Ranikhet is ideal for those looking to escape the city life’s hustle and bustle. This charming little town is located in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon region, surrounded by beautiful mountains and valleys. There are plenty of tourist spots in Ranikhet, such as Golucho Lake and Chaubatia Gardens. There are places in Ranikhet that are so beautiful and captivating that once you see them, you are compelled to revisit them.
How to visit Ranikhet?
By Train: Ranikhet Railway Station is connected to all major cities across India if you’re planning on taking a train from Delhi or another city in India.
By Air: Ranikhet can be reached from Delhi and other domestic airports. You’ll need to fly into Dehradun airport and then catch a bus or train to Ranikhet.
By Road: Taxis are available from Pantnagar Airport to Ranikhet, Haldwani Nainital, and Almora. A bus service between Haldwani, Kathgodam and Nainital takes you to Ranikhet.
Stunning Ranikhet tourists places that are worth visiting
Walking around Ranikhet is the best way to discover its beauty. Here are some of the most popular tourist attractions in Ranikhet.
Golf Ground
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There are also four golf courses near this ground, which offer additional challenges for visitors. The Golf Ground is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ranikhet. There are nine holes on the ground, which are 5115 metres each. The best part is you can enjoy playing golf and having drinks with your friends. It is just 2 km from the city centre and can easily be reached by bus or taxi.
Chaubatia Garden
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The garden is famous for its beautiful flowers and scenic views. You can see the Himalayan peaks on a clear day, including Nanda Devi and Trishul mountain ranges. You should also explore further the forested area surrounding this garden. The Chaubatia Garden is one of the must-visit Ranikhet tourist places. It is 10 km from the city centre and can be reached by bus or taxi.
Ashiyana Park
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Ashiyana Park, also known as Devdar Udhyan, is the first theme park to open in Ranikhet. It is located in the heart of Ranikhet. Ashiyana Park, a children’s wonderland, boasts lush lawns, herbal gardens, and colourful fountains. There is an INR 5 entry fee for all ages (children and adults) that includes access to the park and basic swings. Additional fees apply for games and boating.
Rani Jheel
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In Ranikhet, Rani Jheel has become a popular tourist destination since it was constructed as a rainwater harvesting reservoir by the Cantonment Board of the Indian Army. It is a pleasant place to picnic, go for a romantic walk, and do some boating at the height of 2500 feet.
Entry fee: Rs 30-50
Timings: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Bhalu Dam
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The Bhalu Dam is a great place to visit when you’re in Ranikhet. It’s about 3 km from the city centre, and you can reach it by taking a bus or a taxi. Once there, you’ll see a fantastic view of the beautiful landscape surrounding this dam. If you’re lucky enough to be there during summertime, don’t forget to try some delicious kulfi ice cream.
Sunset Point
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Just 4 km from the city centre, Sunset Point is one of the most popular Ranikhet tourist places to visit. It’s easy to see why the views of the setting sun are simply stunning. To reach Sunset Point, just follow the main road out of town. There are many sunset points in Ranikhet from which one can view a magnificent sunset.
Generally, people trek up to these points to enjoy the most photogenic sunsets and to feel the cool Himalayan winds.
Majkhali
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With its picturesque beauty and lovely weather, Majhkhali, en route to Almora, offers a glimpse of the majestic Sonya peak. Majkhali is an area famous for its natural beauty and is a worthwhile place for peace seekers to visit while in Ranikhet. The picturesque and quaint hamlet of Majkhali is located on Almora Road, 12 kms from Ranikhet.
Kalika
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Kalika Temple is one of the most famous attractions in Ranikhet. Visitors staying in Ranikhet often visit this place. Kalika Temple and the golf course make the town famous. It is surrounded by thick, lush green forests and snow-capped mountains.
Manila Village
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Just 5 km from the city centre, Manila Village is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. To get there, simply take a bus or jeep to Manila Village. When you arrive, enjoy the many activities that this village has to offer. Rent a bicycle for an adventurous ride around the area, and walk around scenic trails that meander through rice fields and bamboo groves.
Go kayaking on artificial lakes for more serene views or participate in cooking classes where you can try your hand at making Filipino favourites like fried lumpia (spring rolls), pancit noodles with pork belly and fresh vegetables, and suman (a sweet rice flour cake).
Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
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The Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum is a must-visit for history buffs and tourists alike. It is located in the city centre and is easily reachable by public transport. The entry fee for the Kumaon Regimental centre museum is Rs 10 for all individuals.
In the early 1970s, the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army established this museum to showcase the region’s rich legacy. The museum displays war artefacts from the Kumaon and Garhwal regiments of the Indian Army.
Tarikhet Village
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A popular tourist destination, Tarikhet is known for its scenic beauty. The village is surrounded by hills and forests and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Tarikhet is also home to the famous Raj Bhavan, which was the summer residence of the British viceroys. The village is well connected to the city centre and can be easily reached by bus or taxi.
Sadar Bazaar
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The Sadar Bazaar in Ranikhet is a must-visit for any traveller to the region. This market is known for its fresh produce, spices, and handmade goods. The market is located just outside the city centre, making it easy to reach by foot or public transportation. When visiting the Sadar Bazaar, be sure to bargain with the vendors for the best prices on souvenirs and gifts.
Jhula Devi Temple
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The Jhula Devi Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ranikhet. It is located about 2 km from the city centre and can be reached by taking a taxi or rickshaw. The temple stands on top of a hillock, and visitors must walk up 272 stairs to reach it.
Haidakhan Babaji Temple
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The Haidakhan Babaji Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ranikhet. The temple is located about 4 km from the city centre and can be reached by taxi or auto-rickshaw. It is believed that a long time ago, Baba Hari Dass was on his way to Tibet when he stopped at this spot for a short break.
Mankameshwar Temple
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A temple dedicated to the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army is located near Ranikhet bus stand. Family members of the Regiment visit this temple often. Three deities are worshipped at Mankameshwar Temple: Ma Kalika, Lord Shiva, and Radha Krishna. In addition to the temple, there is a Gurdwara nearby.
Sun Temple
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The Sun Temple, also known as the Aditya Temple, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ranikhet. It is located about 2 km from the city centre and can be reached by taking a taxi or auto-rickshaw. There are many other temples nearby, but this temple is the main attraction.
Binsar Mahadev Mandir
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The Binsar Mahadev Mandir is a popular tourist destination in Ranikhet. It is located about 3 km from the city centre and can be reached by taking a local bus or taxi. It’s built on top of a hill overlooking the town, offering stunning views. Make sure to take binoculars with you, as you’ll be able to see most of Ranikhet from there.
Dwarahat
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It is located in the Almora district of Dwarahat, Uttarakhand and is dedicated to Maa Dunagiri or Maa Durga. Located 15 km from the city centre at an elevation of 8000 feet, the temple is also called Shakti Temple and Dunagiri.
Ram Mandir
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The Ram Mandir is situated near Chaubatia Gardens on top of a hill and can be reached via the stairs leading up to this divine place. Under the tutelage of Sant Shri Mouni Maharaj, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and also contains a monastery where students study ancient Vedas and Vedic and modern mathematics.
Apple Garden
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The Apple Garden is a great place to visit if you’re looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. In addition to the fruit orchards, Chaubatia Orchards offer panoramic views of peaks such as Nanda Devi, Nilkanth, Nandaghunti, and Trishul, along with its apples, plums, peaches, and apricots. It’s located about 3 km from the city centre and can be reached by taking a bus or taxi.
FAQs
Which are the most popular places to visit in Ranikhet?
There are several sacred places to visit in Ranikhet, including Mankameshwar Temple, Haidakhan Temple, Ram Mandir, and Jhoola Devi.
How many days are enough for Ranikhet?
Ranikhet can be explored in at least three days since several tourist attractions cannot be covered in just one day.
Which is better, Almora or Ranikhet?
While both Almora and Ranikhet offer scenic views of the Himalayas, Ranikhet is comparatively less crowded and offers a more tranquil and relaxing atmosphere than Almora.
Which places are popular in Ranikhet?
In Ranikhet, you should visit the Haidakhan Temple, Ram Mandir, Jhoola Devi, and Ashiyana Park, which are some of the popular places to visit.
What is the weather like in Ranikhet? Does it snow there?
It snows during winter in Ranikhet. However, the likelihood of seeing snow is quite low since it doesn't last very long.
What is an ideal time to visit Ranikhet?
Ranikhet is best visited between April and July (before the monsoon season) and September to November (after the monsoon season) when the weather is pleasant for exploring the lush green mountains.
Where can I buy things in Ranikhet?
Ranikhet is famous for its sweets, Bal Mithai and Singaudi. The local markets may also have woollen clothes and handicrafts, among other things.
