Location:
59.5 Km. from Nainital
Attraction: Natural Beauty
Discovered in: 1869
Th e
ancient Aryans had designated the region of the Central Himalayas as the
Celestial Land - the Dev Bhumi; the colouring of the foliage has to be
believed. March and April is flower time in the foot-hills, while June
and July bring the wild flowers to the upper regions, where the dwarf
rhododendron bushes resplendent with pink and mauve blooms the region in
all their glory.
The flowering
plants amaze and confuse, when, different branches of the same plant
yield flowers of different colours and varying fragrance. European
tourists, over the centuries have, enthused ecstatically over its
valley, meadows, cliffs, hills, snow-capped mountains, serpentine rivers
and crystal clear rivulets here and there displaying the rainbow. The
hill station, idyllic in its charm, Ranikhet with its majestic pine
trees, is 59.5 kilometres from Nainital.
Here amidst the
rustling and encircled by dazzling white peaks, glistening in the sun,
once camped a beauteous Queen of legend and lore, giving the town its
name-Rani (Queen)-Khet (Field) falling in love-with the beauty of the
place, she decided to stay and built a palace near what is now the
Ranikhet Club.
Discovered and
built entirely by the British in 1869. On a visit here, late Prime
Minister Nehru commented "I wish more of our people living in
plains below, would visit the Himalayas... They can have their fill of
flower and noble trees in primival forests. They can breathe the free
untained air which invigorates and they can return strengthened in body,
mind and spirits.
 Weaving
an instant spell on the visitor, Ranikhet does not witness the paradox
of a "madding" rush of visitors with the onset of summer and
the corresponding departure with the summer's end, but draws visitors
all the year round.
THE ENCHANTED
VICEROY
Acclaimed as a
'heavenly hill station', and one of the best in the world, it won the
heart of Lord Mayo, who was the Viceroy of India from 1869-72. Enchanted
by the scenic setting, he gave serious thought of shifting the Army
Headquarters from Shimla to Ranikhet. The hill station offers the
pleasure of golf and well-equipped club, besides the long and short
walks and beartiful picnic spots.
The residential
club offers temporary membership to tourists providing them all the
benefits of the tennis courts, excellent golf links, indoor recreational
facilities and use of the club's rooms and excellent cuisine.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
Nanda Devi Fair 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.
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.
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.
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.
 Co-operative
Drug Factory Three kilometres down the road to Ramnagar, is unique
venture. Here are manufactured, on co-operative basis, Ayuvedic drugs
from local herbs. The factory deals with the drugs from the research
stage down to production.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Rail: There is a railhead situated at Kathgodam, 84-km away from
Ranikhet.
Road: Buses from all over Kumaon, including from the railhead Kathgodam.
Local Transport: For local transportation within the town jeeps, taxis
and local buses are available.
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