RANIKHET

Location: 59.5 Km. from Nainital
Attraction: Natural Beauty
Discovered in: 1869

A QUEEN'S FIELD
The ancient Aryans had designated the region of the Central Himalayas as the Celestial Land - the Dev Bhumi; the colouring of the foliage has to be believed. March and April is flower time in the foot-hills, while June and July bring the wild flowers to the upper regions, where the dwarf rhododendron bushes resplendent with pink and mauve blooms the region in all their glory.

The flowering plants amaze and confuse, when, different branches of the same plant yield flowers of different colours and varying fragrance. European tourists, over the centuries have, enthused ecstatically over its valley, meadows, cliffs, hills, snow-capped mountains, serpentine rivers and crystal clear rivulets here and there displaying the rainbow. The hill station, idyllic in its charm, Ranikhet with its majestic pine trees, is 59.5 kilometres from Nainital.

Here amidst the rustling and encircled by dazzling white peaks, glistening in the sun, once camped a beauteous Queen of legend and lore, giving the town its name-Rani (Queen)-Khet (Field) falling in love-with the beauty of the place, she decided to stay and built a palace near what is now the Ranikhet Club.

Discovered and built entirely by the British in 1869. On a visit here, late Prime Minister Nehru commented "I wish more of our people living in plains below, would visit the Himalayas... They can have their fill of flower and noble trees in primival forests. They can breathe the free untained air which invigorates and they can return strengthened in body, mind and spirits.

Weaving an instant spell on the visitor, Ranikhet does not witness the paradox of a "madding" rush of visitors with the onset of summer and the corresponding departure with the summer's end, but draws visitors all the year round.

THE ENCHANTED VICEROY
Acclaimed as a 'heavenly hill station', and one of the best in the world, it won the heart of Lord Mayo, who was the Viceroy of India from 1869-72. Enchanted by the scenic setting, he gave serious thought of shifting the Army Headquarters from Shimla to Ranikhet. The hill station offers the pleasure of golf and well-equipped club, besides the long and short walks and beartiful picnic spots.

The residential club offers temporary membership to tourists providing them all the benefits of the tennis courts, excellent golf links, indoor recreational facilities and use of the club's rooms and excellent cuisine.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Fairs
Nanda Devi Fair
Nanda Devi Mela is a fair of great religious and cultural significance. It is held at Nanda Devi Temple in September to commemorate the memory of goddesses, Nanda and Sunanda.

Others
Upat and Kalika
With one of the best 9 hole golf links in the country, Upat is a boon to the enthusiast. With the added attraction of private orchards, it is 5.6 km away. Just one kilometre from Upat is Kalika with its famous temple to the Goddess Kali. It also has good forest nursery. A beautiful snowcapped mountain peak is available on the other side of the golf link at Upat.

Chaubatia
As the name implies, these are four, fruit gardens, with a Government Fruit Research Centre, complete with a fruit sales depot and cafeteria. It is 10 kilometres from Ranikhet.

Bhalu Dam
Main Source of the town's water supply comes from the Bhalu Dam, 3.2 kilometres from Chaubatia. It is famous for its fishing.

Majhkhali
On the Ranikhet - Almora road, 13 km, is a spot of entrancing, celestial beauty. Here is an awe-inspiring view of the majesty of the snoy peaks. The U.P. Government Agriculture Farm is situated here.

Co-operative Drug Factory
Three kilometres down the road to Ramnagar, is unique venture. Here are manufactured, on co-operative basis, Ayuvedic drugs from local herbs. The factory deals with the drugs from the research stage down to production.

EXCURSIONS
Nainital
A lovely hill station surrounded by mountains on three sides, once called "Chakta" or the land of 60 lakes.

Sat Tal
Picturesque spot where nature reigns supreme in all her beauty, Sat Tal, or Seven Lakes is 21 kilometres from Nainital. Here are seven small but exquisite lakes; including Panna, Nal-Damayanti, Sita, Government and the Sukha Tal Lakes in the midst of thick tall, pine oak trees. Here, too, is a tiny wild life sanctuary Ashram run by Dr.Stanley Jones of America. The Nal-Damyanti Lake is loaded with a variety of fish.

Bhim Tal
Named after one of the Pandava brothers, this, the largest lake in the district, is 1701 metres by 454 metres making it 265 metres longer than Naini Lake. Situated at a level of 1371.6 metres it is 22 kilometres from Nainital. Known for its robust majesty, Bhim Tal has an exquisite gem in the middle of the lake - an is let situated within the range of temple bells, which have been chiming for the last 300 years in the 17th century edifice, beneath the shadow of the towering mountain as it rushes precipitously down to the emeraid green of the lake. The island, situated close to the north-east side, is only 91.4 metres from the shore.

Naukuchia Tal (1218 metres)
A haven for the fishing enthusiasts, this fine lake, with nine corners, is four kilometres to the north-east of Bhim Tal.

Tarakhet
Beloved of Gandhi On the same road, 8 kilometres away, is the spot, Mahatma Gandhi fell in love with and stayed for a length of time during the days of the Independence struggle. Here, he came for peace of mind which he always found. Now a developing town ship, the house Gandhi stayed in, GandhiKuti,and Prem Vidhyalaya are the chief attractions. There is a good Rest House, built in beautiful surroundings.

Khairna and Bhikiasen
They are situated on forest road, 22 km and 53 kilometres from Ranikhet respectively - famous for fishing.

Mainla
Only 13 kilometres from Bhikiasen and 66 km from Ranikhet, out of which 13 km are negotiated by a bridle Path; lead to beautiful Mainla, in the midst of the mighty mountains.

Ranikhet - Karanprayag Road...135km
On the same road, 35 kilometers from Ranikhet, is Dwarahat, one of the many places from the remote past.

Tour No. - 2
Ranikhet - Tour - One Day Covers - Bhowali,Kainchi Temple,Ranikhet, Kalika, Golf Link, Heera Khan Temple or Chaubatia garden & Bhimtal

Tour No. 3
Lakes Tour (Full Day)
Covers - Bhowali, Ramgarh, Ghorakhal, Bhimtal, Naukuchiyatal, Sat Tal & Hanumangarhi Temple

Bhowali (1706 metres)
Eleven kilometres to the east of Nainital, Bhowali is an ideal spot for those in search of fragrant pines, for a day's outing, week-end, or even the whole summer. Enclosed by a pine forest, the crisp, salubrious air makes it an ideal spot for the finest T.B.Sanatorium in the state. It also has a Rest House and Tourist Bungalow, besides a few ordinary hotels.

Hanuman Garhi and Observatory
An ecstatic spot reputed for its glorious sun-set, the Hanuman Temple, has turned lately into a pilgrim centre as well. Near the temple is U.P. Government Astronomical Observatory and the Satelite Tracking Centre well worth a visit.

HOW TO GET THERE
Rail: There is a railhead situated at Kathgodam, 84-km away from Ranikhet.
Road: Buses from all over Kumaon, including from the railhead Kathgodam.
Local Transport: For local transportation within the town jeeps, taxis and local buses are available.

PLACES TO STAY
Being one of the famous hill stations of the state, Ranikhet is well equipped with both luxury and economical budget accommodations.

NEARBY CITIES
Majhkhali: 13-km
Mainla: 13-km
Dwarahat: 35-km
Nainital: 59.5-km