RANIKHET THE UNSPOILT HILL STATIONRanikhet
is a small hill station set in the Kumaon hills. It offers the tourists a
panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan peaks. The environs of Ranikhet are
sylvan, peaceful and attractive. Ranikhet is a cantonment town and is known
for its ancient temples.
LOCATION OF RANIKHETRanikhet
is situated in the northern part of the state of Uttaranchal, in the
northern region of India. It is situated in the Kumaon hills and is located
on an altitude of 1824 m above sea level. Ranikhet is 59 km from Nainital
and 50 km from Almora. The weather in Ranikhet is alpine. Summers (April–June)
are mild and winters are cold (November–February). It experiences
southwestern monsoon rains in July–September and experiences snowfall
in winters.
BEST TIME TO VISITRanikhet
can be visited throughout the year. However, it experiences snowfall in
winters.
PAST OF RANIKHET According to
popular belief, Ranikhet got its name when Rani Padmini, queen of Raja
Sukherdev, the local ruler, saw this place and was struck by its beauty. She
was so captivated by the place that she decided to stay there, and the place
came to be known as Ranikhet (literally, queen’s field). The region
around Ranikhet was ruled by local Kumaoni rulers and later came under
British rule. The British developed Ranikhet as a hill station for their
troops and established a cantonment in 1869. Ranikhet is still a cantonment
town and is the Kumaon Regimental Center.
RANIKHET SIGHTSEEING Ranikhet
offers an excellent view of the great Himalayan peak of Nanda Devi (7816 m).
Travelers can take a walk around the town and its sylvan surroundings. The
Jhula Devi temple and the Chaubatia orchards are within walking distance,
south of the main Mall Road. Bhaludham, 3 km away, is an artificial lake.
Upat Kalika,4 km north of Ranikhet and on the main road to Almora, offers
panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges and has a nine-hole golf course.
HOW TO REACH Ranikhet does not have an
airport or railway station. The nearest airport is a Pant Nagar (Nainital).
Regular flights operate during the summer. The nearest railhead for Ranikhet
is Kathgodam. Ranikhet is well connected with all important cities by road.
The main bus station is located near the main tourist office adjacent to the
Sadar Bazaar area. The bus service from Ranikhet to Nainital (3 hours),
Almora (3 hours), Kathgodam (4 hours), and Kausani (4 hours) is frequent.
