Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora is well-known for its sunset and sunrise views and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The reserve is located on the top of the Jhandi Dhar hills, 35 kilometers from Almora in the Kumaon Region of the state of Uttarakhand. This popular wildlife sanctuary in Uttarakhand covers an area of approximately 45.59 square kilometers and is located at an elevation of 2500 meters. It is an important landmark of the small town of Binsar.
The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife species, including some rare varieties. The main attraction of this wildlife reserve, however, is a plethora of bird species that can be seen enhancing the ambiance of this already beautiful Uttarakhand destination. BirdLife International has designated this reserve as an ‘Important Bird Area (IBA).’ Some extremely rare bird species, such as the Forktail and Blackbird, can also be easily spotted here.
On the condition that a guide for the wildlife tour is hired, there is a good opportunity for walking to see animals and birds in this park. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora has 25 different types of trees and bushes, as well as seven different types of grasses. In addition, you will see oak and rhododendron trees at high altitudes. Along with that, flowers such as red rhododendrons are popular in the sanctuary during the months of March and April.
In addition to the flora, the sanctuary has an abundance of fauna. A leopard, 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 can be found in the reserve. Furthermore, the wildlife sanctuary has around 200 species of birds, which are considered one of the reserve’s main attractions. Some of the species found here include Blackbirds, Nuthatches, Kalij Pheasant, Forktail, Laughingthrush, Monal, Eagles, Magpies, Eurasian Jays, Koklas, and Woodpeckers. It also serves as a haven for a variety of reptiles and butterflies.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Fee and Timings
The Binsar park is open for tourists every day from 9 AM to 7:30 PM. For a tour inside the Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora, there are various fees that must be paid.
Main Entry Fee:
INR 150 per person for Indian Nationals
INR 75 per person for students
INR 600 per person for foreign nationals
Vehicle Fee:
INR 500 + INR 250 for a Medium Vehicle (base fare)
INR 800 + INR 250 for a heavy vehicle (base fare)
A tour to Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora should last 1 night and 2 days. Duration of approximately 3 hours is sufficient to explore the park and engage in all major activities such as jeep safari, wildlife spotting, birdwatching, and visiting all major attractions within the park. Wildlife enthusiasts, bird photographers, and ornithologists can spend as much time as they want inside the park (with permission from the forest authorities) to observe the diverse animals and birds that live there.
Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary in Almora has so much to offer like Trekking, Hiking, Jeep Safari, Bird Watching Etc.