Tag Archives: Binsar

Butterflies

A few days in Binsar, and I had started missing that most ubiquitous of all butterflies found here – the Himalayan Tortoiseshell! As the weather started warming up mid-March, I could see the small, pretty Coppers slowly make their appearance, along with the striking looking Sorrel Sapphire. But where was the Tortoiseshell I had seen just so many of last October?

The weather has kind of been fickle, with spells of rain and shine, but it definitely is a lot more warmer now than how it was a month back. And guess who has made a complete comeback??

The Himalayan Tortoiseshell is everywhere these days, flitting from flower to flower and often alighting on the ground, wings spread, basking with abandon! On sunny days, when we breakfast outdoors, it settles down on the table, sometimes on crockery too. A pure delight! Another butterfly that we have seen very commonly these days is the pretty Indian Cabbage White. Flitting around, it surely is a delight to watch.

It’s amazing how these little wonders spread so much happiness around, just by being there!

Joy and Peter Lawson

29-March to 1-April-2015, Trishul room

Binsar Forest Retreat exceeded our expectations.  The accommodation was outstanding – all beautifully decorated with comfortable beds, a warm and welcoming fireplace, big glass windows and doors opening onto a patio with “to die for views of the surrounding forest and Himalayas”.  What more could anyone ask for?

Much thought had gone into the preparation of the tasty food which we greatly appreciated.

The walks through the flowering rhododendron, oak and pine forests were spectacular.  We were delighted to see many birds there that we had not seen throughout the rest of India.  As well, with the assistance of our local village naturalist guide we saw barking deer, ghoral and wild boar.  The guide was extremely knowledgeable and we would have surely missed much without him.

We would highly recommend a stay in Binsar Forest Retreat – such a pretty, peaceful place with friendly, welcoming managers and staff.

Our first guests

Eleanor and Guy Sclater, 3-February to 7-February-2015, Trishul room.

Eleanor and Guy advised me to do the difficult things first. And it was largely due to their prodding that I got started on the website. The website is now live. Thanks Eleanor and Guy. You were the best first guests we could have asked for.

Guy had written a few words about their stay at Binsar Forest Retreat especially for the blog:

“A carefully remodeled complex. Very well preserved, with comfortable en suite rooms, hot water and electricity, and helpful, cheerful staff. An enjoyable vegetarian menu from local produce beautifully cooked.

Terrific bird life, adventurous walks and where else can one see the Trishul peaks while lying in bed.

A must for all who love the hills.”