Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural paradise nestled in the foothills of the Himalayas, located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, India. The sanctuary is spread across an area of 47.79 square kilometers and is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is named after the Binsar Mahadev Temple, which is located at the top of the Jhandi Dhar hills within the sanctuary.
Here is a detailed guide to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary:
- History and Overview: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1988 to protect the oak and rhododendron forests in the region, which were under threat due to deforestation. The sanctuary is located at an altitude of 900 to 2500 meters above sea level and is home to a variety of animals such as leopard, Himalayan black bear, jungle cat, barking deer, porcupine, and several species of birds.
- Flora: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its dense forests of oak, deodar, and rhododendron trees. The sanctuary is also home to several medicinal plants such as Berberis, Picrorhiza, and Swertia. During the spring season, the sanctuary is covered in a blanket of colorful flowers such as marigold, daisies, and roses.
- Fauna: Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including leopard, Himalayan black bear, jungle cat, barking deer, porcupine, langur, and several species of birds such as magpies, kalij pheasant, monal, and several species of Himalayan thrushes.
- Trekking: Trekking is one of the main attractions of Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. There are several trekking routes within the sanctuary that provide stunning views of the Himalayan range. The Khali Estate trek and the Pariyadeva Pashan trek are the most popular trekking routes in the sanctuary.
- Accommodation: There are several accommodation options available in and around the sanctuary, including forest rest houses and private resorts. KMVN Tourist Rest House and Club Mahindra Binsar Valley Resort are popular choices for visitors.
- Best time to visit: The best time to visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is between October to March when the weather is pleasant, and the wildlife is easily visible. However, visitors can also visit the sanctuary during the monsoon season, which falls between July and September, to witness the lush greenery of the forest.
FAQs:
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- Is Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary open throughout the year? Yes, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is open throughout the year.
- Is there an entry fee to enter the sanctuary? Yes, there is an entry fee to enter the sanctuary.
- Is a guide mandatory to enter the sanctuary? Yes, a guide is mandatory to enter the sanctuary.
- What are the accommodation options available near the sanctuary? There are several accommodation options available near the sanctuary, including forest rest houses and private resorts.
- What is the best time to visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary? The best time to visit Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is between October to March.
