Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary has been developed as a bird-watching haven and is a part of the famous Rajaji National Park. It is about 11-kilometer (6.8 mile) from Library point in Mussoorie. Popular tourist attractions near Benog are Park Estate and Cloud’s End, from where a 2-kilometer (1.24 mile) trek uphill leads to the Sanctuary. Although Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is open all the year round, the best time to visit is in the summer months. There is no entry fee to the Sanctuary.

The wildlife sanctuary is home to several species of exotic birds such as White Capped Water Redstart and Red Billed Blue Magpie to name a few. The Sanctuary’s claim-to-fame however, is the bird after which it is named. The Mountain Quail or the Pahari Bater was last spotted here in 1876, and is now considered extinct. The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is located far away from the usual tourist haunts in Mussoorie and, offers the quiet and solace that many visitors seek in the mountains. The view of the rising sun is stunning and something that nature lovers should not miss. However, in order to get here in time to watch the sunrise, visitors should leave very early from lower Mussoorie since vehicles are not easily available and they would have to walk quite a distance.

Apart from large number of fir and pine trees, this sanctuary is also populated with several medicinal plants. Beautiful views of snow peaks like Chaukhamba and Bandar Punch can be seen from this sanctuary. Aglar River, a tributary of Yamuna River flows through the sanctuary. Owing to its scenic beauty and lush green surroundings, the place is ideal for nature lovers and bird watchers. The view of sunrise is stunning from here. Visitors can undertake a trek to explore the wilderness of this place. The sanctuary can be reached by hiring buses and taxis that are available from Dehradun and Mussoorie. This sanctuary can also be reached by a 3-4 km uphill trek from Cloud's End. The Sanctuary is open throughout the year; the best time to visit is in the summer months.

Best Time To Visit:-
Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-known tourist attraction and is visited extensively. People, especially the bird watchers, from different corners visit this place throughout the year. But, the apt time for relishing a good quality time at Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is between the months of September-March.

How To Reach Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Since the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is situated quite close to Mussoorie, you can easily reach here by taxi. However, keep in mind that local transport is not easily available near the wildlife sanctuary site, so either hire a full day taxi or leave early to allow for some buffer time. You can also trek to the sanctuary from a nearby hiking point.