Ranikhet Hill Station
Ranikhet is a popular tourist destination and a picturesque hill resort which is situated in the Almora district of Uttarakhand and is 1829 m above the Sea level. Ranikhet is a serene and peaceful place that is blessed with the abundant beauties of nature. This hill station was initially discovered by the British who had established their headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment at this place and had used this as their summer retreat.
The literal meaning of Ranikhet in English would be “the Queen’s meadow”. Once upon a time, Queen Padmini of Kumaon fell in love with this place and the king built a palace here to appreciate her love and named it Ranikhet.
Ranikhet still does justification to its name, the place is endowed with the rich varieties of nature- the green forests, the gorgeous Himalayan regions, the ancient temples, the serene environment are reasons for a dweller’s delight. The clean air, the picturesque views, and the rich flora of Ranikhet attracts a lot of visitors every year. There are a few hotels, resorts and cottages to be found in Ranikhet where one can have a comfortable stay.
Visiting Places in Ranikhet
Chaubatia
This very beautiful horizon with undulating charm and character. Chaubatia is mainly a orchard region famous for its fruits cultivation and government owned gardens. Majestic views of the Himalayas can be enjoyed from here.
Jhula Devi Ram Mandir
This Holy Place is placed high in the sentiments of Hindu pilgrims. There are ancient temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Durga. The distance from Ranikhet is around 6 km.
Mankameshwar
The brave Kumaon Regiment took the responsibility to construct the ancient temple. There are Narsingh Maidan, Gurudwara, and a Shawl Factory near Mankameshwar temple.
Bhaludam
This is a naturally blessed spot with a small artificial lake. People come here to enjoy picnic and lay around. The distance from the Chaubatia garden is 3 km.
Tarikhet
It is mainly famous for the Gandhi Ashram in remembrance of himself Mahatma Gandhi. The ashram is a homage to Mahatma Gandhi’s brief stay here. The Golla Temple is highly respected by the people from the Kumaon area. The Distance from Ranikhet is around 7 Km.
Kalika
Mainly famous for an ancient where Goddess Kali is worshipped. It also has a beautiful forest nursery. The distance from Golf Maidan is 1 km.
Sitlakhet
This is one of the must-visit spots of Ranikhet. Blessed y natural wonder the place offers magical views of Himalayan ranges. The forest that grows nearby boasts of having herbal plants to be used in medicinal purposes. There are plenty of fruit orchards in the region. The well-known temple Syahi Devi is just around the corner which is in the vicinity of the natural spring. Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant’s, (freedom fighter of India) ancestral village is within walking distance from Sitlakhet.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ranikhet is around the year. You can enjoy the snowfall if you visit in the winter.
How to Reach
By Air
Since Ranikhet does not have an airport, Pantnagar (Nainital) is the nearest working airport. The summer season receives regular flights.
By Train
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam. You can hire taxi or cab to go from Kathgodam to Ramikhet.
By Road
Ranikhet has regular bus services from Almora, Kausani, Nainital An Pithoragarh. Private Buses ply from New Delhi to Ranikhet.
