Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

binsar wildlife sanctuary

A small sanctuary with big delights

BINSAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY might cover only about 45 sq km,  but remains extremely diverse in flora and fauna.  It is located around 35 km from the town of Almora increasing its proximity to Corbett.

The town of Binsar was the summer capital of the Chand kings and is a popular tourist destination.  The Sanctuary came into existence in 1988 subsequently, a major conservation project was launched to save the broad-leaf oak over here.

The sanctuary has pine forests at the lower level and oak and at higher levels.  It is also home to various mosses and wild flowers.

Binsar has been declared an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International.  There are more than 200 bird species in the sanctuary. including forktail,  blackbirds,  laughing thrush,  khalij pheasant,  nuthatches,  parakeets and monal.  It includes both resident and migratory birds.

The sanctuary is also home to leopards, ghorals,  wild boar,  monkeys,  Indian red fox,  jackals porcupines and the Himalayan black bear.

With one entrance and one road, there are many trails that can be covered on foot.  And that’s good news for those who are averse to the idea of a jeep safari.

Apart from Binsar wildlife sanctuary, Binsar is also great tourist spot.  From the famous Zero Point,  you can enjoy a 300 km panoramic view of the Greater Himalayas and peaks like Nanda Devi,  Nanda Kot,  Trishul and Kedarnath,  Kumaon hills,  the town of Almora and lower valleys.  Other nearby attractions to visit are the Binsar Mahadev temple, Kasar Devi temple and Golu Devta Temple.

GETTING THERE:  The closest airport is at Pantnagar(approx 127 km) and Kathgodam is the nearest railway station(approx 125 km)  from where taxis are available.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:  February to April and October to November.