The Forest resort at Binsar,
When I heard the writers retreat in which Indiblogger was a co-sponsor I decided to check it out.
Binsar was the location, I had not even heard of it.
The adventure began, when I zeroed in on November as me to go slot. I had to find where Binsar was then figure how to get there. The easiest way I found out was through the route planner by makemytrip. The options I got were
- Fly Goa to Delhi take a cab from Delhi to Binsar.
- Fly Goa to Lucknow take cab from Lucknow to Binsar.
- Fly Goa to Delhi take a train to Haldwani/Lalkaun/Kathgodam take a cab from there to Binsar.
- Fly Goa Delhi take a bus to Almora and then take a cab to Binsar.
- Take a train to Delhi and the options as above are available.
- Take a train to Agra and then a cab to Binsar.
When all the coordinates were in place the flight to Delhi, followed by train to Kathgodam I took the Shatabdi, and then Bobby da taxi to Binsar worked best for me.
Getting of kathgodam I actually understood what Himalaya ke godh mein meant. The nestling town in Kathgodam amidst the towering Himalayas. Kathgodam is the quintessential military town. With a few shops here and there. The cabbie took me to this place where he said the food was good and d
Post lunch we headed to Binsar. The treacherous mountain terrain, I really regretted not writing my will, or giving my ATM pin to my daughters. After 5hours, and couple of cardiac arrests through the scenic terrain I reached Binsar. It was 5.30 in the evening and the sunset was on. around the camp fire I met the other participants for the first time.
Suddenly I had doubts and there was no way to retreat. I could perfectly empathize with Private Benjamin here. I have already shared the Himalayan writing retreat but Binsar Forest Retreat is something IÂ plan to go to again.
The property is a sort of home stay with hosts Pallavi and Pritham.
The central eating area is level one, with the kitchen library and the eating space. this is also the only space where you can charge your mobiles. The rooms to house about twenty people are located across three levels with walking paths, and gardens space thrown in between.
Our sessions took place on a still terrain, where there was an open room where workshops and seminars could be held.
When I entered the room I was kind of sceptic since there were no plugs, I wondered how we would manage hot water as it was impossible to bathe in the cold water. But solar heating made it possible. They also have this amazing Bukhari or the fireplace which the staff light to keep the room warm through the night.
Pallavi I found was a mine of information on the flora and fauna not to mention absolutely elegant, gracious and graceful. While Pritham was the one took us on the various walks and treks, this being my first Himalayan endeavour I really didn’t walk much I had not taken my winter wear. Let me be honest I don’t even possess it.
For those of you who want to run to The Binsar Forest Resort.
Parwatisingari's Weblog 
Seems like a nice place, really quiet and peaceful
yes, very quiet.
Looks like a blissful retreat. Thanks for the info. I’d been to Kathgodam on my way to Sattal, a birding haven.
Thanks Chendil, know something you are my icon, someday I will be writing and travelling like you do.
Guess what,I recently connected with Chetan Mahajan at the Professional Speakers Summit in Chennai. First thing,I mentioned your name and he recollected. His story is very inspiring.