Ranikhet

Situated at an altitude of 1829 m with an area of 21.76 sq kms Ranikhet has everything to soothe the nerves of an avid city dweller, the salubrious atmosphere, tall conifer trees, green meadows, serene surroundings, absolute peace and the hospitable people. The charm of every season is irresistible in its own way. And this is what makes Ranikhet an all season destination.

Ranikhet literally means “Queen's Meadow”. It is believed that Queen Padmini of Kumaon was in love with this tiny hill paradise. Kind Sudhardev had to oblige her by building a palace here and named this place Ranikhet, the queen’s field. Though no trace of the palace can be found here today, but the place remained the same: bewitching, full of flowers, trees and green meadows in the midst of heavenly Himalayan surroundings. Lost into oblivion for long, the picturesque hill station was rediscovered by the Britishers. In 1869, the British established the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment here and used the station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer. Ranikhet is a cantonment town and is the home for the Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC)& Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army.

Places to See in Ranikhet

Chaubatia Gardens
10kms from Ranikhet are the famous apple orchard which remain laden with fruits round the year. Ranikhet is known for its delicious apples, apricots, peaches and various opther alpine fruits. Besides apples, it is also possible to buy honey and fresh fruit juice from the sales counter of the garden.

Golf Course
Ranikhet's golf course is a natural 9 hole course and is one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet. It is one of the highest situated golf courses in Asia.

Hairakhan Temple
Hairakhan Temple is located 4 km from Ranikhet town at Chiliyanaula. It was established by Shri Hairakhan Maharaj who is said to be incarnation of Lord Shiva. One can have a good Himalayan view from this place.

Jhula-Devi Temple
Jhula-Devi Temple is a temple of goddess Durga. It is 8th century old temple and is believed that if a person asks for something he gets it and on fulfillment of his desire ties a bell in the temple. Very close to Jhula Devi temple is the Ram Mandir dedicated to Lord Rama.

Dwarahat
Located 37 kms from Ranikhet on the Karnaprayag road, Dwarahat is of much historical and archaeological importance. Once the centre of Katyuri rulers, Dwarahat later become associated with Chand rulers. This place is famous for its clusters of temples. Every year a fair is held in Dwarahat from 13-16 April called Syaldeh-Bikhoti Mela. The Kumaoni Holi of Dwarahat is also very popular.

Sitalakhet
35 kms from Ranikhet, it’s a scenic spot with unparallel beauty in the Himalayas amid green forest and apple orchards. The famous temple of Syahi Devi is situated nearby.

Binsar Mahadev
15 km from Ranikhet town is the Binsar Mahadev Temple which has a beautiful stream flowing close to it. Apart from a Shiva temple, an ashram, Binsar Mahadev also has a lovely cedar forest surrounding it.

Katarmal
Katarmal(Sun temple) is about 25 km from Ranikhet. A beautiful trek leads you to one of the two sun temples of the country, first one being Konark, Orissa. This temple is a 12th century creation and the ancient idol of Sun God is presently preserved at the National museum Delhi.

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