Location : Uttarakhand, India
Country : India
State : Uttarakhand
District : Almora
Elevation : 1,869m (6,132ft)
Temperature : 18°C-7.6°C (SUMMER:Max 27 C. Min10 C.)
(WINTER: Max 15 C. Min 3 C.)
Annual Mean : 1294.5m
Rainfall : 110 centimeters or 44 inches
Snowfall : Every year between December and February
Language : Hindi, Kumaoni, English
Population : 1 lakh
Time Zone : IST (UTC +5:30)
Local conveyance : Rickshaws , Horses , Boats and Cable Car
Best season : March to June & September to November
Map:
Introduction to Ranikhet:
Ranikhet is a hill station and contonment town in Almora District in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the home for the Military Hospital, Kumaon Regiment (KRC) & Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army.Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1869 metres above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas.
Ranikhet, which means Queen's meadow in Hindi, gets its name from a local legend, which states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet,[1] though no palace exists in the area.
Ranikhet has an average elevation of 1,869 m (6,132 ft).The climate of the village is very cool. The cantonment is spread across two ridges, the first, called the Ranikhet ridge, is situated at an elevation of 5,983 ft (1,824 m) and the second, the Chaubattia ridge, is at an elevation of 6,942 ft (2,116 m).
Climate:
Ranikhet becomes very cold in the winters and remains moderate in summers, and is best enjoyed from March to October. Ranikhet gets snowfall in the winter season, mainly in the months of December, January and February. But in the rest of the months the weather of Ranikhet remains pleasant.
The pine, oak, and deodar forests host an array of wildlife including leopard, leopard cat, mountain goat, barking deer, sambar, pine marten, Indian hare, red-faced monkey, jackal, langur, red fox, and porcupine.
Tourist Attractions:
Following is the list tourist places in Ranikhet. These are some of the popular tourist spots in Ranikhet.
Chaubatia Gardens:
It is situated 10kms from Ranikhet and is renowned for apple orchards. Ranikhet is popular for its luscious apples, apricots, peaches and various alpine fruits. Apart from fruits one can buy fresh juices and honey from Chaubatia Gardens. Picturesque views of the snow capped peaks of the mighty Himalayan range can be seen from Chaubatia Gardens. .
Golf Course:
Ranikhet Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses of Asia. Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9-hole course making it one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet. The green meadow of the golf course at such high altitude is awe-inspiring. The golf club provides membership plans for outsiders as well.
Haidakhan Temple:
Situated 4kms from Ranikhet, Haidakhan Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva made by Shri Haidakhan Maharaj who is said to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. The splendid views of the gigantic Himalayan peaks are clearly visible from Haidakhan Temple.
Jhula Devi Temple:
Built in the 8th century, Jhula Devi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The people of Uttaranchal have strong belief in the Jhula Devi Temple and numerous bells are hung in the temple. Ram Mandir is situated very close to Jhula Devi Mandir.
MANKAMESHWAR:
A modern temple dedicated to Lord Ram Krishna and other Gods and Goddess, adjacent to Nar Singh ground has been rebuilt by the Jawans of the Kumaon Regiment.You can also visit a Gurudwara nearby and the shawl factory.
TARIKHET:
It is 8kms from Ranikhet.Gandhiji stayed here in 1920s.His cottage is a major tourist attraction.The famous temple of Golu Devata can also be visited here.
Syalikhet:
It is a scenic spot with unparallel beauty situated at a distance of 25kms from Ranikhet. Syalikhet is located in the amidst green forest and apple orchards. The famous temple of Syahi Devi is situated in Syalikhet.
Binsar Mahadev:
The artistic structure of the Binsar Mahadev Temple and its deity Lord Shiva both adds positive vibes to our mind and soul. A beautiful stream flowing close to the Binsar Mahadev Temple adds amazement to the natural beauteousness of this sacred place. Binsar Mahadev Temple is situated amidst beautiful pine and deodar trees. Apart from the temple an ashram, Binsar Mahadev also has lovely cedar forest surroundings.
Katarmal (Sun Temple):
It is the second most important temple to Sun God, the first one being Sun Temple of Konark in Orissa. Katarmal is more than 800years old. Situated 25kms from Ranikhet this historical temple is an example of intricate sculpturing.
Bhalu Dam:
It is an artificial small lake blessed with natural beauteousness, panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains and placid surroundings. The small but beautiful garden nearby the dam is marvelous. The dam site is open for all the tourists throughout the year. The views of the massive Himalayan peaks are enchanting and ravishing from Bhalu Dam. It is an ideal spot for camping and picnicking.
KRC (Kumaon Regimental Centre) Museum:
KRC Museum was established in the 1970s, this Regiment Museum showcases the history of Kumaon and Garhwal regiments. It also displays valuable treasures like Rani Jhasi's silver scepter, Chinese rifles from the 1962 war, a World War-II Japanese wireless field telephone and documents related to the Kargil War.
UPAT AND KALIKA
It provides golfing at the top of the hills. One of the highest golf course in India, it is an army Golf course but civilians can use it by paying fee. Other attractions here are the private orchards which are worth taking a look; you can also take a stroll in the surrounding dense oak forests or catch a view of the Himalayan range.
MAJKHALI:
Majkhali is a picnic spot at a distance of about thirteen kilometers from Ranikhet and the main attraction here is the view of the Himalayas in close context.
RANI JHEEL:
SHOPPING
The major shopping area in Ranikhet is the Sadar Bazaar.This bazaar is famous for locally made items like embroider clothes. There are many restaurants and hotels here known for its specially made eatables. The Mall in Ranikhet is renowned for its tweed shawls, woolen fabrics like shirts, kurtas and jackets. This is the main area for the tourists for one can get handmade woolen fabrics of good qualities in an affordable price and also electronic goods in these shopping malls.
Accessibility:
By Road:
Ranikhet is well connected with nearby cities like Nainital (54 km), Almora (49 km) and Bareily (181 km). Tourist and State owned bus services are available from Delhi to Ranikhet, covering the distance of 350 km.
By Rail:
Kathgodam Railway station, about 80 km away from Ranikhet, is the nearest railhead. Pre-paid taxi services are available from Kathgodam to Ranikhet which costs about Rs 1500. Regular train services are available from Kathgodam to Delhi and also to other cities in India.
City Name Railway Station Distance
Kathgodam
Kathgodam (KGM) 89 km
Trains to Kathgodam (KGM)
Kathgodam train station is near Ranikhet and distance is 89 km
By Air:
Pantnagar airport is the nearest domestic terminal, which is 119 km away. Pre-paid taxi services charge about Rs 2000 from Pantnagar to Ranikhet. Pantnagar airport is connected to Delhi by daily flights. Delhi is the nearest International airport, which is 350 km away from Ranikhet. Delhi airport is well connected with major cities within the country and abroad. Taxis are available from Delhi and it takes about 9 hours to reach Ranikhet and fare is about Rs 6500.
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