Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Uttarakhand, at the foothills of the Great Indian Himalayas. It covers an area of 47.04 sq kms. Major wildlife attractions of this wildlife sanctuary are the Leopards, Indian Red Fox, Jackals, Ghorals, Porcupines, and Pine Martens.

Flora and fauna of the sanctuary play a major role in making it one of the most popular among the sanctuaries of India. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its wide variety of flora ranging from 25 types of trees and 24 types of bushes to seven varieties of grasses. The higher altitude of the sanctuary is covered with Oak and Rhododendron forests. The sanctuary serves as a home for Leopards, Ghorals, Wild Boars, Kakars, Monkeys, Indian Red Fox, Jackals, Pine Martens, Himalayan Black Bears, and Porcupines. In addition to this, it also houses more than 200 species of birds that are of both resident and migratory species.

Best time to visit the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

The best time to visit this sanctuary is from the months of February to April and October to November. The Sanctuary opens early in the morning and closes late in the evening.

Where to Stay at the Sanctuary
There are several accommodation options available in and near the sanctuary. Most convenient of these accommodation options inside the sanctuary are The Binsar Retreat, Mountain Resort-Khali, Nanda Devi Tourist Rest House, and Village Home-stays.

If looking for accommodation outside the Sanctuary, you can stay in the resorts like Kasaar Jungle Resort, Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort, Club Mahindra Valley Resort, and Binsar Eco Camp.

Popular activities at the Sanctuary
Popular activities that you can take up in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary are Jungle Walk, Drives, and Mountain Viewing. Jungle walk is available to explore the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. It serves as the best way to observe the wild side of Binsar. You can take drives inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. The possible route for drive in Binsar is from the main gate to the Forest Rest House. One can also drive outside on the eastern fringes of the sanctuary, from the main entrance towards Gairad Bend and also to Paleo Bend and back down to the gate.

Mountain Viewing is another popular activity to be taken in Binsar. You can enjoy close-up views of the snow-capped Great Himalayan mountain range. People from all over the world come here to take a look from the above. Here, you can also get fine views of Himalayas from the Zero Point and the TRH.

Tourist attractions near Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Attractions found near the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary are the Bineshwar Temple, Kasar Devi Temple, Golu Devta Temple, and Almora.

Bineshwar Temple: This is a Lord Shiva shrine. This temple can be visited while you are driving towards the sanctuary. It was constructed by the Chand Rajas, who once made Binsar his summer capital. 

Golu Devta Temple: This is another temple located at a 4 Km distance from Binsar. This temple is dedicated to the deity of Kumaon. Devotees come here to fulfill their wishes with the blessing of the God.

Kasar Devi Temple: Positioned at a distance of 9 kms from Binsar, this temple was once occupied by a Dutch monk in the 1970s and 80s. It is said that it housed hippies and gave about a hippie culture. It still remains one of the most popular handouts for foreigners. The Kasar Devi Temple attracts large number of people from India and abroad.

Almora: Almora is 23 kms away from Binsar. It is one of the important centres of Kumaon. Almora rose to its reputation in the 16th century as the capital of the Chand Rajas. Soon after this, the British made it the district headquarters. Now this place is a bustling crowded town. Today, Almora keeps hold of its traditional character, which is evident in its quaint by-lane shops and colonial buildings.