Ranikhet is a place in Uttarakhand's Kumaon area that is 1,830 meters above sea level and is associated with Himalayan mythology. According to legend, King Sudhardev constructed a palace there and gave it the name "Ranikhet," which translates to "Queen's Land," in order to fulfill Queen Padmini's desires after she fell in love with the area long ago. The British built a cantonment town at Ranikhet in 1869 after making a long-ago discovery. Legend has it that Lord Mayo, the Viceroy of India at the time, was so taken with Ranikhet's beauty that he considered relocating the army headquarters from Shimla to the city. It is important to remember that Ranikhet was temporarily ruled by Nepal before enlisting in the British Empire in 1816.
The region's natural beauty is the primary theme of most exploration scenes, while there are a few well-known temple places as well. Outside of Ranikhet are a few hamlets called Tarikhet and Majkhali, which stir up pleasant memories with their serene meadows, rice fields, and little streams where you can dip your feet and enjoy the quiet environment. Other than this, Ranikhet offers a variety of tourist attractions, including temples and religious places. To learn more about the best places to visit in Ranikhet that you should include in your sightseeing plans, read the blog.
10 Best Places To Visit in Ranikhet
- Jhula Devi Temple
- Chaubatia Orchards
- Katarmal Sun Temple
- Majkhali
- Upat Golf Course
- Haidakhan Baba Ashram
- Dwarahat
- Bhalu Dam
- Tarikhet
- Mankameshwar Temple
Jhula Devi Temple:
One of the most visited tourist destinations in Ranikhet, Jhula Devi Temple commemorates the goddess Durga and is well known for her gorgeously carved bell collection. This temple was built in the seventh century, so the tale goes. The name of the Jhula Devi Temple comes from the fact that the goddess is seated on a jhula, which is Hindi for cradle. It is located in the tranquil and beautiful surroundings of nature atop Kumaon Hill. Folklore holds that the goddess herself guided a shepherd to her idol in a dream. The people honor the goddess Durga as the guardian of the valley. Another widely believed myth is that anyone hanging a bell on a temple wall would get their desires granted in due time.
Chaubatia Orchards:
The most popular tourist destinations in Ranikhet are the Chaubatia Orchards or Gardens, which are famous for their apple orchards enveloped in beautiful vegetation. The 600-acre Chaubatia Garden is located 10 kilometers from the center of Ranikhet. The orchard is home to over 200 different species of fruits and flowers and is bursting with delicious apples, peaches, apricots, and plums. The orchard is not only a lovely spot to spend time in nature, but it also provides tourists with expansive views of the breathtaking Himalayan ranges, including the snow-capped peaks of Nanda Devi, Neelkanth, Trishul, and Nandaghunti. The orchard, blessed with an abundance of natural resources and scenic surroundings, is a delightful spot for a picnic in the lap of nature.
Katarmal Sun Temple:
The Katarmal Sun Temple, constructed in the ninth century by the Katyuri monarch Katarmalla, is without a doubt one of the top attractions in Ranikhet, in the Almora District. About 19 kilometers from Almora and 30 kilometers from Ranikhet, the Katarmal Sun Temple is an undiscovered treasure that features outstanding architecture and the best artwork on the complex figures, pillars, and stone-built walls. But because of a theft incident involving an idol dating back to the tenth century, the intricately carved wooden doors and other priceless artifacts were moved to the National Museum in Delhi. The primary Surya temple, honoring the god Burhadita or Buddhaditya, is surrounded by forty-four smaller temples. The temple is well known for having a unique design.
Majkhali:
One of the most popular tourist spots in Ranikhet is Majhkhali, a popular local picnic spot located around 13 kilometers from Ranikhet. The Ranikhet-Almora Road leads to this spot, which offers amazing scenery of the Sonya Peaks. The area is well known for its hills, valleys, and nice weather. On top of that, guests can take in the stunning views of Trishul Peak, which is located 26,500 feet above sea level, and the magnificent Himalayan Ranges. Furthermore, the government owns agricultural land here. One of the finest things to do in Ranikhet is to spend your weekends and nights in Majkhali, where you may find peace and quiet.
Upat Golf Course:
Upat Golf Course, one of the greatest locations for nature lovers and golf fans to explore, is around 5 to 6 kilometers from Ranikhet's main city. The Indian Army takes good care of the nine-hole golf course, which is recognized as one of the best in Asia. Situated in the town of Upat, the verdant golf course offers stunning views of the neighboring Himalayan ranges. Upat Golf Course is a popular destination for weekend travelers and locals looking to escape the bustle of the city and enjoy leisurely walks, picnics, and time spent in the great outdoors. Additionally, it's close to a number of resorts where you may spend the night and take a Ranikhet sightseeing Uttarakhand trip to a different village named Kalika.
Haidakhan Baba Ashram:
The Haidakhan Baba Ashram in Chiliyanaula is home to the Haidakhan Temple. It is situated 4.5 kilometers from the Ranikhet Bus Stand. This temple, constructed by Haidakhan, who is believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva and to whom the temple is dedicated, is among the top tourist destinations in Ranikhet. This temple has a massive statue of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman. Haidakhan Babaji, often called Babaji or Bhole Baba, was a teacher who lived in the town of Haidakhan in the Nainital district from 1970 until 1984. Haidakhan celebrates Navratri, one of the largest holidays, with a nine-day MahaYajna with tremendous excitement. Evening customs such as chanting Aarti, Satsang, and Bhajans encourage devotees to experience joy, holidays, and pure divine.
Dwarahat:
Dwarahat, an ancient village dubbed "The town of temples," is a perfect off-the-beaten-path location for some relaxing days in the hills and surrounding scenery. Located around 34 kilometers from Ranikhet at a peak of 1,510 meters, Dwarahat had a significant role as the ancestral home of the Katyuri and Chand empires in history. Dwarahat literally means "way to heaven," and you will experience this as you get up close and personal with the surrounding natural beauty. From these, eight groups were formed. The Maru-Pratihara, Nagara, or Indo-Aryan architectural styles were used in the construction of these temples. Locally available Precambrian granite blocks served as the main building material for the temples' construction.
Bhalu Dam:
A tiny handmade lake, the Bhalu Dam sits 3 km from Chaubatia and 11 km from Ranikhet, in a protected wooded area near Chaubatia Orchard. In 1903, a British Viceroy constructed the semicircular Bhalu Dam to supply drinking water to the soldiers. Beautiful views of the Himalayas may be seen from the environs of this natural lake. A breathtaking sight is the little yet attractive garden that surrounds the dam. Because of the snow-capped valleys and refreshing wind, the dam region is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to visit. It is also a popular spot for camping and picnics.
Tarikhet:
The charming village or hill station known as Tarikhet is around 8 kilometers away from Ranikhet town and is a well-liked destination for history buffs and environment lovers. The community is well known for its importance in the past. Tarikhet's "Gandhi Kutiya" is famous since it was a frequent haunt of Mahatma Gandhi during the Indian independence campaign. It is also well-known for the Golu Devta Sanctuary, a significant neighboring destination. Tarikhet is a calm and peaceful soothing area that is great to visit when in Ranikhet since it allows visitors to get closer to nature.
Mankameshwar Temple:
Mankameshwar Temple, a Hindu shrine and one of the top locations to visit close to Ranikhet, positioned 500 meters from Ranikhet Bus Stand, across from Narsingh Maidan. The Mankameshwar Temple was built in 1978 by the Indian Army's Kumaon Regimental Center. The three main gods worshiped in this temple are Radha-Krishna, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Kalika. The Mankameshwar Temple is surrounded by endless beauty, making it one of Ranikhet's most breathtaking sites. The Mankameshwar temple is popular with the populace and is frequently packed with worshippers from throughout the country. Most visitors are there to worship, notably the relatives of the soldiers of the Kumaon Regiment.
Conclusion
Ranikhet is a delightful hill station with plenty of activities for all types of visitors. There's something for everyone, from the beautiful Ashiyana Park and the gorgeous views at Majkhali to the quiet Chaubatia Gardens and the historic Jhula Devi Temple. Ranikhet has everything, whether your tastes are in historical sites, natural outings or just chilling in the peace and quiet of the hills. Don't miss the breathtaking sunsets at Haidakhan Temple and the golf course, which is among the highest in Asia. Ranikhet is the perfect location for a restful and unforgettable vacation as it offers an enjoyable escape from the hurry of the city.
