Ranikhet-Kausani

Ranikhet : Tourist Spots

Ranikhet, literally meaning 'the queen's fields' is just like a heaven on earth. It is situated at an altitude of 6000 feet above the sea level in Uttaranchal. Thick forests, deodar and pine trees in the foreground and an unending range of Himalayas in the background. The cool mountain breeze, the singing of birds, the enchanting view of the Himalayas - the sights, sounds and smells leave unforgettable experience on visitors.

In Ranikhet a British military base followed, a museum and a memorial today are the only reminders of the British regiment. It is also the centre of Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army. The Kumaun Regimental museum and amicably maintained grassy and green golf course are memorable experiences. The military air hangs here giving it a sort of old world charm.

Near Ranikhet, Chaubatiya gardens famous for its sprawling orchards of delicious apples, plums, peaches and apricots. It is the result of the pioneering efforts of a Briton who settled here some 150 years ago.

During rainy season, flowers bloomed up every where in rainbow colours, branches of trees stoop with ripened fruits and sunlight peeping through the mist and clouds, provides a magnificent effect all across Ranikhet.

Binsar Mahadev

It is located at a distance of 19 Kms. from from Ranikhet, on the way to Ramnagar amidst dense Pine and Deodar forests. The Shiva Temples of Binsar Mahadev are a unique place for yoga, meditation Located at an altitude of 2480 mtrs, Binsar Mahadev is an important temple of the region. It is also important for its architectural significance as well. The temple consists idols of Ganesh, Har Gauri and Maheshmardini. The idol of Maheshmardini is engraved with texts in 'Nagirilipi' which indicates the link of temple back to ninth century. The temple was built by King Pithu in memory of his father Bindu is also called Bindeshwar temple. An important fair is held here every year on the occasion of Baikunth chaturdashi in the month of June.

Mankameshwar

This temple is attached to the Nar Singh Maidan (Ground), constructed by the Kumaon regiment. Opposite the temple is a Gurudwara and a Shawl factory.

Tarikhet

Tarikhet is located at a distance of 8 Kms. from Ranikhet is well known for its Gandhi Kuti, and the temple of Golu Devta is venerated in the Kumaon region. It is famous for the Gandhi Kuti and the temple of Golu Devta.

St. Bridget Church

It is an old church in Ranikhet town.

Ashsiyana Park

Ashiyana Park is situated in the midst of Ranikhet town. The Park is specially designed & developed for children on jungle theme by Ranikhet Cantt.

Chaubatia Gardens

10 kms. away and popularly known as orchard country, provides an enchanting view of the Himalayas.

Chaubatiya gardens are famous for their vast orchards of delicious apples, plums, peaches and apricots. It is result of the pioneering efforts of a British settler 150 years ago. The garden has a sale counter which provides fresh apple juice.

Bhaludam

It is located at a distance of 3 kms. from Chaubatia, known for its artificial lake and picnic spots.

Upat - Kalika & other Golf Courses

5kms. from Ranikhet, on the main road to Almora is one of the best 9-hole golf courses in the area and is surrounded by lush pine forests. It is a heaven for golfers. Upat has one of the best nine hole golf course links in the country. Golfing at such high altitudes is such a fun, a high powered shot could even land in the valley below. Visitors can have a game at the Army golf course here.

Other attractions here are the private orchards which are worth taking a look, you can also take a leisurely walk in dense oak forests or catch a view of the Himalyan range.

Just a kilometre away from Upat is a temple of Goddess Kali and a forest nursery nearby are worth visiting.

Jaurasi

6000ft., above sea level, 16kms. from Chaukhutia, Jaurasi is famous for its magnificent view.

Khairna Bridge

It is located at a distance of 34 kms. from Ranikhet on the Nanital route. Number of People comes here it is famous for fishing.

Majkhali

Located at a distance of 13kms. from Ranikhet, on the way to Almora, Majkhali offers a close view of the snowy heights. It is a picnic spot on the Ranikhet - Almora road in Almora District, Uttaranchal. It provides an amazing view of snow clad mountains of the Himalayas. It is place where one can attain peace of mind.

Jhoola Devi Ram Mandir

Located at a distance of 7 Kms. from Ranikhet on the way to Chaubatia, known for its temples devoted to the Godess Durga and Lord Rama. This secluded temple dedicated to Goddess Durga located on road to Chaubatia. The interesting feature of the temple is its cluster of bells, echo of which can be heard at distance. Another temple devoted to Lord Rama is nearby.

Sitla Khet

Situated between Ranikhet and Almora this picturesque place not only affords a wide view of the Himalayan peaks but is also full of fruit orchards.

Scouting camps are frequently held here and there is a beautiful temple of Syahi Devi around 3 KMs away on a lovely mountainous trail.

The birth place of the first chief minister of the province of Uttar Pradesh, Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant is a place called Khunt situated nearby. Some years back a centenary memorial has been built at this place to commemorate the memory of this great son of the soil.

Hairakhan Temple (Chilianaula)

Located at a distance of 4 kilometres from Ranikhet is the famous temple of Hairakhan Baba. Baba Haira khan has many followers here and stories of his miracles do rounds here. Baba died in 1984 but his ashram in Ranikhet is well maintained. It offers a magnificent view of the snow capped peaks of mighty Himalayas.

Hairakhan Temple (Chilianaula)

Ranikhet Yudh Samarak - KRC Museum and Golf Course

Kumaun Regiment of Indian Army is perhaps one of the most prestigious and the most decorated of all. The Kumaun Regimental Museum offers a peep into our recent history and showcases the bravery and valour with which our soldiers fought. The KRC Golf Course is another delight for Golf lovers.

Ranikhet is 360 km from Delhi, a drive of around 9 hours. The nearest railhead is at Kathgodam, 36 km, from where it will take you 2 hours to drive up to Ranikhet. The best way to get to Ranikhet is by road, because of the beautiful landscape. You can rent a car or take a bus. Regular bus services connect Ranikhet to Ramnagar, Almora and Nainital.

How to Reach

By Air

Nearest airport from Ranikhet is Pantnagar, 144 kilometres from here.

By Rail

The nearest railhead from Ranikhet is Kathgodam (80kms) and Ramnagar (96 kms).

By Road

Ranikhet is well connected with roads to important cities. Some major distances from Ranikhet are Almora (49 km), Delhi (386 km), Nainital (59 km). Apart from that buses also ply from Ranikhet to Nainital, Almora, Kausani and Kathgodam.

Trekking Trails near Ranikhet

Peora – Mukteswar 08 km (03 Hrs)
Peora – Almora 16 km (05 Hrs)
Peora – Ramgarh 26 km (08 Hrs)
Peora – Nathuakhan 10 km (03 Hrs)

Kausani

Kausani, situated around 52 KMs from Almora is famous for it's picturesque view of the snow capped Himalayan Peaks. This charming hill station is endowed with exceptional natural beauty. Mahatma Gandhi came here in 1929, . By fascinated by its beauty he called this place the 'Switzerland of India', due to similarity in landscape. Kausani lies on the atop the ridge amidst dense Pine trees overlooking Someshwar valley on one side and Garur and Baijnath Katyuri valley on the other on Almora-Kausani-Didihat Highway.

The wide expanse of the famous Katyur Valley lies in front of it as you wake up to experience the Kausani sunrise. With each passing second himalyan peaks appeared to change its colors. The famous Hindi poet Sumitra Nandan Pant was born here.

This place offers a 350 km view of the Himalayan peaks like Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchchuli. There are very few places in the Himalayas which can compare with the beauty of Kausani - a picturesque hill station famous for its scenic beauty and its spectacular 300 km-wide panoramic view of the Himalayas.

Places Around Kausani

Badhan Gari Mandir
Angayaari Mandir
Kote Mai Mandir
Nar Singh Mandir
Krishna gari
Tall Camp
Trek Near Kausani
Pindari Glacier Trek
Sunder Dhunga Trek
Milam Glacier Trek
Highest points near Kausani are Pinnath (10KMs), Bura Pinnath (5KMs) and Bhakot (12)
Tea gardens (5 km on Kausani Road)

Anashakti Ashram

Gandhi ji stayed here for a short time. His spinning wheels (Charkha) are kept here. There is a small library with a study room, where you can find books on Gandhian philosophy.

Kumaon Shawl Emporium

A fabulous collection of high quality woolen shawls, exquisitely designed by the weavers in the Himalayas, can be purchased from here.

Famous Personalities in Kausani

Mahatma Gandhi in Kausani

Standing 1890 mts above the sea level, Kausani is nature's own reserve of solitudes and greenery. Even the father of the nation, Mahatama Gandhi has contemplated on the beauty of this region. Mahatama Gandhi, who spent 12 days in 1929 at Kausani, penned his memorable commentary on the Geeta-Ana-Sakti yoga inspired by the scenic grandeur of this richly gifted spot. The guest house where the Mahatama stayed is now know as Anasakti Ashram.

Sumitranandan Pant in Kausani

Hindi poet laureate Sumitranandan Pant was born at Kausani. Some of his early poems composed here have described nature in it's myriad manifestations. There is small museum to earmark that sacred spot. Kausani is ideal for those who seek to escape from the din and dust, hustle and bustle of big cities and wish to spend a quiet holiday in the lap of nature. Indeed, Kausani is a veritable heaven of beauty to which an excursion must be made on visiting Kumaun. The wide expanse of the famous Katyur Valley lies in front of it as you wake up to experience the Kausani sunrise.

How to Reach

By Air:

There is no direct route to reach Kausani by Air. The nearest airport is at Pantnagar, at a distance180 km. From Pantnagar one can reach Kausani by car or by some vehicle.

By Rail:

The nearest railhead to Kausani is the railway station at Kathgodam at a distance of 142 km and caters to the rail transport to Kausani.

By Road:

Bus services connect Kausani with the other hill resorts including Ranikhet, Almora, Gwaldam, Pittoragarh and Nainital.

• The nearest airpot is Pantnagar 177 km.
  
• Kathgodam (via Almora) 136 Km.
  
• Almora is 50 km.
  
• Kausani is 39 km.
  
• Delhi 405 km.
  
• Ranikhet (via Kosi) 75 km.
  
• Almora 50 km.
  
• Nainital 115 km.
  
• Corbett Park 150 km.
  
• Karnaprayag - 100 km.