- Location: Uttarakhand
- Altitude: 1800 meters
- Temperature: Ranges from 7 degree Celsius to 18 degree Celsius.
- Languages: Kumaoni, Hindi, English
- Famous for: Lush beauty
- Best Time to Visit: Apr-June
Ranikhet is a picture-perfect destination of Uttarakhand; this getaway has been famous since colonial period which British used its as a mountain retreat during the summers. Sitting nicely at a height of 1869 meters from sea level, this place of remarkable beauty is a much sought after destination of the state.
Historical Significance The place of idyllic beauty was developed fully by the British rulers in 1869. Lord Mayo got so impressed with its grandeur that he changed the headquarters from Shimla to Ranikhet. They used to enjoy sports like golf besides spending time from the summer scorch.
Ranikhet Attractions
Unparallel Beauty
Better known as Dev Bhumi, Ranikhet abounds in flowering plants, local meadows and serpentine Rivers. The ecstatic beauty of the place will astound you. The idyllic charm of the place is aggravated by the snow-white peaks, valleys and clear streams of water. As these peaks glisten in sun, you will be spell bound. It is among the best places to invigorate your energies.
Wildlife
Apart from natural charm, another thing worth exploring here is its wildlife. You will have ample of opportunities to watch animals like leopard cat, barking deer, Indian hare, and pine mertin.
Upat/Kalika
Upat is considered among the best golf links of the country. Here, you can also have a glimpse of majestic mountain ranges and fragrant orchards. Another place worth visiting is the Temple of goddess Kali at Kalika.
Majhkhali
It is situated at the base of the Himalayan Mountains. The towering peaks present a splendid view. The site of Mount Trishul, in particular, appears quiet spectacular. An agriculture farm is also located in the vicinity.
Bhalu Dam
It is the main source of water supply to Ranikhet. Here you can enjoy fishing but after taking permission from the wildlife warden of Dehradun.
Drug Factory
A visit to the Drug Factory nearby can be quite informative to you. Here ayurvedic drugs are prepared; you can have a look at the entire process involved in manufacture of these drugs, starting from research to production.
Ranikhet Excursions
Naukuchiatal
Naukuchiatal (nine cornered lake) is located in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand. It is also said to be the deepest lake among all the lakes like Bhimtal, Sattal and Naini Lake of the Kumaon Region. Naukuchiatal offers amazing scenic views and is covered with the pine and oak forest.
Naukuchiatal is definitely a must visit place for the adventure lovers as one gets to enjoy the thrilling activities like Paragliding, boating, trekking, nature walks, sightseeing and horse riding. While paragliding one gets to view the amazing snow clad Himalayan Range. This lake is also a nice place for watching butterflies and birds as one can find varieties of bird and butterflies here.
Naukuchiatal not only offer beautiful scenic views but also provides a peaceful and pleasing environment and this is the reason why people from crowded cities love to visit this place again and again.
Jhoola Devi Temple
(7kms from Ranikhet) This temple dedicated to Durga has beautiful chimes, beside by is a temple of Lord Rama.
Bageshwar
Bageshwar is a city in the Bageshwar District of Uttarakhand located on the confluence of river Saryu and Gomti. For years Bageshwar is known as a holy place and is also full of historical significance. Bhileshwar Mountains, Nileshwar Mountains, Suraj Kund and Agni Kund forms a boundary for the Bageshwar City.
Bageshwar is famous for the Bagnath and Baijnath Temple. The Bagnath temple is a Lord Shiva Temple and the devotees from all over the India comes here during the festival “Mahashivratri”.
Vijaypur is a place in Bageshwar from where one can have an amazing view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks. Bageshwar also offers two beautiful glaciers namely Pindari and Sunderdhunga. These two glaciers are a very popular spot for trekking.
Durga temple, Kalika temple, Sriharu Temple, Gauri Udiyar, Kukuda Mai Temple, Maichula Mandir Hanuman temple, Bhairav temple are among the few temples where devotees must go.
Kausani
Kausani is a hill station positioned in the Bageshwar district of the Uttarakhand State. It’s a must visit place for the peoples who love Nature and scenic attractions, one can take pleasure from the endless stretch of eminent peaks like the Nanda Devi, Trishul, and the Nandakot. The well-known beauty of nature is widening in a magical way across 300 km in the range. The Father of the Nation: Mahatma Gandhi stayed here, in reminiscence of whose Anashakti Ashram is constructed which work as a rest place for tourists.
Kausani is a best place for holidays with friends and family as one gets to view the beautiful Rudradhari Falls and Caves placed with terraced field and intense green brood forests. The glorious waterfalls can be enjoyed while trekking in Adi Kailash region. Tourists can also visit famous Kausani Tea Estate widen over more than 208 hectares in 21 divisions.
One must amaze their life by visiting this wonderful place which is also known as the ‘Switzerland of India’.
Nainital
This magnificent valley is world famous for its heavenly beauty that catches your fancy. Explore the mighty Himalayas including Naini peak or spend time enjoying the tranquil water bodies.
- Also Read: Best Tourist Places to Visit in Nainital
Sat Tal
It is a congregation of seven lakes of freshwater; the unspoilt beauty of the place is marked by trees of pin and oak. You will notice that Sat Tal is rich in biological diversity. More than 500 species of birds and about 20 animal species are known to thrive here.
Bhimtal
The major tourist attractions here are Bhim Tal Lake and Bhimeshwar temple. Among the hilly ranges, Garg Parvat and Hidimba Parvat are very popular. The nag temple at Karkotaka hill is visited by devotees on the auspicious occasion of Rishi Panchami.
Binsar
30 kms from Almora, summer capital of the Chand Rajas, who ruled in the 7th and 8th centuries A.D. for the concept of a cool summer retreat pre- dated the British and Almora can be just a little warm in the summer. Binsar has also beautiful forests of oak and Rhododendron and abounds in alpine flora, terms, hanging moss and innumerable species of wildflowers.
Tarikhet
This lovely hamlet will charm you by its rustic nature and leisurely surroundings. This place is associated for its historical link to Independence movement of India.
Bhowali
It is a gateway to other Hill stations like Almora, Nainital, and Haldwani. The tuberculosis sanatorium and the Sainik School are among the famous places here. Accommodation in the form of Tourist Bungalow is available here.
Khairna/ Bhikiyasen
Khairna is situated at 22 kilometers from Ranikhet, this along with Bhikiyasen are the famous fishing grounds.
Manila
As you go 66 kilometers from Ranikhet, you will reach a scenic place called Manila; this picturesque place is located amidst the lofty mountain ranges of Himalayas.
Hanuman Garhi
It is a pilgrimage center that is devoted to Lord Hanuman. Famous among the tourist for its remarkable sunsets, it is a place worth visiting.
Accommodation
Budget as well as luxury accommodations are available for the tourists. Besides, rest houses can also be booked.
Nearby cities
Majhkhali and Manila are at 13 kilometers distance from here. Nainital is about 59 km and Dwarahat lies at 35 km distance.
Ranikhet is a pleasant retreat for those who want to spend their vacations in the lap of nature.
