Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, Mussoorie

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful and serene wildlife sanctuary located in the picturesque hill town of Mussoorie, in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Spread over an area of 339 hectares, the sanctuary is a popular tourist destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The sanctuary is home to a wide range of flora and fauna and offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.

History and Location:

The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1993 and is named after the highest peak in the area, Benog Hill, which rises to a height of 2,250 meters above sea level. The sanctuary is located in the western Himalayas, about 11 km from Mussoorie town. It is easily accessible by road and is about an hour's drive from Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand.

Flora and Fauna:

The sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna, with more than 500 species of plants and trees and over 200 species of birds. Some of the commonly found trees in the sanctuary include oak, rhododendron, and deodar. The sanctuary is also home to several rare and endangered species of plants, including the Himalayan blue poppy and the Himalayan bellflower.

The sanctuary is home to several species of animals, including the Himalayan black bear, leopard, barking deer, and langur. The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, including the Himalayan monal, the state bird of Uttarakhand, and the koklass pheasant.

Activities:

The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary offers a range of activities for tourists, including nature walks, trekking, and bird-watching. There are several well-marked trails that lead through the sanctuary, offering visitors an opportunity to explore the flora and fauna of the area. Visitors can also enjoy a picnic in the serene surroundings of the sanctuary.

One of the most popular activities in the sanctuary is bird watching. The sanctuary is home to several rare and endangered species of birds, including the Himalayan monal, the koklass pheasant, and the red-billed blue magpie. Visitors can hire a guide to take them on a bird-watching tour and learn more about the different species of birds that inhabit the sanctuary.

Visitors can also trek to Benog Hill, the highest peak in the sanctuary, for a panoramic view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trek is relatively easy and can be completed in a few hours.

Conservation:

The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is an important conservation area and is managed by the Uttarakhand Forest Department. The sanctuary is a part of the larger Rajaji National Park, which is a protected area for wildlife and biodiversity conservation. The sanctuary is home to several rare and endangered species of plants and animals, and efforts are being made to preserve their habitat and ensure their survival.