Introduction
Mary Budden estate sits on five serene acres of land, perched at almost 7,000 feet above sea level. It is one of only five privately owned estates in the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. Lovingly restored for comfortable and elegant living, it still retains its original charm.
Power
24 hours solar power supply with back-up generator.
Food
Mix of Indian and continental - home grown herbs and salads and fresh garden vegetables. Set menus.
Facilities
- Wi-fi internet available
- Sit-outs spread over 5 acres of the property
- Library of reference books and fiction.
- Binoculars available to borrow on request.
- Tea/coffee are served in the room; however, meals are served either outdoors or in the dining area only.
- Limited escort and driver accommodation only on prior notification ?Escort accommodation @ Rs 3500/- per night, driver accommodation- Rs 1000/- per night.
- No credit card facility ? nearest ATM in Almora (one hour drive)
About the Rooms
- All rooms are of one category and non air-conditioned (the weather is nice througout the year). Our cottages are spacious, designed with high ceilings of pine wood and fitted with fireplaces. Some of the larger bathrooms have bukharis too.
- All rooms are non-smoking.
- Mineral water is served in all rooms.
- Rooms have large attached bathrooms with showers but no bath tub. All rooms have armchairs and verandah sitting spaces.
- Cupboard, safes, writing desks with a stationery box and mirrors are provided in the rooms.
Points to Note
- If you are driving to Binsar, please note that since this is a wildlife sanctuary, the sanctuary gates close by 6pm. Please ensure that you plan your arrival here accordingly.
- Binsar Sanctuary entrance fees: One time charge of Rs 150/- per person (Indians) and Rs 600/- per person (foreign nationals) and Rs 250/- per car to be paid.
- Guides are available for Rs 1450/- (full day) and Rs. 725/- (half day) for walks inside the sanctuary.
- Alcohol is not served by us on account of sanctuary regulations; guests are welcome to bring their own alcohol.
- Sadly not disabled friendly since it is located in a wildlife sanctuary in the mountains, where the terrain is uneven.
- Only harvested rainwater is used at the estate, so guests are requested to take bucket baths.
- No laundry services are provided since we use only harvested rainwater.
- Please note that being a fully solar powered estate, the use of hair dryers, electric shavers, irons and electric kettles is strictly not permitted.
- Not pet friendly
- Since we are located within a wildlife sanctuary, it is advisable for guests to reach the estate within daylight hours.
Activities at Mary Budden Estate
- Guided walks and day-long hikes, within Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is famous for more than 250 species of birds ? a paradise for bird watchers. For day-long hikes we organize a picnic lunch at a lovely spot in the forest, where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the snow peaks.
- Cooking lesson with our chef at the Mary Budden cottage kitchen patio: Spend an afternoon or evening with our chefs, Yashpal and Gobind, both experts on Indian cuisine, learning how to make Indian cuisines.
- Evening music performance by the MBE staff, around a bonfire: The staff at Mary Budden play the flute, and a make-shift drum and would love to regale guests with local Kumaoni songs and traditional dances. The hostess will be happy to translate these songs for you.
- Morning prayers at the estate temple: Every Monday morning, prayers are held at the Shiva temple on the property, when we collect to sing hymns and do an ?aarti? at the temple. Experience local culture at its best in religious devotion.
- Visit to Dalar village and tea/ lunch at the homestay: Walk down to Dalar village and visit the home of a villager to interact, learn their way of life. Also, visit the primary school at Dalar which has less than 10 students who love to meet and chat up guests. Spend some time interacting with the kids here, before heading to Dalar village homestay where you can enjoy some locally made tea/ lunch.
- Sundowner at leopard hill, Mary Budden estate: Enjoy an afternoon of indulgence at Mary Budden estate?s largest sit-out area, where we will organize a sundowner for you.
How to get there
- Day train: New Delhi- Kathgodam Shatabdi: Timings- Depart 0600 hrs, Arrive 1140 hrs. Drive 4 hours to reach Binsar.
- Day train: Kathgodam- New Delhi Shatabdi: Timings- Depart 1530 hrs, Arrive 2100 hrs.
- Overnight train: Ranikhet Express (Old Delhi-Kathgodam): Timings- Depart 2240 hrs, Arrive 0545 hrs. Drive 4 hours to Binsar.
- Overnight train: Ranikhet Express (Kathgodam- Old Delhi): Timings- Depart 2040 hrs, Arrive 0430 hrs.
- Drive from New Delhi to MBE takes approximately 10 hours.
- Drive from Corbett to MBE takes approximately 05 hours.
Photo Gallery
