Kumoan Region

Shitlakhet
Shitlakhet is a scenic spot commanding a view of the majestic Himalayas. The nearby forest
area abounds with fruit orchards and herbal plants used in medicines.
Just about 4 kms. from Shitalakhet is the famous temple of Syahi Devi, which is worshipped
by the local people. Nearby is the natural spring from where the first water scheme for
Almora town was initiated some seventy years ago.
Just 2 kms. below Shitlakhet is the village Khoont which is the ancestral village of late Pt.
Govind Bhallab Pant. freedom fighter and former Home Minister of India.

Season: Round the year

EXCURSIONS
Ranikhet
35 kms from Shitlakhet, Ranikhet the name denotes, it is
believed that a Queen of the hills was so pleased with the
place that she camped near the present site of Ranikhet Club
and since then the place is known as Ranikhet.
The natural beauty of the place with its salubrious climate, balmy breeze and the
captivating Himalayan panorama, attracts tourists all the year round. The nearby places of
tourist interest are Chaubatlya Gardens, Bhalu Dam, Jhoola Devi Temple, Ram Mandir,
Haida Khan Mandir (Chileanaula). Kaliba Temple and Majkhali.
Dwarahat
(64 kms). This archaeologically and historically important town is situated on the
Karnaprayag road from Ranikhet.
Once the capital of the Katyuri Rajas, it is famous for its Syalde - Bihhauti fair, held in April
every year and for the group of temples dedicated to Mrityunjaya. Dhwaj, Badrinath,
Manlyan, Kachri devtas. 6 kms from Dwarahat is the famous Dronagiri temple.
ACCESSIBILITY
Rail: Nearest railhead is Kathgodam, 125 kms. via Almora (52 kms).
Road: Well connected with Ranihhet 50 kms. Almora 52 kms. and Haldwani 117 kms.

Ranikhet is a hill station and cantonment town in Almora district in the Indian state of
Uttarakhand. It is the home for the Military Hospital, Kumaon Regiment (KRC) and Naga
Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army.
Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1869 metres above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of
the Himalayas.
Contents
1 History
2 Geography
3 Climate
4 Flora and fauna
5 Places to visit
6 Demographics
7 Transport
History
Ranikhet, which means Queen's meadow in Hindi, gets its name from a local legend, which
states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who
subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet,
[1]
though no palace
exists in the area.
In 1869,
[2]
the British established the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment here and used the
station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer. At one time during British Raj, it was
also proposed as the summer headquarters of Government of India, in lieu of Shimla. In 1900, it
had a summer population of 7,705, and its corresponding winter population was measured in
1901 as 3,153
[3]

Ranikhet previously was under the Nepalese Rule, and the Kumaonese (people of Kumaon
Region) won it under the leadership of their able General Kashi Nath Adhikari after whom the
small town of Kashipur was named (which at one point of time was the gateway to the hills and
is now an educational /institutional hub) with the help of Britishers at around 1816 and is a part
of India now.
Geography

Ranikhet on foggy September morning
Ranikhet has an average elevation of 1,869 m (6,132 ft).The climate of the village is very cool.
The cantonment is spread across two ridges, the first, called the Ranikhet ridge, is situated at an
elevation of 5,983 ft (1,824 m) and the second, the Chaubattia ridge, is at an elevation of 6,942 ft
(2,116 m).
Climate
Ranikhet becomes very cold in the winters and remains moderate in summers, and is best
enjoyed from March to October. Ranikhet gets snowfall in the winter season, mainly in the
months of December, January and February. But in the rest of the months the weather of
Ranikhet remains pleasant.
Flora and fauna
The pine, oak, and deodar forests host an array of wildlife including leopard, leopard cat,
mountain goat, barking deer, sambar, pine marten, Indian hare, red-faced monkey, jackal, langur,
red fox, and porcupine.
[4]

Places to visit
Army Museum
Maintained by the Kumaon and the Naga Regiment of the Indian Army, the museum has a wide
collection ranging from stories of the heroics of the First World War till date. It has on display
the various weapons captured, flags of enemies captured by the army and also the LTTE boat
captured during Operation Pawan. It has stories of the First and the Second Param Vir Chakra
who belonged to the Kumaon Regiment. You can also get to know the list of all the Army
Generals who belonged to the Kumaon Regiment. The regiment, which has a long and successful
history of heroics and tales of valor, is on full display at the museum. Contributions by the
Regiment during the World Wars, during the Indo-China war and the Pakistan war, during Kargil
and Op Pawan can be known at this Museum. The Museum is very well maintained by the Army
and they also provide an Army guide who will help understand the history and the heroics of the
Regiment. Photography is prohibited inside the Museum. Interesting to see are the weapons
captured during the war, some of them weigh nearly 80 kg and require at least 2 people to carry
and load it. You also get to see the medals and uniforms of the brave soldiers. A visit to this
Museum is must when going to Ranikhet. One gets a strong feeling of patriotism when visiting
this museum.
Jhula Devi temple
Jhula devi temple, Ranikhet
Jhula Devi temple is situated at a distance of 7 km from the town of Ranikhet near Chaubatia. It
is said that the dense jungle near the temple was once full of wild animals, leopards and tigers
used to attack local villagers. The villagers prayed to Maa Durga for protection, and one day
Goddess Durga came in a shephard's dream and advised him to excavate her idol. This temple
was constructed at the spot where the shepherd found Goddess Durga's idol. Since then pilgrims
come to make a wish to Goddess Jhula Devi. And when their wish is fulfilled they come again to
thank Jhula Devi Maa by offering a bell to the temple. The popularity of the temple can be
realized by number of bells hanging over the temple walls. The temple priests have to timely
shift the old bells to a different place to make room for the new bells that are tied everyday. In
addition to bells, dried coconut and prasad is offered to the Goddess. This place has a calm
environment and a sense of spiritual peace to it.
Rama Mandir (temple)
ocated in the vicinity of Jhula Devi temple is the Rama Mandir, dedicated to lord Rama. A small
flight of stairs goes to the hilltop where the temple is situated. Rama Mandir has a monastery
where students are taught ancient vedas along with vedic and modern mathematics. People who
have a keen interest in vedas should not miss the chance to visit this temple.
Chaubatia Gardens
Located about 10 km from Ranikhet, this place has plantation of apricots, peaches, chestnuts, and
almonds and is famous for apple orchards. With a wide variety of Himalayan flora, it also offers
the picturesque views of snowcapped Himalayas. Apart from fruits, one can buy fresh juices and
artisan honey from the garden store on the way out.
Places to Visit in Ranikhet

Jhula Devi Temple and Ram Mandir
Jhula Devi temple is one of the most ancient temples of Uttarakhand, built as far back as 8th century AD.
The temple is situated approximately 7 km away from the major township of Ranikhet. The presiding
deity of the temple is Goddess Durga, the Hindu Goddess of Power. It is believed that if you tie holy bells
to the walls of the temple, while wishing for something, the wish will be granted.

As per mythological accounts, the temple was built to seek Durga's protection from the wild animals
residing in the nearby forest. It is said that the Goddess appeared in the dream of a shepherd and asked
him to excavate an idol from a particular spot and build a temple over that spot. One of the most
famous temples of the Kumaon hill, Ram Mandir is situated atop the Jhoola Devi Temple. It has Lord
Rama as its presiding deity.

Nanda Devi Mela
Nanda Devi Mela, held at Nanda Devi Temple, is of great cultural importance to the localities. It is held in
the month of September, to honor the Goddesses - Nanda Devi and Sunanda Devi. The fair was started
in the 16th century, under the reign of Raja Kalyan Chand. It is considered as the symbol of prosperity
and well being for the region.

Upat And Kalika
Upat is situated just 5 km away from Ranikhet. It is famous for the panoramic view of surrounding snow
capped Himalayan peaks. Here one can enjoy a game of golf at the Army Golf Course. Kalika that draws
its name from the famous Kali Temple that is located within the town is about 1 Km from Upat.

Rani Jheel
Rani Jheel is a huge artificial lake, developed between two natural ridges of Ranikhet - Canossa Convent
School and Kendriya Vidyalaya. It was built by the Cantonment board, for rain water harvesting.

Hairakhan Dham
Hairakhan Dham is the ashram of Hairakhan Baba, a saint who lived in Hairakhan between 1970 and
1984. It is approximately 5 km away from the main township of Ranikhet. The ashram is a spiritual place
where people from all religion are embraced equally.

Mankameshwar Temple
Mankameshwar Temple was built by Indian Armys Kumaon Regimental Centre, in 1978. The presiding
deities of this temple are Ma Kalika, Lord Shiva and Radha-Krishna. The location of the place is
magnificent and enjoys a pleasant weather throughout the year. Near by the temple is a Gurdwara and
factories of woolen garments.

Majhkhali
Situated on Ranikhet-Almora road, Majhkhali provides an enthralling, picturesque and celestial view of
the surrounding snow-clad mountains. It is a must visit for those who love to appreciate scenic beauty.

Chaubatia Orchard
Situated approximately 10 km away from the main township of Ranikhet; Chaubatia Orchard boasts of
more than 200 exotic varieties of fruits and flowers. It is a must visit for those interested in flora and
fauna. It also offers picturesque view of the snowclad Himalayan mountain peaks, including NandaDevi,
Trishul, Nandaghunti and Nilkanth.

Bhalu Dam
Bhalu Dam is a very beautiful lake, developed in the reserved forest, approximately 3 km below the
Chaubattia Orchard. The lake was constructed by the British Government, in 1903.

Cantonment Aashiyana Park
Cantonment Aashiyana Park was the first park to be built in Ranikhet and it offers a perfect environ for
people of all age groups. Inside the park, there are various sections, like Children's Park, Herbal Garden,
Lawn, Colorful Fountain, View Points for Himalayan Ranges and much more. It is the perfect place to
unwind from all the tensions and enjoy in secluded peace.

Sunset Points
Ranikhet offers various viewpoints for its amazingly beautiful sunsets. The most prominent amongst tem
are Machkhali (near woodvilla), a site between Transit Camp & Ganiadeoli, and the one located on the
road leading from Jhoola Devi Temple to Bhargaon.

Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum and Memorial
Kumaon Regimental Museum and Memorial is a must visit place in Ranikhet. The memorial, towering
over the famous Somnath Ground, was built in 1974, as a symbol of bravery and ultimate sacrifice of
army soldiers. It is at this place only that young boys, before becoming soldiers, take a pledge of loyalty
to their motherland. The colorful parade held here every year is a must-see. The museum was built in
the complex in 1978, with the aim of preserving and exhibiting the rich and magnificent legacy and
customs of Kumaon Regiment.

Almora is a quaint, historic town that has preserved its heritage in its temples, museums and hospitable
natives. If you want to what all is there to see and do in Almora, you must not expect something hip-hop
from this place; it is just about natural beauty and long-established heritage. Almora is just about filling
yourself with fresh air and savor the spectacular views of mountains and farms. Read this article to know
about things / fun activities to do in Almora.

Visit Temples & Churches!
Chitai Temple is a famous temple, about 8kms from Almora, dedicated to Gollu Deva - the revered
Kumaon Deity. Then there is one Katarmal Sun Temple, which was built over 800 years ago by the
Katyuri rulers. This temple complex has nearly 50 stone temples. If you're visiting Almora in spring, then
invest some time in Mahashivratri Mela which is worth experiencing. About 6 kms from Almora is Kasar
Devi Temple which is just about serenity and peace. Methodist Church is a stone-built church that was
built in 1897, and is worth exploring.

Discover the Heritage!
Gobind Vallabh Pant Public Museum, near the Bus Stand, is a treat for art lovers as here you can cherish
a rare collection of art and crafts, Apen folk-paintings, etc. This museum also has letters from Sardar
Vallabh Bhai Patel to GB Pant and pamphlets used for protest marches during the struggle for
independence.

Laze Around!
Bright End Corner is the famous place where you can enjoy the lovely views of the sunrise and sunset. It
is a great place to sit back and take in the views of neighboring mountains. You can take a stroll on the
Mall, or walk around just to relax your feet and soul. If you wish to, then spend some bucks to get the
souvenirs for friends and relatives at home.

Indulge in Trekking!
Trekking could be the best activity if you have to do nothing else. You can take the steep 3kms trek up
from Ranikhet Road. Here you will discover the Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment
and Development. From here, Katarmal is another 1-km trek. Across the valley, you can observe the
900-year-old Bara Aditya Temple, which is the only Surya Temple in Kumaon. The serious trekkers can
try Almora - Jageshwar trek. This low-altitude trek takes you through beautiful terraced fields and
forests into charming Kumaoni villages. The trek is 41 km long and can be covered in fours days.