The tranquil hill station of Uttarakhand state is famous for its beauty and snow-capped mountains. The hill station is famously known for its scenic views of the Himalayas. You can hear hundreds of bells ringing in the most famous Jhula Devi Temple. Adorn the fruit trees growing on the terraced orchards of Chaubatia Gardens, with views of snow-clad mountains including Nanda Devi Peak. You can also witness the Gandhi Kutiya in Tarikhet village where Mahatma Gandhi stayed during the Independence struggle. If you are wondering about the top places to visit in Ranikhet then keep on following the information below to know more.
Top 10 Places to See in Ranikhet: Wandering Through the Eye- Pleasing Hills of Ranikhet
The name Ranikhet means Queen’s Meadow and the serene valley of the hill station justifies the name making it one of the best places to travel in India in Summer. Ranikhet is the most liked tourist destination due to its enchanted beauty and spiritual vibes. The valleys are pleasing to see with their captivation, abounding with flowers, trees, and green meadows of valley embellished amidst the surrounding marvellous Himalayas. You can find various picnic spots in Ranikhet for peaceful Sunday brunches including Ashiyana Park, Rani Jheel, and more. The famous Chaubatia Orchard is where you can taste varieties of fruits including Apple, Apricot, Peaches, etc. so pack your stuff and be ready to meet the “Queen of Serene Hills” and get ready to explore the top Ranikhet tourist places.
- Chaubatia Gardens: Tasting Nature’s Fruits
- Haidakhan Temple: Soaking in the Spirituality
- Jhula Devi Temple: A Memorable Meet with Goddess Durga
- Upat Golf Course: The highest Golf Course in Asia
- Majkhali: The Tiny Tinsel Hamlet
- Bhalu Dam: Breezy Air of Mountains
- Tarikhet Village: Place Where Gandhi Lived
- Ashiyana Park: Plan a Fun-Day
- Mahavatar Babaji Cave: Origin Place of Kriya Yoga
- Ram Mandir Ranikhet: The Temple of the Mighty
1. Chaubatia Gardens: Tasting Nature’s Fruits
The name Chaubatia suggests the junction of 4 ways. The beautiful orchard is nestled 10 km away from Ranikhet in the Almora district. The garden is perched at 1,800 above sea level. The garden is stuffed with juicy fruits like Peaches, Apples, Apricots, and much more. This place is heaven for those who are nature lovers and want to make a special bond with nature. Tourists can also witness the panoramic views of the marvelous Himalayan beauties including Nanda Devi, Trishul, Neelkanth, etc. making it one of the extraordinary places to visit near Ranikhet.
- Location: Apple Garden, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand 263651
- Nearby airport: Pantnagar airport
- Nearest railway station: Kathgodam Railway Station
- Best time to visit: 09:00 am - 04:00 pm
- Opening hours: 07:00 am - 07:00 pm.
- Things to do: Photographing, Sightseeing
2. Haidakhan Temple: Soaking in the Spirituality
The Haidakhan Temple is worshipped in Chidianuala Ranikhet and Devotees from all over the country come here. It is said that this temple was made by Haidakhan who was the incarnation of Lord Shiva to whom the temple is dedicated. You can see the tall statue of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman proudly standing in the temple. This temple is also famous among devotees who want to tie the knot in Hinduism marriage rituals. One can also enjoy the majestic views of Himalayan beauties including Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, etc. from the temple premises making it one of the best Ranikhet sightseeing locations.
- Location: MC67+W63, NH 87, Chiliyanaula, Uttarakhand 263645
- Opening hours: 6:30–11 am, 12–8 pm
- How to reach: At a distance of 4.5 km from Ranikhet Bus Stand, The Haidakhan Temple is situated in Haidakhan Baba Ashram at Chiliyanuala near Ranikhet.
- Things to do: Sightseeing, Photographing, Paying Respect
3. Jhula Devi Temple: A Memorable Meet with Goddess Durga
Jhula Devi temple was built in the 8th century and is located at a distance of 7 km from Ranikhet near Chaubatia. It is said that in earlier times wild animals such as tigers and leopards used to attack villagers and lived in the dense forest near the temple. The villagers prayed to Maa Durga for their safety and the deity appeared in Shepard's dream and asked him to dig out her idol and then the temple was built in that place. Since this, it is believed that Jhula Devi grants the wishes of her devotees, and after the fulfillment of their wishes, devotees offer a bell to the temple. One can witness dozens of bells tied on temple premises. So add this place to your travel list.
- Location: JC9V+7J2, Chaubatia, Uttarakhand 263645
- Opening Hours: 9:30 am–6 pm
- How to reach: At a distance of 7 km from Ranikhet
- Things to do: exploring the temple premises, paying respect to the Deity
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4. Upat Golf Course: Highest Golf Course in Asia
The golf course is also known as Ranikhet Golf Course which is the highest golf course in Asia located only 6 km away from Ranikhet. It is nestled near Ghingari Khal and is looked after by the Kumaon Regiment as well. The golf course is a 9-hole golf course from where you can enjoy the glorious views of the majestic Himalayas. Though primarily used by army men, the golf course is open to the general public as well for a nominal figure. The golf club provides various plans for outlanders as well. Many domestic matches are held at this course.
- Location: MF8C+388, Khari Bazar, Ranikhet, Uttarakhand 263645
- How to reach: Ranikhet Golf Course is located at a distance of 6 km from Ranikhet.
- Opening hours:6:30 am–6 pm
- Things to do: Playing golf
5. Majkhali: The Tiny Tinsel Hamlet
Ranikhet is known all over India for its eye-pleasing natural beauty and exotic land. Majkhali is an elegant place to see the scenic panoramas that are introduced from the top of a mountain. Other than its natural beauty, the bitsy hamlet is also known for its Goddess Kali Temple and multitudinous picnic spots close to the place. Excursionists with a green thumb can visit the woodland nursery, where they can see a different variety of foliage and fauna.
- Location: Majkhali, Uttarakhand 263652
- How to reach: The village is located 12 km away from Ranikhet on the Almora Road.
- Best time to visit: Enjoy the blissful Majkhali Weather in September-December
- Things to do: Photographing, exploring the location
6. Bhalu Dam: Breezy Air of Mountains
The Bhalu Dam is a small artificial lake adorned in the conserved forestland area near Chaubatia Orchard. The British Viceroy constructed the dam in 1903 as a source of drinking water for the troopers and the dam appears to be a semicircular masonry dam. There's a small force 70 m long,6.6 m wide, and 9 m deep. The encircling areas of this breathtaking lake offer mesmerizing views of the Himalayan mountains. The small but beautiful garden near the dam is an outstanding point making it one of the places to see in Ranikhet. The cool air coming from the snow-capped valleys makes the dam area a perfect holidaying spot for nature-loving excursionists. It's also a popular spot for camping and picnicking. The dam is about 3 km from Chaubatia Orchard.
- Location: JFCH+528, Diholi, Uttarakhand 263651
- Timings: 9:30 am–5:30 pm
- Things to do: Photographing, sightseeing
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7. Tarikhet Village: Place Where Gandhi Lived
Tarikhet is a small yet popular village of Ranikhet and it is mainly known as a momentous site during India's freedom struggle. The most popular location of this village is Gandhi’s Kutiya which was said to be Mahatma Gandhi’s resting area during the freedom struggle. The village is also famously known for small-sized huts used during the freedom struggle and the holiest Golu Devta temple which is worshipped in Kumaon Region. The Village remains very cold in winter and moderate in summer, so the best time to visit Ranikhet is from March to October.
- Location: Tarikhet Uttarakhand
- Timings- Anytime
- How to reach: Tarikhet village is located about 8 km from Ranikhet, en route to Ramnagar.
- Best time to visit: March to October
- Things to do: photographing, relaxing, sightseeing
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8. Ashiyana Park: Plan a Fun-Day
The park is also known as “Devdar Udhyan” and is located in the heart of Ranikhet which is the first ever theme park of Ranikhet in the Almora district. The place proudly exhibits beautiful lawns, colorful fountains, and herbal gardens which makes it a wonderland for kids. The theme of this park is Jungle which is highly enjoyed by kids and adults. The park is emerging as a very liked picnic spot making it one of the best places to visit near Ranikhet.
- Location: JCVP+52F, Airari, Ranikhet, Uttarakhand 263645
- Opening hours: 10 am–5 pm
- Things to do: Picnicking, Photographing
9. Mahavatar Babaji Cave: Origin Place of Kriya yoga
Mahavatar Babaji cave is a cave from where the Kriya Yoga originated and it is renowned to be the most spiritual cave in the Himalayan region. This is the place where Yoga Guru Lahiri Mahasaya got his Kriya yoga teaching directly from Mahavatar Babaji making it one of the famous Ranikhet tourist places. You have to walk a 1-hour path to reach the cave from Kukuchina.
- Location: RFM8+H6X, Dwarahat Range, Uttarakhand 263656
- Things to do: Learning the teachings
- Opening hours: 9 am–4 pm
- How to reach: The cave is located in Kukuchina, Dunagiri mountain, 25 km away from Dwarahat
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10. Ram Mandir Ranikhet: The Temple of the Mighty
The sacred Ram Mandir is nestled at the top of the lush green hill and is dedicated to the Hindu god “Shri Ram”. The holy temple is located near the Jhula Devi temple and can be easily reached from Ranikhet. You have to walk from the stairs enjoying the serene hilly views to reach the holy place. The holy shrine also houses the Vedic institution where scholars can learn ancient Vedas along with the art of modern mathematics under the teachings of Sant Shri Mouni Maharaj and this serene location can be explored with India vacation packages.
- Location: JC8W+W64, Chaubatia Rd, Ranikhet Range, Uttarakhand 263645
- Things to do: paying respect to Deity, Sightseeing
Ranikhet is a Cantonment town in the Almorah District which is blessed with placid landscapes and snow-clad mountains. As per the local legends, the place got its name when King Sudhardev who was a Katyuri ruler won the heart of his queen Rani Padmini who chose this area for her residence, hence naming it Ranikhet, but there are no palaces in the area. The tinsel village is perfect for those who need a detoxification of mind from the constant hustle- bustle of the city’s life. This place is also famous for couples who are starting a new chapter of their lives making it a popular place to have a honeymoon in India.
Places to Visit in Ranikhet - FAQs
The name Ranikhet means Queen’s Meadow and the serene valley of the hill station justifies the name. Ranikhet is the most liked tourist destination due to its enchanted beauty and spiritual vibes.
To explore the major attractions in and near Ranikhet you can plan a holiday for 5-6 days.
The best time to visit Ranikhet is in the summer season from March to June.
If you are visiting Ranikhet for your vacation you should buy sweets called “Baal Mithai” and “Singaudi”.
Trekking, hiking, sightseeing, photography, Visiting sacred sites, participating in outdoor and indoor activities, etc are some of the things that can be enjoyed in your Ranikhet vacation.
Chaubatia Gardens, Haidakhan Temple, Jhula Devi Temple, Upat Golf Course, Majkhali, Bhalu Dam, etc are some of the interesting places which can be explored in Ranikhet.
The distance between Ranikhet to Pantnagar Airport is approx 112 km.
Wildlife like Leopard Cat, Pine Mertin, Wild Bear, Mountain Goat, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Indian Hare, Red Faced Monkey, Jackal, Red Fox, and Porcupine can be found in Ranikhet.
