Uttarakhand Delight – Ranikhet – Nainital

Ranikhet: “Queen’s Meadow”

Ranikhet

Ranikhet is a small Hill station is located In Almora, Uttrakhand. The place has bristling good old fashioned military atmosphere. With peaceful walks and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, Ranikhet offers as a good retreat in summer vacations for your family and for those who are newly married.

Serene and quaint environment

The literal meaning of Ranikhet is “Queen’s Meadow” and it is said that Ranikhet was the first love of Queen Padmini.

The main city has pretty good population but the cantonment area offers serene and quaint environment.

When to Visit: – March- June/Oct-Feb

Tourist Attractions:

Chaubatia Gardens: Ranikhet is famous for apples, peaches and apricots. This garden is situated 10kms from the main city and offers picturesque views of snow clad Himalayas.  

Jhula Devi Temple

Jhula Devi Temple: An ancient temple built in 8^th century is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The temple has infinite bells hanging in its premises. It is believed that you can wish anything from the Goddess by hanging a bell in the temple.

 Bhalu Dam: The dam is built around a small artificial lake blessed with natural beauty and mesmerizing panoramic views. This camping/picnic spot is open to tourists all through the year.

Other major tourist attractions are Binsar Mahadev, Syalikhet, Haidakhan Temple and Golf Course.

Natural beauty

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport is located at Pantnagar, 115 kms away from Ranikhet. You can cab the rest of the way.

 By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam located at foothills of Kumaon and is 88 kms away from Ranikhet. The station is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow and Howrah. Ramnagar is another railway station 96kms away from Ranikhet.

By Road: Ranikhet is well connected to Kumaon as well as Garhwal regions. Buses to Almora can be taken from Anand Vihar Bus Terminal. Delhi to Ranikhet Distance is approximately 360kms and it’s almost a 10hours road journey.

Nainital

Nainital: ‘Lake District’ of India

Nainital, popularly known as the jewel of the Himalayan Necklace, is blessed with scenic beautiful views and nature’s bounty. The hill station derives its name from Naini Lake, the most prominent lake.

Nainital

Nainital is one of the famous tourist destinations of India, dotted with so many lakes, and thus has earned for itself the epithet of ‘Lake District’ of India. The legend behind Naini Lake is that it is one of the 64 Shakti Peeths, as some parts of the burnt body of Parvati are believed to have fallen here.

When to Visit

March-June or October-February

Tourist Attractions:

Naina Devi Temple: The temple is also known as Mahishapeeth because according to legends Goddess Parvati defeated demon Mahishasur here.

Shree Naina Devi temple is situated at Naina Peak (the highest peak of Nainital) which was previously known as China Peak. This peak has a Mango View Point from where Naini Lake appears as Mango shaped.

Naini lake is the heart of the hill station

Naini Lake: This ravishing lake is the heart of the hill station. The lake offers activities like boating and yachting. The lake is divided into two parts Tallital (Southern End) and Mallital (Northern End). Both the ends are popular shopping centres.

The Mall Road: It is the main road which runs parallel to the Jheel or Naini Lake. It basically connects the two ends of the lake and is also known as Govind Ballabh Pant Marg. Tourists particularly enjoy their evening stroll on The Mall.

Other major tourist attractions are Snow View point, Eco Cave Garden, Zoo and Governor’s House (Raj Bhawan).

How to Reach

By Air: The first nearest airport is located at Pantnagar, 65 kms away from Nainital. Afterwards private cabs can be hired from the airport.

Scenic beautiful views

 By Rail: The nearest railway station is Kathgodam located at foothills of Kumaon and is 34 kms away from Nainital. The station is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Lucknow and Howrah.

By Road: A 6-7 hours by road journey from New Delhi, Nainital is easily be accessed by road, with a few halts en route. Delhi-Nainital distance is approximately 290kms.

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