The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located near Mussoorie in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It covers an area of approximately 339.54 hectares and is known for its diverse flora and fauna.
The sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level in the Himalayan foothills. It is located about 11 kilometers from Mussoorie and can be easily reached by road. The sanctuary is surrounded by dense forests and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day of the week. It is advisable to visit the sanctuary during daylight hours to enjoy the best wildlife viewing experience.
The entry fee for the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is INR 150 per person for Indian nationals and INR 600 per person for foreign nationals. Children below the age of 5 years are allowed entry free of cost.
The sanctuary is home to a variety of flora and fauna species including Himalayan bears, leopards, deer, barking deer, and a wide range of bird species. The sanctuary is also known for its rich biodiversity and is a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Visitors to the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy nature walks, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. The sanctuary is also a great place for photography enthusiasts to capture the beauty of the Himalayan wilderness.
There are no jeep safaris available in the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. However, visitors can explore the sanctuary on foot or hire a guide for a more immersive experience.
The entry fee for male visitors above the age of 12 years is the same as the general entry fee. Female visitors and children between the ages of 5-12 years are also charged the same entry fee as mentioned earlier. Senior citizens above the age of 60 years are eligible for a discounted entry fee of INR 75 per person.
The sanctuary provides facilities for senior citizens such as benches and resting areas along the walking trails. The sanctuary staff is also available to assist senior citizens as needed.
The best time to visit the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is during the months of March to June and September to November when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are more common. It is advisable to avoid visiting during the monsoon season due to heavy rainfall.
Some of the nearby places to visit from the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary include Kempty Falls, Company Garden, Jabarkhet Nature Reserve, and Camel's Back Road. These attractions offer a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Visitors can park their vehicles at the designated parking area near the entrance of the sanctuary. The parking facility is secure and well-maintained, providing a convenient option for visitors exploring the sanctuary on foot.
Visitors are required to follow certain rules and regulations while visiting the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary. These include not littering, not disturbing the wildlife, not feeding the animals, and not straying off the designated walking trails. It is important to respect the sanctuary's natural environment and wildlife for the conservation of the ecosystem.
The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is easily accessible by road from Mussoorie. Visitors can hire a taxi or drive their own vehicle to reach the sanctuary. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 60 kilometers away from the sanctuary. It is recommended to plan a visit to the sanctuary in advance and check for any updated information on entry fees, timings, and facilities available.