''Rani Khet" it means ''Queen's meadow'' Ranikhet Hill Station or “Queen's Meadow” is a mesmerizing place falling under the state of Uttaranchal. The beautiful hill station located at the hight of 1829M. from the sea level. with a sprawling are of 21.76 Sq. Kms. The place is ideal for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city.
As the story goes, Queen Padmini of Kumaon was desperately in love with this tiny hill paradise. Raja Sudhardev subsequently choose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet, and to oblige the aspirations of his queen, King Sudhardev made a palace built here, and named it Ranikhet or Queen’s field.Though no trace of the palace can be found here today
In the year 1869, it was rediscovered by the Britishers and later they transformed the tiny hill station into headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment. Before it
the pleasing hill station was out of world’s touch for quite some time.The hill station was used as an ideal retreat against the hot weather of the plains.
At present, Ranikhet is a cantonment town and place for Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC) and Naga Regiment. The hill station is being maintained by the Indian Army. The main city of Ranikhet is fairly crowded but the military area offers serene environment.
Ranikhet has everything to pacify the nerves of an avid city dweller. The salubrious atmosphere, tall conifer trees, green meadows and placid surroundings makes Ranikhet a unique hill station. The magnetism of each season in Ranikhet is always capable of luring tourists, making it an all season destination.
Ranikhet Tourism and Tourist Attractions: Ranikhet Hill Station lies at short distance from the popular excursions vis-à-vis, Dwarahat (35 kms.), Sitlakhet (30 kms.), Almora (45 kms.), Binsar (60 kms.), Kausani (75 kms.), and Jim Corbett Park (90 kms.).
Other Major Tourist Attractions lying in the ambit of Ranikhet Hill Station includes:
Upat and Kalika Golf Course : Ranikhet belongs to the Asia’s highest altitude located natural 9 hole golf course, with a amazing views of the Himalayas. its probably the most beautiful gift to us by the British.The Golf Course is maintained by the Kumaon Regiment.
Chaubatia Gardens : Ranikhet is a land of flowers one who visit the place can find a huge varities of flowereverywhere . Chaubatia is like a flower vass of all those flowers is situated merely at a distance of 10 kms. from Ranikhet, and offers a charming view of Himalayan cascades.It is also popular by the name of Orchard Country. Jhula Devi Temple is very close of the garden.
Binsar Mahadev Temple : Binsar Mahadev Temple is surrounded by thick deodar forests and lies at an altitude of 2480 metres.It was built around 9-10 century A.D. It is Believed that this temple was built in a single day. Ladies comes here on Vaikunth chaturdashi and light a lamp on their palm to fulfill the desire of child. Binsar Mahadev is located 19 km from Ranikhet.It sees a large gathering of devotees on the occasion of Baikunth Chaturdashi in the month of June. It is said that devotees, especially women, pray all night with lamps in their hands on this day for the Lord’s blessings.
KRC (Kumaon Regimental Centre) Museum : KRC Museum was established in the 1970s, this Regiment Museum showcases the history of Kumaon and Garhwal regiments. It also displays valuable treasures like Rani Jhasi's silver scepter, Chinese rifles from the 1962 war, a World War-II Japanese wireless field telephone and documents related to the Kargil War.
Weather of Ranikhet : Ranikhet becomes very cold during the winters and remains moderate in summers, and is best enjoyed from March to October. Ranikhet gets snowfall in the winter season, mainly in the months of December, January and February.
''Very recently we've visited the place and really its awesome, I must request everyone not to miss the place'' - Mintu Haldar
