Introduction:
The weather in Ranikhet is alpine. All the four seasons have
something special to offer at Ranikhet. Therefore, it can
be visited at any time of the year. Winters are cold and the
entire region experiences snowfalls during the months of December
and January. The sylvan surroundings of Ranikhet have attracted
innumerable people. Together with the vistas of the Himalayas,
ancient temples, picturesque picnic spots, splendid strolls
and the exciting treks Ranikhet is a popular tourist destination
in India. Ranikhet is situated in the northern part of the
state of Uttaranchal, in the northern region of India, is
idyllic in its charm, and draws holidaymakers almost all the
year round with its salubrious climate and balmy breeze. Against
the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, Ranikhet means
“Queen’s Field”. It is situated in the Kumaon hills and is
located on an altitude of 1824 m above sea level and ideal
to spend a holiday. Ranikhet is 59 km from Nainital and 50
km from Almora. Ranikhet has derived its name from Rani Padmini,
who was so enamoured by the place that she decided to stay
there. The place is then come to known as Ranikhet, which
means fields of Rani. Later British developed Ranikhet as
army cantonment. Ranikhet is still a cantonment town and one
can see soldiers in the area. The people here are simple and
happy in their life. Ranikhet is full of dense forest. It
is the main place of the Kumau regiment. Since it is a cantonment
area, it is extremely clean. The bazaar of Ranikhet is also
unusual. Located on the slope of a mountain, this bazaar can
be compared to the hanging gardens of Mumbai. Since it is
on a steep slope it is called "khadi bazaar", khadi
meaning steep in the local lingo.
Ranikhet is a small hill station. The town provides a panoramic
view of the lush green hilly environs. Travelers can enjoy
the scenic beauty of this place by taking a walk around. Today,
the Ranikhet is very rich in tourist spots. A nature lover's
paradise, the famous hill resort of Ranikhet offers a lot
of sites to visit. Few of them are -
Upat and Kalika, 6 kms from Ranikhet. Upat
is a modern but historical place. Here there is a 9 hole golf
course. 6000 feet above sea level there is a different satisfaction
in playing golf. In this course there are bungalows for the
players to stay. Many films have been shot here. Further from
Upat is Kalika, which is famous for the temple of Goddess
Kali.
Chaubatia, 10 kms from Ranikhet Chaubatia
has beautiful gardens. Many fruit orchards can be found here.
The State Government has a huge garden and fruit maintenance
department here. This is an ideal spot for picnics.
Dwarhat, this place was a capital for the
Kings of the Katyuri Dynasty. There are 55 ancient temples
here. These were built from the 11th to the 16th century.
The only engineering college of Uttarakhand is found here.
Dwarhat is 38 kms from Ranikhet.
Bhalu Dam, 3 kms from Chaubatia, this dam
has a lake and a picnic spot.
Hedakhan Temple, 6 kms away from Ranikhet
one can get regular taxis and jeeps from the bus stand. A
huge modern temple of Saint Hedakhan is found here.
Shitalakhet, 35 kms from Ranikhet, Shitalakhet
is on the highway. One can reach here directly from Almora
too. There are bus services from Ranikhet. Snow-capped peaks
are visible from here. Overnight stay is possible here in
hotels, tourists bungalows and government guest houses.
Trekking is a treat here. 3 kms away is a temple.
Binsar Mahadev, amidst a pine forest is this ancient Shiva
temple which is 19 kms away from Ranikhet. Also found here
are temples of Durga and Ram.
Doonagiri, this Durga temple is 52 kms away from Ranikhet.
And the other, excursions from Ranikhet are -
Nainital and Almora are the beautiful places
that one can head to from Ranikhet.
Nainital is about 59 kilometres from Ranikhet and is an ideal
place to spend your holidays.
Almora some 50 kilometres is another wonderful town that you
can visit. Just 38 kilometres from Ranikhet is Dwarahat, which
is known for its ancient sculptures.
Best Time to Visit : In Summer - April to
June
In Winter - November to February.
How to reach
Ranikhet can be easily accessed through air or road.
By Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar
119 Km away.
By Rail: The nearest railway station Kathgodam
80 km, is directly connected by rail to Lucknow, Bareilly
and Agra.
By Road: Ranikhet is connected by road to
many places.
So, what are you waiting for.. Just pack your bags and Get
going for the most adventurous vacation of your lifetime in
Ranikhet with us.
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