Ranikhet (Uttaranchal, India)

The weather in Ranikhet is alpine. All the four seasons have something special to offer at Ranikhet. Therefore, it can be visited at any time of the year. Winters are cold and the entire region experiences snowfalls during the months of December and January. The sylvan surroundings of Ranikhet have attracted innumerable people. Together with the vistas of the Himalayas, ancient temples, picturesque picnic spots, splendid strolls and the exciting treks Ranikhet is a popular tourist destination in India. Ranikhet is situated in the northern part of the state of Uttaranchal, in the northern region of India, is idyllic in its charm, and draws holidaymakers almost all the year round with its salubrious climate and balmy breeze. Against the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, Ranikhet means “Queen’s Field”. It is situated in the Kumaon hills and is located on an altitude of 1824 m above sea level and ideal to spend a holiday. Ranikhet is 59 km from Nainital and 50 km from Almora. Ranikhet has derived its name from Rani Padmini, who was so enamoured by the place that she decided to stay there. The place is then come to known as Ranikhet, which means fields of Rani. Later British developed Ranikhet as army cantonment. Ranikhet is still a cantonment town and one can see soldiers in the area. The people here are simple and happy in their life. Ranikhet is full of dense forest. It is the main place of the Kumau regiment. Since it is a cantonment area, it is extremely clean. The bazaar of Ranikhet is also unusual. Located on the slope of a mountain, this bazaar can be compared to the hanging gardens of Mumbai. Since it is on a steep slope it is called "khadi bazaar", khadi meaning steep in the local lingo.

Ranikhet is a small hill station. The town provides a panoramic view of the lush green hilly environs. Travelers can enjoy the scenic beauty of this place by taking a walk around. Today, the Ranikhet is very rich in tourist spots. A nature lover's paradise, the famous hill resort of Ranikhet offers a lot of sites to visit. Few of them are

Sightseeing:

Upat and Kalika:
Upat and Kalika, 6 kms from Ranikhet. Upat is a modern but historical place. Here there is a 9 hole golf course. 6000 feet above sea level there is a different satisfaction in playing golf. In this course there are bungalows for the players to stay. Many films have been shot here. Further from Upat is Kalika, which is famous for the temple of Goddess Kali.

Chaubatia:
Chaubatia, 10 kms from Ranikhet Chaubatia has beautiful gardens. Many fruit orchards can be found here. The State Government has a huge garden and fruit maintenance department here. This is an ideal spot for picnics.

Dwarhat:
Dwarhat, this place was a capital for the Kings of the Katyuri Dynasty. There are 55 ancient temples here. These were built from the 11th to the 16th century. The only engineering college of Uttarakhand is found here. Dwarhat is 38 kms from Ranikhet.

Bhalu Dam:
Bhalu Dam, 3 kms from Chaubatia, this dam has a lake and a picnic spot.

Hedakhan Temple:
Hedakhan Temple, 6 kms away from Ranikhet one can get regular taxis and jeeps from the bus stand. A huge modern temple of Saint Hedakhan is found here.

Shitalakhet:
Shitalakhet, 35 kms from Ranikhet, Shitalakhet is on the highway. One can reach here directly from Almora too. There are bus services from Ranikhet. Snow-capped peaks are visible from here. Overnight stay is possible here in hotels, tourists bungalows and government guest houses.