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Explore Ranikhet, Uttarakhand’s Hidden Gem, Which Offers Beautiful Himalayan Panoramas And Blends Offbeat Adventures With Mesmerizing Forest Views.
Ranikhet, a charming hill station in Uttarakhand’s Almora district, sits at an elevation of 1,829 meters above sea level. This quaint cantonment town, nestled between two valleys in the Kumaon Himalayas, offers a perfect escape for stressed city dwellers. Surrounded by grassy hills and sloping mountains that stretch as far as the eye can see, Ranikhet takes on a magical hue on foggy nights, adding to its enchanting atmosphere.
Legend has it that the serene beauty of Ranikhet inspired Queen Padmini of Kumaon to request King Sudhardev to build a palace for her, giving the area its name, which means “Queen’s field” or “Queen’s meadow.” Though the palace no longer exists, the story lives on in the town’s picturesque locations.
Visitors to this delightful hill station can enjoy a tranquil atmosphere and breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas. Ranikhet boasts exquisite gardens adorned with apple and apricot orchards, as well as pine trees. The area is also home to dense forests and cascading waterfalls, captivating tourists with their timeless beauty.
Ranikhet’s cuisine is deeply influenced by traditional Kumaoni dishes, featuring lentils, rice, and regional spices. Must-try foods include Aloo Ke Gutke, Madua Roti, and Bhang Ki Chutney. Local restaurants and hotels also offer a variety of North Indian and other cuisines to cater to diverse palates.
The town is rich in Kumaoni culture, and visitors can experience local festivals and traditions such as Bikhauti, Phooldeyi, and Harela. These celebrations, featuring traditional music, dance, and rituals, provide a glimpse into the vibrant local culture.
Accommodation in Ranikhet ranges from luxury resorts to mid-range hotels and budget-friendly guesthouses, ensuring there is something to suit every traveler’s taste and budget.
Ranikhet has become a popular tourist destination and draws tens of thousands of visitors each year. The Top tourist attractions in Ranikhet include:
Chaubatia Gardens is a place where visitors often find themselves so captivated that they choose to spend hours lounging on the grass, simply soaking in the breathtaking views. The beauty of this place even inspired Lord Mayo, the British Viceroy, to establish a British cantonment in Ranikhet. This local botanical garden offers a delightful introduction to a world of lush vegetation and natural wonders, serving as a source of inspiration and tranquility.
The park boasts over 200 different species of flowers and fruits, with its apple orchards being particularly enchanting. Amidst the expansive landscape, visitors can also marvel at trees bearing apricots, plums, peaches, and other fruits. The Government Fruit Research Centre maintains a fruit garden within Chaubatia Gardens, adding to its allure.
Take a stroll into the adjacent 600-acre rainforest, where pathways wind through silver oak, rhododendron, cypress, cedar, and pine trees, creating a haven for travelers seeking solace in nature. Located at an elevation of 1850 meters, the gardens offer panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks such as Nanda Devi, Trishul, and Nilkanth. The tea shop nestled within the orchard provides a serene setting for visitors to enjoy refreshments while admiring the garden against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas.
Chaubatia Gardens is also renowned for its honey production. Visitors have the opportunity to purchase locally produced honey, fruits, and juices, adding a flavorful dimension to their visit.
Timings: 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Ranikhet is renowned across India for its scenic and natural beauty, and Majkhali epitomizes this reputation with its breathtaking mountain vistas. Apart from its natural splendor, this small community is famous for its Goddess Kali Temple and several nearby picnic spots. Gardening enthusiasts can explore the forest nursery here, which boasts a diverse array of plants and wildlife. Located approximately 12 km from Ranikhet, Majkhali is easily accessible by car or bus.
Majkhali is a haven for nature lovers, offering spectacular views of Mount Trishul and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely lunch, engage in outdoor activities, and soak in the serene ambiance away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The area is alive with the soothing sounds of nature and the melodious songs of birds. For those seeking adventure, there are several hiking trails in the foothills to explore.
In essence, Majkhali promises a rejuvenating experience amidst pristine natural surroundings, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous outing.
Located in Chilianuala in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, approximately 4 km from Ranikhet, the Haidakhan Babaji Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was established by Shri Haidakhan Maharaj, believed by his followers to be an incarnation (avatar) of Lord Shiva himself. Haidakhan Babaji, also known as Babaji or Bhole Baba, was a revered guru who taught the local community during the 1970s and 1980s. His devotees consider him to be a mahavatar (great incarnation) of Lord Shiva in human form. Although he passed away in 1984, his spiritual presence continues to be felt in the Haidakhan region.
The temple’s serene ambiance and spiritual significance attract devotees and tourists from around the globe. From its vicinity, one can enjoy breathtaking views of prominent Himalayan peaks such as Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, and Trishul Parvat. In addition to the main temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple complex comprises five guest houses, an Italian temple, Sri Babaji’s Kutir (cottage), and the Sri Baba Research Hospital. The temple is particularly vibrant during Navratris (nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga) and evening aartis (prayer ceremonies).
Open from 6:30 AM to 11 AM and 12 PM to 8 PM, the Haidakhan Babaji Temple welcomes all visitors warmly, offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a place where one can rejuvenate and find inner peace amidst the spiritual aura of the Himalayas.
Jhula Devi Temple, a prominent attraction in Ranikhet, dates back to the 8th century and is situated in Chaubatia Gardens, 7 kilometers from the city center. Nestled in the Kumaon Himalayan range in Uttarakhand, this temple holds great significance for worshippers worldwide. The presiding deity of the temple is Goddess Durga, who is depicted sitting on a wooden swing (Jhula), hence the name ‘Jhula Devi Temple’.
Local lore states that Goddess Durga protects the villagers from wild animals, including leopards and tigers, despite the temple being surrounded by forests. The current temple complex, established in 1935, covers a vast area and is renowned across the country for its numerous bells, believed to embody divine and healing powers of “Maa Jhula Devi”. The temple attracts pilgrims and travelers alike seeking a unique experience amidst peace and tranquility.
Timing: 6 AM to 8 PM
Located near Narsingh Maidan in Ranikhet, Uttarakhand, just 500 meters from Ranikhet Bus Stand, the Mankameshwar Temple is a Hindu shrine constructed by the Kumaon Regimental Centre of the Indian Army in 1978. This temple is dedicated to three principal deities: Goddess Kalika, Lord Shiva, and the Radha-Krishna couple.
Surrounded by timeless beauty, the Mankameshwar Temple is one of the most picturesque sites in Ranikhet and attracts a steady stream of devotees. Local residents, especially family members of military personnel in the Kumaon regiment, frequent this shrine for worship. The temple sees heightened activity during the Sawan months when unmarried girls fast and pray here for a blessed married life.
Visitors to the temple can also explore nearby attractions such as the Gurudwara and a woollen garment factory, enhancing the cultural experience of the visit.
Timing: 5 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM.
Located centrally in Ranikhet, Ashiyana Cantonment Park was established by the Ranikhet cantonment with a focus on providing a recreational space for children and families. Often referred to as the Government Garden or Park, Ashiyana Park offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.
This park caters to a diverse range of interests with its features including a herbal park, a dedicated children’s playground, vibrant fountains, and a viewpoint that offers spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains. Designed with a rainforest theme, the park also boasts dinosaur replicas and other carefully crafted attractions that captivate children and tourists alike, making it a must-visit destination in Ranikhet.
In addition to its natural beauty, Ashiyana Park is meticulously landscaped with manicured lawns, lush gardens, and impressive water features. Despite its structured layout, the park retains a natural ambiance that makes walking through it feel like a stroll in the jungle.
Timing: 07:00 AM to 07:00 PM.
Ranikhet is a prominent Uttarakhand hill station. This village is a military installation with plenty of vegetation and beautiful weather all year. However, the best season to visit Ranikhet is from February to November. Summers are pleasant, while the monsoon brings moderate to heavy rain. Winter is a time of freezing temperatures and snow.