Thursday, March 3, 2011

Ranikhet Uttarakhand




Ranikhet, as hill station, is idyllic in its charm, and draws holiday-makers almost all the year round with its salubrious climate and balmy breeze. Against the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, Ranikhet means “Queen’s Meadow”.

At on altitude of 1829m, north of Nainital (61 km) and well connected to Almora (44km) & Kathgodam (83km), Ranikhet ( km) has emerged as a favoured all season destination. During the rains, flowers sprout up everywhere in rainbow colours, branches of trees stoop with ripened fruits & sunlight peeping through the mist & clouds endow an enchanting effect all across Ranikhet.

As winter comes, the softly falling snow flakes cover the environs in sheets of pure whiteness.The 1869 the land was bought by British from local villagers and a summer rest & recreation settlement was set for British troops. Today it is an important army town and the head quarters of the Kumaon Regiment.

All the four seasons have something special to offer at Ranikhet. Therefore, it can be visited at any time of the year. Winters are cold and the entire region experiences snowfalls during the months of December and January.

Places to visit in ranikhet

Chaubatia Gardens: 10kms from Ranikhet are the famous apple orchard which remain laden with fruits round the year. Ranikhet is known for its delicious apples, apricots, peaches and various opther alpine fruits. Besides apples, it is also possible to buy honey and fresh fruit juice from the sales counter of the garden.

Jhoola Devi Temple- This secluded temple dedicated to Maa Durga has beautiful bells, echoes of which can be heard from some distance. Nearby is a temple of Lord Rama.

Binsar Mahadev : 15 km from Ranikhet town is the BinsarMahadevTemple which has a beautiful stream flowing close to it. Apart from a Shiva temple, an ashram, Binsar Mahadev also has a lovely cedar forest surrounding it.

How to reach Ranikhet

Reach Ranikhet by Air : Nearest airport is Pant Nagar, (119km)

Reach Ranikhet by Rail : as with the other hill stations in the Kumaon Region, Kathgodam (83 km) and Ramnagar (96km) are the nearest railheads.


Reach Ranikhet by Road : Ranikhet is connected by road with all the major towns of the region. There are regular buses to Almora, Nainital & Ramnagar operated by KMOU & State Roadways, - 20643. It is also well connected to Delhi (279km), & Haridwar (254 km).

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