Having the vast stretch of 301.18 sqkms, the zone has the predominance of ShiwalikTerai. Sonanadi which means river of gold has historic presence and is presumed to have gold, centuries ago before it became a river. The palain and mandal are the two river streams of this sanctuary. Anciently it was a part of the Kalagarh Forest Reserve but it later came under the periphery of Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1991.
Situated at the northern area of Sonanadi River, the zone is known for having Asiatic Elephants, leopards, Cheetal, Sambar, reptiles, Royal Bengal Tiger, etc. It’s the zone which claims to have the second largest population of tiger and has recorded the presence of Himalayan black bear and Albino Cheetal.It’s also a zone rich with flora as the forest consists of dense sal and bamboo trees.Observing the wildlife, and spotting the migratory birds in the sky, you get to evidence varieties of wild animals to the serene peace of jungle.
Both elephant safari and jeep safari facilities are prevalent at this zone.The Jeep safari and elephant safari to Sonanadi zone commences from Sonanadi gate, Kalagarh gate and Vatanvasa gate.And this is the zone that also allows you to have nature’s walk amongst the lush green forest. The prior advance booking for the safari is required. Moreover, the armed guards are allotted for the jungle safari, thus you are safe and guarded.
You also get the accommodation facility at the Halduparao, Rathuwadhab and Mundiyapan, which is predominated by the loha chaur, Ranthuadhab, and river Palain.A perfect selection for wildlife enthusiast, as the stay inside the national park is surprising and exciting. Sensing the essence of nature and observing the peaceful serene nature, you admire the natural landscape.
Sonanadi Zone in Jim Corbett National Park
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.
Attractions
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.
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, when it comes to the fauna part. The sanctuary is match with the typical North Indian tropical forests.
The plant life of the sanctuary is rich in different species of Sal, Sheesham, Semal, Bakli, Aonla, Jamun, Kanthber, Figs and along with medicinal plants and some endangered species of Herbs and Shrubs.
The Wildlife reserve is the shelter to about 600 types of resident and migratory birds. The diversity of avifauna in Sonanadi Sanctuary represents approximately 6% of the total bird species in the world. The profuse gathering of bird species in the sanctuary offers a prospect to view 150 species of birds in a limited visit in Sonanadi Sanctuary. The kinds of Birds normally seen here are, Thrushes, Pheasants, Hornbills, Warblers, Flycatchers, Wall Creeper, Changeable Hawk Eagle, emerald Dove, Himalayan Bearded Vulture, Falcon, Brown Fish Owls, etc.
Mammals found in the wildlife sanctuary are Leopard, Sambhar, Cheetal, Barking Deer, Wild Boar, Goral, Otter, Porcupine, Yellow-Throated Marten and Sloth Bear. The giants like Elephants and Tigers are favorites among the visitors. A large display of reptiles like Python, Monitor Lizard, King Cobra, Different kind of Turtles, Gharials, Mugger, Mahaseer, and Indian Trout etc. Corbett National Park and Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary together comprise the Corbett Tiger Reserve which hosts the second largest population of Tiger-Panther Tigris in the world. The rare sightings of Himalayan Black Bear and Albino Cheetal are also recorded in Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.
Open & Close Time
Open
The Sonanadi Safari zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve remains open for tourists from 15th October to 15th June.
Closed
Sonanadi Eco-tourism Zones remains closed for night halts and Day Visit from 16st June to 14th October.
How to Reach Sonanadi
Tourists can enjoy a wildlife safari to Sonanadi Zone by taking Elephant safari and Jeep safari from SonanadiGate, 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.
Day Canter Safari Timings:
Winter Safaris Timings-
Morning Safari Entry- 07:00 am & Exit- 10:00 am
Evening Safari Entry- 02:00 pm & Exit- 05:30 pm
Summer Safaris Timings-
Morning Safari Entry- 06:00 am & Exit- 09:30 am
Evening Safari Entry- 03:00 pm & Exit- 06:30 pm
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
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
Mundiyapani(FRH)-Double Bed
Room Type: FRH(Double Bed)
Location: MUDIAPANI
Entry Gate: Vatanvasa Gate
Distance from Ramnagar: 40 km
No. of Rooms: 2
Restaurant and Canteen: Yes
