Introduction:

Ranikhet is located in the northern state of Uttaranchal in the Kumaon hills Ranikhet, literally meaning 'the queen's fields' is just like a heaven on earth. It is situated 6000 feet above the sea level in Uttaranchal. Thick forests, deodar and pine trees in the foreground and an unending range of Himalayas sweeping in the background, Ranikhet is spell binding.

Photo Credit: Mrneutrino

Destination Facts:

Location: Uttarakhand, Almora
Altitude : 1,829mts above sea level.
Temperature: Summer 15°C-30°C. Winter 0°C-24°C.
Languages spoken: Hindi.

Getting there:

Nearest Airports: Pantnagar airport is the nearest domestic terminal, which is 119 km away.
Main Railway Station: Kathgodam Railway station, about 80 km away from Ranikhet, is the nearest railhead.
Main Bus Station or Road: Ranikhet is well connected with nearby cities like Nainital (54 km), Almora (49 km) and Bareily (181 km). Tourist and State owned bus services are available from Delhi to Ranikhet, covering the distance of 350 km.

Distance of a few Major Towns from Ranikhet:
Nainital (54 km), Almora (49 km) and Bareily (181 km)

Places of tourist interest:

Golf Course :
The Golf Course at Ranikhet is the second biggest natural golf course in the country today. It is a nine-hole course and is one of the major attractions of the Ranikhet town. A temple dedicated to Goddess Kalika is located very close to the Ranikhet Golf Course.

Jhula Devi :
Jhula Devi is a temple that is dedicated to Goddess Durga. This temple is more than 800 years old. It is said that if a person asks for something and gets it, then he is supposed to tie a bell in the temple. Situated very close to the Jhula Devi temple is another temple, that is dedicated to Lord Ram.

Chaubattia Garden:
Chaubattia garden is a world famous apple garden which is also famous for breeding apple plants. One can buy fresh fruit juice, etc. from the counters at the outlet, during the season. The research laboratory located here is a must visit place. Also, the Chaubattia garden provides a wonderful view of the Himalayan ranges.

Hairakhan temple:
The Hairakhan temple is located about 4 kms. from the city of Ranikhet in the town of Chiliyanaula. The Hairakhan temple was established by Shri Hairakhan Maharaj who is said to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. From here, one can also get a very good view of the Himalayan valley. The GD Birla Memorial School is also located not far from this place.

Binsar Mahadev:
Situated about 15 kms. from Ranikhet, is the Binsar Mahadev Temple. It has a beautiful and fresh water stream flowing very close to it. Apart from the temple, Binsar Mahadev also has cedar forests surrounding the place.

Dronagiri and Pandavkholi :
The 1,100 year old Dronagiri temple is located about 52 kms. from Ranikhet. Legends have it that during the Ram Ravan battle, when Laxman got injured by Medhnath's arrow, Hanuman was sent to get Sanjivani buti from Himalayas. This buti fell from his hands where the Dronagiri stands now. About 5 kms. ahead of Dronagiri is the famous cave of Pandavkholi which finds its description even in the famous autobiography of a Yogi of Lahiri Mahashay.

Baijnath Temple:
The Baijnath temple is located about 70 kms. from Ranikhet. There is a stone idol of Goddess Parvathi inside the temple. This temple is an beautiful example of ancient art. Here, one can also enjoy feeding large number of fishes but please keep in mind that fishing in this area is strictly prohibited.

Katarmal (Sun Temple):
Situated about 25 kms. from Ranikhet, a beautiful trek leads one to one of the two Sun temples of the country. If you do not quite feel like trekking all the way up, there is also the option to drive although it won't take you up all the way to the temple. This beautifully designed temple was created in the 12th century this temple is protected and preserved by the Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI).

Dwarahat:
Dwarahat is located about 37 kms. from Ranikhet. It is a prime tourist attraction of the Kumaon region. It was once the power centre of the Katyuri rulers back in the 16th century.

Getting around the destination:
Cycle rickshaws and dandies, Car, Private Taxies are found here for local places to visit.

Shopping Areas & Entertainment:
Ranikhet is famous for its Marino woolen shawls, tweeds and cloth surgical bandages. Baal Mithai is the specialty of Ranikhet.

Best time to visit:
April to June is best time to visit.

Festivals:
Nanda Devi Mela, Shayaldeh Mela, Dwarahat Mela, Summer and Autumn festivals, Nav Ratri festival in Hairakhan (Chinia Naula) is the famous festival in Ranikhet.