Baniya Gaon, Pauri Garhwal
Pauri Garhwal,
Uttarakhand
If you want to escape the noise and pace of city life, Baniya Gaon feels like a small dip into calm hills and sluggish rhythms. This village sits in the Pauri area of the
Pauri Garhwal district. It’s surrounded by slopes, wooded areas, and a peacefulness you don’t find in busy hill stations.
The Feel of the Village
Baniya Gaon is tiny, with at best a handful of households dwelling here, forming a near-knit network. Life moves slowly, naturally, and warmly. Narrow winding roads carry you through pine and fir forests. The air cools as you benefit from the height, and the moment you step into the village, you revel in a quiet that right away relaxes you.
Small stone-roofed houses sit along terraced fields. Morning mist often drifts across the ridges. Birds call out from the trees. Someone lights a wood stove, and that familiar pahadi धुआँ mixes with the smell of wet soil and pine. Sunrise hits the hills softly. Evenings turn golden before sliding into a cool blue dusk. If you’re into photography or just slow living, this atmosphere feels perfect.
What Makes Baniya Gaon Special for Travellers
- Forest-backed walking trails
- Calm spaces for meditation and journaling
- Clean mountain air
- Quiet viewpoints for sunrise and sunset
- Authentic Garhwali life with no tourist chaos
- Simple homestay-style hospitality
It’s no longer an area for crowds or fancy accommodations. It’s a place to respire, listen, and slow down.
Local Life, Food & Culture
Villagers frequently rely upon small-scale farming. You see humans tending fields, collecting fodder, or taking walks to nearby markets. Food is basic, clean, and hearty: daal-chawal, mandua or gehat dishes, seasonal sabzi, and smoky chai made on a traditional chulha. Evenings are excellent whilst the hills are quiet, stars brighten, and people take a seat outdoors in courtyards chatting softly.
How to Reach Baniya Gaon
You first reach Pauri town, the nearest major access point. From there, local taxis or shared jeeps take you toward the village side. The final stretch may be a narrow mountain road or a small walk, depending on the vehicle drop-off point.
Expect:
- Winding hill roads
- Limited public transport after evening
- Last-mile via small rural roads
Travel Tips
- The network may be patchy, especially during the rains
- Best seasons: March–June and September–November
- Nights get cold — carry warm layers
- No hotels in the village — rely on homestays or nearby accommodation
- Carry basic medicines and a flashlight
- Avoid late-night travel on hill roads
Why You Should Visit
Because Baniya Gaon shows you the
Uttarakhand that still feels untouched. No crowds, no pressured tourism, simply raw hills, hot human beings, and a lifestyle that moves at nature’s pace. It’s ideal in case you need peace, simplicity, and a proper mountain experience.
