Ranikhet The City of Mountains

The town located in Almora district is an all-season travel destination, which boasts a pleasant climate and an environ that is beyond serene. It is said that the reigning Queen Padmini was so in love with Ranikhet that King Sudhardev had to build a palace here to win her heart. Such is the beauty of Ranikhet and it has stayed and stayed for good of all. Although the traces of the Padmini Palace cannot be found now, today’s Ranikhet houses headquarters of Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army, a sprawling 9-Hole Golf Course and a number of temples like Jhula Devi.

Beautiful Hindu temples blanket the town with their uncountable blessings and the stunning vistas of Nanda Devi and Mount Trishul leave one with no words at all to describe the extent of beauty that it adds to the place. The ancient Katarmal Sun Temple is another point of tourists interest which comes as an alluring addition to the package tour. The magic spell of Ranikhet has no anecdote but to be there and to submit to everything that is happening around. The colonial period edifices added further to Ranikhet’s unsurpassed charm.

Ranikhet The City of Mountains

Ranikhet, a peaceful hill station in Uttarakhand, sits at 1,869 meters above sea level in the Kumaon Himalayas. Known as the “Queen’s Meadow,” Ranikhet enchants with its lush pine forests, rolling meadows, and stunning views of Himalayan peaks like Nanda Devi and Trishul. Famous for its golf course, temples, and orchards, it’s a haven for nature lovers and those seeking calm. Just 360 km from Delhi and 50 km from Nainital, Ranikhet is perfect for weekend getaways. Home to the Kumaon Regiment headquarters, it blends military heritage with natural beauty. This guide covers all Ranikhet tourist places, adventure activities, best time to visit, hotels, and travel tips for your Ranikhet tour.

Why Visit Ranikhet?

Ranikhet offers a quiet escape from city life, making it one of Uttarakhand’s hidden gems among hill stations. Its scenic trails, like Chaubatia Gardens, and spiritual spots, like Jhula Devi Temple, attract families, couples, and solo travelers. Adventure seekers enjoy trekking, camping, and birdwatching, while the Ranikhet Golf Course draws enthusiasts. With mild weather, apple orchards, and proximity to Almora (49 km) and Kausani (60 km), Ranikhet is ideal for relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re savoring Kumaoni cuisine or gazing at Himalayan peaks, a Ranikhet tour promises serenity and charm.

Top Ranikhet Tourist Places

Ranikhet boasts a variety of tourist places, from natural wonders to cultural and historical sites. Here are the must-visit attractions:

  1. Chaubatia Gardens (Ranikhet) A sprawling 600-acre orchard 10 km from Ranikhet, Chaubatia Gardens is famous for apples, peaches, and apricots. With Himalayan views and walking trails, it’s a top Ranikhet tourist place.

  2. Jhula Devi Temple (Ranikhet) A 700-year-old temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, 7 km from Ranikhet, it’s known for bells offered by devotees. Its peaceful setting makes it a spiritual Ranikhet tourist place.

  3. Ranikhet Golf Course (Ranikhet) One of India’s highest golf courses at 1,820 meters, this 9-hole course in Upat (6 km) is surrounded by pine forests. It’s a unique Ranikhet tourist place for sports lovers.

  4. Bhalu Dam (Ranikhet) A small artificial lake 3 km from Chaubatia, Bhalu Dam offers tranquil views and picnic spots. Reachable by a short trek, it’s a serene Ranikhet tourist place.

  5. Majkhali (Near Ranikhet) A scenic village 13 km from Ranikhet, Majkhali provides clear Himalayan views of Trishul and Nanda Devi. It’s an offbeat Ranikhet tourist place for nature lovers.

  6. Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum (Ranikhet) Located in Ranikhet, this museum showcases the history of the Kumaon and Naga Regiments with weapons, photos, and medals. It’s a historical Ranikhet tourist place (entry: ₹20).

  7. Haar Devi Temple (Ranikhet) A temple near Jhula Devi, dedicated to Goddess Haar, it’s surrounded by forests and offers a calm retreat. It’s a spiritual Ranikhet tourist place.

  8. Mankameshwar Temple (Ranikhet) A revered temple near Ranikhet town, dedicated to Lord Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga, it’s a quiet spot for devotees and a key Ranikhet tourist place.

  9. Rani Jheel (Ranikhet) A man-made lake near Ranikhet, Rani Jheel is ideal for boating and picnics, surrounded by pine trees. It’s a relaxing Ranikhet tourist place.

  10. Ashiyana Park (Ranikhet) A themed park in Ranikhet town, Ashiyana Park features gardens, herbal displays, and Himalayan views. It’s a family-friendly Ranikhet tourist place (entry: ₹30).

Adventure Activities in Ranikhet

Ranikhet offers a range of adventure activities in its Kumaon and Himalayan landscapes:

  • Trekking: Hike to Bhalu Dam (3 km, easy), Majkhali (13 km, moderate), or Dwarahat (30 km, moderate) for Himalayan views and forest trails.

  • Camping: Pitch tents in Chaubatia, Majkhali, or near Bhalu Dam for stargazing and mountain views (₹1,500–₹3,000 per night).

  • Birdwatching: Spot Himalayan birds like Himalayan monals, pheasants, and eagles in Bhalu Dam or Majkhali, a treat for nature enthusiasts.

  • Golfing: Play at the scenic Ranikhet Golf Course, open to visitors with prior permission (₹500–₹1,000 per session).

  • Nature Walks: Stroll through Chaubatia Gardens or Rani Jheel trails to enjoy orchards, pine forests, and Himalayan vistas.

  • Photography: Capture sunrises and sunsets at Majkhali or Jhula Devi Temple, with Himalayan peaks as a backdrop.

These adventure activities make Ranikhet a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility.

Best Time to Visit Ranikhet

The best time to visit Ranikhet depends on your interests:

  • March to June: Summers (12–25°C) are pleasant for trekking, nature walks, and sightseeing, with clear Himalayan views and blooming orchards.

  • September to November: Autumn (10–20°C) offers crisp weather, ideal for camping, birdwatching, and exploring Chaubatia Gardens.

  • December to February: Winters (0–15°C) bring occasional snowfall (January–February), perfect for cozy hotel stays and snow walks. Majkhali shines in winter.

  • July to August: Monsoons bring lush greenery but heavy rain and landslides make trekking risky. Indoor attractions like Kumaon Museum are ideal.

March to June and September to November are peak seasons for a Ranikhet tour, offering the best weather and visibility.

How to Reach Ranikhet

Ranikhet is accessible, making it a great weekend getaway:

  • By Road: Ranikhet is 360 km from Delhi (8–9 hours) via NH9 through Haldwani and Kathgodam. Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses, private taxis, or Volvos connect Delhi, Nainital (50 km), and Almora (49 km). The Ranikhet-Nainital road is scenic but winding.

  • By Train: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam (80 km), with trains like Ranikhet Express and Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti from Delhi. Taxis or buses reach Ranikhet in 2–2.5 hours.

  • By Air: Pantnagar Airport (110 km) is the closest, with daily flights from Delhi and Lucknow. Taxis or buses take 3–3.5 hours to Ranikhet. Alternatively, Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun (350 km) is 8–9 hours away.

Note: Check road conditions in winter for snowfall and monsoons for landslides.

Ranikhet Hotels and Travel Tips

Ranikhet hotels range from budget guesthouses (₹800–₹2,000) near Ranikhet town to luxury resorts like Chevron Rosemount or Windsor Lodge (₹5,000–₹12,000). KMVN rest houses offer affordable stays (₹1,200+). Book early for peak seasons. Travel tips include:

  • Pack warm clothes for winters, trekking shoes, and rain gear for monsoons.

  • Carry cash for small shops and local markets; ATMs are limited in Ranikhet.

  • Try Kumaoni dishes like bal mithai, bhatt ki churkani, and sisun ka saag at local eateries like West View Hotel or Ranikhet Inn.

  • Use local taxis or jeeps for short distances; walking is ideal in Ranikhet town.

  • Visit Chaubatia Gardens early to enjoy orchards and avoid crowds.

  • Respect local customs at temples like Jhula Devi; remove shoes and dress modestly.

  • Check snowfall forecasts for winter visits to plan snow activities.

FAQ's: Ranikhet The City of Mountains

Why is Ranikhet called the Queen’s Meadow?

Ranikhet, meaning “Queen’s Meadow,” is named for its lush meadows and scenic Himalayan views, evoking royal charm.

What are the top Ranikhet tourist places?

Must-visit Ranikhet tourist places include Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, Ranikhet Golf Course, Bhalu Dam, Majkhali, Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, Haar Devi Temple, Mankameshwar Temple, Rani Jheel, and Ashiyana Park.

When is the best time to visit Ranikhet?

March–June and September–November for trekking and sightseeing; December–February for occasional snowfall. Avoid monsoons (July–August) due to landslides.

What adventure activities can I do in Ranikhet?

Enjoy trekking, camping, birdwatching, golfing, nature walks, and photography in Ranikhet and nearby Majkhali.

How do I reach Ranikhet by road?

Drive 360 km from Delhi via Kathgodam (8–9 hours), or take buses/taxis from Nainital (50 km) or Almora (49 km).

What’s the nearest railway station to Ranikhet?

Kathgodam (80 km), with trains like Ranikhet Express from Delhi, followed by taxis or buses to Ranikhet.

Does Ranikhet have snowfall?

Occasional snowfall occurs in December–February, especially in January, ideal for snow walks and cozy stays.

Where can I stay in Ranikhet?

Ranikhet hotels include guesthouses (₹800–₹2,000), KMVN rest houses, and luxury resorts like Chevron Rosemount (₹5,000+). Book early for peak seasons.

What food is famous in Ranikhet?

Try Kumaoni dishes like bal mithai, bhatt ki churkani, and sisun ka saag at West View Hotel or Ranikhet Inn.

Is Ranikhet safe for families?

Yes, Ranikhet is family-friendly with tourist places like Ashiyana Park and Rani Jheel. Stay in well-lit areas and follow safety guidelines.