Benog Wildlife Sanctuary - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 12 km from Library Bus Stand, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary has is a bird-watching haven and a part of famous Rajaji National Park, one of the popular wildlife sanctuaries in India. Set amidst thick forests, Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the top tourist destinations in Mussoorie and among the must include in Mussoorie packages.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, also known as Vinog Mountain Quail Sanctuary, was established in the year 1993. This beautiful sanctuary, spreading across an expanse of about 339 hectares, is a heaven for birdwatchers. It is located in a pine-clad slope and is surrounded by snowcapped peaks of the Himalayan ranges.

The place is known for the rare species of birds that habitats in its area. The 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 Mountain Quail or the Pahari Bater was last spotted here in 1876, and is now considered extinct. This is also home to a variety of rare and common fauna like Himalayan goat, panther, leopard, deer and bear.

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.

Timings: 7 AM - 5 PM.