Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Factfile
Location : 35 kms from Almora, Uttaranchal
Area : 47.04 sq kms.
Major Attractions : Leopards, Ghorals, Indian Red Fox, Jackals, Porcupines, Pine Martens etc.
Best Time to Visit : February to April, October to November.
Timings : The Sanctuary opens early in the morning and closes late in the evening.
Entry Fee : Rs. 40 for Indians, Rs.100 for foreigners.
Guide Fee : Rs.125 for 2 hrs, Rs.250 for half-day, Rs. 500 for full day.
Vehicle Entry : Heavy Vehicle - Rs 250, Medium Vehicle - Rs 100, Small Vehicle - Rs 50.

Introducing Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary
Set deep in the foothills of the Great Indian Himalayas, Binsar is a comparatively small wildlife sanctuary, covering only an area of 47.04 sq. kms. A small protected area, Binsar was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1988, following a long local movement for its establishment. Today, Binsar supports a wide variety of floral species, faunal species as well as avi-fauna including some of the unique species found in the Himalayan range.

Within Binsar's boundary, there a nine villages populated by around 600 people. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary has only one entry gate for touristss at Ayarpani and only one road, climbing in a north-west direction to terminate at the Forest Rest House. The sanctuary is criss-crossed by many tails, some relatively wide and well-trodden while some barely discernible. A walk through this sanctuary is a truly fascinating as well as refreshing as most of the park area is shaded with a thick forests.

Flora of the Wildlife Sanctuary
Within the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, 25 types of trees, 24 types of bushes and seven varieties of grasses are found. At the higher altitude, Binsar is dominated by the Oak and Rhododendron forests, while at the lower level, mostly you will find the Chir Pine forests.

Fauna of the Wildlife Sanctuary
According to recent census, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 16 Leopards, 69 Ghorals, 57 Wild Boars, 43 Kakars, 150 Monkeys and two Himalayan Black Bears. In addition to these, the sanctuary provides shelter to other wild animals like Indian Red Fox, Jackals, Pine Martens and Porcupines.

Apart from these, Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary ranks high in avian species variety and visibility. Here, you can see around 200 species of birds including both resident and migratory species.
Activities You Can Take Part In
Jungle Walk : Jungle walk is the only way available to explore the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. It is also the best way to observe wilderness areas of Binsar.

Drives : Inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary the only drive possible is from the main gate to the Forest Rest House. But you can also drive outside on the eastern fringes of the sanctuary, from the main entrance towards Gairad Bend and also to Paleo Bend and backtrack to the gate.

Mountain Viewing : The close-up views of the snow-capped Great Himalayan mountain range is truly amazing and it draws a large number of people to Binsar. You can get fine views of Himalayas from the Zero Point and the TRH.

Nearby Attractions
Bineshwar Temple : Built in the 16th century, this is a Shiva shrine from which Binsar derives its name. Bineshwar Temple is situated 6 kms away from Ayarpani and can be visited while driving up to the wildlife sanctuary. This temple was constructed by the Chand Rajas, who had once their summer capital at Binsar.

Golu Devta Temple : Just 4 kms away from Binsar, this temple is dedicated to the popular deity of Kumaon. Like the devotees visiting here to fulfil their wishes, you can also hand a bell to make a wish or as thanks for one that comes ture.

Kasar Devi Temple : Situated at a distance of 9 kms from Binsar, this spot was occupied by a Dutch monk in the 1970s and 80s, setting off a 'Hippie' boom in the area around. While those 'Hippies' are no more but it still remains a popular handout for foreigners. The Kasar Devi Temple attracts large number of people from far and near.

Almora : 23 kms away from Binsar, Almora is one of the important centres of Kumaon. Almora rose to prominence in the 16th century as the capital of the Chand Rajas. Later, the British made it as the district headquarters and now it is a bustling crowded town. Even today, Almora retains its traditional character, which you can observe in its quaint by-lane shops and colonial buildings.
Where to Stay
Sufficient accommodation options are available both inside and outside the sanctuary. If wildlife viewing is the focus of your trip, then it is ideal to stay inside the sanctuary. Some of the popular accommodation options inside the sanctuary are Nanda Devi Tourist Rest House, The Binsar Retreat, Mountain Resort-Khali, Village Homestays. Outside the Sanctuary, you can stay in the resorts like Club Mahindra Valley Resort, Kasaar Jungle Resort, Kalmatia Sangam Himalaya Resort and Binsar Eco Camp.

How to Reach
Binsar is not directly connected via airways, so you have to reach there either by the railways or roadways. Kathgodam (126 kms) is the nearest railhead from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary. If you want to visit Binsar from New Delhi then take the overnight Ranikhet Express from Old Delhi railway station to reach Kathgodam. From Kathgodam you have to take a taxi to reach Binsar. If you want to travel by road, then take National Highway 24 from Delhi to Rampur via Hapur and Moradabad, then National Highway 87 to Kathgodam via Rudrapur. Uttaranchal Roadways runs a morning and evening bus from Delhi to Kathgodam. If you want to stay within the sanctuary take a taxi from Almora as there is no public transport service beyond the park gate.