Ranikhet - Queen’s Field
Ranikhet is perched on the Kumaon hills in the state of Uttarakhand or Uttaranchal in the northern part of India. It is located at an altitude of 1824 m above sea level. This hilly region is 59 km from Nainital and 50 km from Almora.
History:
Rani Padmini, Queen of Raja Sukherdev, the local ruler was so enchanted by this region’s natural beauty and peacefulness. She wanted to stay back here. Hence this region obtained its name in honor of her, literally meaning “Queen’s Field”. Local Kumaoni kings ruled the area surrounding this area. Later the British took over the place and established a cantonment for their troops in 1869. This place is also Kumaoni Regimental Centre and Recruiting Area.
Nanda Devi View:
Tourists can have a majestic view of the great Himalayan peak Nanda Devi from Ranikhet. This peak is 7816 m above sea level.
Nanda Devi Temple:
This temple is dedicated to the Goddesses Nanda and Sunanda. Every year in September a fair is held here, which has cultural and religious significance. The people here believe that this Nanda Devi Mela brings prosperity and spirituality to this region.
Chaubatia:
This is a beautiful orchard located 10 km from Ranikhet. It has four fruit gardens, Government Fruit Research Centre, fruit depot and cafeteria within it.
Upat and Kalika:
Upat is 5.6 km away from Ranikhet. It has one of the best 9-hole golf courses in India. Tourists can have good time by bringing along with them their golf clubs. One side of this golf course is flanked by a panoramic snow capped mountain peak. A private fruit orchard is also maintained here. Tourists must visit the Kalika temple one km away from Upat. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Majkhali:
This is located on the Almora-Ranikhet route at about 13 km from Ranikhet. Tourists can have a grand view of majestic snowy peaks from here. This place also houses the U.P Government Agriculture Farm.
Bhalu Dam:
This dam is 3.2 km from Chaubatia. Tourists can indulge in fishing here. This dam is mainly meant for the town’s water supply.
Almora:
Tourists can visit the health resorts and can have a majestic view of the western Himalayan peaks from Almora. Almora is 50 km away from Ranikhet.
Dwarahat:
If travelers are interested in ancient sculptures, then they must add Dwarahat in their tour itinerary. Dwarahat has many sculptures and it was once the capital of Katyuri Rajas.
Sitlakhet:
This town is 24 km from Ranikhet. Here one can enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan Range. Travelers can relax by walking through the thick forests and orchards which surround Sitlakhet.
Dunagiri:
Dunagiri is 14 km from Dwarahat. It has an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. The bronze plate inside the temple is believed to date back to AD1181. It pulls a number of pilgrims every year.
Tarikhet:
It is just 8 km from Ranikhet. It has a small hut at a place called Gandhi Kuti. This is where Gandhiji stayed for a while in the year 1929.
Adventurous tourists can go for trekking in this hilly region. It has several trekking routes which pass through interesting terrains.
The nearest airport is at Pant Nagar (Nainital). The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam. However, Ranikhet is well connected by road with the major cities of India.
History:
Rani Padmini, Queen of Raja Sukherdev, the local ruler was so enchanted by this region’s natural beauty and peacefulness. She wanted to stay back here. Hence this region obtained its name in honor of her, literally meaning “Queen’s Field”. Local Kumaoni kings ruled the area surrounding this area. Later the British took over the place and established a cantonment for their troops in 1869. This place is also Kumaoni Regimental Centre and Recruiting Area.
Nanda Devi View:
Tourists can have a majestic view of the great Himalayan peak Nanda Devi from Ranikhet. This peak is 7816 m above sea level.
Nanda Devi Temple:
This temple is dedicated to the Goddesses Nanda and Sunanda. Every year in September a fair is held here, which has cultural and religious significance. The people here believe that this Nanda Devi Mela brings prosperity and spirituality to this region.
Chaubatia:
This is a beautiful orchard located 10 km from Ranikhet. It has four fruit gardens, Government Fruit Research Centre, fruit depot and cafeteria within it.
Upat and Kalika:
Upat is 5.6 km away from Ranikhet. It has one of the best 9-hole golf courses in India. Tourists can have good time by bringing along with them their golf clubs. One side of this golf course is flanked by a panoramic snow capped mountain peak. A private fruit orchard is also maintained here. Tourists must visit the Kalika temple one km away from Upat. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali.
Majkhali:
This is located on the Almora-Ranikhet route at about 13 km from Ranikhet. Tourists can have a grand view of majestic snowy peaks from here. This place also houses the U.P Government Agriculture Farm.
Bhalu Dam:
This dam is 3.2 km from Chaubatia. Tourists can indulge in fishing here. This dam is mainly meant for the town’s water supply.
Almora:
Tourists can visit the health resorts and can have a majestic view of the western Himalayan peaks from Almora. Almora is 50 km away from Ranikhet.
Dwarahat:
If travelers are interested in ancient sculptures, then they must add Dwarahat in their tour itinerary. Dwarahat has many sculptures and it was once the capital of Katyuri Rajas.
Sitlakhet:
This town is 24 km from Ranikhet. Here one can enjoy a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayan Range. Travelers can relax by walking through the thick forests and orchards which surround Sitlakhet.
Dunagiri:
Dunagiri is 14 km from Dwarahat. It has an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga. The bronze plate inside the temple is believed to date back to AD1181. It pulls a number of pilgrims every year.
Tarikhet:
It is just 8 km from Ranikhet. It has a small hut at a place called Gandhi Kuti. This is where Gandhiji stayed for a while in the year 1929.
Adventurous tourists can go for trekking in this hilly region. It has several trekking routes which pass through interesting terrains.
The nearest airport is at Pant Nagar (Nainital). The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam. However, Ranikhet is well connected by road with the major cities of India.
