Berinag is a small town in the Pithoragarh district of the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is located at an altitude of 1,224 meters (4,016 feet) above sea level and is known for its tea gardens and the Temple of Lord Shiva. The town is surrounded by the Himalayan mountain range and is a popular tourist destination, particularly for trekking and hiking. The climate in Berinag is pleasant in the summer and cold in the winter.
Berinag is a place that gets its name from the Berinag Temple, which is also known locally as “Bedinag”. The temple is dedicated to the deity Nag Devta and is located at the top of Berinag Hill. Berinag is one of many temples in the area that are dedicated to Nagas, such as Dhaulinag, Kalinag, Feninag, Bashukinag, Pinglenag, and Harinag. The region offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Greater Himalayas, including the Garhwal Himalayas and the Nepal ranges, as well as notable peaks like Panchachuli and Nanda Devi.
Berinag Mythology
According to Hindu mythology, Berinag is the place where the sage Markandeya meditated and attained enlightenment. The town is also believed to be the birthplace of the sage’s son, Muchukunda, who was a devotee of Lord Shiva.
Why place is called Berinag
The name “Berinag” is derived from the Hindi word “Berinag”, which means “the serpent king”. According to local legend, the area around Berinag was once home to a large number of snakes, and the town got its name from the serpent king who ruled over the snakes. The legend also states that the serpent king was a devotee of Lord Shiva and that the town was named in his honor.
Places to visit in Berinag
- Visit the Temple of Lord Shiva: This temple is located in the center of Berinag and is a popular place of worship for Hindus. The temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a peaceful and serene place to visit.
- Explore the tea gardens: Berinag is known for its tea gardens, and there are several tea estates in the area that you can visit and learn about the process of tea production.
- Go trekking or hiking: The Himalayan mountain range surrounds Berinag, providing many opportunities for trekking and hiking. There are several trails of varying difficulty levels that you can explore.
- Visit the Kandoliya Temple: This temple is located about 5 km from Berinag and is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu. It is a popular place of worship and is known for its beautiful architecture.
- Take a trip to the Chaukori View Point: Located about 8 km from Berinag, the Chaukori View Point offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. It is a popular spot for photography and sunset viewing.
- Patal Bhuvaneshwar: Located about 25 km from Berinag, Patal Bhuvaneshwar is a popular tourist destination known for its underground cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The cave temple is located inside a hill and is believed to be more than 1,000 years old.
- Birthi Falls: Located about 68 km from Berinag, Birthi Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down from a height of about 50 meters (164 feet). The falls are surrounded by lush green forests and offer a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
- Binsar Mahadev Temple: Located about 45 km (28 miles) from Berinag, the Binsar Mahadev Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. It is located on top of a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary: Located about 66 km (39 miles) from Berinag, the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered musk deer. The sanctuary is a popular destination for nature lovers and offers many opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
- Chaukori Tea Estate: Located about 8 km (5 miles) from Berinag, the Chaukori Tea Estate is a large tea plantation that produces high-quality tea. You can visit the estate and learn about the process of tea production, and also taste and buy different types of tea.
There are several waterfalls in the area surrounding Berinag, such as Birthi Falls, which is located about 25 km (16 miles) from Berinag. Birthi Falls is a beautiful waterfall that cascades down from a height of about 50 meters (164 feet) and is surrounded by lush green forests. It offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere and is a popular tourist destination.
Culture of Berinag
The culture of Berinag is a blend of Hindu and Tibetan influences, as the town is located in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range. The local people are predominantly Hindu and follow the traditional Hindu customs and traditions. The town is home to several temples, including the Temple of Lord Shiva, which is a popular place of worship. The town is also known for its tea gardens, and the production of tea is an important part of the local economy.
Nag Devta Temple Berinag
The Nag Devta Temple is a popular tourist attraction in Berinag, Uttarakhand. It is a temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva and is located in the center of the town. The temple is surrounded by beautiful gardens and is a peaceful and serene place to visit. It is a popular place of worship for Hindus and is also visited by tourists who are interested in learning about the local culture and religion. The temple is open to visitors throughout the year, and there is no admission fee.
Food at Berinag
The food in Berinag is a reflection of the local culture and is a blend of Indian and Tibetan flavors. Some popular dishes in the region include:
- Aloo ke gutke: A traditional dish made with boiled potatoes, spices, and herbs.
- Bal Mithai: A sweet made with milk, sugar, and cocoa powder, and coated with a layer of powdered milk.
- Gahat ki dal: A lentil soup made with a type of local lentil called “gahat” and seasoned with spices and herbs.
- Aloo ke paakode: Fried potato fritters served with a chutney or sauce.
- Momos: Steamed or fried dumplings filled with vegetables or meat.
In addition to these dishes, you can also find a variety of Indian and Chinese dishes in Berinag.
Berinag Weather
The climate in Berinag is pleasant in the summer and cold in the winter. In the summer, temperatures range from about 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). In the winter, temperatures can drop to as low as 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), with an average temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). Berinag receives moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which lasts from June to September. The town is located at an altitude of 1,224 meters (4,016 feet) above sea level, and the weather is generally cooler and more pleasant than in the lower-lying areas of the region.
Berinag Hotels
- Hotel Hill View: A budget hotel located in the center of Berinag, offering basic amenities and comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Himalaya: A mid-range hotel located in the center of Berinag, offering a range of amenities including a restaurant, a bar, and a garden.
- The Berinag Resort: A luxury resort located about 2 km from Berinag, offering a range of amenities including a restaurant, a bar, and a garden.
- Hotel Hill Top: A budget hotel located about 2 km from Berinag, offering basic amenities and comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Snow View: A mid-range hotel located about 3 km from Berinag, offering a range of amenities including a restaurant, a bar, and a garden.
You can find more options for accommodation in Berinag by searching online or consulting a local travel agency.
Best time to visit Berinag
The best time to visit Berinag depends on your preferences and the type of activities you want to do. Here are a few things to consider:
- Summer (April to June): The summer months are a good time to visit Berinag if you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities. The temperatures are pleasant, ranging from about 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Monsoon (July to September): Berinag receives moderate to heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which can make the weather cooler and more pleasant. This is a good time to visit if you don’t mind the possibility of rain and want to enjoy the greenery and beauty of the region.
- Winter (October to March): The winter months are the best time to visit Berinag if you enjoy cold weather and snow. The temperatures can drop to as low as 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit), and the town is often covered in snow. This is a good time to visit if you enjoy activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
Overall, the best time to visit Berinag depends on your personal preferences and the type of activities you want to do.
How to reach Berinag
There are several ways to reach Berinag, depending on your location and preferred mode of transportation. Here are a few options:
- By air: The nearest airport to Berinag is Pantnagar Airport, which is located about 250 km away. From Pantnagar Airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Berinag.
- By train: The nearest railway station to Berinag is Kathgodam Railway Station, which is located about 180 km away. From Kathgodam Railway Station, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Berinag.
- By road: Berinag is well-connected by road and can be easily reached by bus or taxi from major cities in the region such as Dehradun, Nainital, and Almora. There are regular bus services from these cities to Berinag. You can also hire a taxi or drive your own vehicle to reach Berinag.
Detailed Travel Interiary to Berinag
Day 1:
- Arrival in Berinag. Check-in to your hotel and freshen up.
- Take a leisurely walk around the town and visit the Temple of Lord Shiva.
- In the evening, visit the local market to shop for souvenirs and try some local street food.
Day 2:
- Go on a trek to the nearby Kandoliya Temple, located about 5 km (3 miles) from Berinag. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
- In the afternoon, visit the Chaukori View Point, located about 8 km (5 miles) from Berinag. The view point offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range.
- In the evening, visit a local tea estate to learn about the process of tea production and taste different types of tea.
Day 3:
- Go on a day trip to the Birthi Falls, located about 68 km from Berinag. The falls are a beautiful waterfall that cascades down from a height of about 50 meters (164 feet).
- In the afternoon, visit the Patal Bhuvaneshwar Temple, located about 24 km from Berinag. The temple is a popular tourist destination and is known for its underground cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- In the evening, return to Berinag and enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4:
- Go on a day trip to the Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, located about 66 km from Berinag. The sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered musk deer.
- In the afternoon, visit the Binsar Mahadev Temple, located about 95 km from Berinag. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located on top of a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
- In the evening, return to Berinag and relax at your hotel.
Day 5:
- Check-out of your hotel and depart for your next destination.
This is just a sample itinerary and can be modified based on your interests and the duration of your trip. I hope this helps and that you have a wonderful trip to Berinag!
