Things to Do in Ranikhet

This garden is famous for its beautiful orchards of yummy peaches, plums, apricots and juicy apples. The name ‘Chaubatia’ means a junction of paths as it is the point where the four cities meet. The cities are- Ranikhet, Pikholi, Bhargaon and Dehrti. It is known that the then Viceroy of India was Lord Mayo and he was so enchanted by the beauty of Chaubatia that he ordered it to be made the center for the British Cavalry and thus was set up the Cantonment of Chaubatia.

It is a place of immense beauty with its calm and serene surroundings – great place for a picnic. Also, if you’ve not seen step-farming before, you’re in for a visual treat. The snow capped peaks of the Tulsi, Nilkanth, Nanda Devi and Nandaghunti look gorgeous. You can even walk through the mountain forests here and enjoy the colorful flora and fauna. The vegetation here comprises of silver oak, rhododendron, cypress, cedar and pine trees. 

The tradition of babaji goes back to more than a few centuries. Legend days that the babaji has appeared, lived and taught in the similar way twice in the last century. The last time he appeared was in the year 1970 and again left for his heavenly abode in February, 1984.

Initially there was only a small temple that was built by him during the year 1890. Babaji started building small and simple rooms mainly for the purpose of housing devotees who came to visit him every day. Initially it was only the Indians who started visiting him in large numbers but very soon many foreigners also started coming to seek the blessings of Babaji. Babaji also built 9 small temples opposite the ashram on the banks of the Gautami Ganga and which flows from the side of the ashram.

Hairakhan is just heaven on earth. With the beautiful singing of the birds to the mesmerizing surroundings and the Gautami Ganga River that is said to be chanting holy hymns from centuries is a lifetime experience.

People come here to receive his blessings through prayers and other religious ceremonies. It is believed by many that in spite of not being present physically, Babaji makes everyone feel his presence around them and like this assures them his support and blessings. 

The Binsar Mahadev temple is perched on a height of more than 2000 meters above the sea level. It is a very popular tourist attraction not only in Nainital but in the whole Uttarakhand. It is an ancient temple that was built by King Kalyan Chand of the Chand dynasty in the 9th century and it is said that it was built in just one day. This temple is basically dedicated to the Lord Shiva but also houses idols of many other gods and goddesses, especially, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati.

It is said that women come here and light a lamp on their palm and pray here to seek the Lord’s blessings in the form, of a child. Apart from the main idols, there are also idols of Har Gauri and Maheshmardini. The idol of Maheshmardini is engraved with verses in Nagarlipi Language. This place is said to be build in the memory of Bindu, the king’s father, it is also known as the Bindeshwari Temple.

The temple is famous for its ancient archeological significance and the surrounding view of the incredible snow capped peaks and the beautiful flora and fauna. The places of interest near the temple are- the Binsar wildlife Sanctuary, the Binsar Sanctuary Museum, Almora, the Jageshwar Temple, the Katarmal Sun Temple.

The Bhalu Dam was built by the then Viceroy of India for the basic purpose of providing water to the British soldiers as well as the local people there. It is a few kilometers drive from the city of Kothiyan and then from there a little trekking from the Chaubatia Garden.

The main feature of this artificial lake is the fantastic surroundings - tall fir and pine tree forests, snow-capped valleys are just splendid, the singing of the birds, the cool breeze and the clean sky. The adjoining garden is small but is very beautiful with colorful flowers and the fruit trees. 

The Pandukholi is a group of small caves that have been there from thousands of years ago. It is a little trek beyond the main Ranikhet plains. It is said that it was here that the Pandavas remain hidden when the Kaurava army came to this place in search of them. The name of the caves has been derived from this story.

The solitude in the middle of the Himalayas, the gorgeous sunrise view and the amazing surroundings are all a combination of a perfect landscape as if painted by an artist.

This place seems to be completely unaffected from the rest of the world and remains engrossed in its own serenity. There is not a single sight of any pollution and the clear blue skies are a visual treat here.

This place devoid of any major population has been a tourist attraction as well as a destination for many saints over many years.

Chaukhutia mean legs. The place is blessed with rich historic significance as visitors will find remaining of the ancient forts, which were built during the Katyuri dynasty. The place is 54 KM away from Ranikhet and mostly famous for fishing. One can also visit the Kali and Vaishno Devi temple nearby!

Another local restaurant of Ranikhet! Food quality is good and all Indian traditional foods, like – rice, dal, chapatti, etc. are available. One can get both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thali or meal over here. The restaurant is situated at the heart of Ranikhet, thus easily accessible. 

The golf course of Ranikhet is the highest golf course of Asia. The area is under the maintenance and supervision of Indian Army. Though, tourists can visit the golf course anytime. The golf course is a 9 hole course, and pretty famous for its lusty green and serene look.

This is another hotel of Ranikhet, which is widely popular for being sophisticated and elegant. The hotel has special luxurious suites for the visitors and furnished with all modern amenities. Hotel tariff is on the higher side, though, staying here is a value for money solution.

The local of the resort is really appraisable. Being situated amidst complete serenity and isolated from the hustles and bustles, the resort offers exquisite scenic views through windows and complete serene environment. The hotel has facilities, like – badminton courts for children, internet access, car facility, attached restaurant, etc.

This is one of the famous places of Ranikhet and may be the only place in Ranikhet, if you are looking forward to shop something. Locally made embroider cloths, handicrafts are quite famous and visitors often shop them. Handmade woolen sweaters are also available.

Established in 1970s, the museum great historic significant. The museum portrays the history of Kumaon and Garhwal regiments. The museum also has some documents that are related with Kargil war and even Second World War. Truly, a must visit place, if you are at Ranikhet!

One of the best resorts of Ranikhet is Woods Villa Resort. This hotel is suitable for those, who are searching for perfect coziness and leisure in Ranikhet. The hotel has multi-cuisine facilitated restaurant, which serves great local traditional dishes, as well as a wide range of modern dishes.

The location of the restaurant is the prime part of it. It is almost situated at the heart of Ranikhet. The restaurant has some local dishes to serve, which are delicious and should tasted. However, if you do not want local delicacy, want to stick to the Indian traditional, then the restaurant can also serve you high quality foods.