Ranikhet

About the city

Ages ago, a beautiful Kumaoni queen, Rani Padmini, fell so deeply in love with the green glades and meadows of a tiny hill paradise that her king, Raja Sukherdev, built her a grand palace there and named the place Ranikhet, or queen's meadow. So goes the legend... There is no trace of a palace to lend credence to this legend, but few who have visited Ranikhet have any doubts about its charms. Part of the Ranikhet experience is in getting there. The road hugs the mountainside, so for three hours you are treated to vistas that made the hill stations of Uttaranchal justly famous thick, forested slopes of pine down which charge lively mountain streams and, far below, pristine valleys carpeted with flowers. As you approach Ranikhet, keep a watch to the left for the best view of all. The ancient, snow-clad Himalayas abode of India's gods, invincible defenders of her plains come into view. No wonder unspoiled Ranikhet is the favoured destination of exhausted urbanites yearning to breathe in the fresh, invigorating mountain air.

It is believed that the hill resort of Ranikhet derives it name from the Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sukherdev, the local ruler. The queen was awe-struck by the beauty of the place. The queen was so captivated by the place that she decided to stay there, and the place came to be known as Ranikhet i.e. "the queen's field" . The region around Ranikhet was ruled by local Kumaoni rulers and later came under British rule. The British developed Ranikhet as a hill station for their troops and established a cantonment in 1869. Ranikhet is still a cantonment town and is the Kumaon Regimental Center. Till date the hill resort of Ranikhet offers refugee to the sun baked people of the plains.

Ranikhet, quietly ensconced amidst pine trees with a charming background of the snow clad Himalaya, has a breathtaking scenic beauty. Blessed with a healthy climate, its magnetic charm attracts tourists all the year round. It is a haven for bird watchers and visitors who wish to spend their holidays in solitude.

Ranikhet is a place, which has preserved its virginity and pristine charm. The sweep of Himalayan range visible from here is arguably the largest available from any place. It is a pure heaven 6,000 feet above the sea level, away from the bustling lifestyle of city life. In Ranikhet, nature's beauty overwhelms with its sheer abundance. Majestic snow peaks glisten in the sun. Wind whistle through the pine and towering deodar trees, rustling leaves in their trail. Pathways lead you to a panoramic view of the mighty Himalayas that spell wonderment.