Ranikhet
essenceofkumaun
RANIKHET ~ essenceofkumaun
Ranikhet the beautiful hamlet in Kumaon region, Almora District, state of Uttarakhand, India is at a height of 1,829 mtrs. The breath-taking view of the Himalayan ranges and the natural scenic beauty draws in large number of tourists from all over the world every year. The floras, which are found commonly in this place, include pine, oak and deodar.
Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sukherdev, the local ruler, saw this place and was so captivated that she decided to stay there, and the place came to be known as Ranikhet (literally, queen's field). The picturesque hill station was rediscovered by the British and established a cantonment in 1869. Ranikhet is still a cantonment town and is the Kumaun Regimental Centre.
Ranikhet also boasts of one of the best hill golf greens (9 holes) in the country. Ranikhet is spread across two ridges, first one is called the Ranikhet ridge, and the second one is called the Chaubatia ridge.
Best time to visit Ranikhet
Ranikhet is an all-year destination but best time to visit Ranikhet is from March to May and mid-September to December.
HOW TO REACH RANIKHET
By Air
The nearest airport to Almora is at Pantnagar, about 119 kms from Ranikhet.
By Road
Ranikhet is well connected by roads. All season roads run through Haldwani, Bhowali and Khairna. Ranikhet has direct bus links with Nainital (60 kms.). Kathgodam (86 kms), Ramnagar (96 kms.) and Delhi (336 kms.)
By Train
Nearest railway station is at Kathgodam (around 86 Kms away), it is connected by rail with Delhi, Lucknow, Dehradun and Calcutta.
TOURIST PLACES IN RANIKHET
UPAT GOLF COURSE
Located 6 km away from Ranikhet Bus Stand, Upat Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses of Asia, located at Upat village near Ranikhet. This Golf Course is a 9-hole course making it one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet and is maintained by Kumaon Regiment.
The green meadow of the golf course at such high altitude is awe-inspiring. This place is famous for providing panoramic views of surrounding snow-capped Himalayan peak. The area is surrounded by lush green forests densely populated with pine and oak trees. Though primarily used by the army men, golf course is open to public as well for a nominal fee. The golf club provides membership plans for outsiders as well.
Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM
KUMAON REGIMENTAL CENTRE MUSEUM
Established by Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army in the 1970s, the museum houses war artifacts of historical importance, especially belonging to the Garhwal and Kumaon regiments.
It also houses valuable materials like Rani Jhasi's silver scepters, documents and pictures related to Kargil War, a wireless field telephone used in World War II by Japanese and Chinese rifles captured in1962 war.
The KRC golf course is another major attraction.
TARIKHET
It's 8 km from Ranikhet. Gandhiji stayed here in the 1920s. His cottage is a major tourist attraction. The famous temple of the local deity, Golu Devta can also be visited at Tarikhet.
KATARMAL SUN TEMPLE
It is a unique cluster of temples (around 44) which are the tallest temples in the Kumaun. It is 10 kms from Kasar Devi & is located at a height of 2116 meters above sea level.
It was built somewhere between the 9th – 13th Century by King Katarmalla the then ruler of Kumaun.
SITLAKHET
Sitlakhet offers a 200-degree view of the majestic Himalayas.
The early morning and late evening views of the Himalayas are something one should never miss, the golden light on the White Mountains is truly spellbinding.
It’s hidden in the jungles between Almora and Ranikhet and a little detour from the main road would get you here. The drive is mainly through a dense pine forest with small hamlets scattered alongside the road. The climate is pleasant but the nights are cool.
Sitlakhet is also famous for its orchards, amazing landscapes, and its produce of herbs and medicinal plants.
JHULA DEVI TEMPLE
One of the major tourist attractions in Ranikhet, this temple is dedicated to goddess Durga and is well-known for its cluster of elegantly designed bells. Legend has it that this shrine was built in the 8th century. Located on the Kumaun Hill, Uttarakhand amidst the tranquil and relaxing settings of nature. Temple has the deity sitting on a jhula (cradle) and hence the name.
It is widely believed that whosoever ties a bell on the temple wall, is granted with his/ her wish in due course of time.
CHAUBATIA
Chaubatia Garden is a nature’s playground. It is located roughly 10 kilometres south of the cantonment town of Ranikhet. Chabatia is 5,900 ft above sea level, within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas.
Known for its beautiful orchards of apples, plums, peaches and apricots. These gardens are spread across 600 acres with trees of oak, cedar, pine and rhododendrons dotting the walking trails.
On a clear day, one can have exquisite view of the Garhwal Himalayan peaks of Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nilkanth from these gardens.
MAJKHALI
Majkhali is a secluded location devoid of humans and full of nature is your idea of a perfect weekend, it’s a tiny hamlet 11 kms ahead of Ranikhet.
It offers a magnificent view of snow-capped Himalayas. It also hosts a forest nursery having varieties of flora and fauna.
MANKAMESHWAR
An ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva and Radha-Krishna. This beautiful temple adjacent to Nar Singh Ground has been rebuilt by the soldiers of Kumaon Regiment.
PLACES TO VISIT NEARBY RANIKHET
BINSAR
Once, the "summer capital", is the land of enchanting meadows, orchids, mumbling streams and hills. The name Binsar has been derived from the words 'bin-sar' which literally suggests without a head.
Binsar is having a beautiful forest reserve and bird sanctuary which boasts of a rich variety of flora and fauna.
KASAR DEVI
Kasar Devi is a small hamlet ahead of Almora, Uttarakhand, while on way towards Binsar. Kasar Devi gives you positive vibes, a place that makes you stay and experience the calm surroundings. A panoramic view of the Himalayas—from Nanda Devi to the five snow-capped peaks of Panchachuli—unfurls above Kasar Devi.
It is mainly known for the Kasar Devi temple.
ALMORA
Almora attracts tourists each year due to its views of the Himalayas, cultural heritage, handicrafts, cuisine, and being a business hub for the Kumaon region.
Almora is a picturesque town set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas.
KATARMAL SUN TEMPLE
Katarmal Temple is a magnificent Surya temple also known as Bara Aditya temple. Katarmal is located about 17 kms from Almora and is positioned at an elevation of 2,116 m. One has to trek almost three kms crossing Hawalbagh and Matela near Kosi River.
The Katarmal Temple has the distinction of being the only Sun temple in Kumaon.
GANANATH
Gana Nath Temple is famous for its caves and a Shiva temple.
During the special Kartik Purnima carnival held at the temple, the entire region echoes with the sounds of rhythmic hymns and captivating folk songs.
JAGESHWAR DHAM
Jageshwar Dham is a group of temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are 124 big and small temples that look simply beautiful with a gorgeous backdrop of rolling green mountains and a gurgling Jata Ganga stream.
According to Archaeology Survey of India, the temple dates back to post Gupta and pre-medieval era and said to be 2500 years old.
KAUSANI
Kausani, the picturesque hill station famous for its scenic splendor and its spectacular view of the Himalayas is in the Bageshwar District of state of Uttarakhand.
From Kausani one can view snow-crested Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nandakot and Panchchuli peaks,from Kausani one gets spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of the Himalayas.
SHITLA KHET
Situated between Ranikhet and Almora this picturesque place not only affords a wide view of the Himalayan peaks but is also full of fruit orchards. Scouting camps are frequently held here and there is a beautiful temple of Syahi Devi around 3 Kms away on a lovely mountainous trail.
DWARAHAT
Situated in a wide valley of the river Ramganga, Dwarahat lies around 32 Kms from Ranikhet. It is a very important town from both Historical and archeological point of view and may also have been the capital of some branches of Katyuri kings.
Around 10 Kms from Dwarahat lies the famous Doonagiri temple atop a hillock which is famous in legends for containing the herb drug Sanjivini.
THINGS TO DO IN RANIKHET
TREKKING
Ranikhet is a paradise for trekkers' as it has several trails that offer mesmerizing views of the Himalayas.
The trek to Haidakhan Temple of Lord Shiva is one of the most popular ones.
Other trails like Chaubatia to Bhalu dam.
GOLFING
Ranikhet is famous for having one of the best golf courses in the country.
Its an army golf course but civilians can also access it by paying fee.
JUNGLE SAFARI
Ranikhet is surrounded by forests of pine, oak, and deodar. These areas are home to a wide range of wildlife, including leopard, barking deer, mountain goat. One can hire local guides for a guided safari.
WHERE TO STAY IN RANIKHET
HOMESTAY IN ALMORA
HOTELS IN ALMORA
GUESTHOUSE
RANIKHET WEATHER
RANIKHET MAP
