Ranikhet City Guide
Ranikhet is a small hillstatiion near Nainital. The hillstation was the favorite haunt of queen Padmini, of Uttaranchal. She liked it so much that the place got its name after the queen.
Location : Ranikhet is situated 59 Km from Nainital, in Kumaon district of Uttaranchal.
About Ranikhet
Set on an altitude of 1824 m, the inimitable Ranikhet, is also called Queen's Meadow. The place is extremely beautiful and amongst the perfect places in Uttaranchal to spend a summer holiday. As per history, Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sudhardev, loved this place so much that she made it her abode. Since then, this place came to be known as 'Ranikhet', meaning Queen's (Rani) Field (Khet). Ranikhet is also a cantonment, established in 1869, when the British troops selected it as a hill station. Ranikhet is full of dense forest. The bazaars of Ranikhet looks unusual. Located on the slope of a mountain, this bazaar looks like a hanging garden. Since it is on a steep slope, it is called "Khadi bazaar", Khadi meaning steep in the local lingo. The roads in Ranikhet have been built in accordance with greenery, that the nature does not gets disturbed. In nut shell, one can say that Ranikhet has all the positive qualities to be amongst best hill stations of India.
Getting There
Air : The nearest airport is the Pantnagar airport, at 112 Km, from where one can easily get taxis and buses for Ranikhet.
Rail : The nearest railheads are Kathgodam (80 Km) and Ramnagar (96 Km). Kathgodam has direct trains to New Delhi, Lucknow, Agra, Bareilly, Howrah and other major cities. Taxi and Buses are available from Kathgodam to reach Ranikhet.
Road : The road network of Uttaranchal connects Ranikhet conviniently to the major cities of state and neighbouring states. Some of the major distances are: Nainital- 54 Km, Almora- 49 Km, Kathgodam- 80 Km, Kausani- 62 Km, Ramnagar- 90 Km, Karnaprayag- 136 Km, Pithoragarh- 169 Km, Bareilly- 181 Km and Delhi- 340 Km.
Places of Attractions
Chaubatia : Chaubatia is a perfect place to view the Himalayas. The place is 10 Km from Ranikhet. Set amidst gardens, the point provides a clear view of Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti and Nilkanth peaks. The place also serves as a picnic spot.
Bhaludam : The surroundings here are amongst the largest Horticultural gardens of India. A Government Fruit Research Centre is located here. The complex has four fruit gardens, a Fruit Research Centre, a fruit sales depot and a cafeteria. Spanning over an expanse of 265 acres, 36 varieties of apples are grown here.
Nanda Devi Mela : A fair of great religious and cultural significance, Nanda Devi fair is held at Nanda Devi Temple in September to commemorate the memory of Goddess Nanda and Sunanda. Nanda Devi Mela is held as a symbol of prosperity, both material and spiritual, of the hill regions. The Nanda Devi Mela is held at Almora, Nainital, Nauti, Dandidhara, Munsyari & Ranikhet, of which the Almora and Ranikhet fairs are the most famous.
Upat and Kalika : With one of the best 9 hole golf course in the country, Upat is a boon to the Golf enthusiast. With the added attraction of private orchards, the Golf ground forms a picturesque location. A beautiful snowcapped mountain peak is seen on the other side of the Golf link at Upat. One kilometre away is Kalika, the famous temple of Goddess Kali. From Kalika a 45 minute drive away, through misty, pine forests is another temple, the Binsar Mahadev.
Dwarhat : 38 Km from Ranikhet, Dwarhat used to be capital during the rule of Katyuri Dynasty. There are 55 ancient temples here, built during 11th to the 16th century.
Shitalakhet : 35 kms from Ranikhet, Shitalakhet offers a panoramic view of snow-capped peaks of Himalayas. Overnight stay is possible here in hotels, tourists bungalows and government guest houses. This small place is a heaven for the trekkers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ranikhet is summers, ie, March to June and September to November. During December to February there is snowfall, and the monsoon sets in from July to August.
Accommodations
Ranikhet, being a prime tourists destinations has the best of stay facilities. One can find star rated hotels, luxury and economy hotels in the town. The city is bustled with big and small hotels and restaraunts, always eager to welcome tourists.
