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Hill Stations
In India
Ranikhet
 RANIKHET
(Introduction)
RANIKHET, as hill station, is idyllic in its charm, and
draws holiday-makers almost all the year round with its salubrious
climate and balmy breeze. Against the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan
peaks, Ranikhet means “Queen’s Field”.
Ranikhet hills offers the tourists a panoramic view
of the mighty Himalayan peaks. The environs of Ranikhet are
sylvan, peaceful and attractive. Ranikhet is a cantonment
town and is known for its ancient temples.
An
unusual name, a quaint legend and the sheer beauty of its envions
make this Kumaon hill station a wonderful holiday resort
RANIKHET -(Location)
Ranikhet is situated in the northern part of the state
of Uttaranchal, in the northern region of India. It is situated
in the Kumaon hills and is located on an altitude of 1824
m above sea level. Ranikhet is 59 km from Nainital and 50
km from Almora. The weather in Ranikhet is alpine. Summers (April-June)
are mild and winters are cold (November-February). It experiences
southwestern monsoon rains in July-September and experiences snowfall
in winters.
Ranikhet (Climate)
All the four seasons have something special to offer at Ranikhet.
Therefore, it can be visited at any time of the year. Winters are
cold and the entire region experiences snowfalls during the months
of December and January.
RANIKHET
- (History)
According to popular belief, Ranikhet got its name when
Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sukherdev, the local ruler, saw this
place and was struck by its beauty. She was so captivated by the
place that she decided to stay there, and the place came to be known
as Ranikhet (literally, queen' s field). The region around
Ranikhet was ruled by local Kumaoni rulers and later came
under British rule. The British developed Ranikhet as a hill station
for their troops and established a cantonment in 1869. Ranikhet
is still a cantonment town and is the Kumaon Regimental Center.
RANIKHET
- TOURIST SPOTS
Nanda Devi Mela
Nanda Devi Mela is a fair of great religious and cultural significance.
It is held at Nanda Devi Temple in September to commemorate the
memory of goddesses, Nanda and Sunanda. It is said to have started
in Kumaon, during the reign of Raja Kalyan Chand in the 16th century.
Nanda means prosperity and well being. 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 Roopkund fairs are the most famous.
Upat and Kalika
With one of the best 9 hole golf links in the country, Upat
is a boon to the enthusiast. With the added attraction of private
orchards, it is 5.6 km away. Just one kilometre from Upat is Kalika
with its famous temple to the Goddess Kali. It also has good forest
nursery. A beautiful snowcapped mountain peak is available on the
other side of the golf link at Upat.
Chaubatia
As the name implies, these are four, fruit gardens, with a Government
Fruit Research Centre, complete with a fruit sales depot and cafeteria.
It is 10 kilometres from Ranikhet.
Majhkhali
On the Ranikhet - Almora road, 13 km, is a spot of entrancing,
celestial beauty. Here is an awe-inspiring view of the majesty of
the snoy peaks. The U.P. Government Agriculture Farm is situated
here.
Bhalu
Dam
Main Source of the town's water supply comes from the Bhalu
Dam, 3.2 kilometres from Chaubatia. It is famous for its fishing.
RANIKHET
-(Excursion)
Almora
Almora is 50 km from Ranikhet, is famous for its health resorts
and panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.
Dwarahat
Dwarahat, 38 km away, was once the principal seat of the Katyuri
Rajas. It is full of ancient sculptures.
Sitalakhet
Sitalakhet (35 km), Tarikhet (8 km) and Khairna (22 km) are
some of the places that one can visit from Ranikhet.
RANIKHET -(When to Visit)
Ranikhet can be visited throughout the year. But the best season
to visit Ranikhet would be in the summer months (March-June) or
September-November as the climate is fairly pleasant then.
RANIKHET
- HOW TO REACH
Air:The nearest airport is Pantnagar 119 Km away.
Rail:The
nearest railway station Kathgodam 80 km, is directly connected by
rail to Lucknow, Bareilly and Agra.
Road:Ranikhet
is connected by road to many places.
Road
Distances (Some important distances are: Kathgodam 80 km)
Nainital 54 km
Almora 49 km
Bareilly 181 km
Delhi 340 km
Karnaprayag 136 km.
Facts
& Figures
Languages : Kumaoni, Hindi, and English
Best Time to Visit : Around the year
STD : 05966
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