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 from 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 a tourists might have to make do with limited food options. Thelocal 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 of 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.
