Ranikhet

Activities in Ranikhet

• Golfing: Ranikhet is famous for having one of the best hill golf courses (9-hole) in the country and is located 5 kms from the town of Ranikhet. It is an army golf course, but civilians can also access it paying a nominal fee. Tourists and amateur golfers try to perfect their golf swing and putt.  
• Fishing: Bhalu Dam, which is situated few kilometers from Chaubatia, is an ideal place for anglers to catch some fishes. However, one has to take permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden.
• Trekking/Hiking: There are few popular trekking trails in Ranikhet that one can explore with family and friends. Trek from Chaubatia Orchards to Holm Farm is quite popular among tourists. Others include trails from Chaubatia to Bhalu Dam, Ranikhet Club to Chevron Rosemount, Meghdoot to Jhula Devi Temple, and Chaubatia to Bhalu Dam.

Staying in Ranikhet

There are plenty of accommodations options available for tourists in Ranikhet. One can find luxurious hotels and resorts with best facilities as well as budget guesthouses with limited amenities at Ranikhet. Tent accommodations and government guesthouses (KMVN) are also available.

Ranikhet Food Guide

Apart from the roadside food stalls, there are few good restaurants in Ranikhet that serve wide range of delectable cuisines ranging from North Indian, Chinese and Tibetan to local Kumaoni dishes. For alcohol, high-end hotels are best bet as there are no good bars outside the hotels.

History of Ranikhet

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.

Mythology about Ranikhet

A popular folklore that goes in the region states that when Rani Padmini, wife of Raja Sukherdev visited here, she was bewitched by its heavenly beauty and was delighted by the thought of having their abode here. Raja Sukherdev then fulfilled the wish of her beloved queen and lured her by making their residence at this place. Hence, the place was named as Ranikhet meaning the 'Queen’s Meadow'. 

Ranikhet Photo Gallery