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 kilometers 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
which 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 primeval 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 beautiful 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 kilometer 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 kilometers from Ranikhet.
Bhalu Dam:
Main Source of the town's water supply comes from the Bhalu Dam,
3.2 kilometers 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 snow peaks. The U.P. Government Agriculture Farm is situated
here.
Co-operative
Drug Factory: Three kilometers down the road to Ramnagar, is
unique venture. Manufactured here on co-operative basis, Ayurvedic 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.