Situated 1,829 metres above sea level, Ranikhet is a charming hill station surrounded by the white-capped Himalayas, lush forests and mountaintop temples. Legend has it this alpine paradise enchanted Queen Padmini of Kumaon, which isn’t surprising when you see its snowy winter scenery, seasonal gardens and laid-back main shopping strip.
Things to do in Rānikhet
Discover the depths of Hindu culture in India by visiting one or more of the many temples surrounding or within Ranikhet. The ancient Jhula Devi Temple is well-known for its vast collection of hanging bells, while Haidakhan Babaji Temple is one of the best spots to soak up the undulating Himalayas.
Are you visiting with your family? Let the kids run wild on the playground and climbing structures in Ashiyana Park. It’s a short walk from Sadar Bazar, where you can browse numerous local stalls selling fresh produce, handmade clothing, jewellery and trinkets. Afterwards, pick up a sweet treat in the adjacent Hari OM Ice Cream shop.
Stroll down the main street to discover a range of boutiques and jewellery shops, including Ramesh Footwear and Atul Kumar Anoop Kumar Jewellers. During fruit-picking season, you can see a variety of fruit trees at the Apple Garden, which is perfect for a picnic while admiring the Himalayas.
Get your fill of authentic Indian cuisine while visiting Ranikhet, such as the family recipes at Vicky Da Momo. You can also tuck into handmade pizzas at The Pizza Bite or sip on fresh coffee at Coffee House.
Getting around Rānikhet
Ranikhet is about 120 kilometres from Pantnagar Airport, connected via taxis and regular buses. The hill station is easily explored on foot, but you will need to hire a driver or car to access the surrounding attractions.