You can understand the value of Ranikhet from the fact that once upon a time, there was a proposal to designate the hill station as the summer headquarters of British India. Then, this title was accorded to Shimla. The hill station carries centuries-old colonial and imperial legacy. Today is the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment.
Ranikhet attracts different celebrities from across India. Particularly, the Tamil Film Industry Superstar Rajinikanth is a regular visitor to this hill station. He stops at this hill station on his way to Dunagiri Hills, which is located around 45 km away. He regularly visits the Sage Maha Avtar Babaji’s meditation cave. During these visits, he stays at Ranikhet.
Ranikhet – An Introduction
Ranikhet is an attractive hill station in the state of Uttarakhand. It is located in the Almora District of the state. The hill station lies 1829 metres above the sea level. It is a charming and small cantonment town located between a couple of valleys in the Kumaon Himalayas. The hill station gets a wonderful hue on the nights when fog surrounds the town and the area that surrounds it.
According to history, the surroundings of this hill station inspired Queen Padmini of Kumaon. She requested King Sudhardev to construct a castle for her. The outcome is that the area started to be called Ranikhat. The meaning is Queen’s Field or the Queen’s Meadow.
The charming hill station offers a majestic view of the Himalayas and a relaxing environment. The hill station has some of the most exquisite gardens spread around with pine trees, apricot orchards and apple orchards. Above all, the hill station has cascading waterfalls and thick forests that excite tourists with their beauty.
How to Reach Ranikhet?
You can choose one of the many modes of transportation to reach Ranikhet. Here are the options to consider:
By Bus
Regular bus services connect the hill station to major cities. Examples include Nainital, Haldwani and Delhi. From these places, you can find both private and state-run buses. You can find deluxe and semi-deluxe buses for additional comfort. The journey from Delhi takes nearly 10 hours by road.
By Train
Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest to Ranikhet. From this station, the hill station is located around 75 km. You can find tempo travellers, cabs and taxis from the railway station. Another railway station located near the hill station is Ramnagar Railway Station. It is located at a distance of about 97 km from the hill station.
By Flight
Ranikhet does not have an airport for itself. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport. This domestic airport is located around 109 km from the hill station. You can find cabs and taxis at the airport to take you to the hill station. IndiGo flights from major Indian cities run to Pantnagar Airport.
By Car
When you drive to Ranikhet from nearby cities, you can expect an exhilarating experience. You will drive through the winding mountain roads. If you are travelling from Delhi, the journey will take about 8 to 9 hours.
Key Attractions & Things To Do
Here are some key attractions and things to do in Ranikhet.
1. Soak in the Serenity of Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal is a small attractive lake village and is a destination to choose from if you love tranquillity and a quiet atmosphere. It is located around 40 km away from Ranikhet. This place is popular for its 9-cornered lake as its name suggests. This place will rejuvenate both your mind and body.
2. Enjoy a Picnic at Bhalu Dam
Bhalu Dam is a perfect place to picnic with your family. It is known for its snow-capped valleys, cool breeze and birds. Nevertheless, the water levels in the dam will be less other than monsoon season. However, you will have to trek for 3 km to reach the reservoir.
3. Watch Scenic View At Majhkhali
You can get a glimpse of the majestic Sonya Peak. This place is en route to Almora, another attraction near Ranikhet. You might have heard that Almora is popular for its lovely weather and scenic beauty. Similarly, Majhkhali is popular for its enchanting natural beauty. You can get great views of the Himalayan peaks like Mount Trishul and Nanda Devi.
4. Walk at the Giant Golf Course
Ranikhet is popular for its 9-hole golf course. This golf course maintained by the Golf Club is India’s second-largest. You can relax on the course and be stunned at its beauty.
5. Take A Trip to Kalika
Located around 6 km away from Ranikhet, Kalika is a small town surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush green forests. This village is popular for its golf course and Kalika Temple. Its lush green environment will provide a relaxing experience.
6. Pray To Jhula Devi
One of the key attractions in Ranikhet is Jhula Devi temple. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. It is popular for its combination of elegantly designed bells. The locals claim that the goddess is a wish-fulfilling. In addition to this temple, you can find a temple of Lord Rama close.
7. Visit the Historical Tarikhet Village
Around 8 km from Ranikhet town, you can visit another popular hill station called Tarikhet. This hill station is popular for its historical importance. It is an important site during the struggle for Indian independence. Mahatma Gandhi stayed in this place for a long time during India’s freedom struggle. This small village is both calming and refreshing. You can get close to nature at this spot.
8. Stroll Down the Chaubatia Orchards
One of the key things to do in Ranikhet is to walk down the orchards. Popular for apricots, peaches, plums and apples, the Chaubatia Orchards offer panoramic views of the Nanda Devi, Trishul, Nandaghunti and Nilkanth peaks. You can see workers picking fruits from these trees. If possible, you can carry some home by requesting to the farm owners.
9. Visit the Temple Town of Dwarahat
Dwarahat is an ancient town with breathtaking scenery and attractive temples. It is a great retreat in the Kumaon mountains. This is a place of religious importance and special inheritance. Home to around 55 ancient temples built during Katyuri King’s rule in this region, this temple town is representative of the area’s great past and its architectural prowess.
10. Enjoy Boating and Games at Rani Jheel
Rani Jheel was built by the Cantonment Board for rainwater harvesting. Now, this artificial lake is located amidst natural woods and ridges. This artificial lake attracts tourists for its boating facilities. It is one of the top things to do during your Ranikhet visit.
You can find many other attractions and things to do in Ranikhet. Most importantly, shopping is an important activity that visitors love to do in this hill station. You can visit Mankameshwar Temple, Ram Temple, Ashiyana Park, Binsar Mahadev Temple, Haidkhan Babaji Temple, Sun Temple and Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum.
Best Time & Season to Visit Ranikhet
Ranikhet has a beautiful climatic condition all around the year. Nevertheless, the best season to visit this hill station is between February and November. Summers will be pleasant. The monsoon season here brings moderate to heavy rains. The winter season is the time with snow and freezing temperatures.
- Summer season is between April and June
- Monsoon season is between July and September
- Winters fall between October and March
Duration To See
You can consider a two to three-day trip to explore the key attractions in Ranikhet. You can do the exploration at a relaxed pace when you have two to three days. In case, you are planning to cover nearby attractions like Nainital or Almora, you can consider extending your stay in Ranikhet for 4-5 days.
Best Restaurants & Cafes
- Dolia Pahadi The Roof Top Cafe’
- Regards – The Family Restaurant in Ranikhet
- The Coffee Cellar Bistro & Pizzeria
- The Hillside Nook Cafe + Shop
- Hamla Cafu
- Rajatgiri Restaurant
- Bite ‘N’ Taste Cafe & Bistro
- Chaudhary Coffee Shop
- The Pine Hut Cafe
- Apni Dukan
Where to Stay? Best Resorts
- Seed At Queens Meadows
- Xomotel
- Woodsvilla Resort
- Shivani Foods and Resorts
- Rhodo ReTreat and ReSorts
- OYO 22602 Hotel Richmond Hills
- Kaafal Cottage
- Hotel Dev Chhaya
- Chevron Rosemount
- Hotel Royal Mountain
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
Most attractions in Ranikhet do offer free entry. However, a nominal fee might be charged at Gold Course and Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum.
FAQ
1. Will There Be Snowfall in Ranikhet?
Yes, you should expect snowfall in this hill station during the winter months between December and February. If you love snowfall and can handle the same, you can plan your visit to the hill station during the winter season.
2. Can I Take Part in Adventure Activities in Ranikhet?
Yes, you can take part in adventure activities like nature walks, camping and trekking. Nevertheless, Ranikhet is popular for its tranquillity.
3. Can I Find ATMs in Ranikhet?
Yes, Ranikhet houses many ATMs. It is better to carry some cash. The reason is that smaller eateries and shops may not accept cards.
Check out my other posts on Uttarakhand:
3 Day Rishikesh Itinerary for 2024 – Attractions & Activities
Nainital Itinerary – How to spend 5 days in Nainital
10 Mesmerizing Places to Visit Near Almora – A Journey into the Heart of Kumaon
Best 4-Day Itinerary for Nainital: Unleashing the Queen of Hills
Top 12 Things to Do in Haridwar: A Spiritual Sojourn to Remember
Best Resort in Jim Corbett? Aahana Resort – Where Luxury meets Responsibility
Uttarakhand Itinerary – How to spend 2 weeks in heaven?