Sonanadi Government Forest Rest House / Lodge / Zone Night Stay Accommodation
The Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, spread across 301.18 sq. km, forms an important part of the Shiwalik–Terai biotic region. The name Sonanadi literally translates to “River of Gold”, as gold panning was once practiced along the Sonanadi River before the area was declared a sanctuary.
This region became part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve under Project Tiger in 1991, and it is also included under Project Elephant. With no villages inside the sanctuary, Sonanadi remains one of the most pristine forest landscapes in the region, featuring dense Sal forests, rich bamboo clusters, and a thriving population of wildlife.
The sanctuary is nourished by perennial streams such as the Palain and Mandal rivers, making it an ideal habitat for a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Forest Rest Houses (FRHs) in Sonanadi & Domunda Zones
The region offers several Forest Rest Houses for night stays, spread across different tourism zones:
FRHs in Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
- Halduparao FRH – The only FRH inside Sonanadi Sanctuary; accessible via Vatanvasa Gate
- Morghatti FRH - Located on the periphery; accessible from Kalagarh
- Pakhro FRH – Located near the sanctuary boundary; can be approached from Kotdwar
- Kalagarh FRH – Located before reaching Ramnagar
- Mohaan FRH – Around 30 km ahead of Ramnagar
FRHs in Domunda Tourism Zone (Corbett Tiger Reserve)
- Lohachaur FRH
- Rathuawadhab FRH
- Mundiyapani FRH
All three are accessed via the Durgadevi Gate, located beyond Ramnagar.
Sonanadi Range – A Haven for Wildlife and Nature Lovers
Located on the northern side of the Sonanadi River, the Sonanadi Range serves as a major wildlife habitat within the sanctuary. Known for its abundant flora and fauna, this zone is home to:
- Asiatic Elephants
- Bengal Tigers
- Leopards
- Sambar Deer
- Chital (Spotted Deer)
- Reptiles of various species
- Over 550 species of birds, making it a paradise for bird watchers
The serene forests, lush greenery, and rich biodiversity make Sonanadi a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Safari Experience in Sonanadi
Visitors can enjoy:
- Jeep Safaris
- Elephant Safaris
These guided tours allow travellers to get close to wildlife while exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Notably, Sonanadi is the only zone in Jim Corbett where tourists are allowed to walk on foot, though the area is home to several species of non-venomous snakes, so guided movement is recommended for safety.
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 |
Online booking form
Need Help?
Call Us:
Night Stay (Forest Rest House )
Attractions
Jungle Safari
Visitors at Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary can enjoy both Elephant Safari and Jeep Safari, both of which offer an adventurous way to explore the dense forests and rich wildlife of the region. Prior booking is required for Jeep Safaris, while Elephant Safaris are arranged within the sanctuary limits. Tourists can also choose to go on a guided forest trail accompanied by an armed guard, which provides a thrilling and memorable experience of walking through the untouched wilderness. Being located close to Corbett National Park, the sanctuary offers a high chance of spotting Asiatic elephants, tigers, leopards and many other species living freely in their natural habitat.
Accommodation at Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary
Accommodation for visitors is available at Forest Rest Houses located at Halduparao, Lohachaur and Rathuadhab. The Halduparao FRH is beautifully positioned between the Palain and Sonanadi rivers, offering peaceful surroundings amid dense forests. These rest houses provide basic yet comfortable lodging options for tourists who wish to experience a night stay inside the forest and enjoy the raw charm of wildlife and nature.
Flora & Fauna
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a remarkable variety of flora and fauna, making it one of the most enriched natural habitats in North India. The forest landscape consists mainly of tropical vegetation, with abundant Sal, Sheesham, Semal, Bakli, Aonla, Jamun, Kanthber, and various species of figs. The sanctuary is also known for its medicinal plants, rare herbs and shrubs, which add to its ecological significance. It shelters nearly 600 species of resident and migratory birds, representing around 6% of the world’s total bird species. Bird lovers can witness an impressive range of avifauna, including thrushes, pheasants, hornbills, warblers, flycatchers, wall creepers, the changeable hawk eagle, emerald dove, Himalayan bearded vulture, falcon and brown fish owls.
Open & Close Time
Open
The Jhirna Tourism Zone, however remains open for day safaris throughout the year, subject to road and weather conditions.
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 Sonanadi
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.