Ranikhet (The Queen's
Field) has come to be known so because according to
popular belief, this spot had won the heart of Rani
Padmini, Queen of Raja Sudhardev and she chose this
scenic spot to be her abode.
To view nature & its elements in full harmony,
the right place to be is Ranikhet. It is the place which
wonderfully mirrors the best of the heavenly Himalayas
offering excellent views of the snowcapped Nanda Devi
(7817m), lush green forests, delicate plant life and
attractive wild life.
At on altitude of 1829m, north
of Nainital (61 km) and well connected to Almora (44km)
& Kathgodam (83km), Ranikhet ( km) has emerged as a
favoured all season destination. During the rains, flowers
sprout up everywhere in rainbow colours, branches of
trees stoop with ripened fruits & sunlight peeping through
the mist & clouds endow an enchanting effect all across
Ranikhet.
As winter comes, the softly falling snow flakes
cover the environs in sheets of pure whiteness.
The
1869 the land was bought by British from local villagers
and a summer rest & recreation settlement was set for
British troops. Today it is an important army town and
the head quarters of the Kumaon Regiment.
There are
many enjoyable walks, picnic spots, exciting treks and
6km from the town, Upat, has one of the best mountain
golf links (9 holes) in the country surrounded by dense
oak forest. The Museum &c the Memorial are the jewels
of Ranikhet.
How to Get There
Air :
Nearest airport is Pant Nagar, (119km)
Rail :
As with the other hill stations in the Kumaon Region,
Kathgodam (83 km) and Ramnagar (96km) are the nearest
railheads.
Road :
Ranikhet is connected by road with all the major towns
of the region. There are regular buses to Almora,
Nainital & Ramnagar operated by KMOU & State Roadways,
- 20643. It is also well connected to Delhi (279km),
& Haridwar (254 km)