Sightseeing Highlights:
With an assortment of temples, gardens and museums, Ranikhet offers visitors many attractions to choose from. The Jhula Devi Temple, honouring the goddess Durga, dates back to the 8th century AD, and is covered with hundreds of bells, tied to the walls by worshippers hoping to get their wishes fulfilled. One can also check out the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum and Memorial, showcasing memorabilia related to the regiment's past.
For those interested in the region's flora and fruit, a visit to the Chaubatia Orchard is a must the botanical gardens here feature several exotic flowers, while the government's fruit research institute boasts more than 200 varieties of fruit. The Bhalu Dam, situated just 3 km from Chaubatia, is basically a manmade lake, set near the Kosi River, and is a great spot for a picnic and even for fishing.
Other Activities:
The densely forested, pine covered slopes and meandering streams are ideal for long walks and treks. In fact, soaking in the splendour of its quaint surroundings and taking in the breathtaking vistas offered by the surrounding Himalayas is arguably the main attraction of Ranikhet. The view of the sunset on clear days from Mall Road is an unforgettable experience.
The Army Golf Course in Upat Kalika, just 6 km from Ranikhet, presents an excellent nine-hole course, set amid fruit orchards. The town's Sadar Bazaar is a good place to indulge in some shopping; unlike other hill-stations, the Mall Road in Ranikhet is devoid of shops due to the fact that it is in the cantonment area. However it is a pleasant area for walks.
Tourism info:
Tourist Office,
Near the UP Roadways Bus Stand,
East end of Sadar Bazaar, Ranikhet.
Tel: 05966-220227
Surrounded by lush green meadows, towering mountains and spectacular views, the hill resort of Ranikhet is high up in the Kumaon Hills at an altitude of nearly 6,000 ft. Though, today, it is predominantly a cantonment town, home to the Indian Army's Kumaon Regiment, it remains a popular tourist destination, known for clean and tranquil environs.
Ranikhet, or Queen's Field, is believed to have been named after Rani Padmini, who visited this place and was so enamoured by its natural beauty that her husband, Raja Sukherdev, built a palace for her there. Although there is no evidence of a palace ever being erected here, the name lived on, as did the tiny hill station's allure. |
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