The Queen’s Meadows

 

Regarded as one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas, Ranikhet is a quiet and charming Hill Station located at an elevation of 1869 meters (6132 ft) above mean sea level in Almora district of Kumaon region in the north Indian state of Uttarakhand.

 

Lost into oblivion for long, this picturesque hill station was rediscovered by the Britishers. In 1869, the British established headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment here and used this beautiful hill station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summers. Ranikhet – a cantonment town – is home to the Kumaon Regimental Centre and Seema Suraksha Bal. The town is spick and span, being maintained by the Indian Army.

 

Ranikhet is one of the few places still hidden in the magnificent Himalayas. It is not a touristy place at all – no malls, no glitz, and no noise. Fruit trees, snow peaks, fresh water springs, and bird-song, instead, take on a visitor’s senses. The breath taking views of pine trees, lush green forests, delicate plant life and rarely seen wild life, combined with the spells of fresh mountain breeze, add to the heavenly and pure feeling of Ranikhet.

 

Nestled in the midst of the great Himalayas, far from the maddening crowd of the polluted metros, Ranikhet is an all season tourist-spot for the admirers of natural beauty. Spread across 2 ridges with varied attitude, the town is surrounded by a thick cover of Oak and Deodar forests housing several rare and endangered wildlife species.

 

Offering a panoramic view of the majestic Himalayas, this peaceful town has everything to offer to pacify the nerves of a discerning nature lover. With maximum and minimum temperatures ranging between 30°C / 10°C in Summers and 8°C / 2°C in Winters, Ranikhet witnesses snowfall during the fall months.