Ranikhet:-

Ranikhet is a picturesque location surrounded by hills in northern India. It is a cantonment town situated in the Almora district of the Indian state Uttarakhand. History has it that the name means queen’s meadow in English, originated from a local legend who fell in love with an ancient local queen named Queen Padmini. Although there is no palace, the fact that the queen chose to live here resounds in the history of the place. Before you visit, you will be better off to know about Ranikhet.

It was the place of interest for British who frequented this place to escape from the sweltering heat of the Indian subcontinent during their rule. More is known regarding Ranikhet, it is 1869 meter above the sea level and the entire cantonment town is divided into two ridges, namely Ranikhet ridge and Chaubattia ridge. The ridge is 5983 ft above the sea level and the Chaubatia ridge is about 6942 ft above the sea level. There are many local myths that make up the history of the hill town.

Weather of Ranikhet
The weather of Ranikhet is variable. The climate remains cold in winter and pleasant in summer. The snowfall in Ranikhet takes place during winter, mostly in December and January. The tourist session here lasts from March to October. Indian currency also known as Rupee is accepted throughout. The place is well connected by road and rail. It’s approximately 279 kilometers away from Delhi, the capital of India. Kathgodam is the closest railway station, situated about 80 Kilometers away and Pantnagar airport is the closest airport. Nainital and Almora are the nearest hill stations.

Ranikhet is all about famous lush beauty and reserve forest with wide varieties of Flora in the likes of Pine, Oak and Deodar trees. Its wildlife includes leopard, Leopard cat, mountain goat, barking deer, pine marten, Indian hare and wild bear among others. According to the last Indian census, it has a population of 19,049. The inhabitants are friendly and fun loving by nature. You’d love your stay here and will be mesmerized by its natural treasures for sure Ranikhet is known for its delicious apples, apricots, peaches and various other alpine fruits.

Ranikhet Tourist Attractions:

Other Major Tourist Attractions lying in the ambit of Ranikhet Hill Station includes:

Bhalu Dam
The popular tourist spot, lying at the distance of 3kms. From Ranikhet, is known for its artificial lake and picnic spots.

Binsar Mahadev Temple
Lying at a distance of approximately 15 km from Ranikhet, this popular temple of Lord Shiva has a stunning stream flowing just in its vicinity. The temple is surrounded by verdant cedar forests.

Chaubatia Gardens
Popular by the name of Orchard Country, Chaubatia is situated merely at a distance of 10 kms. from Ranikhet, and offers a charming view of Himalayan cascades.

Chaukhutia
Located at 54 kms from Ranikhet, en route to Badrinath shrine, Chaukhutia is well known for sightseeing and is famous for its natural beauty and fishing centre.

Upat and Kalika Golf Course
Ranikhet has Asia’s highest altitude natural 9 hole golf course, which offers a tempting environment to the golf lovers. What’s more, Kali temple and a forest nursery juxtaposing the golf course are also worth visiting.

Katarmal Sun Temple
Situated at a distance of 25 km from Ranikhet, is popular for its 12th century built Sun Temple. Katarmal Sun Temple is India’s second Sun Temple. First one being the Konark Sun Temple at Orissa.

Haidakhan Temple
Haidakhan Temple is located 4 km from Ranikhet town situated at Chiliyanaula, offers a spectacular Himalayan view. The temple was built by Shri Hairakhan Maharaj – known to be an embodiment of Lord Shiva.

Jhula-Devi Temple
Jhula-Devi Temple is an 8th century goddess Durga temple which lies quite close to Ranikhet Hill Station. It is believed that anybody who wishes for something in front of goddess Durga, his/her wishes are fulfilled. Lying close to Jhula-Devi Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama.

Majkhali
Located at the distance of 13kms. from Ranikhet, en route to Almora, Majkhali offers a splendid view of the snow capped Himalayan ranges.

Manila
Manila, literally meaning enchanting, is situated at a distance of 87kms. from Ranikhet, and 75kms. from Ramnagar. Manila is the seat of Manila Devi – the family Goddess of the Katyuri cla

Jaurasi
Located at a distance of 16kms. from Ranikhet, and situated at an altitude of 6000ft., above sea level, Jaurasi offers rich mountain views to the tourists.

Khairna
Khairna is located at a distance of approximately 22 kms. from Ranikhet on the Nainital route. The place offers plenty of opportunities to the visitors for fishing.

Travel Information on Ranikhet
The nearest airport to Ranikhet is situated at Pantnagar (112 kms.). The nearest railway heads to Ranikhet are Kathgodam (80 Km.) and Ramnagar (96 Km.) respectively. The hill station is at the distance of 49 kms. from Almora, 386 kms. from New Delhi, 59 kms. from Nainital and 80 kms. from Kathgodam respectively.