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Ranikhet, a beautiful hill station in the Himalayas, is adored by trekkers and nature lovers. The name is translated as the land of the Queen. This is because of a legend that King Katyuri Surdhardev’s wife chose this land to settle down. The things to do in Ranikhet are known for the scenic beauty, apple orchards, and the best trekking experience. It is also a place of historical and religious significance with sacred temples, and important military cantonments. This 6,132 ft hill station is a treat for those seeking quieter yet not compromising on the beauty and the richness this place offers visitors.
10 Best Things To Do In Ranikhet
While you are staying there, these 10 things to do in Ranikhet are for those who love to make the most of their stay:
1. Visit Jhoola Devi Temple
Photo: Ibn Batoota / Wikimedia Commons
This 700-year-old temple is dedicated to goddess Durga who goes by the name jhoola. This is because the deity is sitting in a jhoola (Cradle) in this temple. The temple is adorned for its granting wish legends that make thousands of devotees come here to offer copper bells after their wishes are fulfilled. Hence, the temple is filled with hundreds of bells. The locals also revere this place because it is believed that Jhoola Devi protects their town from harm. The original deity is not here as it was stolen in 1959, however, its divineness is prominent among the visitors despite it all.
Location: Chaubatia
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway: Kathgodam
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar
2. Seek Blessings At Ram Mandir
Photo: Rajesh Dhungana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This temple is just a few stairs away from the Jhoola Devi temple. It is a must-visit temple if you have a special interest in the Book of Vedas or are a curious traveler. The temple has idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman. There is a monastery in this temple where the ancient Vedas and mathematics are taught under the Sant Sri Mauni Maharaj. This place will take you to the ancient knowledge that has made civilization thrive for centuries.
Location: Chaubatia
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearest Railway: Kathgodam
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar
3. Pluck Apples At Apple Orchards
Photo: AmaliaGonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Chaubatia Garden is famous for its orchards of fruits like apples, peaches, apricots, chestnuts, and varieties of plants and flowers. This 600-acre lush garden will take about two hours to complete the tour. It is a garden filled with nature’s goodness that you cannot help but feel closer to nature and leave you wandering into the lap of nature. You can spend a good time solitary with nature or get lost in unleashing your creativity through photography or poetry. So, come and experience the kiss of nature in the Chaubatia garden.
Location: 10 kilometers from South Ranikhet
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM daily
Best Time To Visit: March-June, September-November
Nearest Railway: Kathgodam
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar
4. Go Golfing
Photo: Pjoshi260 / Wikimedia Commons
If you enjoy golfing and want to try your hand at Asia’s highest golf course, this golf course at Ranikhet is for you. This nine-hole course is a favorite place for tourists and locals for its scenic view and sereneness. It is great to watch a game or play one as they offer tourist membership plans or maybe go up there to click pictures. The meadows in the Upat Golf Course with the green meadows give a breathtaking view that makes it worth the visit.
Location: 5 kilometers from South Ranikhet
Timings: 6:30 AM – 6 PM daily
Entry Fees: Free
Best Time To Visit: September-November
Nearest Railway: Kathgodam
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar
5. Explore The Peaceful Village Of Majkhali
Photo: Rajneesh28 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
A walk through Majkhali village will take your breath away with its scenic beauty of the terraced paddy fields. View Kumaon traditional houses, and the lush greenery of this idyllic village behind the panoramic view of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. These will add up into one big rendezvous in the lap of nature and the local culture. There is a high chance of making you pause, reflect, and create beautiful memories here.
Location: 12 kilometers from Ranikhet
Best Time To Visit: March-June, September-November
Nearest Railway: Kathgodam
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar
6.Take A Boat Ride At Bhallu Dam
Photo: Mrneutrino / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bhalu Dam is a reservoir, constructed about 200 years ago to serve the British troops with drinking water. It is a man-made reservoir built by the British and situated in the woods with a voice in the photographer’s fantasies. The lake is a characteristic for reclusive woodland birds. It is elevated high on a picturesque landscape with snow-capped Himalayan hills in the distance, complemented by vast trees. The lake is an ideal spot for picnics and tenting. Do not forget to visit the beautiful Valley of Saint Bridget Church, located not far from the dam.
Location: 11 kilometers from Ranikhet
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM
Best Time To Visit: March-June, September-November
Nearest Railway: Kathgodam
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar
7. Explore Kumaon Regimental Centre
Photo: ইব্রাহিম হাসান / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ranikhet is famous for being the base of one of the most distinguished infantry battalions of the Indian Army. The Kumaon Regimental Centre is a famed museum built in the 1970s to commemorate the legacy. To honor and celebrate the glorious history of the Garhwal and Kumaon regiments of the Indian Army, a museum was set up by the Kumaon Regiment. It exhibits a collection of artifacts from various wars. The gallery contains war pictures, military armaments, award medals, attire, and artifacts like flags, stones, and tablets.
Location: Sama Garden Road
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20
Nearest Railway: Kathgodam
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar
8. Know About Hidden Haidakhan Temple
Photo: Harshit SR / Wikimedia Commons
Named after Lord Shiva, Haidakhan Temple is a site dedicated to the Hindu God. Close to the village, Shri Haidakhan Maharaj, whom many devotees regard as an incarnation of Lord Shiva, built a temple. Worshippers and travelers from every corner of the Earth visit this beautiful temple because of its dedication and sacred ambiance. One can witness the breathtaking sight of the grandeur of the Himalayan ranges, including the Panchachuli, Nanda Devi, and Trishul Parvat. It is an amazing place to relax and rejuvenate from the daily chases of urban life.
Location: Chiliynaula
Timings: 6:30 AM -11 AM, 12 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Nearest Railway: Kathgodam
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar
9. Enjoy At Ashiyana Park
Photo: Georgfotoart / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Aashiyana Park is an ideal place for all age groups to visit. This park includes a medicinal herb park, a kid’s park, vibrant water fountains, and an observation point overlooking the majestic mountains. You will find a children’s area with sculptures of dinosaurs and many other features that have been purposefully designed and built. This park is more of an artificial structure with manicured lawns, picturesque gardens, and beautiful water fountains. It may be said to be very secluded, yet it is more like a walk through the jungle.
Location: Airari
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM, daily
Entry Fees: ₹5
Nearest Railway: Kathgodam
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar
10. Try Paragliding
Photo: Medium69 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Ranikhet paragliding is popular because of the exotic views and the suitable fly weather. Located in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand, Ranikhet is remarkable with its views of the white-capped mountains, green valleys, and quiet pine forests. The weather is calm and the winds are in a suitable position hence perfect for novice paragliders. The activity of flying over a hill station gives the thrill of flying in the face of nature’s beauty. The beauty of Ranikhet with the proximity of secure sites for paragliding makes it a paradise for adventure addicts.
Location: 12 kilometers from Ranikhet
Total Cost: ₹3000 approx
Nearest Railway: Kathgodam
Nearest Airport: Pantnagar
Ranikhet is an interesting place that combines nature, adventure, and peace. Visitors can walk through green forests, hike on beautiful paths, or do nothing and look at the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. For the adventurous types, activities such as paragliding and walks in the wild are ideal, and those history buffs can visit Jhula Devi Temple as well as the Army Museum. All the things to do in Ranikhet sweeten the experience. Hence, Ranikhet is a perfect place that balances relaxation and adventures. So, book a trip with TripXL and experience the queen’s land in all its majesty.
Cover Photo: Ravi Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons
