Ranikhet
Ranikhet is a small hill station set in the Kumaon hills. It offers the tourists a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayan peaks. The environs of Ranikhet are sylvan, peaceful and attractive. Ranikhet is a cantonment town and is known for its ancient temples.
LOCATION
Ranikhet is situated in the northern part of the state of Uttaranchal, in the northern region of India. It is situated in the Kumaon hills and is located on an altitude of 1824 m above sea level. Ranikhet is 59 km from Nainital and 50 km from Almora.
Temperature
Summer - Minimum 8.4 Degrees Celsius, Maximum 32.2 Degrees Celsius
Winter - Minimum 3.3 Degrees Celsius, Maximum 7.2 Degrees Celsius
Best Time to Visit: March to June, September to November
Clothing
summer - Cottons and light woollens, Winter - Heavy woollen
Information
The tourist office (220227) near the up road ways bus at the east of end of bazaarThey have a useful Ranikhet booklet. Open daily 9 am to 6 pm. KMVN (2297) at the Tourist Rest House, can book rooms at KMVN hotels.
Money
You can change money at the state bank of India (may limit exchanges to $100 a day) and the Nainital(2637). They are both located on the road above the bazaar, that runs parallel to it. Other banks in town also change money. .
Accommodation
Chevron Rosemount, Mall Road - (05966) 220989; www.chevronhotels.com
Tourist Rest House, Mall Road - (05966) 220297
West View Hotel, Mall Road - (05966) 220261, 220396
Ranikhet Club, Mall Road - (05966) 220611
Places To See Ranikhet
1. Jhoola devi temple
This secluded temple dedicated to Durga has beautiful bells, echoes of which can be heard from some distance. Nearby is a temple of Lord Rama.
2. Chaubatia Garden
10 kms from Ranikhet on a motorable road, Chaubatia is a vantage point set amidst gardens. On a clear morning a 300 kms wide view of the snow-clad Himalayan peaks can be seen clearly from Chaubatia. The NandaDevi, Trishul, Nandaghunti and Nilkanth peaks are very clear.
3. Upat (Golf Course)
With one of the best 9 hole golf links in the country, Upat is a boon to the enthusiast. With the added attraction of private orchards, it is 5.6 kms away. Just 1 km. from Upat is Kalika with its famous temple to the Goddess Kali. It also has good forest nursery. A beautiful snowcapped mountain peak is available on the other side of the golf link at Upat.- From Kalika a 45 minute drive away, through misty, pine forests is another temple, the Binsar Mahadev.
4. Bhalu Dam
Bhalu Dam is an Artificial lake and is situated 3kms away from Ranikhet.
5. Majkhali
A vantage point on the road to Almora . On the Ranikhet Almora road, 13kms is a spot of entrancing celestial beauty. Here is an awe inspiring view of the majesty of the snow peaks . the up government Agriculture Farm is situated here.
6. Shitalakhet
35 kms from Ranikhet Scenic spot offering a fine view of the Himalayas. It has lush orchads and also known for its herbal and medicinal plants. It is an ideal place for a pe
aceful holiday.
7. Dwarahat
38 kms from Ranikhet on the Badrinath road, was once the seat of the Katyari kings who are said to have ruled from the Great Himalayas to the plains. It is now famous for its 55 temples divided into 8 groups dating from the 11the century and have some fascinating stone carvings. A 5 kms walk from Dwarkhat, or 15 kms away by road, is Dunagir with view of the Himalayas . there is also Durga temple built in 1181 A.D.
8. Tarikhet
Tarikhet is a village 8 kms from Ranikhet on the Ramnagar road. A small hut, Gandhi Kuti, where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during the Freedom Movement, is its main attraction.
How To Reach
Ranikhet does not have an airport or railway station. The nearest airport is at Pant Nagar (Nainital). Regular flights operate during the summer. The nearest railhead for Ranikhet is Kathgodam. Ranikhet is well connected with all important cities by road. The main bus station is located near the main tourist office adjacent to the Sadar Bazaar area. The bus service from Ranikhet to Nainital (3 hours), Almora (3 hours), Kathgodam (4 hours), and Kausani (4 hours) is frequent.
