A Complete Travel Guide to Ranikhet

Ranikhet is one of Uttarakhand’s most prized places, enchanted by the gorgeous terrain and a breathtaking view of the Kumaon Himalaya Range’s Trishul Peak. This hill station is located in the Almora district and serves as an antidote to city inhabitants seeking a change of scenery. Exploration scenes in the area primarily centre on the natural beauty of the area, although there are also popular temple sites. Outside of Ranikhet, there are a few hamlets such as Tarikhet and Majkhali that offer wonderful memories in their quiet meadows, rice fields, and small streams where you can dip your feet and soak up the relaxing surroundings. Religious landmarks and one of the temples are among the tourist attractions you’ll encounter during your vacation.

You can also visit the 8th-century temple of Jhula Devi, which is around 7 kilometres from the temple. Ranikhet is also home to additional must-see temples like Haidakhan, Mankameshwar, and Dunagiri Temples. The Chaubatia Gardens, located in the southern section of Ranikhet, are a renowned tourist destination that emits a fresh aroma from fruits such as apple, peach, plums, and apricot trees. The orchards here, located 10 kilometres from Ranikhet, may also be a great spot for family picnics in a peaceful and pollution-free environment. As a hill station, one of the most popular things to do in Ranikhet goes on a trek to neighbouring locations; certain spots may also have roads if you prefer to drive. Visit one of the highest golf courses in the world.

History of Ranikhet

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Ranikhet, which means Queen’s Meadow in Kumaoni, gets its name from a local legend that states that it was here that Raja Sudhardev, a Katyuri ruler, won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who later chose the area as her residence, giving it the name Ranikhet, despite the fact that there is no palace in the area. Ranikhet had been under Nepalese rule since the Nepalese invasion of Kumaon and Doti in 1790, and the Kumaonis won it with the help of the British in around 1816 under the leadership of their able General Kashi Nath Adhikari – after whom the small town of Kashipur was named.

The soldiers and commanders of the British army began to settle in Hawalbagh after the conquest of Almora on 3 May 1815, when Kumaon was given over to the British by the Gorkhas. It lasted until 1839 when the army headquarters were relocated to Almora Cantonment and troops were stationed at Lohaghat and Pithoragarh to ensure that the Indo-Nepal border was successfully monitored. However, a local insurrection in 1846 forced the military camp to be removed from Lohaghat, and the troops were sent back to Hawalbagh, where they remained until a new permanent Cantonment was established at Ranikhet.

Various European groups bought land in the area between 1830 and 1856 with the hopes of creating tea gardens. The Troupe family was one of them, having purchased land from the villagers of Chaubatia, Holm Khet, and Upat. This location was chosen for the residence of British soldiers in 1868, and a cantonment was established the following year after obtaining property from the people of Sarna, Kotli, and Tana for Rs 13,024. Except for the Holm estate, which was not included in the cantonment until 1893, all of the Troupe family’s estates were bought in the same year.

The British constructed the Kumaon Regiment’s headquarters as well as the pargana Pali here in 1869 and used the station as a respite from the Indian summer heat. On April 1, 1869, a treasury was established here, and in 1871, a Cantonment Committee was founded. In 1869, the city also got its own police station. In 1873, the forests surrounding Ranikhet were designated as restricted forests. By 1887, these forests had been placed under an action plan, though they were nevertheless maintained under the then-current cantonment laws and regulations until 1915. Grazing, cutting, and burning of grass without permission were all prohibited under these restrictions. A part of the cantonment was designated as a reserve forest on December 3, 1915.

People protested for a separate district again in 2004 and 2005. The administration sent the state government a formal proposal for the creation of the Ranikhet district in 2007. Ranikhet district was to be divided into six blocks, five tehsils, 1309 revenue villages, 59 justice panchayats, and 120 patwari areas, according to this proposal. According to the 2001 census, the planned district would have a population of 3,40,456 people and span an area of 13,735.740 hectares. Advocates led yet another huge movement in 2010. After an eight-month protest, Uttarakhand’s then-chief minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal, proposed the formation of the Ranikhet district, which would encompass the towns of Ranikhet, Salt, Bhikiasain, Dwarahat, and Chaukhutia.

Best Time to Visit Ranikhet

Ranikhet is a year-round attraction with temperatures ranging from -3 to 22 degrees Celsius. Still, if you want to see the best of the destination, book a package from April to September, when the weather is beautiful and most activities are available.

Summers in Ranikhet

The summer season runs from March to June, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 22 degrees Celsius. March, as the first month of the season, is still cool. June, on the other hand, is the hottest month of the year. The good weather during this time of year makes this a highly scenic and picturesque location. Outdoor activities are also free to participate in.

Monsoon in Ranikhet

The monsoon season, which lasts from July through September, brings modest rainfall. The temperature, on the other hand, varies from 5 to 20 degrees Celsius. The area is appealing and fresh during this season, with lovely showers.

Winters in Ranikhet

Top 10 Activities to do in Ranikhet

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Ranikhet is a lovely hill station set in the scenic Kumaon Himalayas with a name that translates to ‘Queen’s Meadow.’ According to legend, Queen Padmini was so captivated by the natural beauty of the area that King Sudhardev erected a palace for her here and named it Ranikhet.

A serene natural wonderland with beautiful green meadows, plentiful fruit orchards and soaring coniferous woods, there are so many things to do in Ranikhet for those seeking a restorative escape from the stressful city life. Here are our recommendations:

1. Nature Walk
2. Trekking
3. Exploring Nature
4. Fishing
5. Golfing
6. Bird Watching 
7. Family Picnic and Fun
8. Paragliding
9. Rock Climbing
10. Zipline

Top 10 Things to do in Ranikhet

Click on the above link and know about the Top 10 things to do in Ranikhet with all the detailed information on all 10 Adventure Activities.

Places to visit in Ranikhet

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At a height of 1,869 metres, Ranikhet is nestled in the quiet and tranquillity of the Himalayas. The gentle melody of hundreds of bells and Himalayan woodland thrush can be heard all day in the valleys of this small town. Thousands of mountain enthusiasts travel from Delhi and other big cities to Ranikhet, a cantonment town in the Almora area, to visit the many finest spots to visit. On your next weekend vacation to Uttarakhand, here’s a comprehensive list of the top sites to visit in Ranikhet.

Looking for the greatest Ranikhet tourist attractions? A trip in the lush green valleys of Ranikhet is not limited to natural wonders; there are many interesting locations to visit in Ranikhet on your next hilly getaway! Let’s have a look at some of Ranikhet’s greatest tourist attractions.

1. Golf Ground 
2. Chaubatia Garden 
3. Ashiyana Park
4. Rani Jheel
5. Bhalu Dam
6. Sunset Point
7. Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
8. Jhula Devi Temple
9. Haidakhan Babaji Temple
10. Kataramal Sun Temple

Top 10 places to visit in Ranikhet

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Places to Visit Nearby Ranikhet

The breathtaking panoramic splendour of Ranikhet, which means ‘Queen’s Meadow,’ earns its moniker. Flowers, trees, and verdant meadows dot the landscape, which is framed by the Himalayas. The hill station is located at an elevation of 1,829 metres in Uttarakhand’s Almora district. Beautiful hill stations can also be found around Ranikhet. During the winter months, it is bitterly cold, while the summers are pleasant. Snowfall is possible in December, January, and February. From March to October, the weather is lovely, and you can experience Ranikhet at its best. We recommend that you visit the hill stations near Ranikhet if you are planning a vacation to Ranikhet.

1. Majkhali
2. Nainital
3. Bhimtal
4. Mukteshwar
5. Almora
6. Bhowali
7. Jim Corbett National Park
8. Jageshwar
9. Binsar
10. Dwarahat

Top 10 Places to Visit Near Ranikhet

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Hotels in Ranikhet

Ranikhet is one of India’s top hill stations, located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. This town, which is both the summer capital and the ideal winter vacation site, has a plethora of unique experiences in store for you. However, if you want to relax in the Himalayan foothills and make the most of your vacation, you must stay at one of the greatest resorts in Ranikhet.

These locations to stay in Ranikhet are nothing short of a beautiful sanctuary, with spectacular views of the Himalayas and tranquilly amidst lush nature. So, the next time you’re planning a trip to the queen’s meadow, make sure to stay at one of these resorts.

Ranikhet is one of India’s top hill stations, located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. This town, which is both the summer capital and the ideal winter vacation site, has a plethora of unique experiences in store for you. 

These locations to stay in Ranikhet are nothing short of a beautiful sanctuary, with spectacular views of the Himalayas and tranquilly amidst lush nature. So, the next time you’re planning a trip to the queen’s meadow, make sure to stay at one of these resorts.

How to Reach Ranikhet

By Train

Ranikhet is 75 kilometres away from Kathgodam, the nearest railway station. Several trains from practically all of the main cities pass through this railway station. When you arrive at the station, cab services are available at all times to take you to Ranikhet.

By Air

Pantnagar, about 109 kilometres distant, is the closest airport to Ranikhet. A direct flight from Delhi to Pantnagar is accessible on a daily basis. After arriving at the airport, take a taxi to Ranikhet.

By Road

Ranikhet establishes a sustainable road connection to towns like Haldwani, Bhowali, and Khairna in all seasons. Direct buses are available from Delhi (359 kilometres), Nainital (56 kilometres), Kathgodam (75 kilometres), and Ramnagar (96 km). Ranikhet may be reached by taxi from cities such as Haldwani and Nainital.

Ranikhet Travel Tips

Ranikhet travel guide is provided by Uttarakhand Travel Tourism to assist in the planning of organised excursions in the city. It is here that you will find comprehensive information about the greatest places to visit, things to do and shop, places to eat, and how to get there. Here are some Ranikhet Travel Tips to make your trip to Ranikhet go more smoothly.

1. Ranikhet is an Army Cantt, and numerous major banks have branches with working ATMs here. SBI, PNB, and Axis Bank are among the banks I’ve seen here.
2. There is a good facility of Petrol pumps and servicing centres en route from Almora to Ranikhet.
3. Your phone will operate perfectly in the main town, regardless of which network you were on, however you may lose network while travelling to remote villages and the data connection will be sluggish, but not too bad.
4. You can seek medical help at a government hospital in this town. Because it is a cantonment, assistance from the Indian Army can be requested if necessary.

I hope the above information about visiting Ranikhet proved useful for my readers. If you have any questions or require additional information, please ask in the comments box below and I will gladly respond.