About Ranikhet

Q ueen’s Field, as it literally means, Ranikhet is a very picturesque town in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Ranikhet is a cantonment area and is managed by the Indian Army.

As a result of which it is one of the cleanest and well managed town in North India. Legend has it that Ranikhet was named after Raja Sudhardev’s wife, who chose the area as her residence. But apparently there are no signs of any castle or palace which would suggest that they stayed there.

R anikhet was actually discovered by the English in 1869 as they couldn’t bear the excruciating heat of India in the summers. And they even chose it to be the headquarters of the Kumaon regiment. Eventually the British liked it so much that they thought of making Ranikhet the summer capital of the government of India instead of Shimla.

As Ranikhet is completely managed by the Army, they haven’t allowed any major construction to take place. So that the town retains it old charm of the bygone British era. One can still admire the colonial buildings or take a walk in the long winding Pine forests. At an altitude of 1870 meters, Ranikhet offers an array of scenic beauty to recharge your body and soul. It’s cold during the winters and enjoyed best during the summers with the abundance of flora & fauna. Ranikhet is well known for its temples and the view of the Nanda Devi peak in its full glory.