Ranikhet (literally meaning ‘Queen’s Field’) was established as a cantonment town and summer resort by the British in1869 and is home to the Kumaon Regiment Center. The hill resort is situated in the state of Uttaranchal at an elevation of 1800 m above sea level. Ranikhet is a popular getaway because of its quaint charm, peaceful surroundings, pleasant climate and splendid views of the Himalayan peaks including the Nanda Devi group. The hill station is surrounded by beautiful oak and pine forests and is a nature lover’s paradise. The fruit orchards, the golf course,the old fashioned churches, sprawling colonial bungalows, the treks to Kasauni, Dunagiri and Sitalakhet, the snow-capped peaks, all add to the charm of this hill station.

The summer in Ranikhet is mild and the winter is cold. Although tourists visit Ranikhet all round the year except monsoon, the best months would be April to June and September to November when the climate is pleasant. Monsoon (July to September) would be best if avoided as there is heavy rainfall and threat of landslides.  It is advisable to carry light woolen in summer and heavy woolen in winters. Tourists can experience snowfall in the months of December and January.

Money and travelers cheques can be exchanged at the State Bank of India and the Nainital Bank. A few hotels like the West View Hotel also exchange currency for their customers. Most of the big establishments accept cards and there are a few ATMs which can be found with the help of the locals.

No permit is required to travel to Ranikhet, other than a visa for India.

Although Ranikhet does not have its own airport or railhead, it is easily accessible from the nearby places due to a good road transportation system.

By Air: Delhi is the nearest International airport, located about 380 kms from Ranikhet.

By Rail: Kathgodam, (84 km) and Ramnagar (95 kms) are the nearest railheads. Shatabadi Express, Howrah Express, Ranikhet Express, Rampur Passenger, Nainital Express are some of the important trains to these stations. There are regular buses to Ranikhet from both these railheads by state run and private operators.

One can also hire private taxis to Ranikhet. The drive takes about 2-3 hrs.

By Road: Ranikhet has good road connections to the surrounding areas in the Kumaon region and Delhi. Major road distances are: Almora - 49 Km, Delhi - 380 Km, Lucknow - 453 Km, Nainital - 59 Km, Kathgodam - 80 Km, Ramnagar- 96 km. There are many regular buses, (air conditioned/non air conditioned) from these cities to Ranikhet. One can also hire taxis and shared jeeps to travel to Ranikhet.

Jhoola Devi Temple: This is a secluded temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and is graced with bells all over. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama in the vicinity.

Chaubatia: Chaubatia is best known for its fruit orchards. An ideal place for nature walks. It is situated about 10 kms from Ranikhet and set amidst beautiful gardens. It also offers an excellent view of Himalayan peaks - Nanda Devi, Trisul, Nanda Ghunti and Nilkanth. The Government Fruit Research center too is located here.

Bhaludam:  Bhaludam is an artificial lake situated 3 kms away from Chaubatia. It is a popular picnic spot and attracts a large number of tourists.

Upat and Kalika: At Upat one can find the best golf course of the region. It is a nine-hole golf course surrounding by lush pine forests and is a definite delight for golf lovers. There is a Kali temple just 1 km from Upat, which is worth a visit.

Ram Mandir, Herakhan Mandir and Binsar Mahadeva are other popular temples in Ranikhet.

Majhkhali: About 13 kms from Ranikhat on the Almora road, Majhkhali offers a breath taking view of the snow capped Himalayas. The U.P. Government Agriculture Farm is also situated here.

The Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum showcasing military memorabilia is worth taking a look at.

Ranikhet is the base for a number of exciting treks to the Himalayas.

The Nanda Devi fair celebrated in Ranikhet and the Maha Shivratri fair celebrated at Bhikiasain, attract a large number of people from the nearby areas.

Shopping:

Marino woolen shawls and tweeds are worth buying in Ranikhet. The KRC Shawl & Tweed Shop & Factory is a welfare organization where tourists can see the process of producing shawls and tweed.

Ranikhet has wide range of accommodation of varying budgets for its tourists. There are hotels, Guesthouses, dharamshalas and Government bungalows. Govt Accommodation included Monal Tourist rest House, Sadar Bazar, Forest Rest House, Mall Road, Forest Rest House, Kalika among others. Woodsvilla Resort, The West View Hotel, Ranikhet, Parwati Inn and Rosemount (Chevron Hotel & Resorts), are a few good hotels available. A number of restaurants and eateries can be found around the town. Subham Restaurant, Mayur Restaurant, Garg Bhojnalaya and Sher-E-Panjab are good options.

There are a number of places of tourist interest close to Ranikhet.

Kherna: About 35 kms from Ranikhet, Kherna is a popular tourist location offering a splendid view of the Himalayas. Also known for its lush orchards, herbal and medicinal plants.

Nainital is about 60 kms away from Ranikhet and is a popular hill resort.

Almora about 50 kms away from Ranikhet is known for its health resorts and its picturesque views of the Himalayas.

Dwarahat is 38 kms form Ranikhet and is known for its ancient sculptures. The Syaldeh Bikhoti fair is held here every April.

Jim Corbett Park, 90 kms from Ranikhet is a paradise for nature lovers and those looking for some adventure.

Sitalakhet (35 km), Tarikhet (8 km) and Khairna (22 km) are good for excursions from Ranikhet.