Explore Ranikhet, Uttarakhand's hidden gem, which offers beautiful Himalayan panoramas and blends offbeat adventures with mesmerizing forest views.
Ranikhet, a picturesque hill station in Uttarakhand's Almora district, lies 1,829 metres above sea level. Ranikhet has everything a stressed city dweller could need. Ranikhet is a small, charming cantonment town located between two valleys in the Kumaon Himalayas. Grassy hills and sloping mountains that go as far as the eye can see around Ranikhet. Ranikhet also obtains a wonderful hue on the nights when fog surrounds the town and the area around it.
It is believed that Ranikhet's tranquil surroundings inspired Queen Padmini of Kumaon to request that King Sudhardev construct a castle for her. As a result, the area became known as Ranikhet, also known as the Queen's field or the Queen's meadow. Even if the palace is gone, the tale continues in the town's lovely locations.
This charming hill station tour boasts a serene atmosphere and a magnificent view of the majestic Himalayas for visitors. It has some of the most exquisite gardens scattered around with apple orchards, apricot orchards, and pine trees. Additionally, there are thick forests and cascading waterfalls that enchant tourists with their eternal beauty.
Ranikhet's cuisine is heavily influenced by Kumaoni meals, which are distinguished by the use of lentils, rice, and regional spices. Aloo Ke Gutke, Madua Roti, and Bhang Ki Chutney are among the must-try foods. In addition, local restaurants and hotels serve a wide range of North Indian and other cuisines. Ranikhet is noted for its rich Kumaoni culture, and local festivals and traditions such as Bikhauti, Phooldeyi, and Harela can be witnessed. These festivals feature traditional music, dancing, and rituals, giving visitors a look into the lively local culture. The town has a variety of lodging alternatives, including luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, and budget-friendly guesthouses, guaranteeing that there is something to suit any traveller's taste and budget.
| Town | Ranikhet |
| Coordinates | 29.65°N 79.42°E |
| Geographical area | 1,869 m (6,132 ft) |
| Popular Tourist Attractions in Ranikhet | Chaubatia Orchards, Majkhali, Golf Course, Bhalu Dam, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, Dwarahat, Jhula Devi Temple, Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, Mankameshwar Temple, Manila, Ashiyana Park |
| Popular Festivals of Ranikhet | Basant Panchami, Nanda Devi Mela, Makar Sankranti, Ganga Dussehra, Khatarua |
| Languages Spoken | Kumaoni, Sanskrit, Hindi, English |
Ranikhet has become a popular tourist destination and draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. The Top tourist attractions in Ranikhet include:
Ranikhet is renowned for being the headquarters of one of the Indian Army's most distinguished infantry battalions. The Kumaon Regimental Centre is a renowned museum that was created in the 1970s to display the region's rich heritage. The Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army established a museum that displays historical battle items depicting the glory and achievements of the Garhwal and Kumaon regiments. The museum showcases images of wars, military equipment, medals and uniforms, as well as flags, stone tablets, and other interesting things.
It also houses precious items such as Rani Jhansi's silver sceptres and documents and photographs related to the Kargil battle, a wireless field telephone used in World War II by Japanese and Chinese weapons seized in the 1962 battle. Another main attraction is the KRC golf course.
Timing : 9 AM to 6 PM
Millions of tourists come to the Bhalu Dam, which is close to the Chaubatia Gardens. Bhalu Dam is around 3 kilometres from Chaubatia. It is a man-made lake that was initially built 200 years ago as a water source for British soldiers. An artificial lake reservoir built by the British as a rainwater storage facility that lies in the forest and a dream for photographers.
The lake is an accessible virtue of paradise for migratory birds because it is surrounded by huge trees and set against the backdrop of the snow-covered Himalayan hills. Rent a pedal boat and watch monkeys and langurs swing through the trees. The lake is a fantastic location for picnics and camping. Keep in mind to stop by the magnificent St. Bridget Church, which is near to the dam.
Timing : 7 AM to 7 PM
Visitors to Chaubatia Gardens are sometimes so enthralled that they choose to spend years just relaxing on the grass and enjoying the views. Lord May, the British Viceroy, was so taken with its beauty that he chose to build a British cantonment in Ranikhet. It is a local botanical garden that introduces individuals to a world of nourishing pleasures and flora to inspire and motivate. The park is home to over 200 different flower and fruit species. The garden, known for its apple orchards, captivates everyone with its unique beauty. Furthermore, many trees bearing fruits such as apricots, apples, plums and peaches surround the broad landscape. Chaubatia
Gardens also has a fruit garden maintained by the Government Fruit Research Centre.
Enjoy a detour into the adjacent 600-acre rainforest, with its pathways filled with silver oak, rhododendron, cypress, cedar, and pine trees, which makes it a haven for travellers. The park, which is located at an elevation of 1850 metres, offers views of neighbouring Himalayan ranges such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nilkanth. The teashop within the orchard offers a calm sitting arrangement for visitors with a panoramic view of the garden against the Himalayas. Aside from that, Chaubatia Garden is well-known for its honey. There, visitors can buy honey, fruits, and juices as well.
Timing : 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Ranikhet is well-known throughout India for its scenic beauty and natural beauty. Majkhali, in fact, is the ideal site to enjoy the gorgeous views available at the top of a mountain as aside from its natural beauty, the tiny community is also renowned for its Goddess Kali Temple and several picnic places nearby. Tourists with a passion for gardening can visit the forest nursery to witness a diversity of plants and wildlife. Majkhali is around 12 km from Ranikhet and can be reached by car or bus.
The location is great for nature enthusiasts, with beautiful views of Mount Trishul. A relaxing lunch, some outdoor activities, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains will round up an action-packed afternoon here. Away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, visitors can take pleasure in the soothing sounds of nature and the delicate singing of birds. There are several hiking trails in the foothills for the more adventurous.
The stunning golf course is located 5 kilometres from Ranikhet on the Almora road, surrounded by Chead trees. It is India's second-largest golf course, and it has an undulating, and scenic view, with nicely textured grasses. This lovely 9-hole golf course, built around 1920, is a popular tourist destination as its beautiful green and velvet grass attracts both foreign and domestic travellers.
This golf course is commonly used by officers and cadets from the Kumaon Regiment (KRC) and the Naga Regiment. The golf course is still open to the public at an affordable price. There is also a golfer's rest house with a variety of comfort amenities. Outsiders can also become members of the golf club. This course hosts only a few domestic competitions.
Timing : 10 A.M to 6 P.M
Haidakhan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a Hindu temple located in Chilianuala in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, around 4 km from the famous hill station of Ranikhet. It was built by Shri Haidakhan Maharaj, who is claimed to be Lord Shiva's incarnation (avatar). Haidakhan Babaji, also known as Babaji/Bhole Baba, was a guru who came to the Haidakhan village and taught the people in the 1970s and 1980s. His devotees thought that Haidakhan Babaji was a mahavatar of Lord Shiva who took the human form. He died in 1984, yet his immortality lives on in all Haidakhan Areas.
The gorgeous temple's dedication and sacred setting draw a significant number of devotees and tourists from all over the world. From the temple's proximity, one can get a breathtaking view of the enormous Himalayan peaks such as Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, and Trishul Parvat. Aside from the main temple, the compound includes five guest houses, an Italian temple, Sri Babaji's Kutir, and the Sri Baba Research Hospital. The temple is worth a visit during Navratris and evening aartis. All visitors are welcomed equally, and it is a great area for reviving and refreshing you from the everyday rushing and bustling of city life.
Timing : 6.30 AM to 11 AM and 12 PM to 8 PM
Jhula Devi Temple, one of Ranikhet's prominent attractions, is an 8th-century temple located in Chaubatia Gardens, 7 kilometres from the city core. Jhula Devi temple, located in the Kumaon Himalayan range in Uttrakhand, is considered sacred by worshippers from all over the world. Goddess Durga, the temple's presiding deity, sits on a wooden swing (Jhula), hence the name 'Jhula Devi Temple'.
According to the villagers, the temple's principal goddess, Goddess Durga, protects them from wild creatures. Despite being surrounded by forest with animals such as leopards and tigers, the location is still accessible to locals. The current temple complex, established in 1935, encompasses a large area and is well-known throughout the country for the countless number of bells that serve as witness to the divine and healing qualities of "Maa Jhula Devi." The Jhula Devi temple attracts numerous pilgrims and travellers to have a unique experience in the midst of calm and tranquillity.
Timing : 6 AM to 8 PM
Hindu shrine Mankameshwar Temple is located close to Narsingh Maidan in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, 500 metres from Ranikhet Bus Stand. The Kumaon Regimental Centre of the Indian Army constructed the Mankameshwar Temple in 1978. This temple is dedicated to three principal deities: Goddess Kalika, Lord Shiva, and the Radha-Krishna couple. Mankameshwar
The temple is surrounded by timeless beauty, making it one of Ranikhet's most picturesque sites. Mankameshwar temple is a famous destination for locals and is always filled with devotees. People, particularly family members of military forces in the Kumaon regiment, routinely visit this shrine to worship. The temple is especially popular during the Sawan months when unmarried girls fast and pray for a good married life. Tourists can also visit the Gurudwara and a woollen garment factory near the temple.
Timing : 5 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM
Ranikhet cantonments constructed this park for children. Ashiyana Park is centrally located in Ranikesh. Ashiyana Park is also referred to as the government garden or park. Aashiyana Park is a great spot for people of all ages to visit.
People with a wide range of interests will find something to their liking in this park, which includes a herbal park, a children's park, multicoloured fountains, and a lookout with a spectacular view of the nearby mountains. It's a theme park with a rainforest theme where one can see dinosaur replicas and other items that have been carefully developed and built for youngsters. Because children and tourists enjoy this location, it is a must-see for Ranikhet tourists.
Aside from the natural beauty of the town, the park is more of a built structure with shaped grass, beautiful gardens, and magnificent fountains. Even though it's well-protected, it truly feels like a jungle walk.
Timing : 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Ranikhet is a prominent Uttarakhand hill station. This village is a military installation with plenty of vegetation and beautiful weather all year. However, the best season to visit Ranikhet is from February to November. Summers are pleasant, while the monsoon brings moderate to heavy rain. Winter is a time of freezing temperatures and snow.
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