Ranikhet : Meadow of the Queen

  • How to Get There
  • Jhula Devi Temple
  • Chaubatia Orchard
  • Binsar Mahadev
  • Upat and Kalika
  • Mankameshwar Temple
  • Haidakhan Babaji Temple

Ranikhet

Ranikhet : Meadow of the Queen

The royal name of Ranikhet seems rather apt for the glorious beauty that Mother Nature has bestowed on it. Its name can be literally translated into ‘Queen’s Meadow’ and it lives up to its name.The spectacular natural beauty of the place is as close as you can get to perfection. It can bind you in an entrancing spell. The region is a musical orchestra with chirping birds leading the band. The intoxicating smell of multitudinous flowers will pull you in and destroy your eyes when they bloom in unison blinding you with all the colors of the spectrum. A trek can be dangerous in Ranikhet as you will be captured by the beauty of the region.

The fascinating landscape of Ranikhet is also perfect for some exciting adventure activities such as trekking. At the same time, the wild beauty of the region with a distinctly military atmosphere that hangs around the town. After all, Ranikhet is the home to the strong Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army. There are some great places to see and enjoy when you are in Ranikhet.

How to Get There

By Air :

The nearest airport at Pantnagar 115 Km from Ranikhet. Pantnagar airport is well-connected from various cities.

By Rail :

Nearest Railway Station is at Kathgodam. Kathgodam Railway Station is about 80 km away from Ranikhet.

By Road :

Ranikhet is well connected from the nearby cities of the state. Bus services connect Ranikhet to other hill stations like Almora, Kausani, Nainital and Pithoragarh.
Distance from other places; Delhi: 360 km, Nainital:65 km,Almora:48 km,Kausani:78 km,Munsiyari:225 km,Pithoragarh:160 km,Corbett national Park:110 km,Mukteswar:85 km

Jhula Devi Temple

In the midst of incredibly beautiful places, you will come across the Jhula Devi Temple. The beauty will be half the reason you will want to visit the temple. The other half of you will be drawn towards it because of the spirituality that emotes from the temple. The panoramic views offered by the temple somehow seem to enhance the spirituality of the place. Step into the temple, and the huge numbers of the bells will stun you. These bells are placed by devotees as symbols of their prayers and devotion. Inside the serene idol of the Goddess Durga looks on calmly on the proceedings.

Chaubatia Orchard

The sweet smell of fruits and nuts envelops the air around the Chaubatia Orchard during ripening season. Add to it, the picturesque Himalayas stretching in the background and you will have a complete experience. You can munch on chestnuts, almonds, apricots, apples and peaches while you wonder about how beautifully Mother Nature showers her blessings. In order to make your taste buds come alive, you can enjoy the local artisan honey or the several species of apples grown here. After all, your taste buds should enjoy the place as much as your eyes feast on the natural beauty of the region.

Binsar Mahadev

The Binsar Mahadev temple is more than just a place of worship. It is like a work of art. You will have little choice but to admire the skills of the craftsmen who built the temple. Even the idol of the Mahadev is artistically spiritual. The pristine stream rushing past the temple adds to the spiritual atmosphere that lies gently on the area. The sight of the deodar, cedar and pine trees giving way to the tree is divine. You can bask in the spiritual glow of the area or lose yourself in the beauty of the region. Either way, you will leave Binsar Mahadev with an enriched soul.

Upat and Kalika

These two quaint villages share some beautiful vistas amongst them. In Upat, the majestic Himalayas will strut before you in all their snow clad glory. The golden rays if the sun will playfully alight on the snowy peaks creating quite a beautiful sight. The area taken by the golf course is huge. You can enjoy a relaxing game of golf and be ensconced in the beauty of nature at the same time.
The village of Kalika gets its name from the ancient temple here which is dedicated to Goddess Kalika. The temple is quite beautiful especially when contrasted with the natural splendor which acts as the background. A forest nursery is also located here filled with cute little saplings and plants.

Mankameshwar Temple

The spectacular Mankameshwar Temple is hard to miss with its immense walls painted in red and white. It is also quite ancient and had been the victim of the ravages of time. Thankfully, the soldiers of the Kumaon Regiment have helped to rebuild and restore it to its former glory. Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva and Radha-Krishna are worshipped in this temple.

Haidakhan Babaji Temple

Deodar and pine trees surround Simtola creating a charming forest. Take a walk through the verdant shade of the forests and you can glimpse the beautiful mountains in the distance. Simtola offers the perfect place for you to enjoy a picnic.

Tiffin Top

The temple is dedicated to Haidakhan Babaji. He was a spiritual teacher who propounded principles of love and religious tolerance. The temple is quite scenic and is surrounded by some nice sights.