Complete Guide to Places to Visit in Ranikhet
Ranikhet ("Queen's Meadow") sits at 1,829 metres in Almora district and is home to the Kumaon Regiment — one of India's most decorated army regiments. Like Lansdowne, it is a cantonment town: clean, orderly and far less commercialised than Nainital or Mussoorie.
| Place | Type | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Chaubatia Gardens | Orchard / garden | 600-acre fruit garden; apple, peach, apricot; HDPE orchard |
| Upat Golf Course | Golf / meadow | 1,829m; one of Asia's highest; stunning fairway views |
| Jhula Devi Temple | Shakti temple | 8th century Devi temple; rows of donated bells |
| Majhkhali | Viewpoint / walk | 12 km; panoramic Nanda Devi and Trishul peaks view |
| Kalika Temple | Temple / forest | Near Chaubatia; dense forest walk to Kali shrine |
| Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum | Military museum | Kumaon Regiment history; open with prior permission |
| Bhalu Dam (Tarikhet) | Lake / nature | 3 km; peaceful reservoir; picnic spot |
| Binsar (33 km) | Wildlife sanctuary | Day trip; Zero Point viewpoint; 200+ birds |
Best Time to Visit Ranikhet
- March – June: Apple blossom and orchard season; pleasant 8–25°C; all attractions open
- October – November: Post-monsoon; best Himalayan views; apple harvest at Chaubatia
- December – February: Cold; possible light snow; golf course still open; very peaceful
- July – August: Monsoon; lush green hills; gardens beautiful but trails muddy
How to Reach Ranikhet
- From Delhi: Delhi → Haldwani → Almora → Ranikhet (350 km, ~9 hrs)
- By Train: Kathgodam Station (80 km) — Shatabdi from Delhi (5.5 hrs); taxi/bus from Kathgodam
- By Bus: KMOU buses from Haldwani (3 hrs); shared taxis from Almora (1.5 hrs)
- By Air: Pantnagar Airport (115 km); Jolly Grant Dehradun (325 km)
Budget and Hotels in Ranikhet
| Category | Options | Price/night |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | KMVN Tourist Rest House, Hotel Moon | ₹600–₹1,200 |
| Mid-range | Norton's Hotel, Hotel Snow View | ₹1,800–₹4,000 |
| Boutique | WelcomHotel Ranikhet, Chevron Fairlawns | ₹4,500–₹10,000 |
2-night Ranikhet trip cost per person: ₹4,000–₹11,000 including travel from Kathgodam, stay and sightseeing.
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Golf green fee at Upat Golf Course: ₹300–₹500/round; equipment hire available
- Chaubatia Gardens charges ₹20 entry; best visited in March–April (blossom) or September (harvest)
- Combine with Almora (50 km) for a full Kumaon cultural day — Chitai Golu Devta Temple is a must
- Cantonment rules apply — maintain decorum; some roads require entry passes
FAQ: Ranikhet and Lansdowne are both military cantonments — they are exceptionally clean, safe and quiet, making them ideal for families and couples.