Ranikhet, which means Queen’s Meadow in Kumaoni, gets its name from a local legend, which states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev, a katyuri ruler, won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet, though no palace exists in the area.
Ranikhet had been under Nepalese rule after the Nepalese invasion of Kumaon and Doti in 1790, and the Kumaonis won it under the leadership of their able General Kashi Nath Adhikari – after whom the small town of Kashipur was named (which at one point of time was the gateway to the hills and is now an educational and institutional hub) – with the help of British at around 1816 and is a part of India now.
Ranikhet District started to gain popularity soon after the independence of India. Movements for The Ranikhet district had begun by the 1960s, and these movements had grown, both in number and scale, by 1985. In 1987, a committee headed by Venkat Ramani, the President of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Council recommended the district and then two years later, in 1989, the Eighth Finance Commission gave its financial approval to the district. Even after this, when the district was not formed, a movement started again in 1993–94, after which a CO and ADM were appointed in Ranikhet; the latter was soon removed.
1. Majkhali
Situated at a distance of 13 km from Ranikhet, this beautiful sightseeing spot is a must-visit. Offering stunning views of Mount Trishul, the spot is ideal for nature lovers. An action-packed afternoon here will include a lazy picnic, some outdoor games and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Bhalu Dam
The dam site is nourished with natural beauties, panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains, calmness and scenic surroundings. The small but beautiful garden near the dam is serene. The singing of birds, the cool breeze and snow-capped valleys make the dam area a perfect holidaying spot for nature-loving tourists all around the world. The dam site is open for tourists all throughout the year.
3. Golf Ground Ranikhet
The town is popularly known for its 9 hole golf course managed by the Indian army. This Golf Course is also considered to be one of the highest in Asia. If you are crazy about golfing, you can try playing a game here. Another major tourist attraction near Upat golf course is one of the popular places to visit in Ranikhet the ‘Kalika Temple’, dedicated to Goddess Kali. Situated at a distance of 1 km from Upat, in the town of Kalika, this temple is visited by many tourists coming to Ranikhet.
4. Sunset Points
Ranikhet consists of many sunset points that provide a view of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. These points are considered one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ranikhet. If you want to spend a peaceful holiday in the lap of Mother Nature and away from the bustling city, then these are places that are perfect for you.
5. Tarikhet village
Tarikhet is a small, yet popular hill station situated at a distance of 8 km from the town of Ranikhet. This village is famous as a momentous site during India’s struggle for independence. The village is very cold in the winters and remains moderate in summers, and is best enjoyed from March to October.
6. Chaubatia
Considered one of the best places to visit in Ranikhet, the ‘Chaubatia Garden’ is known for its exquisite orchards of peaches, apples, plums and apricots. Stationed at a distance of 10 km. from the heart of Ranikhet, these gardens are a pleasant spot for picnics and day outings. the surroundings of this place provide panoramic views of the snow-clad mountain peaks of the majestic Himalayas, as well as a few religious spots like Nanda Devi Temple, Trishul, Nandaghunti, and Nilkanth.
7. Kalika
6 km from the mesmerizing hill station of Ranikhet in Uttarakhand is a small town called Kalika. The town is surrounded by thick, lush green forests and snow-capped mountains. It is famous for the Kalika Temple and the golf course. the weather is always awesome in kalika.
8. Manila
This small town is a mesmerizing place with wide and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Manila is a place full of folklore and traditions and the people here deeply believe in their traditions and heritage. A place full of magic and breathtaking landscapes, Manila is one of the most enchanting of places in Uttarakhand, The town once part of the Katyuri Kingdom is beautiful in its location surrounded by verdant hills of the Himalayas.
9. Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
The Kumaon Regimental Centre is a famous museum that was built in the 1970s to showcase the rich legacy of the Kumaon Region. Established by the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army, the museum houses war artifacts of historical importance that exhibit the glory and achievements of the Garhwal and Kumaon regiments.
The museum displays photographs of wars, weapons used by the armed forces, medals and uniforms as well as flags, stone tablets and other objects of interest.
10. Park
The first and only park in all of Ranikhet to be built exclusively for kids, is the Cantonment Aashiyana Park, also known as the Devdar Udhyan, The park is fully designed on high hills, and is based on a jungle theme.
11. Rani Jheel
The pristine lake is located at an altitude of 7,500 feet above sea level and is a prime tourist attraction in Ranikhet that attracts tourists for the boating and is well known for the silence and tranquility that it exuberates.
12. Sadar Bazar
A trip to Ranikhet is incomplete without shopping at Sadar Bazaar. Located near the Zaroori Bazaar in Ranikhet, the Sadar Bazaar is heavily crowded by the locals as well as tourists on all days. The market boasts of being the one-stop shop for food and everyday household items.
13. Apple Garden – Vast Pretty Red Farms
One of the prettiest places to see in Ranikhet is the Apple Garden. An orchard comprising several acres of land, you will find the most authentic apples here. The huge lush green fields have a reddish color coming out of it all, if you want to buy fresh apples then you can.
