From time immemorial the hills of Kumaon have been a magnet, from the sages of ancient to a succession of kings and powers that be have been attracted by the undefinable beauty of the region. Binsar has been the cynosure with its glorious expansive views of the Himalayas spanning from Kedarnath in the West to Tibet and Nepal in the East, over 500 km of snowy splendour. Blessed with serenity, possibly borne out of the deep meditations of sages; beauty, borne out an unprecedented variety of flora and fauna, Bineshwar or Binsar is the only national park in India that is explored on foot. With the many ancient temples, forts and dense forests, adventure reveals itself at every corner with a blend of placidity, unique to Binsar.
We welcome you to experience “Nine Furlongs”.
“Flow in the freshness of wilderness and solitude”
Sir Henry Ramsay was enchanted by the siren call of the mountain breeze, bird songs, rustling of plants and the very palpable songs of silence as he stood admiring the majesty of Nanda Devi. A foremost architect of the British Kumaon region, he carved out six estates of virgin forests his top officials, as he transferred his administrative quarters from Almora to Binsar during the summer months. One of these charming estates, which has passed hands and hearts, binding them together starting with the District Collectors, later to a musicologist who made it her home is Nine Furlongs with centuries of history and stories. Nine Furlongs Binsar
The Estate
Built during the mid-1800s, the colonial bungalows are inspired and in unison with the evergreen forests around. Unequalled beauty of lush forests of mighty Himalayan Oaks and Rhododendrons coupled with the vistas of the pristine snow-capped peaks as the backdrop, even the quotidian becomes inspired. The two bungalows each deriving their name from the creatures of the wild, Kakarkot and Saulkot have been home to some of the most creative poets, writers and philosophers from the world over.
Dining Experiences
Breakfast and lunch are served out on the lawns, with good weather evenings allowing for bonfire dinners, makes for some amazing memories. Unless one is going out for explorations during the day, Lunch may also be taken out on the lawns with the sun warming your back.
Enjoy a lovely dinner of continental and Kumaoni cuisine under the stars with the bonfire warming you or choose to have supper in the quietude of your bungalow’s own dining room.
Breakfast – Alternates between Indian and Continental food.
Lunch – Indian / Picnic – Continental
Dinner – Continental
Sustainability
Keeping the natural equilibrium of the fragile habitat as a priority, the multitude of flora in the estate and it’s surroundings has been sensitively preserved to help maintain the ecosystem in it’s naturally flourishing and original state.
Local produce grown organically has helped reduce the carbon footprint from transportation and also curtailed the use of pesticides or any other chemicals from entering the soil and water. The property sustains itself on completely renewable sources of energy and water. Solar Power is generated at the estate as grid supply is non-existent. Rain Water is harvested, filtered and stored for our regular usage. Natural Springs on the property is an additional source for our drinking and other needs. Our initiatives are aligned with the government’s and forest department’s focus on conservation and cleanliness of the Sanctuary. Nine Furlongs Binsar!
Each of the bungalows and a cottage have been carefully restored staying true to their colonial character. Standing in isolation surrounded by blessed nature, each of them offers an escape into their own worlds. The two bungalows, both have two bedrooms each along with living and dining areas. The cottage has one bedroom with living and dining areas.
Kakarkot – The Forest Bungalow
The barking deer known locally as Kakar is the sentinel of the forest, warning the denizens of the forest to be aware. Kakarkot, the bungalow in the heart of the jungle is inspired by nature around, with the stones giving it strength and the wood giving it character, the mountains draped in white breathing life into it. The joy and beauty Kakarkot with spellbinding views has to offer is beyond words with countless guests for generations mesmerised, among them are renowned Hindi poet Ageya, famous artist Ramkumar Verma, Timothy Leary, Sri Krishna Prem
Saulkot – The Writers Bungalow
Saul as the outré porcupine is known locally, inspires the writer in you with its quills shot at random, beseeching the writer in you to explore the story behind the simple and serene life in these majestic mountains.
A living inspiration for a cohort of writers, most notably the famous Italian writer, Tiziano Terzani penned his immortal words on mortality and solitude. Saulkot is the perfect retreat for the wordsmith in you to mould permanent brilliance from the ephemeral.
Experiences
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Binsar is a world-renowned birding sanctuary with over 200 species of birds. It is also home to a large variety of flora and fauna. In the sanctuary, one gets to see Himalayan Goral, Chital, Musk Deer, Sumatran Serow, Wild Boar, Pine Marten, Red Fox, Gray Langur, Rhesus Macaque, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Indian Muntjac and if one is lucky, one can also to see the apex predator, the Leopard! Guided birding and wildlife Safari is best done on foot.
Nature Walk and Treks
A stroller’s paradise, the many forest trails and mountain paths around the Estate provide succour to intellect and emotions. Varying difficulty levels to pique the interest of serious hikers to loafing around leisure paths. All your senses come alive with spectacular vistas and crisp, fresh mountain air. The mindful hospitality of the estate makes certain that you are in good spirits with some truly sumptuous picnic baskets.
Kumaoni Living
Travel back in time as you experience the villages and people of Kumaon, particularly the ones settled around the sanctuary, lead hardy lives which are betrayed by the persistent smiles they wear. You will experience the genuine hospitality of these mountain dwellers as you indulge in local cuisines and witness their customs and rituals.
The natives although primarily Hindus, deeply devout, their practices and legends are heavily influenced by animism, which defines their spirituality. Every rock, river and peak is sacred to them and there is lore connected to each of them. Crystallized in the innumerable ancient temples here, your forest walk will take you to Binsar Mahadev temple within the Sanctuary. Nine Furlongs Binsar
Nearest Railway Stn – Kathgodam, Drive up to Binsar via Almora, 110Kms, 3hrs 30mins drive
Nearest Airports – Pantnagar, Drive up to Binsar via Almora, 140Kms, 4hrs 30mins drive
Delhi – 384 Kms, 10 hrs drive
Haridwar – 317 Kms, 8.5 hrs
Rishikesh – 337 Kms, 9.5 hrs
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Heaven on Earth
“If you haven’t been to Nine Furlongs in the Binsar forest sanctuary, you have missed something out of the world. This place is so serene, glorious views of the Himalayas, old world, in the lap of luxury, being spoilt by unmatched hospitality.it is a must visit.”
Soul Changing
“Nine furlongs is beyond expression. A British bungalow that will take you back to 1850s and will leave you speechless. The 250km wide range can transform you. The service is top notch . The bungalows are absolutely exquisite and tastefully done. The menu is curated to your taste. The more I mention the less it feels . A must visit and wonder of the world.” Nine Furlongs Binsar, Luxury jungle lodge
