Sonanadi Forest Zone
The region has FRHs (Forest Rest Houses) in both the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Domunda Tourism Zone of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. Halduparao, the only FRH in the Sonanadi Sanctuary and can be accessed from the Vatanvasa gate. The FRH at Kanda is in Corbett National Park. The FRHs of Morghatti and Pakhro are on the periphery of the Sonanadi Sanctuary and can be approached from Kalagarh and Kotdwar. The FRHs of Lohachaur, Rathuawadhab and Mundiyapani are in the Domunda Tourism Zone of CTR (Corbett Tiger Reserve) accessed from the. Durgadevi gate ahead of Ramnagar, The FRH of Kalagarh can be approached short of Ramnagar while that of Mohaan is 3okm ahead of Ramnagar.
Sonanadi Sanctuary is spread over 301.18 sqkm of prime forests of the Shiwalik Terai biotic province. Sonanadi literally means the river of gold. Gold panning used to be carried out in the river before the area became a sanctuary. The Palain and the Mandal are the perennial streams of the sanctuary. Historically, it was carved out of Kalagarh Forest Division. It was brought under the umbrella of Project Tiger and became a part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1991 and also a part of Project Elephant. There are no villages inside the sanctuary. The forests of Sonanadi are remarkable for dense sal and rich bamboo clusters besides other species and is teeming with wildlife.
Sonanadi range is located in Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary which is a part of Corbett National Park. Developed as a natural habitat of wildlife animals and birds, Sonanadi range is blessed with amazing beauty of flora and fauna. Situated in the north of Sonanadi river, this zone is favoruite place for Asiatic Elephant along with tiger, cheetal, sambhar, leopard and reptiles. Visitors can also enjoy over 550 of birds in their natural habitat.
Lohachaur, Rithuadhab and Halduparao are some Forest Rest Houses in Sonanadi range available for night stay. Safari options like Jeep and elephant are available to enjoy wildlife at Sonanadi Range. Tourists are advised to pre-book entry ticket for a Safari in Sonanadi Zone. One can pre-book entry tickets from Ramnagar office. Sonanadi Zone is open for visitors from 15 October to 15 June and closed for monsoon. There are several safaris operated during a day in Sonanadi zone.
Sonanadi zone falls on Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary which is a part of Corbett Tiger Reserve. This is the only zone in Jim Corbett where tourists can walk on foot but richly housed by non-venomous snakes of different kinds. Popular mammals in the region are tiger, leopards and elephants.
Tourists can take wildlife safari on jeep around Sonanadi zone observing the wild beings at proximity and enjoying the enchanting beauty of greenery and nature.
Sonanadi Zone - Winter Safari Timings
| Entry | Exit |
| Morning Safari - 07:00 am | Morning Safari - 10:00 am |
| Evening Safari - 02:00 pm | Evening Safari - 05:30 pm |
Sonanadi Zone - Summer Safari Timings
| Entry | Exit |
| Morning Safari - 06:00 am | Morning Safari - 09:30 am |
| Evening Safari - 03:00 pm | Evening Safari - 06:30 pm |
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Halduparao(FRH)-Double Bed
Room Type: FRH(Double Bed)
Location: HALDUPARAO
Entry Gate: Vatanvasa Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 50 km
No. of Rooms: 2
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
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Rathuwadhab(FRH)-Double Bed
Room Type: FRH(Double Bed)
Location: RATHUADHAB
Entry Gate: Vatanvasa Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 65 km
No. of Rooms: 2
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
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Mundiyapani(FRH)-Double Bed
Room Type: FRH(Double Bed)
Location: MUDIAPANI
Entry Gate: atanvasa Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 40 km
No. of Rooms: 1
Restaurant and Canteen:Yes
Attractions
1.Jungle Safari
The visitors can go for an Elephant Safari or Jeep Safari. Both facilities are provided in the Sanctuary. Prior bookings are required for Jeep safari. Tourists can also go for a forest trail with armed guard. This can prove to be real thrilling experience of a life time. Sanctuary is located near Corbett National Park, and tourists can expect to see Asiatic Elephants, Tigers and many other species in their natural Habitat.
2.Accommodation at Sonanadai Wildlife Sanctuary
Forest Rest Houses are available a Halduparao at Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary located between the rivers Palain and Sonanadi, Loha chaur and Rathuadhab.
Flora & Fauna
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is blessed with a surprise package loaded with various faunas, reflecting the typical North Indian tropical forests. The sanctuary boasts rich plant life, including different species of Sal, Sheesham, Semal, Bakli, Aonla, Jamun, Kanthber, Figs, as well as medicinal plants and some endangered species of herbs and shrubs.
The wildlife reserve shelters about 600 types of resident and migratory birds, representing approximately 6% of the total bird species in the world. Visitors can expect to see around 150 species of birds during a limited visit, including Thrushes, Pheasants, Hornbills, Warblers, Flycatchers, Wall Creeper, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Emerald Dove, Himalayan Bearded Vulture, Falcon, and Brown Fish Owls.
Mammals found in the sanctuary include Leopard, Sambar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Goral, Otter, Porcupine, Yellow-Throated Marten, and Sloth Bear. Giants like Elephants and Tigers are favorites among visitors. The sanctuary is also home to a large variety of reptiles, such as Python, Monitor Lizard, King Cobra, different kinds of turtles, Gharials, Mugger, Mahseer, and Indian Trout.
Corbett National Park and Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary together comprise the Corbett Tiger Reserve, which hosts the second-largest population of Tiger (Panthera tigris) in the world. Rare sightings of Himalayan Black Bear and Albino Cheetal have also been recorded in Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Open & Close Time
Open
The Durga Devi Safari zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve remains open for tourists from 15th October to 15th June.
Closed
Durga Devi Ecotourism Zones remains closed for night halts and Day Visit from 16st June to 14th October.
Map of Sonanadi
How to Reach Bijrani
Tourists can enjoy a wildlife safari to Sonanadi Zone by taking Elephant safari and Jeep safari from Durga Devi Gate, Kalagarh Gate and Vatanvasa Gate.
All gates are well connected by road and visitors can book a Safari from Ramnagar office of Park authorities of Corbett National Park.