Can you explain a little about the history of the property?
The Binsar Estate was acquired and developed by Lt. General Sir Henry Ramsay, a cousin to Lord Dalhousie (the Viceroy of India) in the year 1867. Sir Ramsay was appointed as the Commissioner to the Kumaon Division in the year 1856 and it is said that it took him 10 years to identify a place that somewhat reminded him of his native Scotland to build a personal home and estate. He eventually stopped at Binsar and declared that this would become a personal estate of his and also sanctioned 5 other estates for his subordinate officers. Subsequently a law was passed that no construction of any sort shall be allowed within a periphery of 4 kms in all directions of this estate. This has helped preserve the Binsar as a secluded forest even till today. Binsar was an exclusive European settlement till 1947 and people had to seek special permission to enter from the district collector at Almora. An extensive variety of fruit bearing trees were imported from the United Kingdom and planted on these estates. Hence they became the first fruit orchards of this entire area.
The Gangola family acquired the Binsar Estate in 1935 in an auction from Joseph Martin a Colenel with the British Army who also happened to be the last British owner of the Estate. Since then it has been preserved the way it is and is now operated as Grand Oak Manor, Binsar since 2009.
What type of cuisine do you serve and what is the local speciality?
We at Binsar try and cater to most palettes. A typical Anglo Indian menu from the days of the British Raj, traditional Kumaoni meals and some International selections are part of our menu. Our Kumaon ’thali’ is still served in 120 year old brass plates consisting of age old family recipes.
3. How many days would you recommend and what would be the best experiences to really get to explore and understand the area?
We typically recommend at least 4 nights to come and explore the area and the Estate.
What is the most convenient way to reach the property?
Right now the most convenient way to reach Binsar is by flying to Pantnagar airport from Delhi/Dehradun and then embark on a 4.5 hour journey by road through the picturesque region of Kumaon. Indigo and Air India are two operators that have daily flights to Pantnagar. Alternatively the guests can take the night train to the Kathgodam Station and then drive up to Binsar in 3.5 hours.
What are the seasons like, are you open all year round and which is your personal favourite time of year.
We are open throughout the year. The typical seasons are – Spring (March till May) highlights – pleasant weather, occasional rain, the rhododendron blooms of the Binsar forest. Summers – Mid May till July – Monsoons – July, August till mid-September. Autumn – Mid September till November. Winters December through to March. My personal favourite is the Spring and Autumn because the majestic Himalayan mountains are visible on most days.
What can one expect from their time in Binsar National Park. Is it all by foot or can you explore the woods by vehicle.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary has numerous trails and walks. It is only possible to access them on foot, there is only one main road inside Binsar. So a combination of a trail and a pick up and drop in our 4×4 is recommended from the Estate to the trail head and back. The sanctuary is noted for its numoerous resident and migratory bird species along with 13 species of mammals.
When did the property open as a hotel?
2009
What other destinations work well with Binsar as a wider itinerary?
Jageshwar with its majestic temples, Kasar Devi and Bageshwar are a few places that are nearby.
Is the area famous for any arts and crafts, or local culture?
Weaving, traditional Kumaon gold jewellery, copper smiths are some of the arts and crafts of this area and can be seen in and around the town of Almora.
If someone isn’t fit enough for the treks, are they still able to come and enjoy the views and do some local visits by car?
Definitely, a car can take people around Binsar and the nearby areas and villages to explore.
