In this article, we provide comprehensive information about the geography, history, population, and top tourist destinations of Ranikhet.
| About: | Ranikhet is a charming hill station and cantonment town located near Almora in the Almora district of Uttarakhand, India. It serves as the base for the Military Hospital, Kumaon Regiment (KRC), and Naga Regiment, all of which are maintained by the Indian Army. Situated at an altitude of 1,869 metres (6,132 ft) above sea level, Ranikhet offers stunning views of the western peaks of the Himalayas. It is classified as a Class IV town and has the civic status of a Cantonment board. |
| History: | The Ranikhet Cantonment Authority was established in 1869, with its officer referred to as the Cantonment Magistrate and the office known as the Cantonment Court, or in the local language, Cantonment Kachheri (कचहरी). The Cantonment Board Act was enacted by the Government of India in 1924, and this Act was recently amended by the Cantonment Act (Amended), 2006. Records of the Cantonment Committee have been maintained in the Cantonment Board Office since 1869. In 1870, log huts were constructed in Ranikhet to accommodate troops, and the first Royal Scouts from the 37th Hampshire Regiment were deployed to help build roads and prepare sites for barrack construction. Historically, from 1056 onwards, the Katuaries and Chand Raja ruled Almora until 1790. There are two stories regarding the origin of the name Ranikhet. One suggests that the queen of Katuari Raja Dudhan Dev (1180), named Padmini, chose this location for her studies, play, and residence, leading to its name Ranikhet. The other story claims it was a site of numerous battles, originally called Rankshetra, meaning battlefield. Ranikhet literally translates to “Queen’s Fields.” The queen symbolizes nature, and legend has it that a Katuri queen named Padmani from Dwarahat had her fields near the Ranikhet Club and established Kumpur or Katyuri Bazar, which later became known as BI Bazar (British Infantry Bazar) or Lal Kurti. |
| Geography: | Ranikhet the queen of Kumaon hills is situated in Almora District of Uttarakhand at a distance of 84 Kms from its nearest Railways Station, Kathgodam at height of 6000 feet from sea level. |
| Country : | India |
| State: | Uttarakhand |
| District: | Almora |
| Language: | Hindi, Kumaoni, Sanskrit |
| Population: | 19,049 (2011) |
| Literacy rate: | Literacy rate of Ranikhet city is 95.21 % higher than state average of 78.82 %. In Ranikhet, Male literacy is around 97.79 % while female literacy rate is 91.18 %. |
| Major Attractions to Visit: | Chaubatia Orchards Jhula Devi Temple Haidakhan Babaji Temple Mankameshwar Temple Kalika Temple Rani Jheel Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum Bhalu Dam Sunset Point (Majkhali) Golf Ground Dwarahat Village Sitlakhet Ashiyana Park Manila Temple |
