The charming hill station of Ranikhet is located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand at an elevation of 1,829mts above sea level. Ranikhet has everything to pacify the nerves of an avid city dweller.
The hill station is Ranikhet, literally meaning - Queens Land, is an all season tourist-spot for the admirers of the natural beauty. Ranikhet is a place that reflects the best of the great Himalayas. The charming and majestic views of the pine trees, lush green forests, delicate plant life and attractive wild life, the scented mountain breeze, the fresh and pure, the singing of birds, the panoramic view of the Himalayas sight, all adds to the heavenly and pure feeling of Ranikhet.
History of Ranikhet :-
Lost into oblivion for long, the picturesque hill station was rediscovered by the Britishers. In 1869, the British established the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment here and used the station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer. Ranikhet is a cantonment town and is the home for the Kumaon Regimental Centre & Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army. The main city of Ranikhet is fairly crowded but the military area offers serene environment.
SIGHT SEEING & EXCURSION >>
Majkhali:
Majkhali is a small hemlet located at 12 kms from Ranikhet town on Almora road. Well known for its natural beauty, Majkhali is also famous for Goddess Kali temple. There are numerous picnic spots in its nearby locations.Majkhali - Heavenly Place Majkhali offers a magnificient view of snow capped Himalayas with natural biosphere. It also hosts a forest nursery where they have different variety of Flora and Fauna species. There is also a Birla Girls School situated at Majkhali.
Bhalu Dam:
The Bhalu Dam is an artificial lake adorned in the preserved forest area located about 3 km below the Chaubatia Orchard . It is 1 km trek from Ranikhet. This lake was constructed in 1903 by the British Government. It was built to solve the water shortage issues in the area. The surrounding areas of this pristine lake offer mesmerizing views of the sun-kissed Himalayan peaks. The Bhalu Dam is an important site for camping and picnicking. This lake is opened for tourists throughout the year.
Chaubatia Gardens:
Chaubatia Gardens is located about 10 km south of Ranikhet in Almora district of Uttarakhand. The name Chaubatia literally suggests the junction of 4 ways. The Chaubatia Gardens are perched at an altitude of 1,800 metres above sea level and sprawls over 600 acres of land. This place is renowned for the orchards laden with juicy fruits like peaches, apples, apricots and much more. This charming place is a nature hub for the solitary lovers and those who want to bond with nature. One can savour a panoramic view of the Himalayan beauties such as Neelkanth, Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nandaghunti.
Haidakhan Temple:
The Haidakhan Temple is adorned at Chidianuala Ranikhet . This temple is made by Haidakhan who is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva to whom this temple is dedicated. Haidakhan’s birth has always been a mystery. He left his mortal remains in 1984, at an early age. This temple proudly displays a tall statue of Lord Hanuman and Lord Shiva. Many devotees from abroad visit this temple to have their marriage in Indian tradition. One can savour the views of the majestic Himalayan beauties such as Nanda Devi, Panchachuli etc from the temple. One can meditate in the peaceful surroundings of this temple as there is tranquility all around.
Jhula Devi Temple:
Jhula Devi temple is an ancient 8th century temple located at a distance of 7 km from Ranikhet near Chaubatia. Earlier a number of wild animals such as leopards and tigers, who used to attack the villagers, inhabited the dense woods near the temple. When the villagers offered prayers to Durga Maa for their safety, the Durga Maa then appeared in the dreams of a shehard and advised him to excavate her idol. Hence, the temple was built on the very place. Since then it is believed that Jhuli Devi grants the wishes of her devotees. On the fulfilment of the wishes, the devotees offer a bell at the temple. One can see dozens of bells adorned at the temple.
Mankameshwar Temple:
Mankameshwar Temple is a Hindu shrine adjacent to Narsingh Maidan at Ranikhet town of Uttarakhand. This temple was built in 1978 by the Kumaon Regimental Centre and is located near Rani Jheel in army cantonment area. The main deities of this temple are Ma Kalika, Lord Shiva and Radha-Krishna. The ethereal natural beauty around the temple is eye captivating. The Mankameshwar Temple can be easily accessible as it only 1 km away from Ranikhet. The tourists can also visit the Gurudwara and a woolen garment factory, which is located near the temple.
Upat Golf Course:
One of the highest golf courses in Asia, the famous Upat Golf Course also known as Ranikhet Golf Course is situated only 6 km away from Ranikhet . It is located near Ghingari Khal and is looked after by the Kumaon Regiment. The Upat Golf Course is a nine-hole golf course, which displays well-manicured green grass sprawling on the golf course. It also offers membership plans for outsiders as well. On the way to this golf course, you will see the glorious views of the majestic Himalayan ranges.
Tarikhet Village:
Tarikhet is a solitary village located near the sister village of Ranikhet which literally suggests ‘Queen’s Meadow’. This quaint village is located about 8 km from Ranikhet, en route Ramnagar . The major attractions of this place are the small hut known as Gandhi Kuti, where Mahatma Gandhi awaited his stay during the freedom struggle. The village of Tarikhet was the center of all the major activities related to the freedom struggle.
Manila:
The tiny hamlet of Manila located about 87 km from Ranikhet in Almora is the native place of Manila Devi , the family goddess of Katyuri clan from where the region got its name. This lesser know place is perched at an elevation of 1,820 metres, snuggled in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. The two popular tourist destinations Ramnagar near Jim Corbett is located about 75 km from Manila and Marchula, nestled near the banks of Ramganga River is only 45 km away from Manila.