A quaint little hill station conceived by the British tucked away in the Kumaon Himalayas. An old army cantonment from British time. Charmingly unspoilt natural beauty…. Screne and quiet. This is Ranikhet.

Discovered by Lord Mayo in 1869 and developed as a cantonment for the Imperial Soldiers, Ranikhet is perched at an altitude of 1829 meters. Even today it boasts as the home of the Kumaon regiment. Here, time stands still.

Facts File

Area: 21.76 sq. km.

Population: 18174 (1991 census)

Altitude: 1829 mtrs. Above sea level.

Season: April to June, September to October

Clothing: Summer - Light Woolens ; Winter - Woolens

Language: Hindi, Kumaoni and English

Local Transport : Taxis/Jeeps/Buses

Perched admist "Dev Bhumi" a visit to the numerous ancient temples built from the 6th to 12th century sets the tone of love, peace, contentment and happiness. Ranikhet is the apex of a triangle which includes Nainital and Almora, driving along gentle slopes and pine covered hillsides, leading to picnic spots in shady glens or to sheer cliffs with breath taking views of the snow covered Himalayas, offering various moods and colours, from the misty morning sun to pink, gold and cobalt blue in all their majestic glory. The unparalled view from Bazaar, one Kilometer long, is absolutely nostalgic. Here, natural beauty is intermingled with a flavor of history.

Excursion

The more adventurous can descend on a whole lot of day excursions:

Binsar Mahadev 14 kms

Dwarahat 35 kms

Sitlakhet 30 kms

Almora 45 kms

Binsar 60 kms

Kausani 75 kms

Jim Corbett Park 90 kms

Chaubatia : 10kms. away and popularly known as orchard country, commands a picturesque view of the Himalayas.

Bhaludam : 3kms. from Chaubatia, known for its artificial lake and picnic spots.

Upat and Kalika : 5kms. from Ranikhet, on the main road to Almora is one of the best 9-hole golf courses in the area and is surrounded by lush pine forests. The Kali temple and a forest nursery nearby are worth visiting. It could be an ideal location for film shooting.

Majkhali : 13kms. from, Ranikhet, on the way to Almora, Majkhali offers a close view of the snowy heights.

Chaukhutia : Chaukhutia is famous for its natural beauty and fishing centre. It is about 54kms enroute to Badrinath.

Manila : Manila ( meaning enchanting ) is 87kms. from Ranikhet & 75kms. from Ramnagar. Manila is the seat of Manila Devi - the family Goddess of the Katyuri clan. The forest and the Himalayan view from this hill is enchanting.

Jaurasi : 6000ft., above sea level, 16kms. from Chaukhutia, Jaurasi is famous for its panoramic view.

Khairna : 22kms. from Ranikhet on the Nanital route, it is famous for fishing.

How to Reach

A large network of road and rail connects Ranikhet to all parts of India. It is an eight hours drive from Delhi via Moradabad and Haldwani. A convenient daily overnight air-conditioned train - " Ranikhet Express" connects Delhi to the railhead Kathgodam. Besides innumerous bus services, both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned, are available from Scindia House, New Delhi and Anand Vihar Bus Terminal, Delhi.

Air:- Nearest Airport is Pantnagar, 112 Kms, but flights are not operational at

Rail:- Nearest Railway heads are Kathgodam - 80 Km. & Ramnagar 96 Km.

Road :- Ranikhet is well connected by roads to important centers in the reigion. Some of the major distances are : Almore (49 km.), Delhi (386 km.), Nainital (59 km.), Kathgodam (80 km)