Benog Wildlife Sanctuary: Wilderness In Uttarakhand

The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, located within Rajaji National Park, is a popular Sanctuary about 11 km away from Mussoorie’s library point. The sanctuary is surrounded by large pine, ancient cedar trees, and medicinal plants, deepening the Himalayas’ experience. It is a bird sanctuary because several birds are found here, like the White Capped Water Redstart and the Red Billed Blue Magpie. There are excellent views of the snowy Chaukhamba Peak and the Bandarpunch Peak for nature lovers. The sanctuary is worth a visit owing to its many features, like its exquisitely beautiful landscape and a variety of nearby sites, that will appeal to adventurers.

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary Location

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This portion of Rajaji National Park measures approximately 4.5 km from one of its boundaries, the Cloud’s End, and forms one of the edges of the Mussoorie Range situated at Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, 248179, India. This peaceful area offers relief from the constant hustle and rush of the metropolitan area due to its land being covered in thick forests and elevations. Given its remnants of rich vegetation around the locality, the place is also popular among nature and bird lovers who seek peace and the aesthetics of nature.

How To Reach Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

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It is straightforward to arrive at Benog Wildlife Sanctuary as there are many ways to travel to the area:

By Train: The closest railway station is in Dehradun, which is about 30 km away from Mussoorie. Taxis and buses are available to take tourists to and from the sanctuary from the station.

By Road: The sanctuary is roughly 11 kilometres from Library Point in Mussoorie and can be reached by state-owned or private buses. Visitors can also hire cabs or use their vehicles to reach the sanctuary and enjoy the scenery.

By Air: The closest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, which is around 60 kilometres from Mussoorie. Travellers can find taxis and buses at the airport, which will take them to Mussoorie and the sanctuary while allowing the traveller to see the beautiful hills.

Places To Visit Around Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore these nearby attractions for a well-rounded experience:

1. Happy Valley

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Happy Valley is a beautiful valley located in the central part of Mussoorie. It has been reputed to be one of the centres of the Tibetan Community since the 1950s. Mountains surround the valley and are abundant in vegetation, including colourful prayer flags. The temple offers lots of peace and, for those who are interested in the Tibetan way of life, this may prove to be an informative experience as well as stunning views of the Himalayas. One can also combine the tranquillity of the valley with the bustling activities of Mall Road for easy dining and shopping.

Location: 11.3 km from Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Timing: 9 AM – 6 PM

2. Jharipani Falls

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Jharipani Falls is an incredible destination for those who want to witness nature at its best. The natural waterfall is also perfect for those looking to escape and unwind. The journey offers some incredible views of the Shivalik Range and the growth of plant life around the region. The combination of the tranquil sound of splashing water and the surrounding scenery is refreshing, which explains why this area is frequented by people who have come for a picnic or a stroll in the woods. It’s great for people who want to be in a natural setting away from the urban metropolis.

Location: 21.1 km from Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Timing: 6 AM – 6 PM

3. Forest Research Institute

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The Forest Research Institute in Dehradun has a rich research history and an astonishing piece of architecture. The Forest Research Institute was founded in 1929 and boasts stunning Greco-Roman buildings across the 450-hectare campus, surrounded by abundant green lawns. The institute consists of 6 museums showing different aspects of forestry, such as the Silviculture Museum, the Timber Museum and the Non-Wood Forest Products Museum. These exhibits show the region’s history, culture, and biodiversity. Thanks to its extensive history and quiet surroundings, FRI is great for educational trips and for those who want to relax in nature while also soaking in some history.

Location: 46.7 km from Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Timing: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
Rate: Adult – INR 40, Child – INR 20

4. Sai Darbar Temple

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Dehradun has the Sai Darbar Temple dedicated to Sai Baba of Shirdi and is popularly regarded as a place of peace. The temple is surrounded by greenery, making it a good area for meditation and prayers. Within its premises is a calm marble image of Sai Baba, and each day, many followers from different religions go to the temple to participate in aarti. However, This basic structure serves several purposes, as it accommodates the desire for worship and gives the people of the society support and spiritual enhancement. Because the building’s geometry is so straightforward and serene, it has become a highly sought-after sight.

Location: 38.4 km from Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Timing: 5 AM – 10 PM

5. Camel’s Back Road

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This road in Mussoorie is called Camel’s Back Road because a rock pulling its peak looks like a camel’s back. It’s a great stretch, 3 to 4 km, and ideal for a morning stroll when you want to go horseback riding or absorb the great views of the Himalayas. With benches placed all along the way, the visitors can sit and cherish the scenery, especially at sunset. While indulging in the serenity of this road, it is also one’s chance to relish the proximity of Mussoorie sites like the Library Point or the Kulri Bazaar.

Location: 14.5 km from Benog Wildlife Sanctuary
Timing: Open 24 hours

Where To Stay

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Mussoorie is welcoming enough to have lavish accommodations and general budget-friendly options. Jaypee Residency Manor and Fortune Resort Grace could be among the best options for those preferring the upper end of the spectrum. Alternatively, cosy homestays or boutique lodges give a more personal touch to the otherwise holiday. Most of these stays are hosted by civilization’s warm arms, making home equally welcoming after a long day out.

Where To Eat

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Several eateries and restaurants with appealing settings to overlook the hustle of Mussoorie populated Mussoorie Town. Café By The Way, Kalsang, & Little Llama Café are familiar names with inviting settings and decent menus, including continental and some fusion dishes. Visitors keen on traditional cuisine need not worry, and they can head to serving places highlighting regional delicacies such as Aloo Ke Gutke, Chainsoo, and Bhatt Ki Churkani. More than this, quite a few sites have stunning views, which makes eating out in Mussoorie a pleasant experience.

Best Time To Visit

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The Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is best visited in March and June or October and February. This period experiences favourable weather conditions, allowing bird watching, trekking and sightseeing. Many birds can be sighted during the spring and summer months when the sanctuary is green and colourful, while winter offers beautiful scenery with clear skies and splendid views of Chaukhamba and Bandarpunch covered in snow. This period is also great for photography lovers and those who seek solitude in nature.

Other Factors To Consider

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Visiting the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is an enriching experience that brings you closer to nature. Here’s what to keep in mind for a smooth trip:

Average Cost: Entry for the wildlife sanctuary is seasonal weight. But the general fee could range from INR 100-200 per person excluding costs for cameras.

Tips For Travelers:

• Give Your Binos A Workout: Use the binoculars for a birdwatching experience by locating the various species of birds that the wildlife sanctuary has.
• Don’t Forget To Use Bull Dog Shoes:The terrain is uneven once again. If you want to walk around, you must be appropriately clothed in durable and comfy shoes.
• Don’t Forget To Bring A Camera: The sanctuary has remarkable scenery, including the Himalayas and the local fauna that a photographer would love.

If you are looking for a quiet natural refuge, the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a sight to behold and should be on your list of destinations in Mussoorie. Due to the vast amount of biodiversity in the sanctuary and the natural landscapes, it will be captivating whether you are into bird watching, love nature or just need a break. Being close to other sites of interest like Happy Valley and Camel’s Back Road gives more pleasure to the trip. Use TripXL to reserve an enjoyable outing to the original nature of the Benog Wildlife Sanctuary, where every moment is a step towards peace.

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Frequently Asked Questions