Ranikhet is a small town in Uttarakhand, popular for the Kumaon regiment and the military atmosphere. Having the snow-capped Himalayan peaks as the stunning backdrop, this pristine town is the perfect holiday destination for couples and families. The quaint ambiance and the lush green hills surrounding the city make the place ideal for a small gateway from the hustle-bustle of the urban cities. If this brief overview of the mountain town has sparked your interest, let’s explore the places to visit so that you can get started with planning the vacation at the earliest.
The Jhoola Devi Temple
Seek blessings from Goddess Durga at this pristine temple in Ranikhet during your visit to the town. The temple is said to be an ancient relic, built around the 8th century. It is believed that the main purpose that drove the locals to build the temple was to seek Goddess Durga’s protection for the wild animals roaming around in the surrounding lush green forests. The temple houses a special wall with numerous holy bells tied together. According to the tales, ringing these bells can grant your wishes. It’s located at a distance of 7 Km from the town and keeps the gates open for devotees from 6 AM to 7 PM every day.
Haidakhan Babaji Temple
Located in Chilianuala of the Almora district and at a distance of 4 Km from Ranikhet, the Haidakhan Babaji temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is nestled in the laps of lush green mountain slopes and offers a stunning view of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Nanda Devi, Pancha Chooli, and Trishul Parvat. You can visit this Hindu temple between 6 AM and 7 PM to offer your devotion and seek blessings from Lord Shiva.
Bhalu Dam
One of the best places to visit in Ranikhet is the Bhalu Dam. This artificial lake is located at a mere distance of 3 Km from the town, just above the Chaubattia Orchard. It was built during the British rule in India, around 1903 as a water storage. At present, this lake has become a serene tourist spot, attracting numerous travelers throughout the year. The entire place is known for its eccentric natural beauty, especially due to the panoramic view of the Himalayan range acting as the backdrop. Whether you want to relax and hear the birds chirping pleasantly or arrange a picnic with your family, the Bhalu Dam is your one-stop destination.
Chaubatia
Vacationing in Ranikhet and not visiting Chaubatia shouldn’t be in the picture ever! Located at a distance of 10 Km from the town, it is home to vast acres of exquisite orchards of apples, peaches, apricots, and plums. Visiting the gardens will give you a first-hand experience of witnessing step farming in the Himalayan land. The land glows up brightly during the harvest seasons when the plants bear juicy and fresh fruits and flowers. Apart from exploring the orchards, you can also marvel at the stunning views of the Himalayan peaks. Since it’s a bit far away, you should decide Best Places To Stay In Ranikhet strategically so that you won’t have to travel much to reach Chaubatia.
Majkhali
Majkhali is indeed one of the best tourist places to visit in Ranikhet. Located at a distance of 13 Km, the place is known for sightseeing as it offers eccentric views of Mount Trishul to the spectators. You can spend a lazy afternoon, picnicking with your family or get engaged in some adventurous outdoor activities. What’s more, you can also go trekking and explore the natural trails surrounded by dense green forests. The place offers a breathtaking view of the Nanda Devi peak, especially if you visit during the snow season. Take a detour to the Khurpatal Lake from Majkhali after exploring the local village in the town.
Binsar Mahadev Temple
Last but not the least, we have the Binsar Mahadev Temple on our list of places to visit in Ranikhet. It is located at a distance of 13 Km from the town and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is famous amongst the pilgrims due to the popular belief stating that lightning a lamp on the occasion of Vaikunth Chaturdeshi could grant a couple a blessing of a child. It is surrounded by dense forests of pine and deodar along with fresh water springs in vicinity, thereby offering an exquisite ambiance that will indeed make your visit worthy.
Conclusion
With the list of places already in your hands, planning your vacation won’t be much difficult. However, you should check the hotels/ resorts to stay near the tourist places as that will be more convenient in terms of travel. Besides, you won’t even have to worry about finding eateries and restaurants if you are close to the tourist places.
