Ranikhet is a clean, green cantonment town in Almora district at about 1,870 m. It is the home of the Kumaon Regiment and is well known for its pine and oak forests, orchards at Chaubatia, the Upat golf course and views of Trishul and Nanda Devi. Ranikhet is much quieter than Nainital, only about 60 km away, so it suits families and couples who want a peaceful stay.
Ranikhet at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| District | Almora, Kumaon |
| Altitude | About 1,870 m |
| From Kathgodam | About 80 km, 3 hours |
| From Nainital | About 60 km, 2 hours |
| From Almora | About 50 km, 2 hours |
| From Ramnagar (Corbett) | About 95 km, 3.5 hours |
| From Delhi | About 350 km, 8 to 9 hours |
| Best time | March–June and September–November |
| Days needed | 2 nights |
The name means "Queen's meadow". Local legend says Queen Padmini, wife of a Kumaon king, fell in love with this place, and the king built a palace for her here.
Places to visit in Ranikhet
1. Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
The museum of the Kumaon and Naga Regiments tells the story of these famous Indian Army regiments, with weapons, uniforms, medals and battle history. A proud stop for families. Check open days and timings locally; carry an ID.
2. Jhula Devi Temple
A temple of Maa Durga on the road to Chaubatia, covered with thousands of bells offered by devotees whose wishes were fulfilled. Next to it is a Ram temple.
3. Chaubatia Gardens
About 10 km from town, this government fruit garden and research station grows apples, apricots, plums and peaches. Walk through the orchards, enjoy the Himalayan view and buy fresh fruit or local juice in season.
4. Bhalu Dam
A small, quiet lake about 3 km from Chaubatia, reached by a pleasant forest walk. Good for a picnic.
5. Upat Golf Course
About 6 km from Ranikhet, this is one of the highest golf courses in Asia, with green meadows and Himalayan views. Even if you do not play, it is a beautiful spot. Kalika temple is nearby.
6. Haidakhan Babaji Temple
A calm temple and ashram on the Chiliyanaula road, about 4 km from town, with fine views of the peaks.
7. Mankameshwar Temple
A temple built by the Kumaon Regiment, next to a shawl factory where you can buy woollens.
8. Majkhali (12 km)
A small village on the Almora road with wide views of the Himalaya. Good for a quiet stay.
Places to visit near Ranikhet
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Binsar Mahadev temple | About 19 km | Old Shiva temple in a deodar forest |
| Tarikhet | About 8 km | Gandhi Kuti, where Gandhi ji stayed |
| Dwarahat | About 35 km | Group of old Katyuri temples |
| Dunagiri | About 50 km | Hilltop Durga temple; Pandukholi trek |
| Almora | About 50 km | Temples and old bazaar; see our Almora guide |
| Nainital | About 60 km | Lakes and Mall Road; see our Nainital guide |
| Jim Corbett | About 95 km | Tiger safari; see our Corbett guide |
How to reach Ranikhet
By train: Kathgodam is the nearest station, about 80 km away. Taxis go via Bhowali and Garampani (about 3 hours).
By air: Pantnagar airport, about 115 km.
By road:
- Delhi to Ranikhet: about 350 km via Moradabad, Haldwani and Bhowali.
- Ramnagar to Ranikhet: about 95 km via Mohan and Bhikiyasain, a good link for combining Corbett and Ranikhet.
- UTC buses run from Delhi's Anand Vihar to Ranikhet.
Best time to visit Ranikhet
| Season | Months | Temperature | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | March to April | 8 to 22°C | Flowers, fruit blossom at Chaubatia |
| Summer | May to June | 15 to 27°C | Pleasant escape from the heat |
| Monsoon | July to August | Rainy | Green; landslide risk on roads |
| Autumn | September to November | 8 to 22°C | Clear Himalayan views |
| Winter | December to February | 0 to 12°C | Cold; occasional light snow |
Suggested 2-day plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kathgodam to Ranikhet. Jhula Devi temple, Chaubatia Gardens and Bhalu Dam walk. |
| 2 | Upat golf course, Kalika, Regimental museum, Haidakhan temple. Evening Mall Road walk. |
Add Binsar Mahadev or Dwarahat on a third day or continue to Almora and Kausani.
Where to stay
- Cantonment and Mall Road area: heritage hotels and KMVN rest house.
- Chiliyanaula and Majkhali: quieter resorts with mountain views.
- Homestays in nearby villages for a local experience.
Travel tips
- Ranikhet is an Army cantonment. Follow rules in restricted areas and do not photograph military buildings.
- Markets close early in winter. Plan dinner at your hotel.
- Buy fresh fruit and juice at Chaubatia in summer (May–August, depending on the fruit).
- Carry a light jacket even in summer.
Plan your trip with Gokeys
We plan Ranikhet with Nainital, Almora, Kausani and Corbett on custom Kumaon trips from Kathgodam, Delhi and Haridwar. Contact us.