Birdwatching at Benong Hill, Mussoorie
Benong Wildlife
Sanctuary, centres around Benong
Hill, a pine-clad slope surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of Himalaya. It has
been developed as a birdwatching haven. This sanctuary houses several species
of birds such as White-capped Water Redstart, Red-billed and Yellow-billed Blue
Magpie, Himalayan Bulbul, Kaleej Pheasant, Himalayan Monal, Slaty-blue
Flycatcher, Snowy-browed Flycatcher, Red-billed Leiothrix, Mountain Hawk-Eagle, Crimson,
Fire-tailed, Mrs. Gould’s, and Black-breasted Sunbird, Great Barbet, and many
more. The Sanctuary was once home to the Himalayan Quail, an extinct bird last sighted
in 1876. Both herbivorous and carnivorous mammals are found in abundance,
including Himalayan Goat (Goral), Leopards, and Himalayan Bear. The forest flora
mainly comprises fir and pine trees. In addition, the area is rich in medicinal
plants.
This trek is a
delight for environment and bird lovers, and also for historians.
Date: 20th-24th April, 2013
Camp Charges: Rs. 12,500/- for members and Rs.13,100/- for others.
Accommodation: 4/3 sharing basis at See Green Lodges (www.seegreenlodges.com)
Reporting: New Delhi railway station at 8.45 a.m. on day one, drop-off at New
Delhi railway station at 3.30 pm on the last day.
How to Reach: Mumbai-Delhi:
Mumbai Rajdhani (12951) Dep. 16.40 hrs, Arr. Delhi next day at 08.30 hrs,
Swaraj Exp. (12471) Dep. 07.55 hrs, Arr.
04.30 hrs. Other trains like Dehradun Exp. (19019), LTTHW AC SUP (12171),
Amritsar Exp. (11057). Delhi is also well connected by air, Delhi airport is 20
km from New Delhi railway station.
Cost includes: All accommodation, meals (B/L/D) from first day dinner to last day
breakfast, Transfers to and from New Delhi, permits, and entry to park.
Cost excludes: Flight/rail ticket to New Delhi, all expenses of personal nature like
laundry, beverages and lunch on first and last day, camera fees, any cost not
specified above.
