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INTRODUCTION

Ranikhet is a place of Legends. At a height of 1,829 mts Ranikhet has got everything to soothe the nerves of an avid city dweller, the salubrious atmosphere, tall conifer trees, green meadows, serene surroundings, absolute peace and hospitable people.Ofcourse it is one of the best hill golf greens in the entire country.

ORIENTATION

Ranikhet in the state of Uttaranchal at a distance of about 59 km from Nainital is situated at an altitude of 1824 m above sea level.

HISTORY

The literal meaning of the place Ranikhet mean queen's field and the story behind this place is Rani Padmini; queen of Raja Sukherdev, the local ruler who visited this place was so captivated and made up her mind to stay back here for the rest of her life. The surrounding areas was ruled by local Kumaoni rulers and later came under British rule.Later the British developed Ranikhet as a hill station for their troops and established a cantonment in 1869 and even now it houses the Kumaon Regimental Center.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

There is no such ideal time to visit this place for it is always pleasant and experiences snowfall in winters during November to February and mild summers during April to June.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

An important fair is held here every year on the occasion of Baikunth chaturdashi in the month of June. The fair is very important for ladies especially as they pray on this occasion whole night holding lamps in their hands for being blessed by a baby.

PLACES OF INTERESTS

CHAUBATIA GARDENS

Chaubatia Gardens is situated 10kms south of Ranikhet and is known for its famous orchads which remain laden with fruts round the year.Ranikhet is known for its delicious apples, apricots, peaches and various other alpine fruits.You can buy them right from the growers.

It is one of the largest horticulture gardens in the country spreading over 265 acres of land. There is also a government run Fruit Research centre.

BHALUDAM

Bhaludam is situated at a distance of about three kilometres from Chaubatia Gardens in the backgroud of a beautiful artifical lake. It is a popular picnic spot. 

KUMAON REGIMENT CENTRE MUSEUM

An uphill road takes you to the KRC museum from the Mall. The museum displays memorabilia from the regimental past, the traditional costumes, armours used by the regiments in the past battles and medals won etc.The Kumaon Regiment Widows Welfare associaton runs a shawl weaving centre here, which is worth a visit.

UPAT AND KALIKA

It provides golfing at the top of the hills. One of the highest golf course in India, it is an army Golf course but civilians can use it by paying fee.

Other attractions here are the private orchards which are worth taking a look; you can also take a stroll in the surrounding dense oak forests or catch a view of the Himalayan range.

MAJKHALI

Majkhali is a picnic spot at a distance of about thirteen kilometers from Ranikhet and the main attraction here is the view of the Himalayas in close context.

JHOOLA DEVI TEMPLE

This secluded temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is seven kilometres from Ranikhet located on road to Chaubatia. The interesting feature of the temple is its cluster of bells, echo of which can be heard at distance.

MANKAMESHWAR

A modern temple dedicated to Lord Ram Krishna and other Gods and Goddess, adjacent to Nar Singh ground has been rebuilt by the Jawans of the Kumaon Regiment.You can also visit a Gurudwara nearby and the shawl factory.

CHAUKHUTIA

Chakhut means four legs. Chaukhutia has been so named because four ways lead out from it. You can access the entire region from here. The place is 54 killometers from Ranikhet and an explorer's delight. There are ruins of ancient forts and remains of Katyuri dynasty. One can also visit the Kali and Vaishno Devi temple. The place is also famous for fishing.

TARIKHET

It is 8kms from Ranikhet.Gandhiji stayed here in 1920s.His cottage is a major tourist attraction.The famous temple of Golu Devata can also be visited here.

BINSAR MAHADEV

This temple is located 19 kilometres from Ranikhet and is known for the thick deodar forest surrounding it. The history behind the temple is that it was built by King Pithu in memory of his father Bindu is also called Bindeshwar temple.In the sanctum of the temple are idols of Ganesh, Har Gauri and Maheshmardini.

The idol of Maheshmardini is engraved with texts in 'Nagirilipi' which indicates the association of temple to as back as ninth century.

HAIRAKHAN TEMPLE

Four kilometres from Ranikhet is the famous temple of Hairakhan Baba. Baba Haira khan has many followers here and stories of his miracles do rounds here. Baba died in 1984 but his ashram in Ranikhet is well maintained. The view from here is also worth looking.

SHOPPING

The major shopping area in Ranikhet is the Sadar Bazaar.This bazaar is famous for locally made items like embroider clothes. There are many restaurants and hotels here known for its specially made eatables. The Mall in Ranikhet is renowned for its tweed shawls, woolen fabrics like shirts, kurtas and jackets. This is the main area for the tourists for one can get handmade woolen fabrics of good qualities in an affordable price and also electronic goods in these shopping malls.
 

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Nagar (Nainital). Regular flights operate during the summer.

By Trains

The nearest railhead for Ranikhet is Kathgodam.

By Road

Ranikhet is well connected with roads to important cities. Some major distances from Ranikhet are Almora (49 km), Delhi (386 km), Nainital (59 km) and Kathgodam (80 km). Apart from that buses also ply from Ranikhet to Nainital, Almora, Kausani and Kathgodam.