bigtravelbuzzRanikhet is a serene and picturesque hill station located in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. It is surrounded by lush green forests, majestic mountains, and beautiful meadows. Here are some things to do and places to visit in Ranikhet:
Visit Chaubatia Garden: Chaubatia Garden is a beautiful orchard that houses over 200 varieties of fruits, flowers, and plants. It offers a stunning view of the snow-capped Himalayas and is a great place for a picnic.
Explore Bhalu Dam: Bhalu Dam is a small but beautiful lake surrounded by lush green forests. It’s a great place for a peaceful walk and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Trek to Jhula Devi Temple: Jhula Devi Temple is an ancient temple located in the midst of a dense forest. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga, and the trek to the temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
Golfing at Upat Golf Course: Upat Golf Course is a picturesque golf course located amidst the lush green forests of Ranikhet. It offers a great place to relax and enjoy a round of golf.
Visit the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum: The Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum is a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Kumaon Regiment. It’s a great place to learn about the brave soldiers who have served the country.
Enjoy a nature walk: Ranikhet is a beautiful place to enjoy a nature walk. There are many trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Visit the Haidakhan Temple: Haidakhan Temple is a spiritual center located on a hilltop. The temple offers a great view of the surrounding mountains and is a great place to meditate and relax.
These are some of the things to do and places to visit in Ranikhet. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time amidst the natural beauty of this hill station.
Best Time To Visit Ranikhet
The best time to visit Ranikhet is between the months of March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather in Ranikhet is pleasant and favorable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The monsoon season between July and August should be avoided due to heavy rainfall, which may lead to landslides and roadblocks. Winters between December and February are also a good time to visit Ranikhet for snow lovers.
How to get around in Ranikhet
Ranikhet is a small town and can be easily explored on foot. However, if you want to cover a larger area or visit nearby attractions, you can hire a taxi or take a local bus. Private taxis are easily available in Ranikhet and can be hired for half-day or full-day trips. You can also take a shared taxi or bus to nearby towns and villages. Bicycles and motorbikes can also be rented for a day or longer durations from local rental shops. The roads in Ranikhet are well maintained, and the scenic views along the way make for a pleasant journey.
Where to eat in Ranikhet
Ranikhet has several restaurants and eateries serving a variety of cuisine ranging from traditional Kumaoni food to North Indian, Chinese, and Continental dishes. Some popular places to eat in Ranikhet include:
Nirvana Organic Kitchen: This vegetarian restaurant serves fresh and organic food made from locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches, and main course dishes.
Chevron Rosemount: This restaurant offers a beautiful view of the Himalayan range along with a range of Indian and international cuisine. The restaurant also has a bar serving a variety of cocktails and mocktails.
Woodsvilla Residency: This restaurant serves delicious North Indian and Chinese cuisine in a cozy and comfortable setting. The restaurant also has a garden where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the scenic views.
Moon Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant among locals and tourists alike, serving a variety of dishes including Indian, Chinese, and Continental. The restaurant is known for its prompt service and reasonable prices.
West View Hotel: This hotel’s restaurant offers a beautiful view of the Himalayan range along with a range of Indian and international cuisine. The restaurant is known for its warm hospitality and attentive service.
Famous street stalls in Ranikhet
Ranikhet is a serene hill station that doesn’t have many street stalls. However, there are a few street food options that you can try:
Maggi Point: This stall is located on the way to Chaubatia Garden and serves piping hot Maggi noodles with a variety of toppings like cheese, egg, and vegetables.
Bhutta (Roasted Corn): Roasted corn on the cob is a popular snack in Ranikhet. You can find street vendors selling roasted corn on Mall Road and other popular tourist spots.
Momos: Momos are a popular street food in the hill stations of Uttarakhand. You can find street vendors selling momos near the bus stand and on Mall Road in Ranikhet.
Chaat: There are a few street vendors selling chaat, a popular North Indian snack, near the bus stand and on Mall Road in Ranikhet. You can try a variety of chaat like Aloo Tikki, Golgappe, and Papdi Chaat.
While street food options are limited in Ranikhet, you can try traditional Kumaoni food at local restaurants and dhabas. Some popular Kumaoni dishes to try include Bhatt Ki Churkani, Bal Mithai, and Singauri.
Where to stay in Ranikhet
Luxury accommodation
Ranikhet has a variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the best places to stay in Ranikhet are:
The Chevron Rosemount: This is a luxury resort located in a peaceful location with stunning views of the Himalayas. The resort offers comfortable rooms and suites, a restaurant serving delicious food, and a variety of recreational facilities like indoor and outdoor games, a spa, and a swimming pool.
Woodsvilla Resort: This is a mid-range resort located in a serene and tranquil location in Ranikhet. The resort offers comfortable rooms and suites, a multi-cuisine restaurant, and a variety of recreational activities like indoor and outdoor games, nature walks, and bird watching.
West View Hotel: This is a heritage hotel that was built in 1918 and is located in a picturesque location overlooking the Himalayas. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, a restaurant serving delicious food, and a variety of recreational facilities like a tennis court, a library, and a billiards room.
Cosmos Himalayan Villas: This is a budget-friendly option located in a peaceful location near Ranikhet. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and cottages with modern amenities, a restaurant serving local and international cuisine, and a variety of recreational facilities like a spa, a gym, and a bonfire area.
Parijat Retreat: This is a budget-friendly option located in a scenic location in Ranikhet. The retreat offers comfortable rooms and cottages, a restaurant serving delicious food, and a variety of recreational activities like nature walks, bird watching, and indoor games.
Where to stay in Ranikhet
Budget accommodation
Ranikhet has a number of budget-friendly accommodation options ranging from guesthouses to budget hotels. Here are some options:
Chevron Rosemount: This is a budget hotel located in a peaceful area of Ranikhet. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the hotel also has a restaurant serving local and Indian cuisine.
West View Hotel: This is a heritage hotel that offers budget-friendly rooms with all basic amenities. The hotel is located in the heart of the city and offers beautiful views of the Himalayas.
Parwati Inn: This is a budget hotel located near the main market of Ranikhet. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the hotel also has a restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine.
Parijat Retreat: This is a budget-friendly guesthouse located in a peaceful area of Ranikhet. The rooms are simple but clean, and the guesthouse also has a restaurant serving local and Indian cuisine.
Kalawati Retreat: This is another budget-friendly guesthouse located in a peaceful area of Ranikhet. The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the guesthouse also has a restaurant serving local and Indian cuisine.
Travel Tips Ranikhet
Here are some travel tips for visiting Ranikhet:
Best time to visit: The best time to visit Ranikhet is from March to June and September to November. These months offer pleasant weather and clear views of the Himalayas.
Transportation: Ranikhet is well-connected to major cities in India by road. The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, which is about 110 km away from Ranikhet. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is about 80 km away.
Sightseeing: Ranikhet offers plenty of scenic views and historic attractions. Some popular tourist attractions in Ranikhet include the Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, and the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum.
Adventure activities: Ranikhet offers a range of adventure activities such as trekking, camping, and hiking. Some popular trekking routes in Ranikhet include the Kafni Glacier Trek, Pindari Glacier Trek, and the Nanda Devi Trek.
Local cuisine: When in Ranikhet, make sure to try the local Kumaoni cuisine which includes dishes like Baadi, Bhatt ki Churkani, and Gahat Dal. You can find many local food stalls and restaurants in the town.
Clothing: As Ranikhet is located in the hills, it can get chilly even during summers. Make sure to carry warm clothes like jackets, shawls, and sweaters. Also, carry comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking and trekking involved.