Why Berinag is a visitor’s delight?
Being secluded from the hustle and bustle of the cities, Berinag is a perfect place for awakening your mind and soul. It's only in Berinag that you can soak in the mesmerizing beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas to magnificent Nepal ranges at the same time.
The place also offers refreshing views of the lofty Panchachuli, Rajrambha, Trishul and the Nanda Devi peaks, making it a visitor’s delight. Not many people know that Berinag is famous for its colonial-era tea estates and for being the proud manufacturer of the finest tea in the region.
Not just this, Berinag is also hailed for its ancient snake temples such as Nag Devta Temple which is quite popular among the visitors. Apart from this the temple of Tripura located about 5 km away from Berinag is popular amongst the tourists.
Activities in Berinag
Hiking: Perched at an elevation of 1800 meters, Berinag offers ample opportunities to hike to nearby regions. The hilly area in and around Berinag is perfect to go on a nature trail with your friends. The lush green forests and streams offer peace and tranquility.
Photography: Some of the most amazing Himalayan views can be witnessed by Berinag. Peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul and Panchchuli are visible from Berinag on a clear sunny day. Thus, one cannot resist capturing the majestic snow-covered peak with their camera. For nature-photographers, Berinag offers lot of opportunities to capture nature at its best.
Village Tourism: The secluded hill station of Berinag also offers opportunities of village tourism. Tourists can hike to nearby villages and learn about the way of life, customs and cultures about the place by interacting with locals.
Staying in Berinag
Berinag is a small hill station, which is relatively unknown to travelers and tourists alike. Hence, there are only a handful of accommodations available here. Finding a 3-star or above hotel would not be possible however one can find a budget guesthouse at Berinag. One can also opt to stay at Chaukori which has more option to stay than Berinag. Chaukori is only 10 kms from Berinag.
Berinag Food Guide
Being a lesser-known destination, there are no fancy restaurants at Berinag and tourists might have to make do with limited food options. The local roadside food joints serve north Indian cuisines and popular Chinese dishes. However, this provides an opportunity to try out some of the local Kumaoni cuisines like Gahat Dal, Sisunak Saag, Kappa and Chainsoo.
History of Berinag
Berinag was once a part of the Almora district of Pithoragarh but during the 1960 Chinese aggression, it was carved out as a separate district. During the Chand dynasty’s rule, Berinag was a prominent place of worship. The place finds its mention in several folk tales and there are numerous temples dotted in its periphery. It is said that Berinag was formerly named as Berinag, kept after the Nagveni King, Benimadhavahas.
It is also believed that when the Pants from Maharashtra came to settle at Berinag, they had a nerve wrecking experience of witnessing several colourful snakes coiled in large numbers at this place. In this reference, a snake temple was also built at this place somewhere around 14th century.
Mythology about Berinag
There is a famous mythological tale behind the name of Berinag which states that Lord Krishna after defeating Kalinag advised him to leave the Jamuna river and make his abode amidst the snowy peaks. Kalinag along with other serpents left the Jamuna river and went to reside somewhere around Berinag.
Berinag aka Bedinag
Berinag is a less frequented place which is snuggled in the Kumaon hills. It is enveloped by the thick forests, colossal streams, and diverse flora-fauna. Some of the nearby settlements to Berinag are Dhanoli, Bana, Bhattigaon, Banoli, Quarali, Tripuradevi and Sangarh.
What is Berinag famous for?
Berinag is famous among tourist as Hill Station.
Berinag is popular destination for following activities/ interests - Hill Station, Others, Temples, Village Tourism.