Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple, built by King Kalyan in the 13 century, showcases the brilliant architectural of that era. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, home to more than 200 species of birds and wild animals such as the Barking Deer, Himalayan Bear, Leopard, Fox, Musk Deer, Langur, Porcupine, Panthers, Wild Boars, Monkeys, Flying Squirrel, Chital etc. Day trips from Binsar Bageshwar: (60 kms) Gets its name from the popular Bagnath temple, devoted to Lord Shiva. It’s where the mighty Gomti and Saryu rivers meet. Very scenic, too. Jageshwar: (60 kms) Houses one of the 12 Jyotirlingas found in India. It is located on the Almora-Pithoragarth road, in the beautiful Jataganga valley. The grand temple complex, located amidst thick deodar woods, consists of 124 temples that boast exquisite craftsmanship. March-April 2015 Travel Secrets  63