Ranikhet | Kumaon Region

Ranikhet | Kumaon Region

Ranikhet | Queen's Meadow

Ranikhet is a hill station and cantonment town in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The charming and majestic views of the pine trees, lush green forests delicate plant life and attractive wildlife, the scented mountain breeze, the fresh and pure, the singing of birds, the panoramic view of the Himalayas sight, all adds to the heavenly and pure feeling of Ranikhet.

It is the home for the Military Hospital, Kumaon Regiment (KRC) and Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army. Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1,869 metres (6,132 ft) above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas. Ranikhet is a Class IV town with a civic status of a Cantonment board.

History Of Ranikhet

Ranikhet, which means Queen's meadow in hindi, gets its name from a local legend, which states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet, though no palace exists in the area.

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. At one time during British Raj, it was also proposed as the summer headquarters of Government of India, in lieu of Shimla. In 1900, it had a summer population of 7,705, and its corresponding winter population was measured in 1901 as 3,153.

Ranikhet had been under Nepalese rule, and the Kumaonis won it under the leadership of their able General Kashi Nath Adhikari – after whom the small town of Kashipur was named (which at one point of time was the gateway to the hills and is now an educational and institutional hub) – with the help of Britishers at around 1816 and is a part of India now.

Mythology | 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 ̔ Queens Meadow ̕ .

Places To Visit In Ranikhet

Golf Course

Golf Course | Ranikhet

Ranikhet Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses of Asia, located 5 kilometres (3 mi) from main Ranikhet City. Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9-hole course making it one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet. The green meadow of the golf course at such high altitude is awe-inspiring. The golf club provides membership plans for outsiders as well .Golf course is located in Kalika.

Ashiyana Park

Ashiyana Park is situated in the midst of Ranikhet town. The Park is specially designed & developed for children on jungle theme by Ranikhet Cantt.

Mankameshwar Temple

This temple is attached to the Nar Singh Maidan (Ground), constructed by the Kumaon regiment. Opposite the temple is a Gurudwara and a Shawl factory.

Rani Jheel

Rani Jheel | Ranikhet

There is another jewel added to the beauty of town "Rani Jheel". Located nearby Nar Singh Stadium, beneath the Veer Naari Awas it gives the visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the ride of Boats.

Binsar Mahadev

The artistic structure of the Binsar Mahadev Temple and its deity Lord Shiva both adds positive vibes to our mind and soul. A beautiful stream flowing close to the Binsar Mahadev Temple adds amazement to the natural beauteousness of this sacred place. Binsar Mahadev Temple is situated amidst beautiful pine and deodar trees. Apart from the temple an ashram, Binsar Mahadev also has lovely cedar forest surroundings.

Babar Khola

Village resembles Scottish countrysides, just few 5 km from Majhkali, is abode to plethora of Flora and Fauna which includes Yellow Throated Marten, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear etc. Major Garhwal Himalayan ranges are visible which includes peaks such as Nanda Devi Massif, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul Complex, Panchachuli, Mrigthuni, Nanda Kot etc.

Haidakhan Temple

Haidakhan Temple | Ranikhet

Situated 4 km from Ranikhet, Haidakhan Temple (Hairakhan Temple or Chilianaula) is dedicated to Lord Shiva made by Shri Haidakhan Maharaj who is said to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. The splendid views of the gigantic Himalayan peaks are clearly visible from Haidakhan Temple.

Bhalu Dam or Baludham

It is an artificial small lake blessed with natural bounteousness, panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains and placid surroundings. The small but beautiful garden nearby the dam is marvelous.

The dam site is open for all the tourists throughout the year. The views of the massive Himalayan peaks are enchanting and ravishing from Bhalu Dam. It is an ideal spot for camping and picnicking. St. Bridget's Church is an old church in Ranikhet town.

Majkhali

Located at a distance of 12 km from Ranikhet, on the way to Almora, Majkhali offers a close view of the snowy Himalayas with peaceful surroundings. 

It also holds 'melas' during festivals and one can witness the true kumaoni culture. It is a picnic spot on the Ranikhet-Almora road. Ashok Hall Girls school and The Pleasant Valley School are located near Majkhali.

Katarmal (Sun Temple) 

Katarmal [Sun Temple] | Ranikhet

It is the second most important temple to Sun God, the first one is Konark Sun Temple in Orissa. Katarmal is more than 800 years old. Situated 25 km from Ranikhet this historical temple is an example of intricate sculpturing.

Tarikhet

Tarikhet is located at a distance of 8 kilometres (5 mi) from Ranikhet is well known for its Gandhi Kuti, and the temple of Golu Devta is venerated in the Kumaon region. It is famous for the Gandhi Kuti and the temple of Golu Devta.

Syalikhet

It is a scenic spot with unparallel beauty situated at a distance of 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Ranikhet. Syalikhet is located in the amidst green forest and apple orchards. The famous temple of Syahi Devi is situated in Syalikhet.

KRC (Kumaon Regimental Centre) Museum

Maintained by the Kumaon Regiment and the Naga Regiment of the Indian Army, the museum has a wide collection ranging from stories of the heroics of the First World War till date. It has on display the various weapons captured, flags of enemies captured by the army and also the LTTE boat captured during Operation Pawan. 

It has stories of the First and the Second Param Vir Chakra who belonged to the Kumaon Regiment. You can also get to know the list of all the Army Generals who belonged to the Kumaon Regiment. The regiment, which has a long and successful history of heroics and tales of valor, is on full display at the museum. 

Contributions by the Regiment during the World Wars, during the Indo-China war and the Pakistan war, during Kargil and Op Pawan can be known at this Museum. The Museum is very well maintained by the Army and they also provide an Army guide who will help understand the history and the heroics of the Regiment. 

Photography is prohibited inside the Museum. Interesting to see are the weapons captured during the war, some of them weigh nearly 80 kg and require at least 2 people to carry and load it. You also get to see the medals and uniforms of the brave soldiers. A visit to this Museum is must when going to Ranikhet. One gets a strong feeling of patriotism when visiting this museum.

Jhula Devi temple

Jhula Devi Temple | Ranikhet

Jhula Devi temple is situated at a distance of 7 kilometres (4 mi) from the town of Ranikhet near Chaubatia. It is said that the dense jungle near the temple was once full of wild animals, leopards and tigers used to attack local villagers. 

The villagers prayed to Maa Durga for protection, and one day Goddess Durga came in a shepherd's dream and advised him to excavate her idol. This temple was constructed at the spot where the shepherd found Goddess Durga's idol. 

Since then pilgrims come to make a wish to Goddess Jhula Devi and when their wish is fulfilled they come again to thank Jhula Devi Maa by offering a bell to the temple. The popularity of the temple can be realized by number of bells hanging over the temple walls. 

The temple priests have to timely shift the old bells to a different place to make room for the new bells that are tied everyday. In addition to bells, dried coconut and prasad is offered to the Goddess. This place has a calm environment and a sense of spiritual peace to it.

Rama Mandir (Temple)

Located in the vicinity of Jhula Devi temple is the Rama Mandir, dedicated to lord Rama. A small flight of stairs goes to the hilltop where the temple is situated. Rama Mandir has a monastery where students are taught ancient vedas along with vedic and modern mathematics in direction of Sant Sri Mouni Maharaj. People who have a keen interest in vedas should not miss the chance to visit this temple.

Chaubatia Gardens

Located about 10 kilometres (6 mi) from Ranikhet, this place has plantation of apricots, peaches, chestnuts, and almonds and is famous for apple orchards. 

With a wide variety of Himalayan flora, it also offers the picturesque views of snowcapped Himalayas. Apart from fruits, one can buy fresh juices and artisan honey from the garden store on the way out.

How To Reach Ranikhet ?

Road Way :

Ranikhet is well connected by motorable roads with major cities of Uttarakhand state and northern India. Ranikhet is well connected by major destinations of Garhwal as well as Kumaon regions. Buses to Kathgodam and Almora can be taken from ISBT Anand Vihar, Delhi. 

Taxis to Ranikhet are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state. The distance from Delhi to Ranikhet is 360km if you travel via Babugarh and Moradabad. This distance can be easily covered in 10 hours of time.

Bus Services to Ranikhet:

Uttarakhand Roadways and KMOU Bus service.

Rail Way :

Kathgodam is the nearest railway station to Kausani, situated at a distance of 88kms. Kathgodam is well connected by Railway networks with major destinations of India like Lucknow, Delhi and Kolkata. 

Trains are frequent to Kathgodam as it is the gateway of Kumaon region. Buses and Taxis are easily available to Ranikhet from Kathgodam. Ramnagar railway station is 96kms from Ranikhet.

Air Way :

The nearest airport for Ranikhet is Pantnagar. Pantnagar Airport is situated 115kms from Ranikhet. Taxis are available to Ranikhet , Haldwani, Nainital and Almora from Pant Nagar Airport. 

Buses are available from Haldwani, Kathgodam and Nainital to Ranikhet. Pantnagar airport is connected to Delhi via four weekly flights.

Road Distance Chart to Ranikhet

The driving distance chart to Ranikhet from various cities and towns in Uttarakhand and from Delhi NCR Region (New Delhi, Ghaziabad, Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad) are available below.

• Delhi to Ranikhet: 357 kms

• Ghaziabad to Ranikhet: 326 kms

• Noida to Ranikhet: 344 kms

• Gurgaon to Ranikhet: 382 kms

• Meerut to Ranikhet: 288 kms

• Modinagar to Ranikhet: 319 kms

• Moradabad to Ranikhet: 181 kms

• Chandigarh to Ranikhet: 482 kms

• Bareilly to Ranikhet: 182 kms

• Kanpur to Ranikhet: 452 kms

• Lucknow to Ranikhet: 430 kms

• Shimla to Ranikhet: 581 kms

• Jaipur to Ranikhet: 621 kms

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