Ranikhet – Queen’s Meadow of Uttarakhand

:: Overview ::

Ranikhet, which means “Queen’s Meadow”, is a charming hill station located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 1,869 meters (6,132 feet) above sea level. Surrounded by dense pine, oak, and deodar forests with breathtaking Himalayan views, this peaceful destination is perfect for travelers seeking nature, spirituality, and a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is also home to the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army, giving it historical and cultural importance.

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.

Best Time to Visit

• March to June → Pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing
• September to November → Clear skies with beautiful Himalayan views
• Winter (December – February) → For snow lovers, but very cold

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.

🌄 Main Attractions in Ranikhet

1. Jhula Devi Temple

One of the most famous temples of Ranikhet, dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple is known for its countless brass bells tied by devotees as a mark of their fulfilled wishes. The spiritual aura and peaceful surroundings make it a must-visit.

2. Chaubatia Gardens

Spread across vast acres, Chaubatia Gardens are famous for their apple orchards and other fruit plantations like apricot, peach, and plum. The gardens also offer mesmerizing panoramic views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Neelkanth.

3. Upat Golf Course

Located just 6 km from Ranikhet, this is one of the highest golf courses in Asia. Surrounded by pine trees and the snow-covered Himalayas in the background, it’s a scenic spot, even if you’re not into golfing.

4. Bhalu Dam

A small artificial lake built during the British era, Bhalu Dam is a peaceful picnic spot. Surrounded by forests, it is ideal for birdwatching, short treks, and relaxing by nature.

5. Haidakhan Temple

Located about 4 km from Ranikhet, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and was established by Haidakhan Babaji. The temple provides a serene environment with majestic views of the Himalayas.

6. Kalika Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Kali, this temple lies amidst lush green forests. It’s also located near the Upat Golf Course, making it an easy stop for visitors.

7. Rani Jheel

A man-made lake developed for water conservation by the Cantonment Board. It’s a quiet place where one can enjoy boating amidst serene surroundings.

🏞️ Nearby Places to Visit from Ranikhet

1. Almora (50 km)

A cultural hub of Kumaon, Almora is known for its ancient temples, rich traditions, and handicrafts. Nanda Devi Temple and Kasar Devi Temple are key attractions. The town is also famous for its local sweets like Bal Mithai and Singauri.

2. Kausani (60 km)

Popularly called the “Switzerland of India”, Kausani offers breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi and Panchachuli. The tea gardens, Anasakti Ashram (associated with Mahatma Gandhi), and peaceful environment make it a perfect getaway.

3. Nainital (60 km)

One of the most famous hill stations in Uttarakhand, Nainital is known for its Naini Lake, Mall Road, Snow View Point, Tiffin Top, and Naina Devi Temple. It’s perfect for boating, shopping, and family outings.

4. Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (70 km)

A paradise for nature and wildlife lovers, Binsar is home to rich flora and fauna, including leopards, barking deer, and more than 200 species of birds. The Zero Point offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas.

5. Mukteshwar (80 km)

A peaceful hill station famous for its 350-year-old Mukteshwar Dham Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It also offers adventure activities like trekking, rappelling, and rock climbing, along with stunning Himalayan views.

6. Jageshwar (85 km)

An important religious site known for its cluster of over 100 ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to the 9th–13th centuries. Surrounded by deodar forests, Jageshwar is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.

7. Corbett National Park (95 km)

India’s first national park, famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger, elephants, leopards, and rich biodiversity. Perfect for wildlife safaris and nature photography.

Why is Ranikhet Famous?

Ranikhet is famous for its beautiful natural scenery, peaceful atmosphere, and views of the Himalayas. Surrounded by pine and oak forests, it is a perfect place for nature lovers.

• It offers clear views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul.
• Chaubatia Gardens with apple and fruit orchards are a major attraction.
• Jhula Devi Temple is well known for thousands of bells tied by devotees.
• It has one of the highest golf courses in Asia at Upat.
• Ranikhet is also the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army.
• The town is quiet, less crowded, and keeps its old British charm alive.