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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                            = Ranikhet
| name                            = Ranikhet
| native_name                    = रानीखेत
| native_name                    = रानीखेत
| native_name_lang                = Kumaouni, Hindi
| native_name_lang                = Kumaoni
| other_name                      = Queen's Field
| other_name                      =  
| nickname                        = Ranikhet
| nickname                        = Ranikhet
| settlement_type                = Town
| settlement_type                = Town
| image_skyline                  = Ranikhet in winters.jpg
| image_skyline                  = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Kumaon Regimental Centre.jpg{{!}}Passing out Parade at KRC
| photo1b = Ranikhet12.JPG{{!}}Golf Course
| photo2a = Fantastic view.jpg{{!}}Himalayan view from Ranikhet
| photo3a = Bhalu Dam.jpg{{!}}Bhalu Dam
| photo3b = Haidakhan Temple.jpg{{!}}Haidakhan Temple
| photo4a = Ranikhet town at night, from Rai estate.jpg{{!}}Ranikhet Skyline
| spacing = 2
| position = center
| color_border = white
| color =  white
| size = 275
| foot_montage = Left to Right; Top to Bottom: Passing Out Parade at [[Kumaon Regiment|KRC]], Golf Course, Himalayan view, Bhalu Dam Lake at [[Chaubatia]], Haidakhan Temple at [[Chiliyanaula]] and Ranikhet Skyline
}}
| image_alt                      = Ranikhet
| image_alt                      = Ranikhet
| image_caption                  =  
| image_caption                  =  
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| pushpin_map_alt                =  
| pushpin_map_alt                =  
| pushpin_map_caption            = Location in Uttarakhand, India
| pushpin_map_caption            = Location in Uttarakhand, India
| pushpin_relief                  = yes
| coordinates                    = {{coord|29.65|N|79.42|E|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates                    = {{coord|29.65|N|79.42|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type                = Country
| subdivision_type                = Country
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| postal_code_type                = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] --> 263645
| postal_code_type                = <!-- [[Postal Index Number|PIN]] --> 263645
| postal_code                    =  
| postal_code                    =  
| registration_plate              = UK, 20
| registration_plate              = UK-20
| website                        = {{URL|uk.gov.in}}
| website                        = {{URL|uk.gov.in}}
| footnotes                      =  
| footnotes                      =  
| official_name                  =  
| official_name                  =  
}}
}}
'''Ranikhet''' ([[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]]: {{lang|kfy|Rānikhèt}}) is a [[hill station]] and [[cantonment]] town in [[Almora district]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ranikhet {{!}} Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board {{!}} Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|url=https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/ranikhet/|website={{!}} Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board {{!}} Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> in the Indian state of [[Uttarakhand]]. It is the home for the Military Hospital, [[Kumaon Regiment]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref> (KRC) and  [[Naga Regiment]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref> and is maintained by the [[Indian Army]].
'''Ranikhet''' ([[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]]: {{lang|kfy|Rānikhèt}}) is a [[hill station]] and [[cantonment]] town, nearby [[Almora|Almora Town]] in [[Almora district]]<ref>{{cite web|title=Ranikhet {{!}} Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board {{!}} Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|url=https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/ranikhet/|website={{!}} Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board {{!}} Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> in the Indian state of [[Uttarakhand]]. It is the home for the Military Hospital, [[Kumaon Regiment]]<ref name="indianarmy.nic.in">{{cite web|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref> (KRC) and  [[Naga Regiment]]<ref name="indianarmy.nic.in"/> and is maintained by the [[Indian Army]].


Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1,869 metres (6,132&nbsp;ft) above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the [[Himalayas]]. Ranikhet is a Class IV town with a civic status of a Cantonment board.<ref>{{Cite web|title=RANIKHET CANTONMENT BOARD|url=https://ranikhet.cantt.gov.in/|access-date=10 April 2020|website=Census of India, 2011}}</ref>
Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1,869 metres (6,132&nbsp;ft) above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the [[Himalayas]]. Ranikhet is a Class IV town with a civic status of a Cantonment board.<ref>{{cite web|title=RANIKHET CANTONMENT BOARD|url=https://ranikhet.cantt.gov.in/|access-date=10 April 2020|website=Census of India, 2022}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
Ranikhet, which means ''Queen's Meadow''<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ranikhet {{!}} Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board {{!}} Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|url=https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/ranikhet/|access-date=2020-12-31|website={{!}} Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board {{!}} Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|language=en-US}}</ref> in Kumaoni, gets its name from a local legend, which states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev , Vansh Pratap , Mukul Jalal won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ranikhet|url=http://kumaon.gov.in/pages/display/66-ranikhet}}</ref> though no palace exists in the area.
[[File:Ranikhet, polo ground &c.jpg|thumb|left|Ranikhet Polo Ground, c.1895]]
Ranikhet, which means ''Queen's Meadow''<ref>{{cite web|title=Ranikhet {{!}} Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board {{!}} Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|url=https://uttarakhandtourism.gov.in/destination/ranikhet/|access-date=2020-12-31|website={{!}} Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board {{!}} Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India|language=en-US}}</ref> in Kumaoni, gets its name from a local legend, which states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev, a [[Katyuri kings|Katyuri]] ruler, won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet,<ref>{{cite web|title=Ranikhet|url=http://kumaon.gov.in/pages/display/66-ranikhet}}</ref> though no palace exists in the area.


Ranikhet had been under Nepalese rule after the Nepalese invasion of [[Kumaon Kingdom|Kumaon]] and [[Doti]] in 1790, and the [[Kumaoni people|Kumaonis]] won it under the leadership of their able General Kashi Nath Adhikari – after whom the small town of [[Kashipur, Uttarakhand|Kashipur]] was named (which at one point of time was the gateway to the hills and is now an educational and institutional hub) – with the help of British at around 1816 and is a part of India now.
Ranikhet had been under Nepalese rule after the Nepalese invasion of [[Kumaon Kingdom|Kumaon]] and [[Doti]] in 1790, and the [[Kumaoni people|Kumaonis]] won it under the leadership of their able General Kashi Nath Adhikari – after whom the small town of [[Kashipur, Uttarakhand|Kashipur]] was named (which at one point of time was the gateway to the hills and is now an educational and institutional hub) – with the help of British at around 1816 and is a part of India now.


In 1869,<ref>[http://www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in/history/history.aspx History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221002632/http://www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in/history/history.aspx |date=21 December 2008 }} www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in.</ref> the British established the headquarters of the [[Kumaon Regiment]]<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Official Home Page of the Indian Army|url=https://indianarmy.nic.in/|access-date=2020-12-31|website=www.indianarmy.nic.in}}</ref> as well as pargana Pali 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<ref>[https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V21_239.gif Ranikhet] [[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]], v. 21, p. 233.</ref>
After the conquest of [[Almora]] on 3 May 1815, when Kumaon had been handed over to the British by the Gorkhas, the soldiers and officers of the British army started to live in [[Hawalbagh]]. It continued till 1839, when the army offices were shifted to [[Almora Cantonment]] and the troops were stationed at [[Lohaghat]] and [[Pithoragarh]] so as to enable them to effectively monitor the Indo-Nepal Border. However, a local rebellion in 1846 resulted in the removal of military camp from Lohaghat and the troops were transferred back to Hawalbagh where they remained stationed until the establishment of another permanent Cantonment at Ranikhet.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Verma |first1=Indra Lal |title=जनपद चम्पावत के दर्शनीय स्थल |trans-title=Places to see in Champawat district |date=2014 |publisher=Binsar Publishing |location=[[Dehradun]] |language=hi |page=21}}</ref>
<ref>[https://hindi.citymailnews.com/know-the-first-healing-center-in-the-country-to-get-rid-of-stress/ "The first healing center in the Ranikhet to get rid of stress"] hindi.citymailnews.com</ref>


==Geography==
Between 1830 and 1856, various European groups acquired land in the region in hope of establishing tea gardens in the district. One of them was the Troupe family, that bought the land from the villagers of [[Chaubatia]], Holm Khet and Upat. In 1868, this site was selected for the residence of British soldiers, and the following year a cantonment was formed here after acquiring land from the villagers of Sarna, Kotli and Tana on a compensation of Rs 13,024.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Tyagi|first1=Nutan|title=Hill Resorts of U.P. Himalaya,: A Geographical Study|year=1991|publisher=Indus Publishing|isbn=9788185182629|language=en|page=[https://archive.org/details/hillresortsofuph0000tyag/page/ 82]|url=https://archive.org/details/hillresortsofuph0000tyag/page/}}</ref><ref name="Pandey">{{cite book|last1=Pandey|first1=Badri Datt|title=History of Kumaun : English version of "Kumaun ka itihas"|date=1993|publisher=Shyam Prakashan|location=[[Almora]]|isbn=81-85865-01-9}}</ref>{{rp|78}} All the properties of the Troupe family were also acquired in the same year, except for the Holm estate, which was not incorporated into the cantonment until 1893.
[[File:Entrance to Ranikhet market.jpg|alt=Entrance to Ranikhet market, 1946, colorized|thumb|356x356px|Entrance to Ranikhet market, 1946, colorized]]
[[File:Ranikhet from far.JPG|right|thumb|250px|Ranikhet on foggy September morning]]
Ranikhet has an average elevation of {{convert|1869|m|ft|abbr=on}}. The climate of the town is very cool.


The cantonment is spread across two ridges, the first, called the Ranikhet ridge, is situated at an elevation of {{convert|5983|ft|m|abbr=on}} and the second, the Chaubatia ridge, is at an elevation of {{convert|6942|ft|m|abbr=on}}.The western narrow strips and eastern part of Ranikhet are comparatively high and covered with a dense forest mainly of pine.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0509_PART_A_DCHB_ALMORA.pdf|title=Census of India 2011|website=Census of India|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref>
In 1869,<ref>[http://www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in/history/history.aspx History] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221002632/http://www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in/history/history.aspx |date=21 December 2008 }} www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in.</ref> the British established the headquarters of the [[Kumaon Regiment]]<ref name="indianarmy.nic.in"/> as well as pargana Pali here and used the station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer. The treasury was opened here on 1 April 1869 and a Cantonment Committee was formed in 1871.<ref name="Pandey" />{{rp|78}} A police station was also established in the city in 1869–70.<ref name="Pandey" />{{rp|441}} The forests around Ranikhet were declared reserved forests in 1873. These forests had been brought under an action plan by 1887,<ref>E.E. Fernandez, Esq., Offg. Deputy Director, Forest School, Dehradun. Working plan of the Ranikhet Working Circle. Allahbad. NWP & Oudh Govt. Press. 1888</ref> although they continued to be managed under then-prevalent cantonment laws and regulations until 1915. Under these rules grazing and cutting of grass and burning of forests without permission were forbidden. On 3 December 1915, a portion of the cantonment was notified as a reserve forest under the Indian Forest Act of 1878.<ref>I.N. Sewal, Working Plan for the Cantonment Forest of Ranikhet, U.P., Govt. of India Press, New Delhi: 1938, p3,4.)</ref>


==Climate==
[[File:Entrance to Ranikhet Bazaar in 1946.JPG|thumb|left|Entrance to Ranikhet Bazaar, c. 1946]]
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.
At one time during [[British Raj]], it was also proposed as the summer headquarters of Government of India, in lieu of [[Shimla]].<ref>{{cite book|first1=Pamela|last1=Kanwar|title=Imperial Simla: The Political Culture of the Raj|date=2003|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=39| language = en}}</ref> In 1900, it had a summer population of 7,705, and its corresponding winter population was measured in 1901 as 3,153<ref>[https://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V21_239.gif Ranikhet] [[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]], v. 21, p. 233.</ref>
<ref>[https://hindi.citymailnews.com/know-the-first-healing-center-in-the-country-to-get-rid-of-stress/ "The first healing center in the Ranikhet to get rid of stress"] hindi.citymailnews.com</ref> The headquarters of Pali Tehsil were established in Ranikhet in 1913, and the tehsil itself was later renamed as Ranikhet Tehsil.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Aggarwal|first1=J. C.|last2=Agrawal|first2=S. P.|title=Uttarakhand: Past, Present, and Future|year=1995|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|isbn=9788170225720|language=en}}</ref>{{rp|170}}


==Flora and fauna of Ranikhet==
A demand to bifurcate the [[Almora district]] to form a separate [[Ranikhet district]] started to gain popularity soon after the independence of India. Movements for Ranikhet district had begun by the 1960s, and these movements had grown, both in number and scale, by 1985. In 1987, a committee headed by Venkat Ramani, the President of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Council recommended the district and then two years later, in 1989, the Eighth Finance Commission gave its financial approval to the district. Even after this, when the district was not formed, a movement started again in 1993–94, after which a CO and ADM were appointed in Ranikhet; the latter was soon removed.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ranikhet District has Remained Just a Declaration - सिर्फ घोषणा बनकर रह गया रानीखेत जिला - Amar Ujala |url=https://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/almora/ranikhet-district-remained-just-declare |access-date=15 January 2022 |work=web.archive.org |date=22 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180122071911/https://www.amarujala.com/uttarakhand/almora/ranikhet-district-remained-just-declare |archive-date=22 January 2018 }}</ref>
Ranikhet is nestled in the sylvan surroundings inhabited by pine (''[[Pinus roxburghii]]''), oak (''[[Quercus]]''), buransh (''[[Rhododendron arboreum]]'') and deodar (''[[Deodar Cedar]]'') forests that host a large variety of fauna, such as [[leopard]]s, [[rhesus monkey]]s, [[pine marten]]s, [[Nepal gray langur|Himalayan langur]], [[dhole]], rabbits, [[barking deer]], [[sambar deer|sambar]], and more. Exotic plants of Ranikhet include ''[[Ginkgo biloba]]'' and ''[[saffron]]''.


==Places to visit==
In 2004 & 2005 people again agitated for the demand of a separate district. In 2007, an official proposal for formation of Ranikhet district was sent to the state government by the administration. According to this proposal, six blocks, five tehsils, 1309 revenue villages, 59 justice panchayats and 120 patwari areas were to be included in Ranikhet district. The proposed district was to have a population of 3,40,456 according to the [[2001 Census of India|2001 census]], and would be spread over an area of 13,735.740 hectares. In 2010 another mass movement was led by advocates. This agitation lasted for eight months, and after this, the then Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Ramesh Pokhriyal announced the creation of the Ranikhet district which would include the Ranikhet, [[Salt, Uttarakhand|Salt]], [[Bhikiyasain (Uttarakhand Assembly constituency)|Bhikiasain]], [[Dwarahat]], and [[Chaukhutia]] tehsils of [[Almora district]] in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|first1=Vikas|last1=Dhuliya|title=मानक शिथिल कर उत्तराखंड में चार नए जिलों की संस्तुति|url=https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-recommended-four-new-districts-in-uttarakhand-14580228.html|access-date=23 February 2018|date=27 August 2016|publisher=Dainik Jagran|location=Dehradun|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052831/https://www.jagran.com/uttarakhand/dehradun-city-recommended-four-new-districts-in-uttarakhand-14580228.html|archive-date=24 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> However, the district never came into existence because no gazette notification was ever issued.
'''Golf Course'''


Ranikhet Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses of Asia,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Upat Golf Course Ranikhet Almora - Travel Guide to Golf Course Ranikhet|url=https://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/ranikhet-golf-course.php|website=www.euttaranchal.com|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> located {{convert|5|km|mi|0}} from main Ranikhet City. Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9-hole course making it one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet. The green meadow of the golf course at such high altitude is awe-inspiring. The golf club provides membership plans for outsiders as well. Golf course is located in KALIKA.
==Geography and Climate==
Ranikhet Cantonment is spread over a total area of 4,176.031 acres, of which 2,580.135 acres is Reserve Forest area, 920.328 acres is Station area and 675,568 acres is Military area.<ref name="Shodhganga">{{cite web|title=The Kumaon Regiment|url=http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/170154/11/chapter%207.3.pdf|publisher=Shodhganga|access-date=23 February 2018|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224052846/http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/170154/11/chapter%207.3.pdf|archive-date=24 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>{{rp|155}} The cantonment is spread across two ridges, the first, called the Ranikhet ridge, is situated at an elevation of {{convert|5983|ft|m|abbr=on}} and the second, the [[Chaubatia]] ridge, is at an elevation of {{convert|6942|ft|m|abbr=on}}. The Ranikhet Cantonment Board - a 14 membered board formed under the Cantonment Board Act of 1924 - looks after the administration of the town. Ranikhet is a first class cantonment, and is divided into 7 wards for administrative functions. Of the total 14 members in Ranikhet Cantonment Board, 7 are elected from these wards.


'''Ashiyana Park'''
[[File:Snow Fall in Ranikhet.jpg|thumb|Ranikhet receives snowfall during winters.]]
Ranikhet has an average elevation of {{convert|1869|m|ft|abbr=on}} at a distance of {{convert|50|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Almora]] and {{convert|60|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Nainital]]. Administratively, the town is a part of [[Almora district]]; located to the west of district headquarters. It houses the headquarters of the Ranikhet tehsil and Ranikhet sub-division. The western narrow strips and eastern part of Ranikhet are comparatively high and covered with a dense forest mainly of pine.<ref name="dchb" />


Ashiyana Park is situated in the midst of Ranikhet town. The Park is specially designed & developed for children on jungle theme by Ranikhet Cantt.
Ranikhet is nestled in the sylvan surroundings inhabited by pine (''[[Pinus roxburghii]]''), oak (''[[Quercus]]''), buransh (''[[Rhododendron arboreum]]'') and deodar (''[[Deodar Cedar]]'') forests that host a large variety of fauna, such as [[leopard]]s, [[rhesus monkey]]s, [[pine marten]]s, [[Nepal gray langur|Himalayan langur]], [[dhole]], rabbits, [[barking deer]], [[sambar deer|sambar]], and more. Exotic plants of Ranikhet include ''[[Ginkgo biloba]]'' and ''[[saffron]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in/haritage/haritage.aspx |title=Ranikhet - Heritage Cantonment |access-date=18 March 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221090554/http://www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in/haritage/haritage.aspx |archive-date=21 December 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


'''Mankameshwar Temple'''
Ranikhet becomes very cold in the winters and remains moderate in summers,<ref>{{cite book|first1=Lalita|last1=Devi|title=Climatic Characteristics and Water Balance: A Study of Uttar Pradesh|date=1992|publisher=Concept Publishing Company|page=93|isbn=9788170223894|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4XPjusi7nWMC|access-date=23 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180224112912/https://books.google.co.in/books?id=4XPjusi7nWMC|archive-date=24 February 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.


This temple is attached to the Nar Singh Maidan (Ground), constructed by the Kumaon regiment. Opposite the temple is a Gurudwara and a Shawl factory.
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| Jul high C  =21.5
| Aug high C  =21.0
| Sep high C  =21.0
| Oct high C  =19.7
| Nov high C  =16.8
| Dec high C  =13.5
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| Jan mean C  =6.4
| Feb mean C  =8.0
| Mar mean C  =11.9
| Apr mean C  =16.2
| May mean C  =19.5
| Jun mean C  =19.8
| Jul mean C  =18.2
| Aug mean C  =17.8
| Sep mean C  =17.3
| Oct mean C  =14.9
| Nov mean C  =11.6
| Dec mean C  =8.5
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| Jan low C  =1.8
| Feb low C  =2.9
| Mar low C  =6.4
| Apr low C  =10.3
| May low C  =13.7
| Jun low C  =15.0
| Jul low C  =15.0
| Aug low C  =14.7
| Sep low C  =13.6
| Oct low C  =10.1
| Nov low C  =6.5
| Dec low C  =3.6
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There is another jewel added to the beauty of town "Rani Jheel". Located nearby Nar Singh Stadium, beneath the Veer Naari Awas it gives the visitors a chance to relax and enjoy the ride of Boats.
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'''Binsar Mahadev'''
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The artistic structure of the Binsar Mahadev Temple and its deity Lord Shiva both adds positive vibes to our mind and soul. A beautiful stream flowing close to the Binsar Mahadev Temple adds amazement to the natural beauteousness of this sacred place. Binsar Mahadev Temple is situated amidst beautiful pine and deodar trees. Apart from the temple an ashram, Binsar Mahadev also has lovely cedar forest surroundings.
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'''Babar Khola'''
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Village resembles the Scottish countryside, just few 5&nbsp;km from Majhkali, is abode to plethora of Flora and Fauna which includes Yellow Throated Marten, Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear etc.  
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Major Garhwal Himalayan ranges are visible which includes peaks such as Nanda Devi Massif, Nanda Ghunti, Trishul Complex, Panchachuli, Mrigthuni, Nanda Kot etc.
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| source = Climate-Data.org<ref name="climate">{{cite web|title=Climate Ranikhet: Temperature, Climate graph, Climate table for Ranikhet - Climate-Data.org|url=https://en.climate-data.org/location/33827/|website=en.climate-data.org|access-date=21 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124080623/https://en.climate-data.org/location/33827/|archive-date=24 January 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}<!-- Infobox ends -->


'''Haidakhan Temple'''
== Demographics ==
{{Historical population
| source = [[Census of India]]<ref name="dchb">{{cite book|title=District Census Handbook|publisher=Directorate of Census Operations, Uttarakhand|location=Dehradun|page=847|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0509_PART_A_DCHB_ALMORA.pdf|access-date=31 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114093722/http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0509_PART_A_DCHB_ALMORA.pdf|archive-date=14 November 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 1881 | 5984
| 1901 | 3246
| 1911 | 5781
| 1921 | 3632
| 1931 | 3772
| 1941 | 4894
| 1951 | 8937
| 1961 | 10642
| 1971 | 13917
| 1981 | 18190
| 1991 | 16874
| 2001 | 19055
| 2011 | 18886
}}
The Cantonment Town of Ranikhet has a population of 19,049 persons. 16271 persons in Ranikhet are literates (10206 Male and 6065 Female).<ref name="dchb" /> The literacy rate in Ranikhet town is significantly ahead of others in the district. Female Literacy is 91.18 percent.<ref name="dchb" /> In 1881, when the first edition of [[The Imperial Gazetteer of India]] was published, Ranikhet had a population of 5,984, and the city was home to 3,313 Hindus, 1,090 Muslims, and 1,573 Europeans.


Situated 4&nbsp;km from Ranikhet, Haidakhan  Temple (Hairakhan Temple or [[Chilianaula]]) is dedicated to  Lord Shiva made by Shri Haidakhan Maharaj who is said to be the incarnation of  Lord Shiva.
The spoken language by natives is [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]].


The splendid views of the gigantic Himalayan peaks are clearly visible from Haidakhan Temple.
== Tourism ==
[[File:Bhalu Dam.jpg|alt=Bhalu Dam, Ranikhet, Almora, India|thumb|377x377px|Bhalu Dam in [[Summer]]s]]
The Ranikhet Cantonment area is home to several tourist places. The KRC Museum, maintained by the [[Kumaon Regiment]] of the [[Indian Army]], has a collection of pictures and aretfacts, mainly focusing on the contributions of the Regiment during the [[World war]]s, [[Sino-Indian War]], Indo-Pakistani wars of [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965|1965]] & [[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971|1971]], the [[Kargil War|Kargil war]] and [[Operation Pawan]]. It has on display the various weapons captured, flags of enemies captured by the army and a LTTE boat captured during Operation Pawan. The meuseum also showcases medals and uniforms of the soldiers and stories of the First and the Second Param Vir Chakra winners, and all the Army Generals who belonged to the Kumaon Regiment. Other tourist places in the cantonment include the Ashiyana Park, which was specially designed & developed for children. The Mankameshwar Temple, constructed and maintained by the Kumaon regiment, is located in the middle of the cantonment. Opposite the temple is a Gurudwara and a Shawl factory. The Rani Jheel, located near Nar Singh Stadium, is a man-made lake, where tourists can enjoy boat rides. St. Bridget's Church is an old church in Ranikhet town.
'''Bhalu Dam or Baludham'''


It is an small artificial lake blessed with natural bounteousness, panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains and placid surroundings. The small but beautiful garden nearby the dam is marvelous.
The Ranikhet Golf Course, located at Upat Kalika is one of the highest golf courses of Asia.<ref>{{cite web|title=Upat Golf Course Ranikhet Almora - Travel Guide to Golf Course Ranikhet|url=https://www.euttaranchal.com/tourism/ranikhet-golf-course.php|website=www.euttaranchal.com|access-date=2020-05-12}}</ref> It is situated at a distance of {{convert|5|km|mi|0}} from main Ranikhet City. Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9-hole course making it one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet. The green meadow of the golf course at such high altitude is awe-inspiring. The golf club provides membership plans for outsiders as well.


The dam site is open for all the tourists throughout the year. The views of the massive Himalayan peaks are enchanting and ravishing from Bhalu Dam. It is an  ideal spot for camping and picnicking. St. Bridget's Church is an old church in Ranikhet town.
Situated 4&nbsp;km from Ranikhet at [[Chilianaula]], the Haidakhan  Temple, constructed by [[Haidakhan Babaji]], is dedicated to Lord [[Shiva]]. The Jhula Devi temple is situated at a distance of {{convert|7|km|mi|0}} from the town of Ranikhet near [[Chaubatia]]. The temple is dedicated to [[Maa Durga]], who is believed to have protected the villagers from wild animals, leopards and tigers, that roamed in the dense jungles around the temple. The temple is festooned with numerous [[Bell (instrument)|bells]] owing to the tradition of offering a bell to the goddess upon fulfilment of one's wishes. Located in the vicinity of Jhula Devi temple is the Rama Mandir, dedicated to lord [[Rama]]. The Rama Mandir has a [[monastery]] where students are taught ancient [[vedas]] along with [[Indian mathematics#Vedic period|vedic]] and modern mathematics. The Binsar Mahadev Temple is situated close to a stream amidst beautiful pine and deodar trees.


'''Majkhali'''
Other nearby places include [[Chaubatia]], Tarikhet, Syalikhet and Majkhali. Chaubatia, located about {{convert|10|km|mi|0}} from Ranikhet, is famous for its apple orchards. There are also plantations of [[apricots]], [[peach]]es, [[chestnuts]], and almonds. The Bhalu Dam, located near Chaubatia is a man-made lake that supplies drinking water to Ranikhet Town. Tarikhet is located at a distance of {{convert|8|km|mi|0}} from Ranikhet Cantt, and is well known for its Gandhi Kuti, and the temple of [[Golu Devata]]. Syalikhet is a scenic spot situated at a distance of {{convert|25|km|mi|0}} from Ranikhet. Syalikhet is located in the amidst green forest and apple orchards and is known for a temple of Syahi Devi. Majkhali is a picnic spot on the Ranikhet-Almora road. It is located at a distance of 12&nbsp;km from Ranikhet and offers a close view of the snowy Himalayas with peaceful surroundings. It also holds 'melas' during festivals. Baburkhola village, which resembles a Scottish countryside, is at a distance of 5&nbsp;km from Majhkali.  
 
<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
Located at a distance of 12&nbsp;km from Ranikhet, on the way to Almora, Majkhali offers a close view of the snowy Himalayas with peaceful surroundings. It also holds 'melas' during festivals and one can witness the true kumaoni culture. It is a picnic spot on the Ranikhet-Almora road. Ashok Hall Girls school and The Pleasant Valley School are located near Majkhali.
Rani Jheel, Ranikhet.jpg|Rani Jheel
[[File:Katarmal.jpg|alt=Katarmal Sun Temple, Almora|thumb|398x398px|Katarmal Sun Temple]]
Sarna Garden road, Ranikhet.JPG|Sarna Garden road
'''Katarmal (Sun Temple)'''
Bhalu Dam.jpg|Bhalu Dam
 
Jhula devi temple, Ranikhet.jpg|Jhula devi temple
It is the second most important temple to Sun God, the first one is [[Konark Sun Temple]] in [[Odisha|Orissa]]. Katarmal is more than 800 years old. Situated 25&nbsp;km from Ranikhet this historical temple is an example of intricate  sculpturing.
</gallery>
 
'''Tarikhet'''
 
Tarikhet is located at a distance of {{convert|8|km|mi|0}} from Ranikhet is well known for its Gandhi Kuti, and the temple of Golu Devta is venerated in the Kumaon region. It is famous for the Gandhi Kuti and the temple of Golu Devta.
 
'''Syalikhet'''
 
It is a scenic spot with unparallel beauty situated at a distance of {{convert|25|km|mi|0}} from Ranikhet. Syalikhet is located in the amidst green forest and apple orchards. The famous temple of Syahi Devi is situated in Syalikhet.
 
'''KRC (Kumaon Regimental Centre)''' '''Museum'''
 
Maintained by the [[Kumaon Regiment]] 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&nbsp;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'''
 
[[File:Jhula devi temple, Ranikhet.jpg|thumb|Jhula devi temple, Ranikhet]]
 
Jhula Devi temple is situated at a distance of {{convert|7|km|mi|0}} 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 shepherd'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 [[Bell (instrument)|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)'''
 
[[File:Rock painting at Rama Mandir, Ranikhet.jpg|thumb|Rock painting at Rama Mandir, Ranikhet]]
 
Located 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 [[Indian mathematics#Vedic period|vedic]] and modern mathematics in direction of Sant Sri Mouni Maharaj. People who have a keen interest in vedas should not miss the chance to visit this temple.
[[File:Panyali Ranikhet.jpg|thumb|left|alt=|View from Panyali, Ranikhet]]
 
'''[[Chaubatia]] Gardens'''
 
Located about {{convert|10|km|mi|0}} from Ranikhet, this place has plantation of [[apricots]], [[peach]]es, [[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.
 
[[File:Rani Jheel, Ranikhet.jpg|thumb|Rani Jheel, Ranikhet]]
 
[[File:Sarna Garden road, Ranikhet.JPG|thumb|Sarna Garden road, Ranikhet]]
 
==Demographics==
The Cantonment Town of Ranikhet has a population of 19,049 persons. 16271 persons in Ranikhet are literates (10206 Male and 6065 Female).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0509_PART_A_DCHB_ALMORA.pdf|title=Census of India, 2011|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref>  The literacy rate in Ranikhet town is significantly ahead of others in the district. Female Literacy is 91.18 percent.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0509_PART_A_DCHB_ALMORA.pdf|title=Census of India, 2011|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref>
 
The spoken language by natives is [[Kumaoni language|Kumaoni]].


==Transport==
==Transport==
Ranikhet is situated at a distance of {{convert|350|km|mi|0}} from [[Delhi]], well connected by road and railway. The nearest railway station is [[Kathgodam]], approximately {{convert|68|km|mi|0}} from Ranikhet ([[GMAPS]]) one can also use taxis from kathgodam & Haldwani railway stations towards Ranikhet at reasonable cost. [[Pantnagar Airport]] is the nearest airport. Nearest hill stations are Almora - 50&nbsp;km, Nainital - 60&nbsp;km. There are some more places nearby which can be visited like [[Chaubatia]], [[Dwarahat]], [[Kausani]], [[Chaukhutia]], [[Majhkhali]], [[Naina Gaon]], [[Jalali (Uttarakhand)|Jalali]], [[Barakham]], [[Doonagiri]], [[Naithna]], [[Masi, Almora|Masi]] and [[Pali]].
Ranikhet is situated at a distance of {{convert|350|km|mi|0}} from [[Delhi]], well connected by road and railway. The nearest railway station is [[Kathgodam]], approximately {{convert|68|km|mi|0}} from Ranikhet ([[GMAPS]]) one can also use taxis from kathgodam & Haldwani railway stations towards Ranikhet at reasonable cost. [[Pantnagar Airport]] is the nearest airport. Nearest hill stations are Almora - 50&nbsp;km, Nainital - 60&nbsp;km. There are some more places nearby which can be visited like [[Chaubatia]], [[Dwarahat]], [[Kausani]], [[Chaukhutia]], [[Majhkhali]], [[Naina Gaon]], [[Jalali (Uttarakhand)|Jalali]], [[Barakham]], [[Doonagiri]], [[Naithna]], [[Masi, Almora|Masi]] and [[Pali]].
==Ranikhet chicken disease==
A poultry disease first discovered in Ranikhet, also known as Newcastle disease.


== Economy ==
== Economy ==
Ranikhet's economy is based on the cantonment town and emerging tourism. Commodities manufactured in Ranikhet include sweet meats, jam and hosiery.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0509_PART_A_DCHB_ALMORA.pdf|title=District Census Handbook, Census of India 2011|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref>
Ranikhet's economy is based on the cantonment town and emerging tourism. Commodities manufactured in Ranikhet include sweet meats, jam and hosiery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0509_PART_A_DCHB_ALMORA.pdf|title=District Census Handbook, Census of India 2011|access-date=10 April 2022}}</ref>
[[File:Ranikhet photo shot by Ravi.jpg|thumb|Rainkhet area as seen from the road near Golf Course, Ranikhet.]]


== Schools ==
== Schools ==
Ranikhet Town has 10 Primary Schools, 6 Middle Schools, 4 Secondary Schools and 6 Senior Secondary schools.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0509_PART_A_DCHB_ALMORA.pdf|title=Census of India, 2011|access-date=10 April 2020}}</ref> As per the Census of India (2011) one college
Ranikhet Town has 10 Primary Schools, 6 Middle Schools, 4 Secondary Schools and 6 Senior Secondary schools.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/dchb/0509_PART_A_DCHB_ALMORA.pdf|title=Census of India, 2011|access-date=10 April 2022}}</ref> As per the Census of India (2011) one college


*[[Ashok Hall Girls’ Residential School]]
*[[Ashok Hall Girls’ Residential School]]
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*[[Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ranikhet]]
*[[Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ranikhet]]
*[[Army Public School, Ranikhet]][http://apsranikhet.in]
*[[Army Public School, Ranikhet]][http://apsranikhet.in]
*[[National Inter college, Ranikhet]]
*National Inter college, Ranikhet
*[[Cantonment School, Ranikhet]]
*[[Cantonment School, Ranikhet]]
*[[Canossa Convent School, Ranikhet]]
*[[Canossa Convent School, Ranikhet]]
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* Jodhamal school
* Jodhamal school
* Government college Ranikhet
* Government college Ranikhet
* Asian Academy, Chiliyanuala, Ranikhet


==Media==
==Media==
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[[Category:Tourism in Uttarakhand|R]]
[[Category:Tourism in Uttarakhand|R]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Almora district]]
[[Category:Cities and towns in Almora district]]
[[Category:Villages in Almora district]]

Revision as of 21:00, 7 December 2022

Ranikhet
रानीखेत
Town
Passing out Parade at KRC
Golf Course
Himalayan view from Ranikhet
Bhalu Dam
Haidakhan Temple
Ranikhet Skyline
Left to Right; Top to Bottom: Passing Out Parade at KRC, Golf Course, Himalayan view, Bhalu Dam Lake at Chaubatia, Haidakhan Temple at Chiliyanaula and Ranikhet Skyline
Nickname: 
Ranikhet
Ranikhet is located in Uttarakhand
Ranikhet
Ranikhet
Location in Uttarakhand, India
Ranikhet is located in India
Ranikhet
Ranikhet
Ranikhet (India)
Coordinates: 29°39′N 79°25′E / 29.65°N 79.42°E / 29.65; 79.42
Country India
StateFile:..Uttarakhand Flag(INDIA).png Uttarakhand
DistrictAlmora
Elevation
1,869 m (6,132 ft)
Population
 (2011)
 • Total19,049
Languages
 • OfficialHindi, Kumaoni, Sanskrit
 • NativeKumaoni
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Vehicle registrationUK-20
Websiteuk.gov.in

Ranikhet (Kumaoni: Rānikhèt) is a hill station and cantonment town, nearby Almora Town in Almora district[1] in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the home for the Military Hospital, Kumaon Regiment[2] (KRC) and Naga Regiment[2] and is maintained by the Indian Army.

Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1,869 metres (6,132 ft) above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas. Ranikhet is a Class IV town with a civic status of a Cantonment board.[3]

History

Ranikhet Polo Ground, c.1895

Ranikhet, which means Queen's Meadow[4] in Kumaoni, gets its name from a local legend, which states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev, a Katyuri ruler, won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet,[5] though no palace exists in the area.

Ranikhet had been under Nepalese rule after the Nepalese invasion of Kumaon and Doti in 1790, and the Kumaonis 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 and institutional hub) – with the help of British at around 1816 and is a part of India now.

After the conquest of Almora on 3 May 1815, when Kumaon had been handed over to the British by the Gorkhas, the soldiers and officers of the British army started to live in Hawalbagh. It continued till 1839, when the army offices were shifted to Almora Cantonment and the troops were stationed at Lohaghat and Pithoragarh so as to enable them to effectively monitor the Indo-Nepal Border. However, a local rebellion in 1846 resulted in the removal of military camp from Lohaghat and the troops were transferred back to Hawalbagh where they remained stationed until the establishment of another permanent Cantonment at Ranikhet.[6]

Between 1830 and 1856, various European groups acquired land in the region in hope of establishing tea gardens in the district. One of them was the Troupe family, that bought the land from the villagers of Chaubatia, Holm Khet and Upat. In 1868, this site was selected for the residence of British soldiers, and the following year a cantonment was formed here after acquiring land from the villagers of Sarna, Kotli and Tana on a compensation of Rs 13,024.[7][8]:78 All the properties of the Troupe family were also acquired in the same year, except for the Holm estate, which was not incorporated into the cantonment until 1893.

In 1869,[9] the British established the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment[2] as well as pargana Pali here and used the station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer. The treasury was opened here on 1 April 1869 and a Cantonment Committee was formed in 1871.[8]:78 A police station was also established in the city in 1869–70.[8]:441 The forests around Ranikhet were declared reserved forests in 1873. These forests had been brought under an action plan by 1887,[10] although they continued to be managed under then-prevalent cantonment laws and regulations until 1915. Under these rules grazing and cutting of grass and burning of forests without permission were forbidden. On 3 December 1915, a portion of the cantonment was notified as a reserve forest under the Indian Forest Act of 1878.[11]

Entrance to Ranikhet Bazaar, c. 1946

At one time during British Raj, it was also proposed as the summer headquarters of Government of India, in lieu of Shimla.[12] In 1900, it had a summer population of 7,705, and its corresponding winter population was measured in 1901 as 3,153[13] [14] The headquarters of Pali Tehsil were established in Ranikhet in 1913, and the tehsil itself was later renamed as Ranikhet Tehsil.[15]:170

A demand to bifurcate the Almora district to form a separate Ranikhet district started to gain popularity soon after the independence of India. Movements for Ranikhet district had begun by the 1960s, and these movements had grown, both in number and scale, by 1985. In 1987, a committee headed by Venkat Ramani, the President of the Uttar Pradesh Revenue Council recommended the district and then two years later, in 1989, the Eighth Finance Commission gave its financial approval to the district. Even after this, when the district was not formed, a movement started again in 1993–94, after which a CO and ADM were appointed in Ranikhet; the latter was soon removed.[16]

In 2004 & 2005 people again agitated for the demand of a separate district. In 2007, an official proposal for formation of Ranikhet district was sent to the state government by the administration. According to this proposal, six blocks, five tehsils, 1309 revenue villages, 59 justice panchayats and 120 patwari areas were to be included in Ranikhet district. The proposed district was to have a population of 3,40,456 according to the 2001 census, and would be spread over an area of 13,735.740 hectares. In 2010 another mass movement was led by advocates. This agitation lasted for eight months, and after this, the then Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Ramesh Pokhriyal announced the creation of the Ranikhet district which would include the Ranikhet, Salt, Bhikiasain, Dwarahat, and Chaukhutia tehsils of Almora district in 2011.[17] However, the district never came into existence because no gazette notification was ever issued.

Geography and Climate

Ranikhet Cantonment is spread over a total area of 4,176.031 acres, of which 2,580.135 acres is Reserve Forest area, 920.328 acres is Station area and 675,568 acres is Military area.[18]:155 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 Chaubatia ridge, is at an elevation of 6,942 ft (2,116 m). The Ranikhet Cantonment Board - a 14 membered board formed under the Cantonment Board Act of 1924 - looks after the administration of the town. Ranikhet is a first class cantonment, and is divided into 7 wards for administrative functions. Of the total 14 members in Ranikhet Cantonment Board, 7 are elected from these wards.

Ranikhet receives snowfall during winters.

Ranikhet has an average elevation of 1,869 m (6,132 ft) at a distance of 50 km (31 mi) from Almora and 60 km (37 mi) from Nainital. Administratively, the town is a part of Almora district; located to the west of district headquarters. It houses the headquarters of the Ranikhet tehsil and Ranikhet sub-division. The western narrow strips and eastern part of Ranikhet are comparatively high and covered with a dense forest mainly of pine.[19]

Ranikhet is nestled in the sylvan surroundings inhabited by pine (Pinus roxburghii), oak (Quercus), buransh (Rhododendron arboreum) and deodar (Deodar Cedar) forests that host a large variety of fauna, such as leopards, rhesus monkeys, pine martens, Himalayan langur, dhole, rabbits, barking deer, sambar, and more. Exotic plants of Ranikhet include Ginkgo biloba and saffron.[20]

Ranikhet becomes very cold in the winters and remains moderate in summers,[21] 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.

Climate data for Ranikhet
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Average high °C (°F) 11.1
(52.0) 		13.1
(55.6) 		17.4
(63.3) 		22.2
(72.0) 		25.4
(77.7) 		24.6
(76.3) 		21.5
(70.7) 		21.0
(69.8) 		21.0
(69.8) 		19.7
(67.5) 		16.8
(62.2) 		13.5
(56.3) 		18.9
(66.1)
Daily mean °C (°F) 6.4
(43.5) 		8.0
(46.4) 		11.9
(53.4) 		16.2
(61.2) 		19.5
(67.1) 		19.8
(67.6) 		18.2
(64.8) 		17.8
(64.0) 		17.3
(63.1) 		14.9
(58.8) 		11.6
(52.9) 		8.5
(47.3) 		14.2
(57.5)
Average low °C (°F) 1.8
(35.2) 		2.9
(37.2) 		6.4
(43.5) 		10.3
(50.5) 		13.7
(56.7) 		15.0
(59.0) 		15.0
(59.0) 		14.7
(58.5) 		13.6
(56.5) 		10.1
(50.2) 		6.5
(43.7) 		3.6
(38.5) 		9.5
(49.0)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 76
(3.0) 		56
(2.2) 		58
(2.3) 		26
(1.0) 		58
(2.3) 		209
(8.2) 		532
(20.9) 		431
(17.0) 		241
(9.5) 		102
(4.0) 		7
(0.3) 		27
(1.1) 		1,823
(71.8)
Source: Climate-Data.org[22]

Demographics

Historical population
YearPop.±%
1881 5,984—    
1901 3,246−45.8%
1911 5,781+78.1%
1921 3,632−37.2%
1931 3,772+3.9%
1941 4,894+29.7%
1951 8,937+82.6%
1961 10,642+19.1%
1971 13,917+30.8%
1981 18,190+30.7%
1991 16,874−7.2%
2001 19,055+12.9%
2011 18,886−0.9%
Source: Census of India[19]

The Cantonment Town of Ranikhet has a population of 19,049 persons. 16271 persons in Ranikhet are literates (10206 Male and 6065 Female).[19] The literacy rate in Ranikhet town is significantly ahead of others in the district. Female Literacy is 91.18 percent.[19] In 1881, when the first edition of The Imperial Gazetteer of India was published, Ranikhet had a population of 5,984, and the city was home to 3,313 Hindus, 1,090 Muslims, and 1,573 Europeans.

The spoken language by natives is Kumaoni.

Tourism

The Ranikhet Cantonment area is home to several tourist places. The KRC Museum, maintained by the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army, has a collection of pictures and aretfacts, mainly focusing on the contributions of the Regiment during the World wars, Sino-Indian War, Indo-Pakistani wars of 1965 & 1971, the Kargil war and Operation Pawan. It has on display the various weapons captured, flags of enemies captured by the army and a LTTE boat captured during Operation Pawan. The meuseum also showcases medals and uniforms of the soldiers and stories of the First and the Second Param Vir Chakra winners, and all the Army Generals who belonged to the Kumaon Regiment. Other tourist places in the cantonment include the Ashiyana Park, which was specially designed & developed for children. The Mankameshwar Temple, constructed and maintained by the Kumaon regiment, is located in the middle of the cantonment. Opposite the temple is a Gurudwara and a Shawl factory. The Rani Jheel, located near Nar Singh Stadium, is a man-made lake, where tourists can enjoy boat rides. St. Bridget's Church is an old church in Ranikhet town.

The Ranikhet Golf Course, located at Upat Kalika is one of the highest golf courses of Asia.[23] It is situated at a distance of 5 kilometres (3 mi) from main Ranikhet City. Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9-hole course making it one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet. The green meadow of the golf course at such high altitude is awe-inspiring. The golf club provides membership plans for outsiders as well.

Situated 4 km from Ranikhet at Chilianaula, the Haidakhan Temple, constructed by Haidakhan Babaji, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Jhula Devi temple is situated at a distance of 7 kilometres (4 mi) from the town of Ranikhet near Chaubatia. The temple is dedicated to Maa Durga, who is believed to have protected the villagers from wild animals, leopards and tigers, that roamed in the dense jungles around the temple. The temple is festooned with numerous bells owing to the tradition of offering a bell to the goddess upon fulfilment of one's wishes. Located in the vicinity of Jhula Devi temple is the Rama Mandir, dedicated to lord Rama. The Rama Mandir has a monastery where students are taught ancient vedas along with vedic and modern mathematics. The Binsar Mahadev Temple is situated close to a stream amidst beautiful pine and deodar trees.

Other nearby places include Chaubatia, Tarikhet, Syalikhet and Majkhali. Chaubatia, located about 10 kilometres (6 mi) from Ranikhet, is famous for its apple orchards. There are also plantations of apricots, peaches, chestnuts, and almonds. The Bhalu Dam, located near Chaubatia is a man-made lake that supplies drinking water to Ranikhet Town. Tarikhet is located at a distance of 8 kilometres (5 mi) from Ranikhet Cantt, and is well known for its Gandhi Kuti, and the temple of Golu Devata. Syalikhet is a scenic spot situated at a distance of 25 kilometres (16 mi) from Ranikhet. Syalikhet is located in the amidst green forest and apple orchards and is known for a temple of Syahi Devi. Majkhali is a picnic spot on the Ranikhet-Almora road. It is located at a distance of 12 km from Ranikhet and offers a close view of the snowy Himalayas with peaceful surroundings. It also holds 'melas' during festivals. Baburkhola village, which resembles a Scottish countryside, is at a distance of 5 km from Majhkali.

  • Rani Jheel
    Rani Jheel
  • Sarna Garden road
    Sarna Garden road
  • Bhalu Dam
    Bhalu Dam
  • Jhula devi temple
    Jhula devi temple

Transport

Ranikhet is situated at a distance of 350 kilometres (217 mi) from Delhi, well connected by road and railway. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 68 kilometres (42 mi) from Ranikhet (GMAPS) one can also use taxis from kathgodam & Haldwani railway stations towards Ranikhet at reasonable cost. Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport. Nearest hill stations are Almora - 50 km, Nainital - 60 km. There are some more places nearby which can be visited like Chaubatia, Dwarahat, Kausani, Chaukhutia, Majhkhali, Naina Gaon, Jalali, Barakham, Doonagiri, Naithna, Masi and Pali.

Ranikhet chicken disease

A poultry disease first discovered in Ranikhet, also known as Newcastle disease.

Economy

Ranikhet's economy is based on the cantonment town and emerging tourism. Commodities manufactured in Ranikhet include sweet meats, jam and hosiery.[24]

Rainkhet area as seen from the road near Golf Course, Ranikhet.

Schools

Ranikhet Town has 10 Primary Schools, 6 Middle Schools, 4 Secondary Schools and 6 Senior Secondary schools.[25] As per the Census of India (2011) one college

Media

Ranikhet has an All India Radio Relay station known as Akashvani Ranikhet. It broadcasts on FM frequencies.

References

  1. ↑ "Ranikhet | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India". | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "The Official Home Page of the Indian Army". www.indianarmy.nic.in. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  3. ↑ "RANIKHET CANTONMENT BOARD". Census of India, 2022. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  4. ↑ "Ranikhet | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India". | Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board | Department of Tourism, Government Of Uttarakhand, India. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
  5. ↑ "Ranikhet".
  6. ↑ Verma, Indra Lal (2014). जनपद चम्पावत के दर्शनीय स्थल [Places to see in Champawat district] (in हिन्दी). Dehradun: Binsar Publishing. p. 21.
  7. ↑ Tyagi, Nutan (1991). Hill Resorts of U.P. Himalaya,: A Geographical Study. Indus Publishing. p. 82. ISBN 9788185182629.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Pandey, Badri Datt (1993). History of Kumaun : English version of "Kumaun ka itihas". Almora: Shyam Prakashan. ISBN 81-85865-01-9.
  9. ↑ History Archived 21 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in.
  10. ↑ E.E. Fernandez, Esq., Offg. Deputy Director, Forest School, Dehradun. Working plan of the Ranikhet Working Circle. Allahbad. NWP & Oudh Govt. Press. 1888
  11. ↑ I.N. Sewal, Working Plan for the Cantonment Forest of Ranikhet, U.P., Govt. of India Press, New Delhi: 1938, p3,4.)
  12. ↑ Kanwar, Pamela (2003). Imperial Simla: The Political Culture of the Raj. Oxford University Press. p. 39.
  13. ↑ Ranikhet The Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 21, p. 233.
  14. ↑ "The first healing center in the Ranikhet to get rid of stress" hindi.citymailnews.com
  15. ↑ Aggarwal, J. C.; Agrawal, S. P. (1995). Uttarakhand: Past, Present, and Future. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 9788170225720.
  16. ↑ "Ranikhet District has Remained Just a Declaration - सिर्फ घोषणा बनकर रह गया रानीखेत जिला - Amar Ujala". web.archive.org. 22 January 2018. Archived from the original on 22 January 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  17. ↑ Dhuliya, Vikas (27 August 2016). "मानक शिथिल कर उत्तराखंड में चार नए जिलों की संस्तुति". Dehradun: Dainik Jagran. Archived from the original on 24 February 2018. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  18. ↑ "The Kumaon Regiment" (PDF). Shodhganga. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 February 2018. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 District Census Handbook (PDF). Dehradun: Directorate of Census Operations, Uttarakhand. p. 847. Archived (PDF) from the original on 14 November 2016. Retrieved 31 August 2016.
  20. ↑ "Ranikhet - Heritage Cantonment". Archived from the original on 21 December 2008. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
  21. ↑ Devi, Lalita (1992). Climatic Characteristics and Water Balance: A Study of Uttar Pradesh. Concept Publishing Company. p. 93. ISBN 9788170223894. Archived from the original on 24 February 2018. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
  22. ↑ "Climate Ranikhet: Temperature, Climate graph, Climate table for Ranikhet - Climate-Data.org". en.climate-data.org. Archived from the original on 24 January 2018. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
  23. ↑ "Upat Golf Course Ranikhet Almora - Travel Guide to Golf Course Ranikhet". www.euttaranchal.com. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
  24. ↑ "District Census Handbook, Census of India 2011" (PDF). Retrieved 10 April 2022.
  25. ↑ "Census of India, 2011" (PDF). Retrieved 10 April 2022.

External links

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