RANIKHET
Ranikhet literally mean (Queens Meadows) as it was the residence of Rani Padmini. The beautiful hill stations is located at an altitude of 1870 meters (6132 ft) above sea level. The place is also the home of (KRC) Kumoan Regiment, thereforethe hill station is maintained by Indian National Army. Kumaun regiment headquarter was established by British in the year 1869.
Ranikhet welcomes you with the mesmerizing and majestic view of the Himalayas, a lot of Pine, oak and deodar trees, dense forests and various species of flora and fauna. Unlike other hill stations Ranikhet is still not affected by encroachment and retained its forests and natural beauty. If you really want to spend some quality time with yourself and family in the lapse of nature you can choose this hill station
Climate in Ranikhet
Due to its high altitude Ranikhet has cool weather throughout the year. Average temperature during summers remains between 20 to 25 degrees, so the destination is a paradise and provide you best escape from hot summer. Rainfall occurs during June end and remains till mid September. During rains you can witness unmatched Greenery and capture breathtaking sceneries of mother nature, although sometimes there are chances of landslides during the heavy rain. Winters starts from the month of October and remains till early march, Visiting the place in winters let you enjoy the lovely mild sunshine, with crystal clear and panoramic views of Himalayas.
Best time to Visit Ranikhet
During March to June Climate is mild and pleasant, although there is heavy rush of tourists during the months of May and June because of school holidays in most of the cities, the disadvantage of visiting this time is that you will not get clear view of Himalayas , you will get overpriced hotels and and sometimes forest fires. We recommend one to visit the Ranikhet in winters to will get lovely mild sunshine, with crystal clear and panoramic views of Himalayas and off course hotels at half the price.
Sightseeing Places/Things to do in Ranikhet
There are many natural and man-made places to visit in Ranikhet. The list of things to do and places to visit in Ranikhet includes:
- Golf Course – Located 6 kms from Ranikhet (Ranikhet-Almora Road) Golf Course also known as Upat Golf course or Golf Ground is the main attraction in Ranikhet, It is Asia’s 2nd largest natural golf course. This is a 9 hole Golf course surrounded by pine jungle. Outsiders can visit the place and even enjoy the Golf after paying a fee.
- Kalika Devi Temple – Just a few meters from Golf Course you can visit Kalika Devi timple, devoted to Godess Kali. You can visit the temple anytime between 7AM to 7 PM.
- Majhkhali – 11 kms away from Ranikhet, this small town is located in Ranikhet Almora Road, There is nothing to visit in this place as some of the website claims.
- Haidakhan Babaji Temple/Ashram – This temple or Ashram in Ranikhet is dedicated to Haidakhan babaji who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva, apart from main temple the complex also have Haidakhan Charitable hospital and Haidakhan Ayurvedic hospital. Many people from foreign countries visits here mostly from Germany and Russia for Ayurvedic Treatments here, the Ashram offers simple rooms and ayurvedic foods, Uttarakhand travel solution team is happy to book the Ayurveda and panchakamra packages for you at discounted prices.
- Kumoan Regimental Centre Museum – Found by General T N Raina Padam Bhusan MVC in 1976, A must visit place in Ranikhet, feel proud and relive memories of Indian Army victory in various wars and Kumoan Regiment contribution to Indian Army, The museum is maintained by Kumoan Regiment and displays various proofs of valor of the Kumoan and Naga Regiments right from the World War till date. You will get to see lot of captured enemy weapons, flags, uniforms, rifles, currencies, halmets, radios along with stories of Operations and heroics of the persons who did the Regiment proud. They provide Guide to show and explain various things in museum.
- Please note that you have to submit your cameras and phones outside and enter your details at the gate. There is an Entry fee of Rs 50 per adult and Rs 20 per child.
- Shawl and Tweed Factory – Just a few metres from Kumoan Regimental Centre Museum Ranikhet, located Shwal and tweed Factory Ranikhet, if you are searching for a souvenir to take home or gift home this place is ideal for you, The Shawal and Tweed Factory is run by Kumoan Regimental Centre’s community centre. The tweed Factory is maintained and managed by Army wives and Widows association, once you visit the place you won’t mind buying things for yourself and freinds. Besides many things you can buy Shawls and Tweed and locally made jam and pickle.
- Rani Jheel – Don’t expect much if you are expecting a big lake like Nainital or Bhimtal, Rani jheel is a small man made jheel or rather pond situated near cantonment. The jheel require little maintainance by the cantonment. If you are visiting ranikhet with small kids and family you can visit rani jheel as the place offer boating (2-3 paddle boats only at nomial price) and some adventure activities like Zipline, Burma bridge etc. There is no place to eat in the rani jheel and nearby so better carry your snacks.
- Chaubtia Garden – Located 10 kms from Ranikhet town, in cantonment area known as Chaubtia, The place is worth visiting specially in apple season. You have to show you identity cards at times to enter the as place belongs to army and restricted due to security reasons. but after you enter the the area its a beautiful drive in the middle of dense oak forests. Chaubatia Garden offers beautiful landscape area and view of valley. Although you need to do a fair amount of walking to explore the garden at its fullest. The guides are available in the garden if you want one. But you need to negotiate with the rates as at times they are fleecing customers. We can help you with price if you really needs one. There are 2-3 local shops from where you can buy local juices, pickles, jams and local salt (loon). You need an exploration time of around 2 hours if your really want a nature walk in Chaubatia garden.
- Bhalu Dam – Bhalu dam was built around 202 years ago for water conservation to fulfill the needs of British Soldiers. There is a church by name St. Bridget Church near the dam so you can also visit the place. We suggest you to take a local guide for the trip as you may get lost and face difficulty in tarrin. the guide charges around 500-600 Rs for the trip. The trek to Bhalu Dam is 3 kms long out of which around 2 km is pretty steep, so you need to be physically fit to walk 3+3 kms. If you love hiking this is the place for you.
- Jhula Devi Temple – On the way to Chaubatia, this temple is located 7kms from Ranikhet, The temple belongs to Godess Durga. The temple has thousands of bells and and each bell has a story behind it, as it is believed that there is a bell for fulfilled wish. The temple is small but clean and easily approachable by road.
- Mankameshwar Temple – Another temple maintained by kumaon Regimenatal centre is located just 0.25 kms from city. This temple is located near Narsingh maidan or Narsingh Stadium. The temple is very neat and clean as it is maintained by Army. one can also visit the Gurudwara and a woolen garment factory, located just opposite the Mankameshwar Temple.
- Dwarahat – Dwarahat literally mean ‘way to heaven’ is a small town 30 kms from Ranikhet on an average altitude of 5000 ft. There are many temples in Dwarahat made by Katyuri kings, these temples has beautiful architecture. Dwarahat engineering college and a polytechnic institute is also located here. One can visit Yogada Satsanga Sakha Ashram in Dwarahat, located just 1.5 kms from city. This ashram is surrounded by pine forests from all the places.
- Mahaavtar babaji’s cave – We recommend you to read the book Autobiography of a yogi to understand to about Mahaavtar babaji. The name Mahaaavtar babaji is given by an indian yogi yogiraj Lahiri Mahasaya, and several of his disciples, all these yogis meeted him between 1861, 1935 and 1980. Babaji’s cave area is known for where he initaited Lahari mahasaya in 1861, also known as birth of Kriya yoga. The cave is located on the Pandukholi Mountain, near kukuchina (25 kms from Dwarahat.
- Katarmal Sun Temple – Constructed by Katyuri King Katarmalla in the 9th century CE. Katararmal is very rare Surya temple at this place in Ranikhet. The imposing sun temple has a main temple of Deity Shiva and 44 small temples surrounding the main temple. The temple is located on Katarmal hill at an altitude of 2116 metres. After the Sun Temple of Konark, Katarmal Sun temple is the second most beautiful shrine in India. Unfortunately after the theft of a 10th century idol, The beautiful Wooden craft doors and panels of the temple were transported to National Museum, Delhi. You must visit Katarmal Sun Temple for its architectural beauty. There is no entry fee charged for entering the temple.
- Dokane waterfall – Dokane Waterfall is located on the way to Almora – Bhowali Road in a place near Suyalbari. The waterfall got its name as Dokane as its located on Dokane village. This waterfall is not well known but worth visiting because of its breathtaking beauty and lovely fall. Located at a distance of around 30 kms from Shivani Foods and Resorts Ranikhet, you can plan a one day tour for Dokane waterfall, The resort arrange packed lunch and guided tours for his guests. After one crosses Suyalbari town take a road on your ride hand side (Mukteshwar, Nathuakhan Road), Just before you reach Dhokane Village a ruff unpaved road on the left leads you to waterfall, you can see signboards directed towards waterfall painted on the rocks. You need to walk 5 mins on steep terrain to reach the waterfall so people with old age or have difficulty in walking have to be careful.
- Dunagiri temple – Dunagiri temple is located 14 kms away from Dwarahat town, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. As per mythology it is believed that when Laxman got fainted in the war, to save his life, hanuman ji was carrying Sanjivani buti for laxman, a piece of mountain fell in this place and since then this place is known is Dunagiri. It is also believed that Pandavas spent some time in temple during their exile. Dunagiri is counted as one of the most ancient ‘Sidh Shaktipeeth’ temples of kumoan. one has to climb around 366 stares to reach the main temple and get Darshan of Maa Dunagiri. You will get the breathtaking view of the Himalayan Mountain and also lush green forests of Ranikhet, Dwarahat and other cities. Once you visit the temple don’t forget to check Parwati Jhoola located right at the edge of temple premises. Also there is a tasty Bhandara round the year organized for the devotees. Dunagiri is located at a distance of 400kms from Delhi and 100 kms from Nainital, The Nearest Railhead is at Kathgodam.
- Swargashram Binsar Mahadev Temple – The holy temple of Binsar Mahadev, also known as Swargashram is located 18 kms from Ranikhet. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva, but also have idols of other deities. Binsar Mahadev Swarhashram was built by Mohan Giri Maharaj Ji. The temple is located in the lap of nature and have lot of Deodar trees surrounding it, The temple has a small ashram where you can stay after taking due permission from authorities. Apart from worship if you really want to be in nature we recommend you to visit this beautiful temple.
- Ashiyana park Ranikhet – Ashiyana park also known as Devdar Udhyan is the only park in Ranikhet which is built exclusively for kids, The park is located in cantonment area. There are various attractions for the children in the park such as colourful fountains, Dinosaurs statues, well maintained lawns and fountains. You can also have good view of Himalayn Range from the park
- Ranikhet Sadar Bazaar – Ranikhet doesn’t have a large and crowded market with lot of brands, Unlike Mussoorie and Nainital Ranikhet have a very small market where you can get only things of daily needs.
- Ranikhet Mallraod – Don’t expect a market in Ranikhet Mallraod like most of the hill stations. Mallraod in Ranikhet is a small town with Just a Head post office and army buildings like officer’s mess and military hospital.
What to take as souvenier’s from Ranikhet
You can take local juices, jams and pickles from Chaubatia Garden, Shwals from Shwal and tweed factory and local Sweets like Bal Mithai, Singori and Chocolates from Pande Sweets here.
Where to Stay in Ranikhet
In Ranikhet you will get of hotels from Budget to decent 3 star category. Some of the best hotels in Ranikhet are
- 3 to 4* Hotels in Ranikhet — Shivani Foods and Resorts, Queen meadows (TAG resort), Windsor Lodge & Chevron Rosemount.
- Home stays In Ranikhet – If you want a decent home stay you can go with Miraki Home stay, or Fulara homestay in Chilianaula which provide comfortable rooms and decent services.
- Budget Hotels in Ranikhet – Some of the decent budget hotels are Ranikhe Grand, Ranikhet inn, Mayur and Alka.
- Campsite – Camp Bliss or Bayberry camp
- Ayurveda Package in Ranikhet – We provide all the ayurveda packages in Ranikhet with best stays and satvik food. Contact us if you want to rejuvenate yourself.
NOTE: We provide best rates for all the hotels in Ranikhet
How to reach Ranikhet
Road Connectivity:
Ranikhet is very Well connected by road with most of the major towns of kumaun area.
The main road into Ranikhet is NH87 climbing up from Kathgodam, 85 km in the South. If you want a more scenic and shorter route you can come through Bhimtal (But road is not as good as other route)The last stretch through the pine forests after Khairna Bridge is spectacular.
- From Almora – 44 kms to the East, via the temple town of Jageshwar
- From Nainital, Ranikhet is 61 kms
- From Pithoragarh Distance to Ranikhet is – 161 kms
- From Delhi – 350 kms (about 8 hours) by car. 12-14 hours by bus.
- From Kathgodam – The distance of Ranikhet from Kathgodam is 85 km. Shared Taxis are available from Kathgodam railway station. If you take a shared taxi it will cost you Rs 250 to 300 per person. Government Buses of Uttarakhand Road transport and K.M.O.U small buses are available from Bus stand, 3 km down the Railway station. The bus journey takes around 4 hours.
Private Taxi’s:
Private transport is also available from most of the parts of Ranikhet, We provide all kind of cars/ tempo travelers and jeeps to Ranikhet, if you are thinking of taking private transport to Ranikhet, do contact us. You can hire a private taxi to Ranikhet from most of the places.
Self Driven Scooty and bikes to Ranikhet:
We provide Self driven motorcycles, scooty to Ranikhet and other towns of Kumoan hills at very nominal charges.
Nearest Airport
Nearest airport is Pant Nagar, 112 kms. rather meager service.
Nearest Railway Station
Nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 85 km and Ramnagar 96 kms.