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Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary | Complete Travel Guide 2025

July 15, 2025

Hidden in the quiet forests of Uttarakhand, Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary is a secret paradise for wildlife lovers, birdwatchers, and nature photographers. Unlike the crowded safari zones of Jim Corbett, Sona Nadi stays calm and untouched, giving you a real jungle experience.

Imagine standing under tall sal trees, listening to the soft sound of the river called “Sona Nadi” — the Golden Stream — as elephants walk peacefully through the forest. This beautiful sanctuary sits between two famous national parks: Jim Corbett and Rajaji Tiger Reserve. It’s the perfect place for nature lovers who want a peaceful adventure away from the crowds.

About Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary

1. Location & Setting

Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary is a peaceful forest belt tucked away in Uttarakhand’s foothills. It covers parts of Pauri Garhwal and Nainital districts and connects directly with the famous Corbett Tiger Reserve.

The sanctuary spreads over about 301 square kilometers of dense Sal forests, river streams, grasslands, and small clearings. Because of its remote setting, it stays less crowded than Corbett’s main safari gates. Many visitors love Sona Nadi for its raw natural beauty, fresh jungle air, and the chance to see wildlife without noisy tourist crowds.

2. What Makes It Special

Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary is special because it feels like a hidden world inside Uttarakhand’s wild heart. It acts as a safe passage for wild animals moving between Rajaji National Park and Corbett Tiger Reserve. This natural corridor helps big animals like tigers, leopards, and elephants travel safely for food and water without getting close to villages.

Unlike busier zones, Sona Nadi gives you quiet jeep safaris, walking trails, and birdwatching spots where you can enjoy nature in peace. Many wildlife researchers and serious birders prefer Sona Nadi because here, nature feels undisturbed.

4. Wildlife Highlights

The forests of Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary are alive with amazing wildlife. Tigers roam here quietly, sharing space with shy leopards and large herds of wild elephants. Deer like spotted deer, barking deer, and sambar can be seen grazing in open patches.

If you look closely, you might see wild boars digging in the mud or even catch a glimpse of the rare sloth bear moving through the bushes.

For bird lovers, Sona Nadi is pure heaven. More than 600 bird species can be found here, including hornbills, eagles, kingfishers, woodpeckers, and colorful minivets. The sound of birds singing and river streams flowing makes every safari drive feel magical.

5. Meaning of Sona Nadi

The name ‘Sona Nadi’ means ‘River of Gold’. While there is no single written story about how it got this name, locals say that the river flowing through the forest often shines like gold when sunlight hits its clean water and yellowish sand.

This small river nourishes the forest, keeps the soil fertile, and provides water for animals during the hot summer. Because of its golden look in sunlight, the place became known as Sona Nadi, and today the whole forest carries this beautiful name.

6. Brief History

Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary was declared a protected forest to help the famous Corbett Tiger Reserve handle growing wildlife needs. As tourism increased in Corbett’s main zones, this buffer area helped protect animals by giving them more space and keeping human disturbance low.

Today, Sona Nadi is part of Uttarakhand’s plan to keep wildlife corridors open and healthy. Rangers, forest guards, and local communities all work together to protect this beautiful sanctuary. This is why many responsible travelers and wildlife lovers choose Sona Nadi — it is peaceful, rich in nature, and still feels untouched.

How to Reach Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary

By Air:

The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 180 km). From there, you can book a cab or join our pick-up service.

By Train:

The nearest railway station is Kotdwar Railway Station (about 50 km). Regular trains run from Delhi and other cities.

By Road:

Delhi → Meerut → Bijnor → Najibabad → Kotdwar → Kalagarh
Delhi to Kalagarh is about 250 km (6-7 hours by road).

Tip: Roads are good but winding near forest areas. Drive carefully, especially in the monsoon.

Best Time to Visit Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Sona Nadi is open all year except during the monsoon season when heavy rain makes the forest routes unsafe.

Best Months:

November to June: Best for safaris.
December – February: Cool weather, good for birdwatching.
March – June: Summer season — animals are easier to spot near water bodies.

Closed: Usually closed from July to mid-October.

Why Visit Sona Nadi

Many people visit Corbett every year, but only a few know about Sona Nadi. Here’s why you should visit:

Less Crowded: Very few tourists, so you get a peaceful jungle safari.
Rich Wildlife: Tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, and many migratory birds.
Birdwatcher’s Heaven: Over 600 bird species can be spotted here.
Nature Walks: Dense Sal forests, river streams, and beautiful meadows.
Budget Friendly: Permits and stays are cheaper than the main Corbett zones.
Photography: Perfect for wildlife and landscape photography.

Flora and Fauna of Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Wildlife You Can Spot	Birds to Look For	Flora
Royal Bengal Tiger	Great Hornbill	Dense Sal Forests
Leopard	Crested Serpent Eagle	Bamboo Groves
Asian Elephant	Red Junglefowl	Wide Grasslands
Spotted Deer	White-capped Redstart	River Streams
Barking Deer	Kingfishers	Aquatic Plants
Sambar Deer	Woodpeckers
Wild Boar	Minivets
Sloth Bear
Himalayan Black Bear (rare)
Monitor Lizard

Safari Experience in Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary

The main highlight of Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary is its calm and raw jungle safari. Unlike busy safari zones, Sona Nadi stays peaceful, giving you a real wildlife experience deep inside the forest.

Safaris here feel special because you often see fresh animal tracks, hear birds calling from every side, and enjoy the thrill of nature without the noise of too many jeeps.

1. Types of Safari

At Sona Nadi, you can enjoy:

• Jeep Safari:
A guided jeep safari takes you deep into the Kalagarh Range. You ride in an open 4×4 vehicle with a trained driver and a forest guide.

• Walking Trails:
In some safe forest parts, you can take a guided nature walk. Walking safaris are allowed only in marked areas and with a trained guide.

2. Main Safari Zone

Most safaris in Sona Nadi run inside the Kalagarh Range, which is part of the western zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve. This zone is known for tiger sightings, wild elephants, deer herds, and great birding spots.

3. Safari Timings

Sona Nadi safaris usually happen twice a day:

Morning Safari: Starts around 6:00 AM and goes till 9:30 AM
Evening Safari: Starts around 2:30 PM and goes till 5:30 PM

Timings can change slightly with seasons. In winter, safaris start a bit later due to fog.

4. Safari Permit & Fees

To enter Sona Nadi, you need a valid permit issued by the Forest Department. If you book your safari with WanderSky, we arrange all your permits in advance.

Estimated Costs:

Jeep Safari Permit: ₹ 2,000 to ₹ 3,500 per jeep (max 6 people)
Guide Charges: ₹ 700 to ₹ 1,000 per safari
Vehicle Fee: Included in the total package if booked with WanderSky

Prices can change as per forest rules and season, so it’s best to check with us before booking.

5. Guide and Safety

A trained forest guide is always mandatory for any safari in Sona Nadi. Our WanderSky team works with the best local guides who know the jungle routes well, can track fresh animal signs, and share local stories during your safari.

Sample Sona Nadi Safari Itineraries

1 Day Safari Plan

Early morning arrival at Kalagarh.
Breakfast at forest rest house.
Morning jeep safari with guide.
Lunch at local eco-lodge.
Evening safari in a different zone.
Departure.

2 Days 1 Night Package

Day 1:

Arrival and check-in at forest guest house.
Lunch.
Evening jeep safari.
Dinner with bonfire (if allowed).

Day 2:

Early morning nature walk with guide.
Breakfast.
Second jeep safari.
Lunch and departure.

Stay Options Near Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary

There are limited stay options, which keeps this place natural and less commercial.

1️⃣ Forest Rest Houses:
Run by the Forest Department — basic, clean, peaceful.

2️⃣ Eco-Lodges & Homestays:
Some local lodges near Kalagarh and Kotdwar offer simple rooms and homemade food.

3️⃣ WanderSky Partner Stays:
Book our special stay package — cozy cottages, all meals, bonfire (where allowed), and guided safaris included.

Travel Tips for Visitors

✔️ Carry valid ID proofs for permits.
✔️ Always book safari in advance — limited jeeps.
✔️ Do not feed or disturb animals.
✔️ Wear earthy colors (green/brown).
✔️ Carry binoculars for birdwatching.
✔️ Carry water bottles, sunscreen, insect repellent.
✔️ Mobile network is weak deep inside the forest — enjoy the digital detox!

Other Places to Visit Near Sona Nadi

Make your trip memorable by exploring nearby attractions:

Kalagarh Dam: A peaceful picnic spot by the river.
Kotdwar: Famous for Sidhbali Temple and scenic beauty.
Corbett Tiger Reserve Main Zones: Dhikala, Bijrani, Jhirna — only 1-2 hours away.
Rajaji National Park: Around 3 hours drive.
Lansdowne: A beautiful hill station, perfect for a short stay.

Sona Nadi Safari Packages by WanderSky

Want a stress-free safari? WanderSky offers exclusive Sona Nadi packages:

✅ Jeep safari booking with local guide.
✅ Comfortable stay at forest rest house or eco-lodge.
✅ Pickup and drop from Kotdwar.
✅ Birdwatching walks and nature trails.
✅ All permits arranged by us.

📌 Contact us today to customize your package!

🤝 Why Book with WanderSky?

Local experts with years of jungle experience.
Trusted guides and safe drivers.
Best stay options, verified by our team.
24×7 support before and during your trip.
Easy booking — no hidden charges.

❓ FAQs about Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary

Q1: Where is Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary located?
It is near Kalagarh, in the Pauri Garhwal and Nainital districts of Uttarakhand.

Q2: Is Sona Nadi part of Jim Corbett?
Yes, it is a buffer zone of Corbett Tiger Reserve.

Q3: Are safaris safe for families?
Yes, safaris are safe when you follow forest rules.

Q4: Do I need to book safari permits in advance?
Yes, always book your permits early. We help you with all bookings.

Q5: Can I stay inside the forest?
Yes, forest rest houses are available with prior booking.

Q6: What is the best time to see tigers?
March to June is the best time as animals come near water bodies.

🌟 Final Words

Sona Nadi Wildlife Sanctuary is one of Uttarakhand’s best-kept secrets. If you love jungles, fresh air, and the thrill of spotting wild animals without crowds — this is the place for you!

Don’t wait for the perfect moment — create it with us.

✅ Ready to Explore?

👉 Book Your Sona Nadi Safari Today with WanderSky
Our local team will plan your stay, safari, permits, and everything you need for a stress-free adventure.

📞 Contact us now and let’s plan your wild escape!