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.

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.

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.

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.