Blessed with a quiet atmosphere, free roads, the view of towering hills getting along with meandering valleys, and the delighting Kumaoni culture, Ranikhet is something different from the other thronged hill destinations of Uttarakhand. For nature lovers, this hill station brings solitude and the refreshing company of untamed nature.
This little hamlet in Uttarkhand’s Kumaon region, is an unglorified paradise blooming amidst verdant meadows, thick pine woods, and stunning vistas of the Himalayan ranges.
Ranikhet was a British cantonment town and the well-preserved architecture coupled with the atmosphere are still very British and very peaceful. The name of the town translates to ‘Queen’s Meadow,’ which refers to the royal background of the place as well as the beautiful landscape that led to the name.
Visiting Ranikhet does not need much planning as it is a year-round tourist destination packaged with moderate climate, rich historical background, and a lot of outdoor activities to do. Among many things, you can trek through beautiful trails, visit historical temples, and relax in the middle of nowhere in Ranikhet.
Top Tourist Attractions in Ranikhet
- Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC) Museum
- Chaubatia Garden
- Jhula Devi Temple
- Ram Temple
- Bhalu Dam
- Haidakhan Baba Temple
- Golf Course
- Majkhali
- Ashiyan Park
Explore Popular Ranikhet Uttarakhand Tour Packages
- 7-Days Nainital Kausani Ranikhet Tour
- 5-Days Nainital Ranikhet Tour
- 8-Days Nainital, Almora, Kausani, Ranikhet & Corbett Tour
- 6-Days Ranikhet Nainital Corbett Tour
Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC) Museum
The Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC) Museum in Ranikhet set up in the early seventies is dedicated to the Kumaon and Naga Regiments of the Indian Army. It has a large display of captured enemy weapons, flags and other items from the World Wars, Indo-China and Pakistan wars, Operation Pawan etc. You can learn about the heroes of the war, such as Param Vir Chakra awardees and see the military outfits, decorations, and accessories. Located in the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas, the museum is a moving symbol of the regiment’s bravery and is a must-see for anyone interested in military history.
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Chaubatia Garden
Chaubatia Gardens is a 600-acre step farm situated at a distance of 10 km from Ranikhet, and is famous for its production of apples, peaches, plums and apricots. It is an ideal place for people who love nature as it has over 200 types of fruits and flowers. The gardens are well known for the breathtaking view of the Himalayan ranges including Nanda Devi and Trishul. A nature stroll through its oak, cedar, and pine-lined tracks is quite a rejuvenating experience. The visitors can taste the honey produced in the area, and fruit juices and have a peaceful tea break in the garden. This all makes it a must-visit place in Ranikhet.
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Jhula Devi Temple
This temple is another popular attraction in Ranikhet that fascinates the travellers. Situated 7 km from Chaubatia Garden, Jhula Devi is an 8th-century temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. Constructed at the place where her statue was discovered following a shepherd’s vision, the temple is said to shield the villagers from wild animals like leopards and tigers. People make wishes here and once they are fulfilled, they come back to hang a bell as an honour to the Goddess, hence there is a whole wall covered with bells. Jhula Devi Temple is a famous temple dedicated to Goddess Sati and is located in the forests of Uttarakhand; thus, it has a very calm and pious environment that attracts both pilgrims and tourists.
Ram Temple
Rama Temple in Ranikhet is an important pilgrimage attraction and is located near the Chaubatia Gardens at a distance of 7 km from the town. The entrance to the temple is through a small flight of stairs and it has a vantage view of the hills around. Founded by Silent Saint Maharaj, it has a monastery in which students learn the Vedic scriptures, Vedic mathematics, and contemporary mathematics. The temple is famous for its quiet atmosphere and a historic cave, which is said to be the place where the saint spent 14 years in meditation. Tourists also come to enjoy the natural view and serenity of the place and thus is a perfect place for those who want to meditate.
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Bhalu Dam
Bhalu Dam is a man-made reservoir, located 11 km from Ranikhet and 3 km from Chaubatia which was constructed in 1903 by the British Viceroy to provide water to the English troops stationed in Ranikhet. Located in the middle of forested hills and with views of the Himalayas, it is a quiet and beautiful place for trekking, camping, and having a picnic. While it is not so centrally located, it has now turned into a tourist attraction near Ranikhet, especially for those who love nature. The calmness of the dam area and its history are some of the reasons why it should be visited. You can also visit the other attraction in its proximity, the 1884 St. Bridget Church.
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Haidakhan Baba Temple
The Haidakhan Baba Temple is situated at Ranikhet, 5 km away from the main bus stand, which is dedicated to Haidakhan Baba, a saint who is considered the incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is built on a hill top and from the temple one can get a clear view of the Himalayan peaks including Nanda Devi and Panchachuli. Its calm environment is the reason people go there to meditate and pray. People can attend the evening aarti and bhajans conducted every day, and if possible, visiting Ranikhet in the month of October/November will give you the chance to attend the elaborated Navratri festival. Many foreign tourists come here for pilgrimage or to perform other sacred ceremonies like Hindu marriages. Haidakhan Baba physically left the world in 1984.
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Golf Course
Upat Golf Course, also known as Ranikhet Golf Course, is situated 5-6 km away from the main Ranikhet town at an altitude of about 6000 ft above sea level. It is a 9-hole golf course that attracts a lot of tourists because of the view of snowcapped Himalayan peaks at the end of its open green meadow, which undoubtedly is one of the best sights in Ranikhet tourism. It was built in 1920 for military purposes, but now it is open for civilians and has membership opportunities for tourists. For the visitors, there is also a colonial cottage with self-service tea and coffee. Many other facilities are also available in this beautiful and calm place.
Majkhali
Majkhali, a small hilltop village situated near Ranikhet, is famous for the view of snow-clad peaks of the Himalayas such as Trishul and Nanda Devi, but more popular for its solitude. This place is filled with countless spots with natural scenery, places for having a picnic, and a quiet environment. A few attractions in Majkhali village include Goddess Kali Mata Temple and a forest nursery containing different types of trees and animals. Majkhali is also a hiking destination as several off-road treks here lead to some amazing viewpoints, and an early morning trek is the best thing to do on a trip to Ranikhet. This also makes Majkhali an ideal destination near Ranikhet for people who would like to take a break and relax in the natural surroundings.
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Ashiyana Park
Aashiyana Park or Devdar Udhyan is the first theme park in Ranikhet and is based on a jungle. It is near Sadar Bazar and is a favourite place for children as it has models of dinosaurs and a special children’s section. It has herbal gardens, well-maintained lawns, fountains of different colours, and a viewpoint to look at the hills around the park. This park was constructed by the Ranikhet cantonment and is one of the most important places to hang out in the evening in Ranikhet.
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Best Time to Visit Ranikhet
Ranikhet is popular among travallers as a year-round destination, nevertheless different seasons offer a much different picture of Ranikhet. Thus, the most suitable time for visiting Ranikhet depends on what experience you crave.
In winter, between November to March, the temperature drops to a chilly range. However, snowfall is not common in the region.
In Monsoon, between July to September, rainfall makes the hill station a lush beauty. However, the frequent showers may hinder your plan sometimes.
Summer, April to June, is the best time to visit Ranikhet. The weather stays pleasant and comfortable for hiking. However, it is also the peak tourist season, thus booking everything in advance is advised.
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Accommodation and Transport in Ranikhet
Ranikhet is a smaller town but still has a much wider range of accommodation options to choose from. The hill station has Budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses, mid-range hotels with advanced services, and high-end resorts and homestays with wonderful views and the best experience.
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How to Reach Ranikhet?
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Pantnagar Airport in Haldwani (120 km). You can easily hire a taxi for Ranikhet from the airport.
- By Train: Arrive at Kathgodam Railway station (115 km), and board a bus or hire a taxi from railways station for Ranikhet. Kathgodam Railway station has trains from all major north Indian cities like Delhi, Jaipur, or Agra.
- By Road: Ranikhet has well developed road connectivity. You can easily drive to this hill station from any city conveniently. Also, there are buses directly to Ranikhet from Delhi, Lucknow, and other major cities in the region.
In the unending list of hill stations, Ranikhet creates a unique spot for nature and solitude lovers. The quaint hill station wins every traveller’s heart with its simplistic charm. Ranikhet tourism is the long-awaited vacation you needed.
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