Complete Ranikhet Travel Guide
Top Places & Activities
Ranikhet Golf Course (1,829m): Asia's highest golf course — a 9-hole course in a meadow surrounded by Himalayan oak and rhododendron forest. Maintained by the Indian Army. Day visitors may play with prior permission. Entry: ₹200–300/round. The golf course and the adjoining Upat meadow are the most scenic green spaces in Ranikhet.
Chaubatia Government Fruit Orchards (9 km): A 600-acre government fruit orchard at 1,800m — growing apples, peaches, apricots, plums and walnuts. The orchard is open to visitors and sells fruit directly in season (August–October). The apple trees in blossom (April) are exceptional. Entry: ₹30. Adjacent Bhalu Dam (small reservoir) for picnics.
Jhula Devi Temple: A Durga temple known for its thousands of small bells hung by devotees as thanksgiving offerings — the temple walls, ceiling and trees are covered with bells in every size, creating an unusual sound when the wind blows. Unique in Kumaon. 2 km from the main market.
Majkhali (12 km): A meadow with a clear Himalayan panorama including Nanda Devi, Trishul and the full Kumaon range. The viewpoint is clear on October–November mornings. Majkhali Kalika Temple is an additional attraction in the meadow.
How to Reach Ranikhet
| Origin | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 312 km | 6–7 hrs |
| Kathgodam | 80 km | 2.5 hrs |
| Almora | 49 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Nainital | 58 km | 2 hrs |
80 km from Kathgodam (2.5 hrs), 312 km from Delhi. Buses from Kathgodam to Ranikhet: frequent (₹80–150). Taxis: ₹1,200–1,500 from Kathgodam.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Best time: April–June (spring, orchard blossom, clear Himalayan views before monsoon haze). October–November (post-monsoon clarity, apple harvest at Chaubatia).
- Cantonment town rules: Ranikhet is a military cantonment — some areas are restricted. Photography near military installations is prohibited. The town centre and tourist sites are freely accessible.
- Combine with Almora: Ranikhet and Almora are 49 km apart — combine in a 3-day Kumaon circuit with Binsar wildlife sanctuary (20 km from Almora).
A Cantonment Town
Local legend says Ranikhet ("Queen's Meadow") is named after Rani Padmini, queen of the Kumaon ruler Raja Sudhardev, who fell in love with these slopes. The British founded the cantonment here in 1869, and it remains the home of the Kumaon Regiment Centre and the Naga Regiment. Strict cantonment rules have kept Ranikhet far less built-up than Nainital or Mussoorie — clean roads, pine and oak forest, and very few new concrete blocks.
Places to Visit
- Kumaon Regimental Museum: Medals, captured weapons and records of the regiment's history, including the Battle of Rezang La in 1962.
- Jhula Devi temple: Famous for the thousands of brass bells hung by devotees whose wishes have been granted.
- Chaubatia Gardens (10 km): A government orchard and fruit research station growing apples, apricots, peaches and plums, with Himalayan views from the top.
- Upat golf course (5 km): A 9-hole course on an open meadow at about 1,800m, among the highest in Asia.
- Bhalu Dam: A small, quiet reservoir about 3 km past Chaubatia, reached by a short forest walk.
- Haidakhan Babaji temple: A peaceful ashram temple about 4 km from town, with panoramic views.
When to Go
October to December brings the clearest Himalayan views — Trishul, Nanda Devi and Nanda Ghunti line the northern horizon. March to June is pleasant and green. Ranikhet makes a calm base for Almora (50 km), Kausani (about 80 km) and the Kumaon lakes.
FAQs
- Is Ranikhet good for families?
- Yes — Ranikhet is one of the most family-friendly hill stations in Kumaon. The Chaubatia orchards (children can pick fruit), Jhula Devi temple bells, the golf course (Upat meadow for picnics), and Bhalu Dam all work well for families. The town is safe, unhurried and not commercially noisy. 2 nights is ideal for a family stay.