RanikhetRanikhet is a hill station and cantonment town in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the home for the Military Hospital, Kumaon Regiment (KRC) & Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army. Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1869 metres above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas.

History

Ranikhet, which means Queen's meadow in Hindi, gets its name from a local legend, which states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet,[1] though no palace exists in the area. In 1869,the British established the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment here and used the station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer. At one time during British Raj, it was also proposed as the summer headquarters of Government of India, in lieu of Shimla. In 1900, it had a summer population of 7,705, and its corresponding winter population was measured in 1901 . Ranikhet previously Belonged to Nepal. But the British won the land at around 1816 and India occupies it now.

Ranikhet Tourism Ranikhet Travel Guide The charming hill station of Ranikhet is located in the Almora district of uttarakhand at an elevation of 1,829mts above sea level. Ranikhet has everything to pacify the nerves of an avid city dweller.

Ranikhet Hill Station

The salubrious atmosphere, tall conifer trees, green meadows and placid surroundings makes Ranikhet a unique hill station. The magnetism of each season in Ranikhet is always capable of luring tourists, making it an all season destination. The majestic Himalayas, lush green forests, sounds and smell of the flora and fauna leaves an unforgettable impact on the visitors. Ranikhet draws thousands of tourists each year for its unforgettable natural beauty, worth watching excursions, ancient temples, fascinating picnic spots and exciting treks. Ranikhet also headquarters one of the glorious regiment of Indian Army - Kumaon Regiment. Ranikhet literally means “Queen's Meadow”. It is believed that Queen Padmini of Kumaon was in love with this tiny hill paradise. Kind Sudhardev had to oblige her by building a palace here and named this place Ranikhet, the queen’s field. Though no trace of the palace can be found here today, but the place remained the same: bewitching, full of flowers, trees and green meadows in the midst of heavenly Himalayan surroundings.

Ranikhet General Travel Information

Total Area: 21.76 sq.kms
Altitude: 1829 metres
Taxi Stand: uttarakhand Taxi Union, Gandhi Chowk,
Ranikhet Clubs in Ranikhet: Ranikhet Club and KRC Golf Club
Shopping area in Ranikhet are: Sadar Bazar, Zaroori Bazar and Khari Bazar

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport for Ranikhet is Pantnagar. Pantnagar Airport is situated 115kms from Ranikhet. Taxis are available to Ranikhet, Haldwani, Nainital and Almora from Pant Nagar Airport. Buses are available from Haldwani, Kathgodam and Nainital to Ranikhet.

By Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Kausani, situated at a distance of 88kms. Kathgodam is well connected by Railway networks with major destinations of India like Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata. Trains are frequent to Kathgodam as it is the gateway of Kumaon region. Buses and Taxis are easily available to Ranikhet from Kathgodam. Ramnagar railway station is 96kms from Ranikhet.


By Road: Ranikhet is well connected by motorable roads with major cities of Uttarakhand state and northern India. Ranikhet is well connected by major destinations of Garhwal as well as Kumaon regions. Buses to Kathgodam and Almora can be taken from ISBT Anand Vihar, Delhi. Taxis to Ranikhet are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state. The distance from Delhi to Ranikhet is 360kms if you travel via Babugarh and Moradabad. This distance can be easily covered in 10 hours of time. Bus Services to Ranikhet: Uttarakhand Roadways and KMOU Bus service.

Ranikhet Sightseeing

Following is the list tourist places in Ranikhet. These are some of the popular tourist spots in Ranikhet.

Chaubatia Gardens: It is situated 10kms from Ranikhet and is renowned for apple orchards. Ranikhet is popular for its luscious apples, apricots, peaches and various alpine fruits. Apart from fruits one can buy fresh juices and honey from Chaubatia Gardens. Picturesque views of the snow capped peaks of the mighty Himalayan range can be seen from Chaubatia Gardens.

Golf Course: Ranikhet Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses of Asia. Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9-hole course making it one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet. The green meadow of the golf course at such high altitude is awe-inspiring. The golf club provides membership plans for outsiders as well. Haidakhan Temple: Situated 4kms from Ranikhet, Haidakhan Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva made by Shri Haidakhan Maharaj who is said to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. The splendid views of the gigantic Himalayan peaks are clearly visible from Haidakhan Temple. Jhula Devi Temple: Built in the 8th century, Jhula Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The people of uttarakhand have strong belief in the Jhula Devi Temple and numerous bells are hung in the temple. Ram Mandir is situated very close to Jhula Devi Mandir. Syalikhet: It is a scenic spot with unparallel beauty situated at a distance of 25kms from Ranikhet. Syalikhet is located in the amidst green forest and apple orchards. The famous temple of Syahi Devi is situated in Syalikhet.

Binsar Mahadev: The artistic structure of the Binsar Mahadev Temple and its deity Lord Shiva both adds positive vibes to our mind and soul. A beautiful stream flowing close to the Binsar Mahadev Temple adds amazement to the natural beauteousness of this sacred place. Binsar Mahadev Temple is situated amidst beautiful pine and deodar trees. Apart from the temple an ashram, Binsar Mahadev also has lovely cedar forest surroundings. Katarmal (Sun Temple): It is the second most important temple to Sun God, the first one being Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. Katarmal is more than 800years old. Situated 25kms fromRanikhet this historical temple is an example of intricate sculpturing.

Bhalu Dam: It is an artificial small lake blessed with natural beauteousness, panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains and placid surroundings. The small but beautiful garden nearby the dam is marvelous. The dam site is open for all the tourists throughout the year. The views of the massive Himalayan peaks are enchanting and ravishing from Bhalu Dam. It is an ideal spot for camping and picnicking.

KRC (Kumaon Regimental Centre) Museum: KRC Museum was established in the 1970s, this Regiment Museum showcases the history of Kumaon and Garhwal regiments. It also displays valuable treasures like Rani Jhasi's silver scepter, Chinese rifles from the 1962 war, a World War-II Japanese wireless field telephone and documents related to the Kargil War.

Mankameshwar temple: A very important temple in Ranikhet Mankameshwar Temple is established by the prestigious Indian Army Regiment of Kumaon. This temple is located at Pithoragarh, a nearby place of Ranikhet town and is next to the well known NarsinghMaidan (Ground). The temple is frequently visited by many devotees, specially the family members of the defense people in the Kumaon Regiment. The place surrounding the temple is very picturesque and cool weather prevails here all through the year.

Nearby attractions of the temple place are Gurdwara and Shawal factories placed opposite to the temple.