Ranikhet Holidays Tours

Ranikhet is holiday tourist attractions in Uttranchal, north India. High up in the Kumaon hills at 6,000ft, Ranikhet is 54 Km from Nainital and 354 Km north east of Delhi.

Kumaoni queen Rani Padmini fell so deeply in love with the green glades and meadows of a tiny hill paradise that her king, Raja sukherdev, built her a grand place there and named the place Ranikhet or queens meadow. So goes the legend. There is no trace of a place to lend credence to this legend, but few who have visited Ranikhet have any doubts about its charms.

Part of the Ranikhet experience is in getting there. You are treated to the vistas that made the hill stations of Uttaranchal justly famous thick forested slopes of pine and deodar down which charge lively mountain streams and far below pristine valleys carpeted with flowers.

As you approach Ranikhet keep a look out for the best view of all as the snow clad Himalaya comes into full view.

With museums, temples, lively bazaars and orchards full of fruit, there is plenty to see and do here. Ranikhet is also a great place in which to do nothing but relax and gaze leisurely at the majestic Himalaya.

Also check out the kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, KRC widow’s organization and weaving factory, Jhula Devi and Mankameshwar temples

Chaubatia Orchards and Bhalu Dam

Picnic in the gardens at the government orchards at Chaubatia, 10km to the south or Ranikhet and buy some seasonal fruit. The Bhalu Dam on the Kosi River 3.2 Km away, popular for fishing. Be sure however to obtain prior permission fron the Chief Wildlife Warden, Dehra Dun before you go casting your rod.

Majhkhali

Another 13km down the Almora Road, this village has many nice picnic sports. Awe-inspiring snow peaks provide magnificent views. Go lose yourself to nature.

Upat and Kalika

Upat offers golfing at high altitudes, where a high powered shot can land far below in the valley, Visitors can have a game of golf at the Army Golf Course in Upat fro Rs 500. Golf clubs are also available for hire at Rs100. An old temple dedicated togoddess Kali lies just a kilometer away from Upat at Kalika.

Ranikhet sadar Bazaar is crowded with hotels and guest houses, but they are a complete let down and grossly overpriced. Hotels on the Mall are much better. During high season, you must book in advance.

Around Ranikhet

Tarikhet 8Km, Sitlakhet 39 Km

Do visit Gandhi Kutir in Tarikhet a small hut in which Mahatma Gandhi once stayed. More spectacular views of the Himalaya can be had at Sitlakhet, further down the Almora Road. Full of lush orchards, sitlakhet is famouse for its herbs. The town’s other attraction is the Syahi Devi Temple. Nearby just 2 Km from Sitlakhet, lies Khoont the ancestral village of Pandit Goind Vallabh Pant.

Dwarahat 35 Km

Seat of the Katyuri Dynastry in the 16th century, Dwarahat is a rich tourist spot whith sculptures. Land up here around April 13 – 15 for the Syalde bikhoti Mela Dwarhat is up the Ranikhet – Karnaprayag Highway that links Kumaon to Garhwal.

Route from Delhi, NH24 to Rampr via Hapur, Gajraula and Moradabad, NH87 to Kathgodam via Rudrapur state highway to Ranikhet via Bhimtal, Bhowali and Khairana.