Himalayan Village Sonapani is independent cottage style property with 12 Kumaoni Village style cottages spread across a 50 acre estate. All our cottages offer panoramic views of the Himalayas. Our property is into the wilderness and offers a natural unmanicured Himalayan habitat. We have our own spring water and hence the name Sonapani, as the water here is believed to be as good as gold . You will be living in comfort and safety in midst of Oak and Pine forests among the chirping of birds , butterflies and Himalayan mammals.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
The resort is located in a picturesque area sur.rounded by Mountains.The rooms are very spacious,clean and well maintained .The food is the excellent very nice full of flavours ....I enjoyed all the meals and they also some pahari dishes which were from local grown vegetables so nice and fresh . Over all an excellent place for family and friends ,they called me to update about the weather conditions and which route to take while reaching the destination which I found very thoughtful .... I will certainly come back again .
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1. Location: 6000ft on the Shivalik. Perfect weather almost round the year. Clean - Pristine environment ( AQI below 20), thickly wooded, chirping birds, enchanting wildlife, picturesque landscape. 2. Accomodation: Decently sited and comfortable cottages with extra space & bunks. All amenities have been provided. 3. Food : Palatable food with adequate variety to suit all tastes. 4. Hospitality : Extremely hospitable staff. 5. Reaching Out: Easy. Good roads inspite of hilly terrain. 6. Affordability: Worth every penny. Overall one of the best lifetime experience to rejuvenate!! All the best
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Date of stay: March 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We loved our stay. The location is the best thing, nearby treks and villages, friendly people, birds, forests and mountains. Sonapani itself was comfortable and the food (we chose all the local items on the menu and paid for room and food at a package rate by calling the hotel and booking with the manager) was made by an exceptionally talented chef. The garden was beautiful, the bed perfect the bathroom and room clean and extra large. But as with all past reviewers I have to agree nothing is quite like the hospitality of the staff. The men who cooked, served food, did our laundry and walked us down the path to show us the way to trekking are among the kindest people you will meet anywhere. It was wonderfully relaxing.
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Date of stay: April 2024
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:we went in April and the weather was pleasant and the place was empty so that was a bonus
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We visited Sona Pani Resort in June 2024 to get a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat in Delhi. This turned out to be a wonderful experience. Not only does the report provide a relaxing experience at the helm of Kumaon Ranges, where you can take nature walks and hikes, but also, if you are more adventurous, there are explorative hikes (which can be a little more heart-pumping). The resort has all the basic amenities, but the staff is exceptional and caters to your whims where food is concerned.
We had our two kids with us, and this was an excellent experience for them as well; we were able to accomplish our goal of minimizing screen time while exploring the jungles around this resort. We will surely visit again and explore more through more rigorous hikes. The resort can provide catered hikes, which include lunch/picnic while hiking through the Kamaoun jungles; it's truly a cherished experience.
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Date of stay: June 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Some experience can't be put on words. Its simplly exquisite, ever-nourshing and beyond expression. You will have almost 180 degree of snow. Clad hmmountain view, beautiful trails along mountains, nice forests going down and most importantly wonderful host who has very deeper understanding of life.
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Date of stay: December 2019Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
And where do I start from.... Just a two hour drive from Kathgodam station brings you to this beautiful property nestled in the lap of nature surrounded by tall trees. The best thing is the uninterrupted view of the mountain range and the peaks of Nanda Devi and Trishul. At night Almora makes its presence felt with numerous twinkling lights below. Waking up with birds chirping at sunrise was a surreal experience. The cottages are built in traditional Kumauni style with a modern interior. The courteous staff is always ready to help and home style food is their USP. We were a group of six and stayed for three nights in the cottages on level one. We went on local treks guided by Deepak and loved every moment of it. Special thanks to Mr. Ravi and the team who took great care when one of us fell sick. If you want to spend some time amidst nature with excellent surroundings this is the place to be.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Go after July for best views of the ranges.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A beautiful place in natures lap. It’s a hidden gem and a must visit place for all nature lovers. View of snow clad mountains, big spacious, neat and clean cottages. Amazing food and warmth of staff. Cottages have a fire place and some even have bunk beds if kids are travelling along. I can only ask readers to visit the place to get a hang of it and see it for yourself.
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Date of stay: March 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:1.5-2 hours drive from Haldwani/kathgodam.
Cabs are available from kathgodam station if...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The location is too good. A hidden gem. Pear/ apple trees. Where you could actually pluck and eat. But the service was poor with untrained staff. Cleanliness, food quality not upto the mark. With more professional management, this could be a really great place to stay.
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Date of stay: May 2021Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A beautiful place to stay. The environment, the air, the people, the food, the rooms- everything is amazing here. I truly had fun in trekking, playing outdoor games. The owners of the property are very generous & welcoming.
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Date of stay: January 2024
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Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The many hill stations/resorts in north India are popular getaways, especially in summer, resulting in crass commercialism, overcrowding and disregard for the environment. In stark contrast is a lesser known destination in the Naini Tal district of Uttarakhand—Himalayan Village Sonapani, fast growing in popularity, thanks to the unique experience it offers.
Sonapani is an eight hour drive from Delhi, while the nearest railhead, Kathgodam, is accessible by an overnight train. One can request a pick up for the 2 hour uphill drive to Sonapani—a picturesque and refreshing journey on winding mountain roads bordered by tall trees, passing through popular tourist centers like Bhimtal. As the car enters a gate adjacent to an ashram, the road suddenly changes character, and becomes a steep, mountain track which takes the visitor to the parking lot! This is an USP of Sonapani—the last part of the journey is a walk through rough, uneven village paths, which are difficult to focus on, as one cannot help but gaze at the panorama of the mountains and valleys all around!
We first visited this eco friendly resort in May 2004, the month it started operations, and it has since become our favorite holiday destination. Every trip we have made since (too many to count!) has been as memorable as the first one, thanks to the setting, professional yet personalized service of a courteous staff and the warmth of the hosts--- even the first time we reached the welcoming “gate” of Sonapani, we were greeted by them like old friends. The young couple, Ashish and Deepa (Arora) left comfortable corporate jobs in Delhi to build up this resort and contribute to the local community. Sonapani is spread over 20 acres on a 2000 m high ridge, and they personally supervise every aspect of it, with the result that the cliché of going there as a stranger and returning as a friend is the usual experience!
There are 12 cottages at different levels, all facing the snow clad peaks (like Nanda Devi and Trishul) of the Himalayas. As you open the door in the morning and breathe in the fresh air, the first sight is of the mountain ranges all around! The herb bush beside each cottage gives it its name! In keeping with the eco friendly policy, earth blocks have been used instead of bricks, and there are no TV sets, newspapers or telephones (though mobile phones and internet data cards work). The comfortable rooms (with modern, attached bathrooms) have tasteful pinewood furniture and artistic furnishings, including lampshades and paintings by Deepa. The couple and their two little children live in a hundred year old stone house, close to the kitchen, (which is manned by excellent cooks)!
The food is multi-cuisine and delicious, made with home grown ingredients, served fresh by a cheerful staff. Visitors are looked after personally by the hosts---- even individual preferences are catered to! Every meal (buffet) is a feast, to be enjoyed in the beautiful dining room or its open veranda. The latter is at the highest level, above the cottages, so the panoramic view is the best from here.
Sunrise and sunset afford spectacular scenes, while darkness brings with it the twinkling lights of Almora across the valley. Visitors can settle down under a clear, starry sky, around a crackling bonfire, savoring delicious pre-dinner snacks, (almost a mini dinner in variety)!
The vast grounds are well tended, with colorful flower beds, herb gardens (herbal tea made from fresh thyme or the herb of your choice is a treat!) fruit trees and kitchen gardens. An adjoining pine forest and paths around are ideal for walks, but most jaded city visitors like us choose to simply relax in the resort, listening to the sounds of insects and birds and the wind, being pampered by Ashish and Deepa! However, corporate or school programs and adventure activities can be organized by Ashish on (prior) request.
Sonapani may not appeal to those who need the glitz and trappings of a five star hotel or a typical tourist spot, but it's hard to resist the magic……. prompting most visitors to go back again and again, to a unique experience!
Tips: Like all high altitude spots, it does get very cold in winter, and rains too can lower the temperature considerably, so carry a jacket/woolens. Good walking/sports shoes also help during the walk to the resort. Look for other tips on the official site.
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Date of stay: November 2009
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For good views of Himalayas winter is best. October onwards. Birding is great throughout the year and you can see several species from the resort itself as its surrounded by forest and excellent vegetation
There are more places to choose from in the Mukteshwar area.
PRICE RANGE
₹3,030 - ₹5,281 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
IndiaUttarakhandNainital DistrictMukteshwar
NUMBER OF ROOMS
12
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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