Ranikhet Hill Station Uttaranchal
About Ranikhet : Ranikhet Hill Station or “Queen's Meadow” is a mesmerizing place falling under the state of Uttaranchal, and located at the height of 1829 m with a sprawling are of 21.76 Sq. Kms. As the story goes, Queen Padmini of Kumaon was desperately in love with this splendid hill paradise, and to oblige the aspirations of his queen, King Sudhardev made a palace built here, and named it Ranikhet or Queen’s field.
The pleasing hill station was out of world’s touch for quite some time, until it was rediscovered by the Britishers in the year 1869, and who later transformed the tiny hill station into headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment. The hill station was used as an ideal retreat against the hot weather of the plains. At present, Ranikhet is a cantonment town and place for Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC) and Naga Regiment. The hill station is being maintained by the Indian Army.
Ranikhet is known for its delicious apples, apricots, peaches and various other alpine fruits.
Accessing Ranikhet
Ranikhet Hill Station is well connected to rest of India through the network of roads. The hill station is approximately 8-hrs journey from Delhi. The splendid hill station can also be easily reached through daily overnight air-conditioned train - “Ranikhet Express" that runs from New Delhi to Kathgodam. One can also reach Ranikhet Hill Station via air conditioned/ non air conditioned buses that ply on regular basis from New Delhi.
Tourist Attractions
Ranikhet Hill Station lies at short distance from the popular excursions vis-à-vis, Dwarahat (35 kms.), Sitlakhet (30 kms.), Almora (45 kms.), Binsar (60 kms.), Kausani (75 kms.), and Jim Corbett Park (90 kms.).
Other Major Tourist Attractions lying in the ambit of Ranikhet Hill Station includes:
Bhaludam
The popular tourist spot, lying at the distance of 3kms. From Ranikhet, is known for its artificial lake and picnic spots.
Binsar Mahadev Temple
Lying at the distance of approximately 15 km from Ranikhet, this popular temple of Lord Shiva has a stunning stream flowing just in its vicinity. The temple is surrounded by verdant cedar forests.
Chaubatia Gardens
Popular by the name of Orchard Country, Chaubatia is situated merely at a distance of 10 kms. from Ranikhet, and offers a charming view of Himalayan cascades.
Chaukhutia
Located at 54 kms from Ranikhet, en route to Badrinath shrine, Chaukhutia is well known sight seeing and famous for natural beauty and fishing centre.
Upat and Kalika Golf Course
Ranikhet has the Asia’s highest altitude located natural 9 hole golf course, which offers a tempting environment to the golf lovers. What’s more, Kali temple and a forest nursery juxtaposing the golf course are also worth visiting.
Katarmal Sun Temple
Situated at a distance of 25 km from Ranikhet, is popular for its 12th century built Sun Temple. Katarmal Sun Temple is India’s second Sun Temple. First one being the Konark Sun Temple at Orissa.
Hairakhan Temple
Hairakhan Temple is located 4 km from Ranikhet town situated at Chiliyanaula, offers a spectacular Himalayan view. The temple was built by Shri Hairakhan Maharaj – known to be an embodiment of Lord Shiva.
Jhula-Devi Temple
Jhula-Devi Temple is an 8th century goddess Durga temple which lies quiet close to Ranikhet Hill Station. It is believed that anybody who wishes for something in front of goddess Durga, his/her wishes are fulfilled. Lying close to Jhula-Devi Temple is temple dedicated to Lord Rama.
Majkhali
Located at the distance of 13kms. from, Ranikhet, en route to Almora, Majkhali offers a splendid view of the snow capped Himalayan ranges.
Manila
Manila, literally meaning enchanting, is situated at a distance of 87kms. from Ranikhet, and 75kms. from Ramnagar. Manila is the seat of Manila Devi - the family Goddess of the Katyuri clan.
Jaurasi
Located at a distance of 16kms. from Ranikhet, and situated at an altitude of 6000ft., above sea level, Jaurasi offers rich mountain view to the tourists.
Khairna
Khairna is located at a distance of approximately 22 kms. from Ranikhet on the Nanital route. The place offers plenty of opportunity to the visitors for fishing.
Micro Travel Information on Ranikhet
The nearest airport to Ranikhet is situated at Pantnagar (112 kms.). The nearest railway heads to Ranikhet are Kathgodam (80 Km.) and Ramnagar (96 Km.) respectively. The hill station is at the distance of 49 kms. from Almora, 386 kms. from New Delhi, 59 kms. from Nainital and 80 kms. from Kathgodam respectively.
