Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, situated on top of Jhandi Dhar Hills, is famous for its stunning sunrise and sunset views, as well as its rich flora and fauna. And if you’re a bird lover, then you’ve hit the jackpot! BirdLife International has declared Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary as an ‘Important Bird Area,’ and rare species like the Forktail and Blackbird can be spotted with ease.
But that’s not all – you can also explore the sanctuary on foot! While most jungle safaris in India offer jeep or elephant rides, this one is unique in that you can only travel by foot. Don’t worry, though – there are plenty of guided treks available for all levels of adventurers. The Zero Point view tower trek is a simple 2-kilometre walk that anyone staying in the forest rest house can pursue easily. You can hire a guide from the KMVN rest house or from the main gate itself, and he will take you via the trekking route amidst oaks, pines and cedars to the watchtower. From there, you can take a look at the mountain ranges all around and the whole forest underneath. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife along the way!
If you’re looking for a longer trek, there are plenty of options available as well. The Mayoulikhan trek for 7 km and the Jageshwar trek for 17 km will take you deeper into the sanctuary, where you can spot animals like mountain goats, gorals, chital and musk deer, and squirrels. And if you’re a bird watcher, you’re in for a treat – there are other treks for bird watching at points down the streams as well.
But what about the flora and fauna, you ask? The sanctuary includes 25 types of trees, 25 types of bushes, and seven varieties of grasses. You’ll also get to see oak and rhododendron trees in the high altitudes. The ruby-coloured rhododendrons bloom once a year during the small period of spring and cover the entire forest with blood red. As for the fauna, the sanctuary is home to a diverse range of mammals, including leopards, chital, Sumatran serow, Himalayan Ghoral, Musk Deer, Black Bear, Red Fox, Pine Marten, Indian Muntjac, Rhesus Macaque, Jungle Cat, Gray Langur, and Red Giant Flying Squirrel.
So what are you waiting for? Hire a guide, lace up your hiking boots, and get ready for an adventure in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary – one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in India! Just be sure to keep your eyes open for the occasional leopard or bear – they’re shy, but they do live deeper in the jungle!