Ranikhet, at about 1,800 metres in Almora district, was developed by the British in the 1860s as a cantonment and is still home to the Kumaon Regimental Centre and the Naga Regiment. The army's presence keeps the town orderly and green, and it has escaped much of the building rush seen in other hill stations.
The name is often said to mean the queen's meadow, after a local legend of a Kumaoni queen who loved the place. Things to do in Ranikhet are unhurried: temple visits, orchard walks, a round of golf, a regimental museum, and plenty of time in the pine and oak forests with views of Nanda Devi and Trishul on clear days.
One to two nights is enough for the main sights. Ranikhet pairs well with Nainital, Almora, Kausani and Corbett on a Kumaon circuit.
For how to get there, when to go and where to stay, see our Ranikhet travel guide.
Quick answer: best things to do in Ranikhet
- Visit Jhula Devi Temple, hung with thousands of bells
- Walk through Chaubatia's orchards and fruit gardens
- Play or walk the Upat golf course
- See the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
- Take a pine forest walk around the Mall and cantonment
- Picnic at Bhalu Dam
- Watch the Himalaya from Majkhali
- Take a day trip to the Dwarahat temples
Comparing hill stations? See our guide to hill stations in Uttarakhand.
In and around town
Visit Jhula Devi Temple
Jhula Devi, a temple to Durga near Chaubatia, is famous for the thousands of brass bells tied up by devotees whose wishes have been granted. Local tradition says the goddess protected villagers from wild animals. A Ram temple stands next to it.
- Time needed
- 30β45 minutes
- Good for
- Everyone
See the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum
The museum of the Kumaon and Naga regiments tells the story of these units through uniforms, weapons, medals and war trophies. It includes material on Major Somnath Sharma, the first recipient of the Param Vir Chakra, who served with the Kumaon Regiment. Photography and timings are governed by army rules, so check at the gate.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Good for
- History lovers, families
- Good to know
- Check opening days with the cantonment
Walk the Mall and cantonment roads
The cantonment's quiet roads, lined with pine and oak, are ideal for long walks. Old churches such as St Bridget's, army grounds and colonial bungalows give the town its character. Early mornings bring birdsong and, on clear days, views of the snow peaks.
- Best time
- Early morning
Stop at the Haidakhan Babaji temple
The Haidakhan Babaji temple, a few kilometres from town on the Chilianaula side, is a peaceful ashram with views of the Himalaya and attracts visitors from India and abroad.
Orchards, golf and viewpoints
Walk through Chaubatia Gardens
Chaubatia, about 10 km from town, has a government fruit research station and orchards of apple, plum, peach and apricot. The orchards bloom in spring and fruit from summer into autumn, and there are walking paths and viewpoints over the valleys.
- Time needed
- 1β2 hours
- Best time
- March to April for blossom, July to September for fruit
- Good for
- Families, walkers
Picnic at Bhalu Dam
A short walk from Chaubatia, Bhalu Dam is a small reservoir in the forest, a quiet spot for a picnic and some birdwatching.
- Time needed
- 1β2 hours
Play or walk the Upat golf course
Upat, about 6 km from Ranikhet, has a nine-hole army-run golf course on a wide green meadow, often described as one of the highest in Asia. Visitors can play by arrangement or simply walk the edges for the views. The Kalika temple and forest are nearby.
- Good for
- Golfers, couples
Watch the Himalaya from Majkhali
Majkhali, on the road towards Almora, is an open ridge with one of the clearest views of the snow peaks in the area. It is a good sunrise or sunset stop and has a few quiet stays.
- Best time
- Sunrise or sunset, October to March
Day trips
See the Dwarahat temples
Dwarahat, about 35 km away, has several groups of old stone temples built under the Katyuri rulers, along with a stepwell. Dunagiri, a hilltop Durga temple reached by steps, is nearby and gives wide views.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Good for
- History and temple lovers
Visit Almora and Kasar Devi
Almora, about 50 km away, is the cultural capital of Kumaon, known for its old bazaar, bal mithai and the Kasar Devi ridge, where writers and seekers have stayed since the 1960s.
Stop at Kainchi Dham
The ashram of Neem Karoli Baba at Kainchi, on the road between Nainital and Ranikhet, draws large numbers of devotees. It is a natural stop on the drive; the June foundation-day fair brings very heavy crowds.
Things to do in Ranikhet by type of traveller
Families: Chaubatia's orchards, the regimental museum, Jhula Devi and picnics at Bhalu Dam keep days easy and varied.
Couples: Long forest walks, sunset at Majkhali and a quiet stay away from the Nainital crowds.
Older travellers: Ranikhet's gentle roads and cleaner, calmer town make it one of the more comfortable hill stations for a slow holiday.
What to do in Ranikhet with one day
Start with a morning walk in the cantonment and a visit to the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum. Drive to Jhula Devi Temple and on to Chaubatia's orchards, with a picnic at Bhalu Dam. In the afternoon, visit Upat golf course, then drive to Majkhali for sunset.
Practical tips for Ranikhet
- Kathgodam, about 80 km away, is the nearest railway station; Pantnagar is the nearest airport.
- Ranikhet is a cantonment: some areas are restricted and photography of army installations is not allowed.
- Most shops close early; plan dinners at your hotel or in the Sadar Bazaar.
- Carry warm clothes; evenings are cool even in summer and winter nights are cold.
Plan the rest of your Ranikhet trip
Ranikhet things to do: FAQs
What are the best things to do in Ranikhet?
Visit Jhula Devi Temple, walk through Chaubatia's orchards, see the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, visit the Upat golf course, walk the pine forests, watch the Himalaya from Majkhali and take a day trip to Dwarahat.
Is Ranikhet better than Nainital?
Ranikhet is quieter and less commercial, with more forest and fewer crowds. Nainital has the lake and more activities. Many travellers visit both.
How many days are enough for Ranikhet?
One to two nights covers the main sights at a relaxed pace.
What is the best time to visit Ranikhet?
March to June for pleasant weather and October to December for clear mountain views. Winter nights are cold and it occasionally snows.
Things to do near Ranikhet
- Things to do in Nainital: the lake town, about two hours away
- Things to do in Kausani: wide Himalayan views further north
- Things to do in Jim Corbett: safaris in the foothills
- Mukteshwar: orchards and cliff views near Nainital
More things to do in Uttarakhand
Published by the Kudozz Club editorial team Β· Last updated Β· How we research our guides
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