Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is tucked between the two grandiose sanctuaries namely Corbett and Rajaji National Park, the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary or Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary also known as ‘Sonandai’ has come up as a popular tourist attraction in Uttarakhand. Sonanadi that literally suggests ‘the river of gold’ received its name from the gold panning that was carried in the river, before the area became a sanctuary.
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary sprawls over 301.18 square km area consisting of dense thickets in the Shiwalik Terai biotic province. River Palain and Mandal are the two sparkling streams of this sanctuary. Bespeckled with thick forests of Sal, Sheesham and Bamboo trees, the Sonandi Wildlife Park is one of the famous tourist spots in Nainital that shouldn't be missed at any cost.
History of Sonanadi Wildlife Sactuary
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary was founded on January 9, 1987, and is associated with ‘Project Tiger’ that dates back to 1973. Corbett National Park and Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary comprise the Corbett Tiger Reserve which boasts the second largest population of Tiger-Panthers in the world.
The pastoral wildlife heaven of Sonanadi Sanctuary is a home to Asiatic Elephants, Tigers, Cheetal, Sambhar, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Leopard and reptiles. The avifauna found in the sanctuary attracts many bird lovers towards it, there are over 550 birds living in their natural habitat. The rich fauna at Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary represents approximately 6% of the total bird species in the world.
Some of the bird species that you can see in Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary are Thrushes, Pheasants, Hornbills, Warblers, Flycatchers, Wall Creeper, Changeable Hawk Eagle, Emerald Dove, Himalayan Bearded Vulture, Falcon, Brown Fish Owls and many others. One can also savour the diverse flora found in the region, including some rare medicinal plants along with some endangered varieties of herbs and shrubs.
To have a thrilling wildlife experience in the wilderness of Sonanadi, you can book an elephant or jeep safari that is only possible in Sonanadi zone. Here you can spot various animals in their enclosed environs. One can book tickets in advance from the Ramnagar office. The Sonanadi Zone is open for tourists from October 15 to June 15 and is closed during Monsoons.
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 |
For having a nostalgic stay, the tourists can take shelter at the Forest Rest Houses available at Lohachaur, Rathuadhab, and Halduparao.
Halduparao(FRH)
Halduparao Forest Rest House is built in 1890 which is situated at a distance of 50 km from Kotdwar. It is located on the right bank of river Palain at a height of 385m, It offers a beautiful view of the river and the forest to the visitors. The entry gate is through the Vatanvasa gate followed by a 10km drive on a forest road. It provides 2 rooms with a double bed and a kitchen.
Rathuwadhab (FRH)
Rathuadhab forest rest house was built in 1899, it is situated on the banks of Mandal river and located at a distance of 65 km from Kotdwar. It offers a majestic view of the river and the nearby village. It has 2 rooms with a double bed and a kitchen. The entry gate is through the Vatanvasa gate.
Mundiyapani (FRH)
Mundiyapani forest rest house is situated amidst the dense mixed forest at a distance of 40 km from Kotdwar. It was established in 1903 at a height of 547 m and a great site for bird watchers. The entry gate is through the Vatanvasa gate. It has 2 rooms with a double bed and a kitchen.
Morghatti (FRH)
Morghati forest rest house is situated in a dense mixed forest at a distance of 40 km from Kotdwar. It is situated at a beautiful site, and this is the best site for bird watchers. The entry gate is through the Pakhro gate. It has 2 rooms with a double bed and a kitchen.
The Durga Devi Safari zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve remains open for tourists from 15th October to 15th June. And Durga Devi Ecotourism Zones remains closed for night halts and Day Visit from 16th June to 14th October.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is between the months of November to April.
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is located in In Jim Corbett National Park ( It can be accessed from Vantanvasa gate, Kalagarh, Kotdwar & Durgadevi Gate).
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the heart of Corbett National Park. Due to its large area, this wildlife zone can be accessed from diffrents gates of Corbett. Some of them are situated in diffrent districts of Uttarakhand like Vantanvasa gate, Kalagarh, Kotdwar & Durgadevi Gate.
Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is popular place for following activities/ interests - Bird Watching, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, Safari, Wildlife Tourism.
