Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Embracing the untamed northern expanse of the world-renowned Corbett Tiger Reserve in Pauri Garhwal district, Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Uttarakhand's most pristine, tranquil, and ecologically vital wilderness realms. Established in 1987 across 301.18 square kilometers, the sanctuary derives its lyrical name from the Sonanadi River (literally meaning 'River of Gold'), whose crystalline waters once yielded alluvial gold dust and today nourish dense subtropical sal, sheesham, and bamboo forests.

Serving as an indispensable wildlife migratory corridor connecting Jim Corbett National Park to the south and Rajaji National Park to the west, Sonanadi provides uninterrupted passage for large mammalian herds. The sanctuary boasts exceptionally high concentrations of wild Asian Elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, Indian Leopards, sloth bears, chital, sambar deer, barking deer, otters, and king cobras. Its deep watercourses and backwaters formed by the Kalagarh reservoir support marsh crocodiles (muggers) and endangered gharials.

For intrepid naturalists who wish to experience the raw magic of Corbett without the heavy jeep traffic of Dhikala, Sonanadi offers an authentic wilderness retreat. The jewel of the sanctuary is the historic Halduparao Forest Rest House, a colonial bungalow constructed by British foresters in 1890 on the peaceful banks of the Sonanadi River. Accessed via Vatanvasa gate near Kotdwar, staying at Halduparao immerses visitors in pure jungle isolation under star-studded Himalayan skies.