Ranikhet
Ranikhet, a quaint hill town is located in the Almora district in the Kumaon division of Uttarakhand. Perched at an elevation of 1830 mts, Ranikhet is a marvel of nature. Ranikhet is quite popular amongst the tourists due to its salubrious ambiance, luxuriant fields, clean and sylvan environs and unsurpassed innate beauty. The grandiose Himalayas, verdant green woodlands, reverberation of fauna and aroma of flowers all combined together calm down your senses and transports you to a dreamland.
History Of Ranikhet:
Ranikhet meaning a "Queen's Meadow", is assumed to have been named after Rani Padmini. According to the legend, in 12th century, a queen of the local Katyuri ruler, Rani Padmini visited this place and was so smitten by its beauty that she decided to reside here only. Raja Sukherdev, her husband erected a palace for her and named the place 'Ranikhet'. Though, there are hardly any vestiges of the palace, the forename still subsist, as does the glamour of the town.
Ranikhet was somehow lost into stupor and was later enlivened by the Britishers and transformed it into a cantonment town in 1869. To attain respite from the scorching summers of north India, Britishers made Shimla their summer headquarters and since Ranikhet is nearby, it also became a favored hideout. Even today it serves as a quarter of Indian Army's Kumaon Regiment and Naga Regiment.
Ranikhet: A Visitor's Paradise:
Placed in the midst of thick woodlands of oak, pine and deodar, Ranikhet has a congregation of diverse flora and fauna. The forests of the region are covered with moist mixed-deciduous forests, sub-alpine paddock and scour in profusion. The fauna of the region comprises of mountain goat, barking deer, sambhar, wild boar, Indian hare, red faced monkey, langur, red fox, jackal, pine mertin, leopard cat, leopard and porcupine.
An idyllic hill station in Kumaon, Ranikhet attracts lot of tourists throughout the year for its treasured loveliness, attractive expeditions, primordial holy places, enthralling strolls and thrilling trekking options. A nature lover's paradise, Ranikhet proffers enchanting vistas of the majestic Himalayas from the Bhagirathi peaks in the west to Nanda kot in the east. Especially the Nanda Devi peak is clearly visible from Ranikhet on a clear day. Considered as a place with modishness, the beauty of Ranikhet lies in its simplicity. With dense woody hill of pine and deodar giving way to ravishing rivulets and advancing to blossoming carpeted gorges all combined together create a mystic aura. Even a short leisure stroll through this region has a revitalizing effect on the psyche and soul.
Orchards at Chaubatia are the perfect picnic spot for the tourists who want to soak themselves in the panoramic beauty of Ranikhet. It seems nature has blessed Ranikhet with all its elegance and daintiness. The scenic splendors of the down vales and the exclusively isolated breezy environs make Ranikhet a sought after vacation destination in Uttaranchal.
Quick Facts about Ranikhet:
Anytime is perfect for visiting Ranikhet. The temperature ranges from 8-30 degree Celsius during summers and the weather is pleasant and salubrious for wandering around during the day time. Even the nights are pleasing and the stay is comfortable. It becomes little bit difficult during winter months since the temperature dips down to even 2 degree Celsius. The temperature ranges from 2-7 degree Celsius and nights are really cold. One needs to carry a lots of woolens if planning a trip during winter season although during the daytime its fine to saunter around.
Ranikhet is a perfect holiday retreat for tourists of all genres to relax and unwind amidst nature's treasure.