Sonanadi Forest Lodge - dhikalasafaribooking.com

Sonanadi Govt Forest Lodge Accommodation

The region has FRH (Forest Rest Houses) both in Sonanadi Nature Reserve and Domunda Tourist Zone in Corbett Tiger Reserve. Halduparao, the only FRH in Sonanadi Sanctuary and is accessible from Vatanvasa Gate. FRH at Kanda is in Corbett National Park. FRH Morghatti and Pakhro are on the outskirts of the Sonanadi sanctuary and can be reached from Kalagarh and Kotdwar. FRH Lohachaur, Rathuawadhab and Mundiyapani are in Domunda Tourist Zone in CTR (Corbett Tiger Reserve) accessible from Durgadevi Gate before Ramnagar, FRH Kalagarh can be approached a short distance from Ramnagar while Mohaan Gate is 3 km before Ramnagar.

The Sonanadi Sanctuary is spread over 301.18 sq km of prime forests of the Shiwalik Terai biotic province. Sonanadi literally means river of gold. The river used to be panned for gold before the area became a sanctuary. Palain and Mandal are the permanent streams of the shrine. Historically, it was carved out of the Kalagarh Forest Division. It was covered by Project Tiger and became part of Corbett Tiger Reserve in 1991 and also part of Project Elephant. There are no villages inside the sanctuary. The Sonanadi forests, among other species, are notable for dense sal and rich clumps of bamboo and teem with wildlife.

The Sonanadi Range is located in the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of the Corbett National Park. Developed as a natural habitat for wild animals and birds, the Sonanadi range is blessed with amazing beauty of flora and fauna. Located on the north of the Sonanadi River, this zone is a popular spot for the Asian elephant along with tiger, cheetah, sambhar, leopard and reptiles. Visitors can also enjoy more than 550 birds in their natural habitat.

Lohachaur, Rithuadhab and Halduparao are some forest rest houses in Sonanadi area available for overnight stay. Safari options like jeep and elephant are available in the Sonanadi Range. Tourists are advised to book the Sonanadi Zone Safari ticket in advance. Tickets can be pre-booked at the Ramnagar office. Sonanadi zone is open for visitors from October 15 to June 15 and closed due to monsoon. There are several safaris in the Sonanadi zone during the day.

The Sonanadi zone falls under the Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of the Corbett Tiger Reserve. This is the only zone in Jim Corbett where tourists can walk but where non-venomous snakes of various species are abundantly housed. Popular mammals in the region are tigers, leopards and elephants.
Tourists can go on a jeep wildlife safari around the Sonanadi zone, spot wild creatures nearby and enjoy the mesmerizing beauty of greenery and nature.

Winter timings

Entry Exit
Morning Safari – 07:00 Morning Safari – 10:00
Evening safari – 14:00 Evening safari – 17:30

Summer Timing

Entry Exit
Morning Safari – 05:00 Morning Safari – 9:00
Evening safari – 13:30 Evening safari – 17:30

Night Stay

* 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

Attractions

Safari in the jungle

Visitors can go on an elephant safari or a jeep safari. Both facilities are available at the shrine. Jeep safari requires advance booking. Tourists can also go on a forest trail with an armed guard. This can turn out to be a truly exciting experience of a lifetime. The sanctuary is located near the Corbett National Park and tourists can expect to see Asian elephants, tigers and many other species in their natural habitat.

Accommodation at Sonanadai Wildlife Sanctuary

Forest rest stops are available like Halduparao in Sonanadi Nature Reserve which is located between Palain and Sonanadi rivers, Loha chaur and Rathuadhab.

Flora and fauna

Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is gifted with a surprise package packed with various fauna in terms of fauna. The sanctuary corresponds to typical North Indian tropical forests.
The plant life of the sanctuary is rich in various species of Sal, Sheesham, Semal, Bakli, Aonla, Jamun, Kanthber, Figs and along with medicinal plants and some endangered species of herbs and shrubs.
The nature reserve is a refuge for about 600 species of living and migratory birds. The diversity of avifauna in Sonanadi Sanctuary represents about 6% of the total number of bird species in the world. The rich collection of bird species in the sanctuary offers an opportunity to view 150 species of birds in a limited visit to Sonanadi Sanctuary. Bird species commonly seen here are thrushes, pheasants, hornbills, warblers, flycatchers, creepers, hawk eagle, emerald pigeon, bearded Himalayan, falcon, brown owls, etc.

Mammals found in the nature reserve are leopard, sambhar, cheetah, barking deer, wild boar, goral, otter, porcupine, yellow-necked marten and sloth. Giants like elephants and tigers are popular with visitors. Large display of reptiles like Python, Monitor lizard, King Cobra, Different species of turtles, Gharials, Mugger, Mahaseer and Indian Trout etc.
Corbett National Park and Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary together form the Corbett Tiger Reserve, which hosts the second largest Tiger-Panther Tigris population in the world. Rare sightings of Himalayan black bear and albino cheetal are also recorded at Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Opening and closing time

OPEN
Durga Devi Safari Zone in Corbett Tiger Reserve remains open for tourists from October 15 to June 15.

CLOSED
Durga Devi Ecotourism Zones remain closed for night breaks and day visit from 16th June to 14th October.

How to reach Sonanadi

Tourists can enjoy wildlife safari to Sonanadi zone by going for elephant safari and Jeep safari from Durga Devi Gate, Kalagarh Gate and Vatanvasa Gate.
All the gates are well connected by road and visitors can book Safari from Corbett National Park Park Authority Ramnagar office.