Ranikhet is a famous hill station in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1829 metres above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas.It is the place, which mirrors the best of the heavenly Himalayas; lush green forests, majestic mountains, delicate plant life and attractive wild life.To view nature and its elements in full harmony, the right place to be a Ranikhet. According to popular belief, this spot had won the heart of Rani Padmini, queen of Raja Sudhardev. She chose this scenic place to be her abode and since then, it has come to be known as Ranikhet, literally "Queen's field".

At an altitude of 1829 mts. above sea level, this hill resort is undoubtedly a tourists' paradise. The scented mountain breeze, fresh and pure, the singing of birds, the panoramic view of the Himalayas-the sights, sounds and smells leave the onlooker spellbound. During the rains, flowers sprout up everywhere in rainbow colours, branches of trees stoop with ripened fronts and sunlight peeping through the mist and clouds endow an enchanting effect all across Ranikhet.As winter comes, the softly falling snowflakes cover the environs in sheets of pure whiteness. The charm of every season is irresistible in its own right. And this is what makes Ranikhet an all-season destination. Being a cantonment (the place was selected as a hill station for British troops and accordingly the cantonment was established in 1869), the Kumaon Regimental Centre, Museum and Memorial are the jewels of Ranikhet.

Places Of Tourist Interest
Golf course-   Ranikhet's golf course is a natural nine hole course.and is one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet.

Chaubattia Garden-   It is a famous apple orchard. Besides apples, It is also possible to buy honey and fresh fruit juice from the sales counter of the garden.

Binsar Mahadev-   19kms., from Ranikhet, on the way to Ramnagar and 2kms from Sonidant, amidst dense Pine and Deodar forests. The shiva Temples of Binsar Mahadev are a unique place for meditation and picnics

Dronagiri-  It is 52 km from Ranikhet lies the 1100 century old Dronagiri Temple. It is said that during battle between Rama and Ravana, when Laxman got hurt with the Arrow of Meghnadh, Hanuman went to obtain Sanjiwani Buti from Himalayas. On his way back, a part of Sanjiwani Buti fell at the place called Dronagiri. Five kilometres away from Dronagiri is the famous cave of Pandavkholi where it is believed that Pandavas stayed during their exile.

Baijnath-   BaijnathTemple has a black stone Idol Goddess Parvati which is an exquisite work of art. This place is about 70 km from Ranikhet ahead of Kausani. This place is on the bank of river Gomti in the Garuda valley. At this place one can enjoy feeding large number of fishes but fishing is strictly prohibited.
Katarmal(Sun temple)  It is about 25 km from Ranikhet. A beautiful trek leads you to one of the two sun temples of the country, first one being Konark, Orissa. This temple is a 12th century creation and the ancient idol of Sun God is presently preserved at the National museum Delhi. The temple is now protected and preserved by the Archeological Survey of India.

Getting There
Even though the hill resort of Ranikhet does not have an airport or a railway station of its own, it is easily accessible. The nearest airport happens to be at Pant Nagar (Nainital), at a distance of 1119 km. During the summer regular flights link other important places with Nainital and in turn Ranikhet. The nearest railhead for Ranikhet is Kathgodam, at a distance of 84 km. The excellent road network connects Ranikhet with other important cities. The main bus station is located near the main tourist office adjacent to the Sadar Bazaar area. The bus service from Ranikhet to Nainital, Almora, Kathgodam, and Kausani is frequent.