Binsar Buraansh
Ever since we became members of Club Mahindra, I kept hearing about the beauty of Binsar Villa. Perched at 5,025 ft, overlooking the Nandadevi and Trishul Himalayan ranges, this place was described by everyone as magical. So, after our trip to Gir and Udaipur the previous October, we decided that our summer holidays would be for Binsar and Corbett. Tickets were booked well in advance — thankfully, at a reasonable price — and the excitement began to build.
When the much-awaited day arrived, Gargi and Amogh were bubbling with energy. They even enjoyed spending time at the airport lobby! From Delhi, we took a train to Kathgodam, and from there, a taxi to Club Mahindra. With plates of hot moong dal pakoras and cups of steaming tea, we drove towards our dream destination.
At the resort, the staff welcomed us warmly with a local drink called Buransh, made from the bright red rhododendron flowers that seemed to be blooming everywhere. The air itself carried a freshness — this was a land alive with birdsong, colour, and quiet charm.
The Villa in the Clouds
Club Mahindra Binsar Manipur Villa sits right on the hilltop. The view from our balcony was nothing short of divine — on one side, the lush green Shivalik ranges stood so close, and on the other, the panoramic Himalayas stretched endlessly.On the day we arrived, the weather played its own drama. First, it was sunny, then clouds rolled in, and suddenly it rained. I just sat there in my balcony, in a meditative mood, watching raindrops hang like pearls from the cedar pine leaves. The fragrance of wet earth, the sound of chirping birds, the rawness of the land — everything felt mystical, almost otherworldly.
Trek to the Stream
The next day we set out on a 4 km trek to a nearby stream. I was a little apprehensive about taking Gargi and Amogh, but both of them surprised me by enjoying every bit of it.The trail was lined with cedar pine trees, their dried leaves carpeting the ground like a soft natural rug. Walking barefoot on them was sheer delight. Apricot trees were everywhere too — their fruit used locally for oil, scrubs, and moisturizers.
When we reached the stream, Gargi and Amogh happily played in the cool waters. Tea was prepared Kumaoni-style right by the stream — and I must say, it tasted like the best tea I’d ever had! On our way back, we listened to local stories that made the hills come alive.
Zero Point – The Sunset Memory
One of our main reasons for visiting Binsar was to see the Himalayas from Zero Point. We hiked 2 km through a misty jungle trail. Though the peaks remained hidden that day, nature had another gift in store — a glorious sunset.We sipped tea and ate noodles while watching the sun melt into the mountains like a ball of fire, casting golden light across the sky. That moment remains etched in my memory as one of the simplest yet most unforgettable joys of travel.
Night Camping – Under a Sky of Stars
highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the night camping experience. With temperatures dropping to 8°C, the campfire was our only warmth. The night was still and serene, the silence broken only by the call of the nightjar bird.When dawn came, we walked half a kilometre from the campsite to catch the sunrise. And there they were — the snow-clad Panchachuli and Trishul peaks, glowing in the first light of day. The sight was so divine, it felt like this must be the very place where gods live.
I returned from Binsar carrying these images in my heart — the clouds brushing the pines, the laughter of my children, the magic of the mountains. Truly, it was a journey of unforgettable memories.
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