Ranikhet or “Queen’s Meadow” is a mesmerizing hill station falling under the state of Uttarakhand. It can be located at the height of 1829 m. It is the said that the hill station got it’s name from Queen Padmini of Kumaon, she was desperately in love with this splendid hill paradise and to oblige the aspirations of his queen, King Sudhardev made a palace built here. It later came to be known as Ranikhet or Queen’s field as translated in English.
The hill station is located nearby Nainital. Another relevant part is to consult local tour guides or hotel staff before visiting here. The Hill station is maintained by the Indian Army. It is also serving as base for Kumaon and Naga regiment. The hill station was out of the contact of the world for a long time. It was rediscovered by the Britishers in the late 1870s. They later transformed this tiny hill station into headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment. At present, Ranikhet is as same as any other cantonment town. The highway to Ranikhet has lot of small markets where vendors had a variety of delicious apples, apricots, peaches and various other alpine fruits.
Ranikhet- Almora Road
The hill station is approximately 8-hrs or (350+ KMS) journey from Delhi and 1.30 hrs or (55 KMS) from Nainital. The splendid hill station can also be easily reached through daily overnight air-conditioned train. “Ranikhet Express” that runs from New Delhi to Kathgodam and can further cover the distance of 75Kms by using private AC/ Non AC Buses and Taxis. One can also reach Ranikhet Hill Station via air conditioned/ non air conditioned buses that ply on regular basis from New Delhi.
Some of the Major Tourist Attractions of Ranikhet are :-
1. Bhalu Dam – Bhalu Dam was constructed nearly 200 years ago by a British Viceroy as a source of drinking water for the soldiers. After a 10km drive from Kothiyan, the lake is an another 3km hike down from the Chaubatia Orchard. It offer paranomic view of the Himalayan mountainsnear the dam. The dam site is open to tourists throughout the year. The views of the massive Himalayan peaks make Bhalu Dam an ideal spot for camping.
View from Binsar Mahadev
2. Binsar Mahadev Temple – Another tourist attraction lying at the distance of approximately 15 km from Ranikhet. It is one of the most popular temple of Lord Shiva. It has a stunning stream flowing just in its vicinity. The temple is surrounded by verdant cedar forests.
3. Chaubatia Gardens – One of the most popular destinations in Ranikhet. Chaubatia is situated merely at a distance of 10 kms from Ranikhet. It offers a charming view of Himalayan cascades.
4. Upat and Kalika Golf Course – Ranikhet has the Asia’s highest altitude located natural 9 hole golf course. It offers a tempting environment to the golf lovers. Another attraction is the Kali temple and a forest nursery opposite the golf course are also worth visiting.
Katarmal Sun Temple
5.Katarmal Sun Temple – Katarmal Sun Temple is a religious site located 16 kms from the town of Almora. It is easily accessible from Ranikhet and Almora making it an approx 2 hrs of scenic drives with a view of the verdant himalayas. The temple is dedicated to Lord Surya. The temple complex is almost 800 years old. The main temple is surrounded by another 45 smaller temples. Though this ancient shrine is in ruins today, it is regarded as a major tourist attraction of Ranikhet and Almora.
