Ranikhet
Ranikhet meaning Queen’s Land is a hill station in Uttarakhand that was developed by the British around ancient temples, Himalayan hills, and forests. It is also popular as the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army and houses the Kumaon Regimental Center Museum. Ranikhet is popular for its views of Nanda Devi peak, trekking range, hill climbing, golf course, gardens, and temples.
Mythology of Ranikhet
As per traditional belief, Ranikhet was named after Queen Rani Padmini, who was mesmerized by the beauty of this valley and fell in love with the enchanting land. King Sukherdev was bound to give in to her desires and built a palace for her which later became his residence. It is believed that the origin of the present name was given to this story. There is no trace of the palace in the present-day records and it is believed that the British established their cantonment and developed the place as a hill station. This folktale is considered a myth due to the lack of textual references supporting the existence of Queen Padmini in both Hindu and Rajputana relics.
Places To Visit In Ranikhet
Chaubatia Orchards
Famous for its apples, plums, peaches, and apricots, the Chaubatia Bagh, situated in the lap of the Himalayan Mountains, also offers panoramic views of the peaks of Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, Nandghunti, and Trishul. You must also visit the Government Apple Orchard and Fruit Research Center located nearby.
Golf Course
Built-in the 8th century, the temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is known for its elegantly designed set of bells. It is believed that this temple fulfills all wishes. The nearby Ram Mandir also attracts many people.
Jhula Devi Temple
Built-in the 8th century, the temple dedicated to Goddess Durga is known for its elegantly designed set of bells. It is believed that this temple fulfills all wishes. The nearby Ram Mandir also attracts many people.
Dwarahat
is an ancient city full of beautiful temples and breathtaking views, that also serves as a wonderful retreat in the Kumaon hills. Dwarahat, situated in the wondrous Almora district of Uttarakhand, is a place of special heritage and religious importance. Home to about 55 ancient temples built in the medieval era by the Katyuri kings, Dwarahat is representative of the great past of the region and its architecture.
Sunset Point, Ranikhet
Ranikhet is home to several sunset points that offer spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayas. The best among them are Machhali (located near Woodville Point between Transit Camp and Ganiyadeoli) and Jhula Devi Temple on the road to Bhargaon. The place is best visited between February and November to witness these breathtaking mountains and the sunset in all its glory.
Rani Jheel
Originally constructed by the Cantonment Board for the purpose of rainwater harvesting, Rani Jheel is a huge artificial lake situated amidst natural peaks and forests. The pristine lake is situated at an altitude of 7,500 feet above sea level and is a major tourist attraction in Ranikhet that attracts tourists for boating and is famous for the peace and tranquility that it exudes.
Sun Temple
Also known as Katarmal, the Sun Temple is 800 years old, and is one of the oldest temples found in Almora. It can be reached by a short but exciting trekking route. The temple is surrounded by a total of 44 small temples, and apart from these, the ancient architectural patterns and exquisite stone carvings attract tourists.
Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
The Kumaon Regimental Center is a famous museum that was built in the 1970s to showcase the rich heritage of the Kumaon region. Established by the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army, the museum houses war artifacts of historical importance that showcase the glory and achievements of the Garhwal and Kumaon Regiment. The museum displays photographs of wars, weapons, medals, and uniforms as well as flags, stone tablets, and other items used by the armed forces.
Things to Do In Ranikhet
Trekking:-
There are many trekking spots in Ranikhet that you can enjoy. The most popular of them is the trek from Chaubatia Bagh to Holm Farm. Other trails include Chaubatia to Bhalu Dam; Meghdoot to Jhula Devi Temple.
Paragliding:-
Wildrift Paragliding Camp is 12 km ahead of Ranikhet. The take-off point for paragliding overlooks a wide valley floor and is thus convenient even for novices. You can either opt for the simple thrill of tandem flying or really learn to fly solo.
Golfing:-
Ranikhet is famous for one of the best golf courses in the country and is 5 km from Ranikhet town. You can use it for a nominal fee and practice your golf swing and putts.
Fishing:-
With the permission of the Forest Department, you can fish in Bhalu Dam.
Flora and Fauna
Nestled amidst the green cover of tall conifers, the place is home to various species of wildlife. The salubrious climate is home to orchids, apples, peaches, and various other alpine fruits and flowers. The high altitude supports a variety of indigenous and exotic varieties that count around 4000 species of plants classified into tropical, Himalayan subtropical, sub-alpine, and alpine flora.
Many types of medicinal herbs are also found in this region. Some commonly found trees in the region are deodar, pine, and oak with a spread of deciduous forests and subalpine grasslands.
The geographical and climatic structure also makes it a natural habitat for animals like goral, leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, blue heron, and Thar. The vast forest land also houses an exotic variety of birds like gray quail, black Titar, whistling thrush, Chakor, cheer pheasant, monal pheasant, and Koklas pheasant.
Best Time To Visit Ranikhet
The months between March and July are generally the best time to visit Ranikhet when the last week receives heavy rains. This leaves the area as a host to many cultural and sporting activities. Winters greet you with snowfall in Ranikhet, due to which large gatherings of people throng here during this time.
Ranikhet in Summer (March-June):-
With an average temperature that usually ranges between 10°C and 27°C, summers, which start from March to June, is the best time to plan a trip to Ranikhet. The pleasant climatic conditions along with the vibrant flowers in full bloom act as icing on the cake. It is also an ideal time for sightseeing.
However, since it is also the peak season, it can get a bit crowded. To see Ranikhet at its best, make sure to head to the Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, Majkhali, and Dwarahat. The last site is filled with magnificent temples, which are several decades old. Sunset Point is also one of the famous spots of the place owing to the panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas as they are painted vermilion when the sun sets.
Ranikhet in Monsoon (July-August):-
Ranikhet can be visited in the early months of July, but it receives heavy rainfall in the months of July and August and it is advised not to visit during these months as rains may hamper your plans. The temperature usually ranges between 22° C and 29° C. The early weeks of July are a good time to visit this beautiful city, but as the weeks pass by, the region starts experiencing heavy rains almost every passing day.
If you have included some outdoor activities in your itinerary, then it is best to stay away from this place during these months. Even though the lush greenery and fresh surroundings after being washed away by the rains make this place extremely beautiful, Ranikhet is not a place that thrives during the monsoon season.
Ranikhet in Winter (September-February):-
Winters in Ranikhet can be extremely cold, with the mercury rarely rising above 15 °C, and the minimum temperature being -3 °C. Usually starting from October till the end of February, the winter months in this region welcome huge crowds of people who head out for magical snowfall and sightseeing as well as many adventure activities.
The weather is pleasant during the winter months of September, October, and early November and it is also a good time to visit Ranikhet. Kalika, Golf Course, Kumaon Regimental Center Museum, Mankameshwar Temple, and Manila are must-visits if you are visiting the place during these months. A picnic at Bhalu Dam or a dedicated visit to Haidakhan Babaji Temple is also recommended. You can spend an idle afternoon at Rani Jheel or Ashiana Park, or witness the rural lifestyle at Tarikhet Village.
How To Reach
By Road:- Ranikhet is well connected to the nearby cities of the state. The road is well connected by various buses like tourist, state, local, and luxury buses. The service of these buses is very good which makes the tourists feel relaxed throughout the journey. Ranikhet has good connectivity to cities like Dehradun (345 km), Delhi (332 km), Haridwar (280 km), Bareilly (177 km), and Chandigarh (486 km).
By Train:- Kathgodam is the nearest railway station which is situated at a distance of 80 km from Ranikhet. Kathgodam railhead is well connected to all major cities and towns so people can reach this railway station and from outside the station people can take taxis or cabs to reach Ranikhet easily.
By Air:- The nearest airport to Ranikhet is Pantnagar Airport which is located at a distance of 119 km. Pantnagar Airport is well-connected to various cities and towns. From here tourists can take taxis or cabs to reach this amazing place. From here tourists can easily get taxis or cabs to reach the airport.
NOTE:- In this article, we cover all the important details regarding Ranikhet, Uttarakhand like the best time to visit and Activities you can do in this place, Still If you have any other queries you can visit the gov official website of Uttarakhand Tourism. And If you want to know the best places to visit in Uttarakhand then visit our website uttarakhandeyes.com.
