RanikhetRanikhet, meaning Queen'sMeadow, is an alluring hill stationcovered with lush green forestsand meadows.It is a picture perfectplace covered in thick pine and oaktrees located at the foot of thewestern Himalayas.
Famous For : HillHill StationNature /WildlifePlaces ToVisitCitMountain
Ranikhet is one of those rare hill stationsthat gives nature precedence over man. Sodon’t be surprised when you come face toface with a sign that cautions, “Leopardshave the right of way”. They do. So domonkeys that swing through its trees, thedeer and bears that hide in the thick of itsgroves or the birds that soar in its sky. Ironically, this thickly forested paradise wasbrought into existence by the British, who inthe late 1860s came looking to house armyand administration in a hilly “station” thatcould provide both strategic and economicadvantages to the colonial masters. Thenatural beauty of the Ranikhet highlandswas a hands-down winner.
The tranquil meadows surrounded bysoaring pine and leafy oak forests with a 180degree panoramic view of the Himalayaprovided ideal environs to house an armyregiment. What’s more, its surroundingenvirons provided the most importantnatural economic resources of the time,
A must visit attraction in this scenic hilltown, Golf Course in Ranikhet is one of themost challenging golfing venues and well-maintained. This place is must on youritinerary even though you are not interestedin golfing as it is spectacular. It waspreviously not open to public but now youcan visit the place and click some amazingpictures.
A legacy of the British rule in India, this 9-hole golf course now comes under thegovernance of the Kumaon RegimentalCentre. It was previously not open tooutsiders, but now, by paying a small fee,even tourists can ‘putt’ together withregulars there.
2 Jhula Devi Temple
Near Chaubatia Gardens, 7 kms fromRanikhet, Almora, Uttarakhand,263645, India
The Jhula Devi temple is quite popularamong tourists and locals alike. The maindeity of this temple, Goddess Durga, isbelieved to fulfill all wishes of her devoteesonce they visit this temple. The power offulfilling wishes can be gauged from thenumber of bells that have been offered herefor thanksgiving. These charming bells hungfrom threads outside the main shrine can beheard even from a distance. Head here toexperience peace and magic.
3 Bhalu Dam
Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, India
An artificial lake constructed by the British in1903, this serene dam was initially built tosolve the water shortage issues in the area.It is now a favourite amongenvironmentalists, nature lovers and fishing-enthusiasts and is thronged by tourists allthrough the year. The fencing around the
lake has unfortunately corroded away dueto lack of maintenance, so be extra carefulwhen you walk around the lake. Bhalu Damis around 3 km below Chaubatia Gardensand about an hour’s trek from Ranikhet.
Make sure you keep those walking shoesready and be ready for a little adventurewhen you walk through the woods to reachthis beautiful spot. Keep that picnic baskethandy too!
4 Regiment Museum
Regiment Museum, Ranikhet,Almora, Uttarakhand 263601, India
Set up in the 1970s, the Regiment Museum, showcases the history of the army’sKumaon and Garhwal regiments. Among itstreasures are Rani Jhansi’s silver sceptretaken from the queen after the fall of Jhansiin 1858, a WW-II Japanese wireless fieldtelephone, Chinese rifles from the 1962Indo-China war and documents retrievedfrom Pakistani soldiers during the KargilWar.
Opposite the exit, check out the traditionalKumaon musical instruments including thenagara and huraka(drums), Rana Sanghaand bokhara (wind instruments).
5 Haidakhan Babaji Temple
Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, India
A short drive from Ranikhet main market,Haidakhan Babaji Temple is dedicated to thesaint Haida Khan who was an ardent LordShiva devotee.The temple is not onlyfamous for being a spot for viewing theHimalayan Ranges but is also a favourite
spot among foreigners for getting marriedin an Indian avatar. The houses near thetemple also arrange for all the costumesand necessary items for the wedding andattend the ceremony with a vigour.
Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mall Road,Ranikhet, Uttarakhand 263645, India
+91 5966-220261
The place serves delicious Indian, Mughlai,Thai and Chinese food. So book yourself aseat in the corner and order some lip-smacking cuisines that will be a treat to yourtaste buds.
2 Chevron Rosemount
The Mall, Ranikhet Road, Ranikhet,Uttarakhand 263645,India
+91-981000639
The in-house restaurant of Chevron Rosemount, this one is a puredelight for foodies with its extensive menuand impeccable client service. The setting isso pretty with old world charm and dimlighting and you will love the sprawlingviews from your restaurant window.
3 The Tea Lounge
C/O, Welcomheritage WindsorLodge, Kalika Estate, Dadgallia,Almora Ranikhet Uttarakhand263645 India
+91-11-46035500
Head to this swanky place to enjoy yourfavourite tea with mouth-watering snacksincluding freshly prepared sandwiches andcookies. The menu here has a world ofoptions when it come to delicious snacks, sojust grab a chair, walk through your
favourite book and enjoy the colonialsettings at The Tea Lounge.
4 Queens Court
The Mall Road, Near Head PostOffice, Ranikhet Road, Airari,Ranikhet, Uttarakhand 263645, India
+91-7188881900
A lovely place to enjoy a range of cuisineswhile you soak up the scenic beauty outside,Queens Court is the in-house restaurant ofRanikhet Club in the hill station. Therestaurant is nicely done with teak panelling,wooden floors and grand chandeliers alongwith comfortable seating arrangement.
AccommodationF: Hotel RajdeepG: Richmond HillsH: V Resorts Ginseng Kaafal CottageRanikhetI: Hotel RajdeepJ: Richmond HillsK: V Resorts Ginseng Kaafal CottageRanikhetL: Hotel RajdeepM: Richmond HillsN: V Resorts Ginseng Kaafal CottageRanikhet
FoodO: West View HotelP: Chevron RosemountQ: The Tea LoungeR: Queens CourtS: Oak Garden
