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Ranikhet City Guide
Ranikhet (The Queen's Field) has come to be known so because according
to popular belief, this spot had won the heart of Rani Padmini, Queen of
Raja Sudhardev and she chose this scenic spot to be her abode.To view nature
& its elements in full harmony, the right place to be is Ranikhet. It
is the place which wonderfully mirrors the best of the heavenly Himalayas
offering excellent views of the snowcapped Nanda Devi (7817m), lush green
forests, delicate plant life and attractive wild life.
At on altitude of 1829m, north of Nainital (61 km) and well connected to
Almora (44km) & Kathgodam (83km), Ranikhet ( km) has emerged as a favoured
all season destination. During the rains, flowers sprout up everywhere in
rainbow colours, branches of trees stoop with ripened fruits & sunlight
peeping through the mist & clouds endow an enchanting effect all across
Ranikhet.
As winter comes, the softly falling snow flakes cover the environs in sheets
of pure whiteness.The 1869 the land was bought by British from local villagers
and a summer rest & recreation settlement was set for British troops.
Today it is an important army town and the head quarters of the Kumaon Regiment.
There are many enjoyable walks, picnic spots, exciting treks and 6km from
the town, Upat, has one of the best mountain golf links (9 holes) in the
country surrounded by dense oak forest. The Museum &c the Memorial are
the jewels of Ranikhet.
How to Get There
Air : Nearest airport is Pant Nagar, (119km)
Rail : as with the other hill stations in the Kumaon Region, Kathgodam
(83 km) and Ramnagar (96km) are the nearest railheads.
Road : Ranikhet is connected by road with all the major towns of
the region. There are regular buses to Almora, Nainital & Ramnagar operated
by KMOU & State Roadways, - 20643. It is also well connected to Delhi
(279km), & Haridwar (254 km).
Places to Visit
Jhoola Devi Temple
This secluded temple dedicated to Durga has beautiful bells, echoes of which
can be heard from some distance. Nearby is a temple of Lord Rama.
Chaubatia
Chaubatia is a vantage point set amidst gardens. The Government Fruit Research
center is located here. On a clear morning a 300 Km wide view of the snow
- clad Himalayan peaks can be seen clearly from Chaubatia, 10 Km from Ranikhet
on a motorable road. The Nanda Devi, Trisul, Nanda Ghunti and Nilkanth peaks
are very clear. Bhaludam, 3 Km from here, has an artificial lake.
Upat & Kalika
Situated on the road to Almora, Upat has a 9 - hole golf course, while Kalika
is famous for its Kali Temple and forest nursery.
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