Ranikhet

The charming hill station of Ranikhet is located in the Almora district of Uttaranchal at an elevation of 1,829mts above sea level. Ranikhet has everything to pacify the nerves of an avid city dweller. The salubrious atmosphere, tall conifer trees, green meadows and placid surroundings makes Ranikhet a unique hill station. The magnetism of each season in Ranikhet is always capable of luring tourists, making it an all season destination. The majestic Himalayas, lush green forests, sounds and smell of the flora and fauna leaves an unforgettable impact on the visitors. Ranikhet draws thousands of tourists each year for its unforgettable natural beauty, worth watching excursions, ancient temples, fascinating picnic spots and exciting treks. Ranikhet also headquarters one of the glorious regiment of Indian Army - Kumaon Regiment.

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 & Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army. The main city of Ranikhet is fairly crowded but the military area offers serene environment.