RANIKHET
(Introduction)
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 Field”.
Ranikhet
hills 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.
An
unusual name, a quaint legend and the sheer beauty of its envions
make this Kumaon hill station a wonderful holiday resort
RANIKHET -(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. The weather in Ranikhet
is alpine. Summers (April-June) are mild and winters are cold (November-February).
It experiences southwestern monsoon rains in July-September and
experiences snowfall in winters.
Ranikhet
(Climate)
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.
RANIKHET
- (History)
According
to popular belief, Ranikhet got its name when Rani Padmini, queen
of Raja Sukherdev, the local ruler, saw this place and was struck
by its beauty. She was so captivated by the place that she decided
to stay there, and the place came to be known as Ranikhet (literally,
queen' s field). The region around Ranikhet was ruled by local Kumaoni
rulers and later came under British rule. The British developed
Ranikhet as a hill station for their troops and established a cantonment
in 1869. Ranikhet is still a cantonment town and is the Kumaon Regimental
Center.
RANIKHET
- TOURIST SPOTS
Nanda Devi
Mela
Nanda
Devi Mela is a fair of great religious and cultural significance.
It is held at Nanda Devi Temple in September to commemorate the
memory of goddesses, Nanda and Sunanda. It is said to have started
in Kumaon, during the reign of Raja Kalyan Chand in the 16th century.
Nanda means prosperity and well being. Nanda Devi Mela is held as
a symbol of prosperity, both material and spiritual, of the hill
regions. The Nanda Devi Mela is held at Almora, Nainital, Nauti,
Dandidhara, Munsyari & Ranikhet, of which the Almora and Roopkund
fairs are the most famous.
Upat
and Kalika
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 km away. Just one kilometre 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.
Chaubatia
As
the name implies, these are four, fruit gardens, with a Government
Fruit Research Centre, complete with a fruit sales depot and cafeteria.
It is 10 kilometres from Ranikhet.
Majhkhali
On
the Ranikhet - Almora road, 13 km, is a spot of entrancing, celestial
beauty. Here is an awe-inspiring view of the majesty of the snoy
peaks. The U.P. Government Agriculture Farm is situated here.
Bhalu
Dam
Main
Source of the town's water supply comes from the Bhalu Dam, 3.2
kilometres from Chaubatia. It is famous for its fishing.
RANIKHET
-(Excursion)
Almora
Almora
is 50 km from Ranikhet, is famous for its health resorts
and panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges.
Dwarahat
Dwarahat,
38 km away, was once the principal seat of the Katyuri Rajas. It
is full of ancient sculptures.
Sitalakhet
Sitalakhet
(35 km), Tarikhet (8 km) and Khairna (22 km) are some of the places
that one can visit from Ranikhet.
RANIKHET
-(When to Visit)
Ranikhet
can be visited throughout the year. But the best season to visit
Ranikhet would be in the summer months (March-June) or September-November
as the climate is fairly pleasant then.
RANIKHET
- HOW TO REACH
Air:The nearest airport
is Pantnagar 119 Km away.
Rail:The
nearest railway station Kathgodam 80 km, is directly connected by
rail to Lucknow, Bareilly and Agra.
Road:Ranikhet
is connected by road to many places.
Road
Distances (Some important distances are: Kathgodam 80 km)
Nainital 54 km
Almora 49 km
Bareilly 181 km
Delhi 340 km
Karnaprayag 136 km.
Facts
& Figures
Languages : Kumaoni,
Hindi, and English
Best Time to Visit :
Around the year
STD : 05966
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