Ranikhet is a place related with the legends of Himalayas. Once upon a time, the Queen Padmini of Kumaon was in love with this tiny hill paradise. King Sudhardev had to oblige her, by building a palace here and named this place “ranikhet”, The Queen’s field.

No trace of the place can be found today, but the place remained the same : bewitching, full of flowers, trees and green meadows in the midst of heavenly Himalayan surroundings. Lost into oblivion for long, the picturesque hill station was rediscovered by the Britishers. They bought it from the local villagers to build it as a summer resort and establish an army recruitment centre. It’s still the head quarter of the Kumaon Regiment.

Situated at a height of 1,829 meter and with an area of 21.76 sq. km’s Ranikhet has everything to soothe the nerves of an avid city dweller, the salubrious atmosphere, tall conifer trees, green meadows, serene surroundings, absolute peace and the hospitable people. The charm of every season is irresistible in its own way. And this is what makes Ranikhet an all season destination.

Of course, it has one of the best hill golf green (09 holes) in the country.

How To Reach

Air- The nearest Airport is Pantnagar, 119 km’s

Rail- Kathgodam (86 km’s) is the nearest railhead.

Road- Ranikhet is well connected via roads, All season roads run through Haldwani, Bhowali and Khairna. Ranikhet has direct bus links with Nainital (60 km’s), Kathgodam (86 km’s) Ramnagar (96 km’s) and Delhi (366 km’s)

Where To Stay (STD Code- 05966)

• KMVN Tourist Rest House,The mall       : 220893
• KMVN Tourist Rest House, Monal          : 221527
• KMVN Tourist Rest House, Chiliyanaula :220588
• Many more Private Hotels are available here.

What To see

Chaubtia Garden- 10 km’s south of Ranikhet are the famous orchards, which remain laden with fruits round the year. Ranikhet is known for it’s delicious apples, apricots, peaches and various other alpine fruits. You can buy them right from the growers. There is also a government run fruit research centre.

Situated nearby is Bhalu Dam in the background of a beautiful lake created by this dam, which attracts tourists round the year.

Upat- Golfing at the top of the hills. One of the highest golf courses famous in India. It’s an army golf course, but civilians can use it, paying a fee. It’s open round the year.

Mankameshwar- An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This beautiful temple adjacent to Nara Singh Ground has been rebuilt by the jawans of Kumaon Regiment.

Tarikhet- 8 km’s from Ranikhet. Mahatma Gandhi ji stayed here in 1920’s. His cottage (Prem aashram)  is a major tourist attraction. The famous hill temple of Golu Devta (A Folk god of Justice in Uttarakhand) can also be visited at Tarikhet.

Jhoola Devi and Ram Mandir-7 km’s from Ranikhet, a famous temple dedicated to godess Duga and Lord Ram.

Beyond Ranikhet

Dwarahat- 37 km’s fro Ranikhet on the karanprayag road. Once the centre of Katyri rulers, Dwarahat is of much historical and archaeological importance. Later it became associated with the Chand rulers. This place is Famous For it’s cluster of Temples. Every year a fair is held here from 13th to 16 th april called Syaldeh-Bikhoti Mela.

Sitlakhet- 35 km’s from Ranikhet. It’s a scenic spot, with unparallel beauty in the Himalayas, amid green forest and apple orchards. The Famous temple of Syahi Devi is situated nearby.