Destination Features

Ranikhet - An ideal weekend getaway

A cantonment town in Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), Ranikhet is a quiet escape about 350 kilometers northeast of Delhi. High up in the Kumaon Hills, Ranikhet makes for an ideal weekend getaway, one that lets you take in lungful of fresh mountain air and offers a scenic view of the snow laden mountains.

Ranikhet Best time to go and other useful information

Location: Located in Uttarakhand, Ranikhet lies on the Shivalik ranges, 54 km from Nainital and 50 km from Almora.

Climate: 15 - 25 degrees Celsius during summer and 0 - 12 degrees Celsius during winter.

Altitude: 1829 meters above sea level.

Local languages: Hindi and Kumaoni.

STD Code: 05966

Best time to go: April to June and September to November.

KMVN Tourist Information Office in New Delhi

103, Indraprakash, 21 Barakhamba Road

011-23712296

Tourist Office Ranikhet
Near UP Roadways Bus Stand

East end of Sadar Bazaar, Ranikhet
Tel: 05966-220227

According to popular belief this place won the heart of Rani Padmini who chose this scenic place to be her abode and since then it has been known as Ranikhet or ‘Queen’s Field’.

Ranikhet is a small town and largely a Cantonment area. The Kumaon Regiment headquarters are situated here. Other then the snow peak views the only other thing I found enticing enough was the walk from Mall road back to the Market. I took a jeep to the Mall road and walked back through the cantonment area down winding roads lined with towering pine trees. On the way there is the Kumaon Rehabilitation Center for the widows and wounded of wars. The tweed and shawls I saw here were of excellent quality and beautiful. There is also a store selling assorted handmade items, jams, pickles and preserves.

Reaching There – About 60km from Nainital. The bus costs about Rs.40-50 from Nainital

Sightseeing in Ranikhet

A laidback retreat in Uttarakhand, Ranikhet is a cantonment town about 54 kiometers from Nainital. If you are looking for a complete break devoid of any major activity, this is the place to head to. It is a complete escape from the daily grind. It is great place to do nothing. Just enjoy the majestic views of the Himalayas and relax. Those interested in exploring the area here a few places to check out.

Chaubattia Garden: 10 km south of Ranikhet are the government orchards at Chaubattia. Best to check out the fruit orchards here at the fruit research institute. Apple, Cashew and apricot trees present a pretty sight. Go explore them if you travel in the right season, when flowers in full bloom.

Bhalu Dam: A few kilometers away from the Chaubattia Garden is Bhalu Dam on the Kosi River that supplies Ranikhet with its water. It is also popular for fishing but you need to take prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden Dehradun.

Jhula Devi Temple: It is popular temple in Ranikhet built in the 8th Century. The temple is revered by the locals. According to the local traditions, every time someone’s prayers are answered, a bell is tied in the temple premises. Today it is a charming sight, weighed down with thousands of bells.

Golf Course: If you love teeing off, why not do here. The 9-hole golf course here is one of the highest in the world. The spectacular view of the snow peaks is a delight to watch.

Binsar Mahadev Temple: 15 km from Ranikhet is the Binsar Mahadev Temple 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.

Sightseeing in Ranikhet

A laidback retreat in Uttarakhand, Ranikhet is a cantonment town about 54 kiometers from Nainital. If you are looking for a complete break devoid of any major activity, this is the place to head to. It is a complete escape from the daily grind. It is great place to do nothing. Just enjoy the majestic views of the Himalayas and relax. Those interested in exploring the area here a few places to check out.

Chaubattia Garden: 10 km south of Ranikhet are the government orchards at Chaubattia. Best to check out the fruit orchards here at the fruit research institute. Apple, Cashew and apricot trees present a pretty sight. Go explore them if you travel in the right season, when flowers in full bloom.

Bhalu Dam: A few kilometers away from the Chaubattia Garden is Bhalu Dam on the Kosi River that supplies Ranikhet with its water. It is also popular for fishing but you need to take prior permission from the Chief Wildlife Warden Dehradun.

Jhula Devi Temple: It is popular temple in Ranikhet built in the 8th Century. The temple is revered by the locals. According to the local traditions, every time someone’s prayers are answered, a bell is tied in the temple premises. Today it is a charming sight, weighed down with thousands of bells.

Golf Course: If you love teeing off, why not do here. The 9-hole golf course here is one of the highest in the world. The spectacular view of the snow peaks is a delight to watch.

Binsar Mahadev Temple: 15 km from Ranikhet is the Binsar Mahadev Temple 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.

Things to do in Ranikhet

There is not much to do in Ranikhet except enjoying the scenic views and connecting to one self. Just watch the snow peaks change colour as the day progresses. In fact Ranikhet’s biggest charm lies in its peaceful character. It is a good place to put your nose to book or simply explore the town on foot. Shopping and some good old learning for the kids at the Tweed Factory is another thing that you can do when in Ranikhet.

Things to do in Ranikhet

There is not much to do in Ranikhet except enjoying the scenic views and connecting to one self. Just watch the snow peaks change colour as the day progresses. In fact Ranikhet’s biggest charm lies in its peaceful character. It is a good place to put your nose to book or simply explore the town on foot. Shopping and some good old learning for the kids at the Tweed Factory is another thing that you can do when in Ranikhet.

Hotels in Ranikhet

The best place to stay in Ranikhet if you can manage is Ranikhet Club. You can book in advance on phone, or try your luck if its off-season. The other good place to stay is Majhkali, though a bit away (approx 3 km). Here you may find home stays and some rooms. You man get a decent room for 2 at 1000/- but do bargain. You can also try KMVN Tourist Rest House, Mall Road, Ranikhet: 05966-220893.

Hotels in Ranikhet

The best place to stay in Ranikhet if you can manage is Ranikhet Club. You can book in advance on phone, or try your luck if its off-season. The other good place to stay is Majhkali, though a bit away (approx 3 km). Here you may find home stays and some rooms. You man get a decent room for 2 at 1000/- but do bargain. You can also try KMVN Tourist Rest House, Mall Road, Ranikhet: 05966-220893.

Uttaranchal has a wide network of govt. run guest houses across Kumaon and Gharwal. The KMVN’s (Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam) and GMVN’s (Gharwal Mandal Vikas Nigam) are excellent places to stay with good amenities and clean rooms. Best of all is that all of them are built at strategic points and have the best views.

Booking is best done at any of the Kumaon or Gharwal tourist offices before you leave as during the season they are mostly packed. Prices are reasonable for people traveling in a group. Individual travelers may find it a bit high, though some of the rest houses have dormitories.

Accommodation however is not an issue here as there are numerous hotels due to the increase in tourism. There is a wide range available from low budget to classy. Prices are more than double during the tourist season. A reasonable hotel room would cost about Rs.200 without an attached toilet and Rs.300 with it.

All prices are negotiable except at govt. rest houses that run on fixed tariff cards.

- KMVN is Rs.750 and above

            Tourist House is Rs.300 with attached bathrooms.

Tourism has made sure that you can eat just about any cuisine you want, Indianised of course. However if you dare to eat in the small joints run here you will find an amazing fare. In the morning you will find most places serving stuffed parothas with amazing local chutneys. One of the chutneys I tasted was made from tamarind and was sweet, sour and spicy at the same time.

Lunch seems to be plain rotis or parothas with black chana curry. Beware of the curry, it is not very spicy but on the first bite the different spices will send a shock through you. Dinner seems to be dals and curries with rotis. This is largely a wheat eating state. Look out for local fruits in the market, some of them are not available outside this state. In Mussoorie I ate that I was told were a variety of cashews. They took a lot of peeling and were sweet and tasty. In Nainital I found the coco fruit, that looked like smooth oranges; very juicy with huge seeds. The state seems to have a sweet tooth. Almost every eatery has a display of a wide variety of sweets. Everyone here seems to relish sweets and a bit of mithai is a must after every meal. I remember one day as the bus stopped the shop vendor opposite called out about fresh sweets. About half the bus got down to buy some and that too in kgs. Some sweets that I saw most often and that are supposed to be the Uttaranchal specialty are toffee (it’s like a toffee bar), Bal Mithai (chocolate flavored and covered with white sugar, its very sweet) and Basin Ladoo (This I came to love). The food is not expensive and well priced except in posh hotels in the big towns. Not to be missed is the chai here, sweet and tasty you can just keep drinking cups of it.

How to reach Ranikhet

Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar, 123 km away, but flights are not operational at present.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 91 km away. Daily overnight train ‘Ranikhet Express’ connects Delhi to Kathgodam.

Road: Ranikhet is well connected by road with all important destinations. Regular buses ply from Delhi (386 km), Kathgodam (80 km) and Nainital (59 km).

If you plan to drive on your car, please note that it may take about 10-11 hours so it’s advisable to leave early in the morning. The route is via Hapur, Muradabad, Rudrapur, Haldwani and Kathgoadam. About an hour and a half from Kathgodam (after you have crossed Kainchi Mandir), the road forks into two, one going to Ranikhet the other to Almora. Follow the signboards to Ranikhet.

Road route & driving direction to Ranikhet from Delhis

-         Start from Delhi and take NH 24 to Hapur

-         Continue on NH 24 to Rampur on the way you’ll cross Gajraula and Moradabad

-         Head to Rudrapur and then to Kadhgodam and Bhimtal from Moradabad

-         Take left from Bhimtal to Ranikhet passing through Bhowali and Khairna

How to reach Ranikhet

Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar, 123 km away, but flights are not operational at present.

Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 91 km away. Daily overnight train ‘Ranikhet Express’ connects Delhi to Kathgodam.

Road: Ranikhet is well connected by road with all important destinations. Regular buses ply from Delhi (386 km), Kathgodam (80 km) and Nainital (59 km).

If you plan to drive on your car, please note that it may take about 10-11 hours so it’s advisable to leave early in the morning. The route is via Hapur, Muradabad, Rudrapur, Haldwani and Kathgoadam. About an hour and a half from Kathgodam (after you have crossed Kainchi Mandir), the road forks into two, one going to Ranikhet the other to Almora. Follow the signboards to Ranikhet.

Road route & driving direction to Ranikhet from Delhis

-         Start from Delhi and take NH 24 to Hapur

-         Continue on NH 24 to Rampur on the way you’ll cross Gajraula and Moradabad

-         Head to Rudrapur and then to Kadhgodam and Bhimtal from Moradabad

-         Take left from Bhimtal to Ranikhet passing through Bhowali and Khairna