Ranikhet: A Hill Station with a Royal History and Scenic Beauty

Ranikhet is a hill station and cantonment town in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 1,869 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Ranikhet means “Queen’s Meadow” in the local Kumaoni language, and it is said that the town was named after Rani Padmini, the queen of a Katyuri king who fell in love with the place and chose it as her residence.

Ranikhet has a rich history and culture, as it was once the proposed summer capital of British India, and is now the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army. The town is also known for its natural beauty, with lush green forests, orchards, gardens, and lakes. Ranikhet is a popular tourist destination, as it offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages and interests.

What to See in Ranikhet

Ranikhet has many places to see and explore, ranging from historical monuments to religious sites to natural wonders. Here are some of the most popular attractions in Ranikhet:

• Chaubatia Garden: This is a famous botanical garden that showcases a variety of flowers, fruits, herbs, and plants. The garden also has a fruit research center and a juice factory. The garden is located about 10 km from Ranikhet town and offers stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
• Haidakhan Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, built by a spiritual guru named Haidakhan Baba in the 1970s. The temple is located in Chilianaula village, about 4 km from Ranikhet town, and attracts devotees from all over the world. The temple also has an ashram where visitors can stay and meditate.
• Jhula Devi Temple: This is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, dating back to the 8th century. The temple is famous for its hundreds of bells that are tied by devotees as a symbol of their wishes. The temple is located about 7 km from Ranikhet town, near Chaubatia Gardens.
• Bhalu Dam: This is an artificial lake created by a small dam on the Kosi River. The lake is surrounded by pine forests and offers a serene and scenic spot for picnics, boating, fishing, and birdwatching. The lake is located about 3 km from Chaubatia Gardens.
• Golf Course: This is one of the highest golf courses in Asia, situated at an altitude of 1,829 meters above sea level. The golf course has nine holes and is maintained by the Kumaon Regiment. The golf course is open to civilians as well as army personnel and offers a challenging and picturesque experience for golfers.
• Mankameshwar Temple: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Kali, and Radha-Krishna, built by the Kumaon Regiment in 1978. The temple is located near the Ranikhet market and has unique architecture with silver idols and intricate carvings.

What to Do in Ranikhet

Ranikhet is not only a place to see, but also a place to do. There are many activities that visitors can enjoy in Ranikhet, such as:

• Trekking: Ranikhet has many trekking trails that offer amazing views of the Himalayas and the valleys. Some of the popular treks are Himkund Waterfall Trek (6 km), Trek to Binsar Mahadev Temple from Him 180 (10 km), and Bhalu Dam Trek (3 km).
• Stargazing: Ranikhet is an ideal place for stargazing, as it has clear skies and minimal light pollution. Visitors can gaze at the stars and planets from various locations in Ranikhet, such as Majkhali village, Binsar Mahadev Temple, Haidakhan Temple, or Him 180.
• Shopping: Ranikhet has a vibrant market that sells local handicrafts, woolens, spices, honey, jams, pickles, books, and more. Visitors can shop for souvenirs and gifts from various shops and stalls in Ranikhet market or Sadar Bazar.
• Jungle Camping: This is an adventurous option for those who want to experience the thrill of camping in the wilderness. There are several campsites in Ranikhet that offer tents, sleeping bags, bonfires, and meals. One of the best campsites is Him 180 by Daajupahadi, which is located about 15 km from Ranikhet town. The campsite offers panoramic views of the valley and the mountains.

How to Reach

Ranikhet is well connected by road, rail, and air. Here are the best ways to reach Ranikhet:

• By Flight: The nearest airport is Pant Nagar, about 119 km from Ranikhet. There are daily flights from Delhi to Pant Nagar, and from there, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Ranikhet.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, about 86 km from Ranikhet. There are many trains from Delhi, Lucknow, and other cities to Kathgodam, and from there, visitors can take a taxi or a bus to Ranikhet.
• By Road: Ranikhet is well connected by road with Nainital (60 km), Almora (50 km), Delhi (366 km), and other cities. There are regular buses and taxis available to Ranikhet from these places.

Where to Stay in Ranikhet

Ranikhet has a variety of accommodation options for visitors, ranging from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Some of the best places to stay in Ranikhet are:

• Him 180: This is a luxury camping (Glamping) that offers spacious Swiss cottages with modern amenities and stunning views of the Himalayas. The resort is located near Binsar Mahadev Temple, about 15 km from Ranikhet town.
• West View Hotel: This is a heritage hotel that was built in 1918 by the British. The hotel has 18 rooms and suites with antique furniture and colonial charm. The hotel also has a restaurant, a coffee shop, a library, and a garden. The hotel is located near the Ranikhet market.
• Ranikhet Club: This is an exclusive club that offers comfortable rooms and cottages with elegant interiors and cozy fireplaces. The club also has a restaurant, a bar, a lounge, and a tennis court. The club is located near the Ranikhet market.
• Woodsvilla Resort: This is a luxury resort that offers spacious rooms, cottages, and suites with modern amenities and stunning views of the Himalayas. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, and a conference hall. The resort is located near Majkhali village, about 12 km from Ranikhet town.

Conclusion

Ranikhet is a hill station that has something for everyone. Whether you are looking for history, culture, nature, adventure, or spirituality, you will find it in Ranikhet. So pack your bags and head to Ranikhet for an unforgettable experience.

I hope you liked this article about Ranikhet. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know in the comments below. Thank you for your time and attention.