Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected wildlife area established in 1988 to conserve the shrinking broad leaf oak forests of the Central Himalayan region. Located about 33 km north of Almora town at an altitude of approximately 2,412 meters, the sanctuary spans 45.59 square kilometers of heavily forested hilly terrain. It is home to over 200 species of birds and various mammals including leopards, Himalayan goral, musk deer, and black bears.

Visitors can expect a serene mountain sanctuary with dense oak, rhododendron, and pine forests covering ridges and gorges. The sanctuary offers scenic drives along one permitted road, walking and trekking trails spanning over 60 km, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife observation. From Zero Point (Jhandi Dhaar), the highest point at 2,500 meters, visitors can view Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Panchachuli. The environment features cool temperatures around 20°C with ruby red rhododendrons blooming in March and April.

Binsar served as the summer capital of the Chand Kings who ruled Kumaon from the 11th to 18th centuries. The British also used it as a summer retreat, building several estates inside the forest. Notable historic properties include Grand Oak Manor, former summer home of Sir Henry Ramsay (Commissioner of Kumaon 1856-1884), and Khali Estate which hosted prominent figures including Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Mahatma Gandhi. The sanctuary was established in 1988 for conservation of Central Himalayan oak forests.

The area has ancient human settlements and holds significance in mythology and spirituality. The Mary Budden estate includes a temple to Shiva. The sanctuary preserves traditional Himalayan forest ecosystems that have cultural importance to local communities.