Complete Ranikhet Travel Guide
Top Places & Activities
Ranikhet Golf Course (1,829m): Asia's highest golf course — a 9-hole course in a meadow surrounded by Himalayan oak and rhododendron forest. Maintained by the Indian Army. Day visitors may play with prior permission. Entry: ₹200–₃₀₀/round. The golf course and the adjoining Upat meadow are the most scenic green spaces in Ranikhet.
Chaubatia Government Fruit Orchards (9 km): A 600-acre government fruit orchard at 1,800m — growing apples, peaches, apricots, plums and walnuts. The orchard is open to visitors and sells fruit directly in season (August–October). The apple trees in blossom (April) are exceptional. Entry: ₹30. Adjacent Bhalu Dam (small reservoir) for picnics.
Jhula Devi Temple: A Durga temple known for its thousands of small bells hung by devotees as thanksgiving offerings — the temple walls, ceiling and trees are covered with bells in every size, creating an unusual sound when the wind blows. Unique in Kumaon. 2 km from the main market.
Majkhali (12 km): A meadow with a clear Himalayan panorama including Nanda Devi, Trishul and the full Kumaon range. The viewpoint is clear on October–November mornings. Majkhali Kalika Temple is an additional attraction in the meadow.
How to Reach Ranikhet
| Origin | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 312 km | 6–7 hrs |
| Kathgodam | 80 km | 2.5 hrs |
| Almora | 49 km | 1.5 hrs |
| Nainital | 58 km | 2 hrs |
How to Reach Ranikhet
80 km from Kathgodam (2.5 hrs), 312 km from Delhi. Buses from Kathgodam to Ranikhet: frequent (₹80–₁₅₀). Taxis: ₹1,200–₁,₅₀₀ from Kathgodam.
Budget, Hotels & Travel Tips
- Best time: April–June (spring, orchard blossom, clear Himalayan views before monsoon haze). October–November (post-monsoon clarity, apple harvest at Chaubatia).
- Cantonment town rules: Ranikhet is a military cantonment — some areas are restricted. Photography near military installations is prohibited. The town centre and tourist sites are freely accessible.
- Combine with Almora: Ranikhet and Almora are 49 km apart — combine in a 3-day Kumaon circuit with Binsar wildlife sanctuary (20 km from Almora).
FAQs
- Is Ranikhet good for families?
- Yes — Ranikhet is one of the most family-friendly hill stations in Kumaon. The Chaubatia orchards (children can pick fruit), Jhula Devi temple bells, the golf course (Upat meadow for picnics), and Bhalu Dam all work well for families. The town is safe, unhurried and not commercially noisy. 2 nights is ideal for a family stay.