Benog Wildlife Sanctuary

Benog Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located approximately 11 kilometers from Mussoorie in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand. Established in 1993 and part of Rajaji National Park, it encompasses dense oak and mixed Himalayan forests across roughly 339 hectares. The sanctuary is notable for its biodiversity and as potential habitat for the critically endangered Himalayan Mountain Quail. It offers nature walks, trekking trails, and birdwatching opportunities in a serene mountain setting.

Visitors can expect a peaceful nature walk or day trek through dense forests of oak, pine, cedar, and medicinal plants. The sanctuary features well-marked trails starting from Clouds End, leading through shaded forest paths with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. The terrain involves moderate hiking with panoramic views of the Himalayas from higher elevations. Visitors encounter lush green valleys, diverse flora including orchids, and various bird species in their natural habitat.

Declared as a protected area on September 2, 1993. The sanctuary was created to preserve a small patch of oak forest near Mussoorie, which is considered habitat for the Himalayan Quail, last reliably spotted in 1876.