Ranikhet is an exquisite hill station in the majestic Himalayan ranges perched at a height of 1,829 meters above sea level, with an area of 21.76 sq. km in Uttarakhand. Developed by British, it is populated with ancient shrines, verdant green hills, undulating terrains along with the majestic view of the Nanda Devi peak and famous golf course.

Location

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Lietrally translated as ‘Queens Meadow’, it has a lot to offer the visitors:

Jhula Devi Temple –  Built in 8th century, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga perched on a wooden swing and it is said to be a wish fulfilling temple wherein pilgrims come and make their wish and upon it being fulfilled, they offer a bell to the temple.

Ram Mandir -  A temple dedicated to Lord Ram is on a hilltop which is reached by a small flight of stairs. It consists of a monastery where students are taught ancient vedas along with Vedic and modern mathematics.

Chaubatia Garden –  an exemplary orchard, it comprises of more than 200 varieties of fruits and flowers and is famous for its orchards of peaches, apricots, apples and plums. There’s also a state run fruit reseach laboratory in the vicinity and is the best model of step farming in the Himalayan region. The garden also offers a mesmerizing view of the snow crest alps of Nanda Devi, Nandaghunti, Trishul and Nilkanth and is an ideal spot for a picnic.

Bhalu Dam –  One of the famous attractions, it is small artificial lake built in 1903 by the British Government and is encircled with idyllic garden and panoramic views of the mountain ranges making it a perfect serene spot for a picnic and relaxation. 

Utpat –  A lush green tiny town surrounded by forest and snow-capped mountains, Utpat is 5km from Ranikhet and is flocked by tourists for its remarkable 9 holes golf course which is second best in India and highest in Asia and the kalika temple, which is dedicated to Goddess Kali.

Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum -  Established by Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army in the 1978, the museum has on display a vast collection of war artifacts from First World War till date. Contributions by the Kumaon and Garhwal Regiment during the World Wars, the Indo-China war and the Pakistan war, Kargil and Op Pawan can be identified at this Museum. 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.

Haidakhan Babaji Temple – The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is constructed by Haidakhan Maharaj who is believed to have been an incarnation of lord Shiva. The temple offers splendid views of regal Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi and Trishul. The temple with its spiritual ambience attracts devotees from all over the world.

Tarikhet – Situated 8km from Ranikhet, it is a famous hamlet known for its popular attraction of the Gandhi Kutiya, which was the resting place of Mahatma Gandhi during the freedom struggle. The village is best visited during March to October as winetrs can get quite harsh.

Due to its favourable alpine climate, Ranikhet can be visited all year round.

Highlights

1. Ranikhet is a famous tourist attraction due to its vast swaths of plush green forests, ancient shrines, peace and tranquil ambience and a salubrious climate.
2. It has various magnificent sunset points, the most prominent one being Majhkali with a splendid view of the snow crowned Himalayan range enveloped in a pleasant breeze and serene atmosphere.
3. The temple of Binsar Mahadev dedicated to Lord Shiva is very famous and is situated amidst dense forest of Cedar forest and fresh water spring. It is believed to bless childless couples who pray here with a child.

Recommended Fo

A peaceful holiday surrounded by idyllic nature and wonderful temples.

How to get to Ranikhet

Flight: The nearest airport is Pantnagar airport, Nainital located at a distance of 119 km. A cab can be hired from there directly to Ranikhet

Train: The closest station is Kathgodam railway station at a distance of 80km. A cab can be hired from there directly to Ranikhet.         

Road: It is well connected to major cities and several private and state buses run to Ranikhet. Private car and taxi can also be hired.

Interesting Facts About Ranikhet

1. Ranikhet is the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army.
2. It is believed that the dense jungle near the Jhula Devi temple was once full of wild animals that used to attack local villagers. The villagers prayed to Lord Durga for protection and one day she came in a shephard's dream and advised him to excavate her idol. This temple is constructed at the spot where the shepherd found Goddess Durga's idol and since then she has been protecting the villagers.
3. The name derives from the popular legend that Maharaja Sudhardev wife, Queen Padmini was struck by the beauty of the place and had decided to make the place her residence and hence the name Ranikhet.  Contrary to the belief, no palace exists in the area.
4. In 1869, The British visited Ranikhet as a summer retreat and developed it into a hill station for their troops and established the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment.
5. The Mankameshwar temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that was built by the Kumaon regiment in 1978.