Imperial Heights
Binsar, Uttarakhand.
Kasardevi is surreal. So felt the many luminaries of the famous 1960’s that came here including greats such as Bob Dylan and Allan Ginsberg. Seekers of spiritual secrets have been visiting Kasardevi for more than over a century now. Some giants of the names include Swami Vivekanand, W. Y. Evans-Wentz, Lama Anagarika Govinda, John Blofeld and Alfred Sorenson. And there is an immense history attached to the place. Even the Chinese traveler Huen Tsang has mentioned Kasardevi in his travelogues.

Over a period of time this tiny picturesque settlement has become a favored destination for travelers, writers, musicians, thinkers and travel-enthusiasts from all over the world. Perched amidst rich pine forests, Imperial Heights is set on the most vantage platforms of Kasardevi offering a breathtaking 400 Km. panorama of the majestic Himalayas on the one side and an expansive view of the Almora town on the other.
 
We aspire to allow for an unforgettable feel that enthralls with its passion and comfort. Being within easy approach and access is what we aim for. All the time. We promise to provide you a snug and inspiring time. We spare no effort to ensure that you leave us feeling contented, and stirred to come back to us over and over again.

At Imperial Heights we have a fundamental belief that a comfortable, stress-free holiday has no substitute. We therefore endeavor to serve you delectable food,and observe high standards of hygiene.

There are several places of interest in and around Kasardevi where a miscellany of activities will keep you pleasantly engrossed. Our team of guides well-versed with the area will be more than willing to be of any assistance to you.
 
Situated 7 Kilometers north of the Almora town, adjacent to the main road, Imperial Heights boasts of eight Imperial rooms built after a blend of colonial and traditional Kumaoni architecture. These are built predominantly with mud, stone and pine-logs. In addition there are four rooms facing the vast Almora valley. The lights of the Almora town at night give a stunning impression of being face-to-face with the shimmering multi-colored galaxy.

There is a multi-cuisine restaurant with views to both sides of the ridge. Special care has been taken to preserve the flora and fauna of the complex. An elaborate collection of ethnic Kumaoni artifacts offers the inquisitive visitor a lot to contemplate about.

Architecture of Imperial Heights
The Imperial rooms have been fashioned after a blend of Kumaoni architecture, elementary natural colours and a multiplicity of ideas. The traditional roofs use slate for covering the structure. Kadappa stone has been used here instead. Natural fossil stone was brought from Madhya Pradesh to be used as flooring. Mud-based masonry has been employed to make walls with hand-finished natural stones. The ceiling has fixed 22 feet long logs. It is generally assumed that use of bright colours makes one extroverted. But in these rooms in contrast the use of muddy shades, unfinished wooden logs and dull light blend together to enhance one’s inner peace.

The idea of these Imperial rooms were not formulated by any professional architect. It emerged rather as a “Jugalbandi” of an artist and Kumaoni workmanship.
Places of interest
Binsar has been an acclaimed hill resort of India. Binser is the trekkers paradise. There is an estate near Binsar called Khali estate, it was once the home of Sir Henry Ramsay, who was the commissioner of Kumaun from 1856 to 1884 and popularly called by British authors as 'King of Kumaun'. He also built his bungalow at Binsar. Vijay Laxmi Pandit, the sister of Jawahar Lal Nehru, also lived here. Khali is also a place at Binsar where Jamna Lal Bajaj of Gandhi-Seva-Trust started 'Shailashram'.

Binsar Mahadev
There are two Binsar in Almora district. The Binsar wildlife sanctuary as shown by Wikipedia is not this Binsar Mahadev. It seems that they[who?] misunderstood it with the Binsar which is near to Almora city. This Binsar is around 20 km from Ranikhet situated in the valley and nearly 70 km away from Almora city. It is located in a jungle and famous for temple of Lord Shiva. Recently[when?] a statue of Lard Krishna and Arjun has been built there. Every year in June "Yagya" is organised in which thousand of devotees from far and wide visit there.

Archaeological Spots
The Binsar hills are rich in ancient relics. Near Dinapani on the Almora-Binsar road, there is a point called Pariyadeva-Pashan where there is a long stone with cup-marks. According to Historians these cup Shaped marks belong to Megalithic Age.

Binsar Sanctuary Museum
Binsar has a museum about the flora and fauna of the region and provide good and valuable information about the Sanctuary.

Kasar Devi Temple
Kasar Devi Temple is located at a distance of around 9 km from Binsar, it was the house for Dutch Monk from 1970 to early 80s. It is said that this temple was the house for the hippies and hippie culture got popular from here. This temple is still a major tourist attraction for the foreigners. It gained recognition in 1820 when Swami Vivekananda meditated here.

Bineshwar Mahadev Temple
This temple is one of the holy destinations for Hindus. It is a beautiful place to visit. Binsar was named after this temple. This temple is dedicated to God Shiva. This temple is an excellent example of great architecture.

Zero Point: Zero point offers unparalleled panoramic view of the magnificent Himalayan range. The snow-clad peaks of Kedarnath, Shivling, Trishul and the Nanda Devi can be seen from this point.
Weather
Imperial Heights is located at 2100 meters(approx.) from the sea-level.The weather follows typical mountain trend i. e. very pleasant during summers and cold during winters. During summers the temperature can reach up to 18-23 degrees Celsius. In winters it tend to sink below zero during the nights. Winter days can be pleasant if the sun is out. It is recommended that guests carry appropriate warm clothing throughout the year. Summer evenings can also be pretty cool.

Tourism
Spiritual, leisure and religious tourism are the main activities that one could take up in and around Imperial heights. Among the most prominent places that one could visit are Jageshwar and Binsar Wildlife Scantuary. The ancient Shiva temple-complex of Jageshwar is at a distance of 30 kilometers from Kasardevi. Believed to be the site of first of the twelve Jyoti lingas of Lord Shiva the Jageshwar temples offer a sight to behold. The Archaeological Survey of India has appreciably preserved these temples.

Situated at a distance of 16 kilometers north of Imperial Heights the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a serene Himalayan destination. Binsar offers you a 300 km panoramic view of the snow capped Himalayan Range from a place called 'Zero Point'. An abundance of alpine flora, ferns, moss and many other species of wild flowers makes one feel being in paradise.
Reaching Us
By Road:
From Delhi 9-10 hrs. – 380km. Drive via Hapur (take bypass) - Gajraula - Moradabad (take bypass) - Rampur - turn left towards Bilaspur - Udham Singh Nagar - Haldwani - Kathgodam - Bhimtal - Bhowali - Garampani - Almora - take upper Kasardevi road towards Binsar (Wildlife Sanctuary) 7km -Imperial Heights 1km before Kasar Devi temple.

By Train:
1.Train: Ranikhet Express:1st AC, 2nd AC, 3rd AC & Sleeper
RUNS DAILY
Departure Delhi 10.40 p.m. - Arr. 06.00 a.m. Kathgodam
Departure Kathgodam 20.40 p.m. - Arr. 4.30 a.m. Delhi
Pick up/drop Imperial Heights to Kathgodam = 3 ½ hrs. drive
2.Train: ANVT AC Express: 1st AC, 2nd AC & 3rd AC
RUNS Wed, Fri & Sun
Departure Delhi (Anand Vihar railway station) 06.00 a.m. - Arr. 11.55 a.m. Kathgodam
Departure Kathgodam 15.45 p.m. - Arr. 22.00 p.m. Anand Vihar (railway station) Delhi
Pick up/drop Imperial Heights = 3 ½ hrs. drive
3. Sampark Kranti Express: 3rd AC & AC Chair
RUNS DAILY
Dep. Kathgodam 08.45 am arr. Delhi 03.30 pm
Dep. Delhi 04.00 pm arr. Kathgodam 10.05 pm
Pick up/drop Imperial Heights to Kathgodam = 3 ½ hrs. drive

BY Air:
The nearest airport is located at Pantnagar, which is at a distance of 71 kilometer from Nainital. Pantnagar to Bhimtal to be covered by road. A private carrier regulates regular flights to Pantnagar from Delhi.
Packages 2012 - 2013
Season Packages : valid from 15th March 2012– 15th July 2012

2 Nights/ 3 days Package
Imperial valley facing Room : Rs.10500/- + 15.15% Tax = Rs.12090/- Per Couple
Imperial Queen Room: Rs.11500/- + 15.15% Tax = Rs.13242/- Per Couple
Imperial King Room: .12500/- + 15.15% Tax = Rs.14394/- Per Couple

Package Include : Welcome drink on arrival, Fruit basket in room on arrival, Accommodation in well appointed cottages / rooms, Daily Breakfast and Dinner, Morning and evening tea service, 15% discount on Food & Beverage, Complimentary use of Indoor Games except billiards, Guided nature walks, Evening bonfire.
   
Tele : +91-11- 46862772, 41612107. Mobile: 9810002772.