Ranikhet

Ranikhet Cantonment is spread over a total area of 4,176 acres, of which 2,580 acres is Reserve Forest area, 920 acres is Station area and 675 acres is Military area. 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).
Ranikhet had been under Nepalese rule after the Nepalese invasion of Kumaon and Doti in 1790. 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 and after significant relocation in the region finally in 1868 Ranikhet was selected for the residence of British soldiers, and the following year a cantonment was formed here after acquiring land from the surrouding villagers. In 1869, the British established the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment as well as pargana Pali here and used the station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer.
A stroll through Ranikhet today reveals traces of its colonial past. The architecture of the era, with its quaint bungalows and sprawling lawns, stands as a testament to the British taste for elegance and comfort amidst nature. The iconic Ranikhet Club, established in 1920, continues to serve as a nod to the colonial era, offering a glimpse into the leisurely pursuits of the British officers.
One cannot miss the charming old churches and the well-preserved military buildings that dot the landscape. The St. Bernard's Church, with its Gothic revival architecture, is a striking example of how the British sought to recreate familiar elements of home in their overseas posts.

Places to visit

KRC Museum

The Kumaon Regimental Centre is a famous museum that was built in the 1970s to showcase the rich legacy of the Kumaon Region. Established by Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army, the museum houses war artefacts of historical importance that exhibit the glory and achievements of the Garhwal and Kumaon regiments. The KRC Museum goes beyond portraying the regiment's prowess in combat. It delves into the lives and traditions of the Kumaon and Garhwal soldiers. Visitors have the opportunity to see the uniforms donned by these brave men throughout history, each piece reflecting a unique era and purpose. A dedicated section showcases medals of honor awarded to Kumaon soldiers for their extraordinary acts of bravery. The museum proudly displays information about the two Param Vir Chakras awarded to soldiers from the Kumaon Regiment - Major Somnath Sharma and Captain Vikram Batra.

Haidakhan Temple

In 1970, Shri Babaji (Baba Haidakhan), also known as Bhole Baba- an incarnation of the Maha Avatar, manifested (not born of a woman) in a cave at the foothills of Kumaon Mount Kailash at Haidakhan as an 18-year-old. In September, the same year he ascended to the top of the Mount and sat there in meditation for 45 days without any food, water, or sleep. It is from this place Babaji gave his first teachings. Haidakhan Babaji maintained that All religions are incorporated in the principle of Truth, Simplicity and Love. The people came to realize that they were blessed to have the Divine soul amidst them. Babaji built nine beautiful temples and an Ashram around the cave on the banks of Gautami Ganga river, from where he had emerged. This is known as Haidakhan Dham. The next main Ashram in India is below Ranikhet, in a small scenic hamlet called Chilianaula.

Ratan Deo Group of Temples

Dwarahat is a historic site in Uttarakhand with many groups of Hindu temples built and restored between the 8th and the 16th century. These temples are attributed to various Hindu kings and queens from different dynasties, particularly those from the Katyuri dynasty. Totaling about 55 Hindu temples, they are notable as central Himalayan temples built with design and architecture typically found in distant, different parts of India (west, south, east). The Dwarahat temples were reduced to ruins by Delhi Sultanate and later the Mughals. Some were restored after the 15th century, and more recently in the 21st century by regional Hindu community and the ASI. The Ratan Deo group of temples, also known as Ratan Deval shrines, are 11th to 13th-century Hindu temples in Dwarahat. This complex consists of a row of shrines in Himalayan version of Nagara architecture. These emphasize the form and function through simplicity, rather than the aesthetics. The shikharas are economically fashioned, and bear karṇāmalakas (ribbed stones set at corners) to suggest storeys and notched pieces of stone on the corners of veṇukośas (segmented outer nodal sheaths) and madhyalatās (central bands) to suggest a projecting cornice or a receding necking, as described by Nachiket Chanchani (2014), From Asoda to Almora, The Roads Less Taken: Māru-Gurjara Architecture in the Central Himalayas, Arts Asiatiques, Tome 69, pp. 3-16).

House of Umang

Mahila Umang Producers Company Ltd. is a collective of self-help groups and producer - members engaged in promoting sustainable livelihoods through establishment of micro enterprises. The objective of Umang is to initiate pro-poor enterprises directly controlled by producer members based on the principles of Fair Trade and guided by the concerns of ecology, economics and equity. The organization is guided and governed by a Board selected from the producer- members and led by a team of professionals from the region, with the aim to reach the maximum share of the consumers rupee to each producer member. It is Umang's belief that those who purchase their products are directly assisting resource poor households 'through Fair Trade and not Aid'.

Chaubatia Gardens

Chaubatia Gardens is in the quiet town of Ranikhet, in Uttarakhand. This garden stretches over 600 acres and is filled with vivid colours, sweet scents and exciting things, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy nature. Situated amidst the towering Himalayas, Chaubatia Gardens can rejuvenate your mind and help you feel alive again. While walking through this garden, you will hear crunching gravel under footsteps, chirping birds and rustling leaves. The park accommodates various plants and animals, from large oak and pine trees to tiny wildflowers covering the forest ground.

Sitlakhet

A destination so undisturbed and untouched that even the mountain winds dare not break the silence. Situated in the lap of Himalayas, the picture perfect destination offers a 180 degree panoramic view of everlasting forest blanketing the valleys till they get lost over the horizon. Just 36 Km away from Almora, the road via Kathpuriya is one of the most beautiful drives you will ever go on. The road sneaks its way through the Himalayan ranges and is perfectly lined up with the rich pine forest offering unmatched spectacular views of the sunset. Though local devotees visit the place for the famous Siyahi Devi Temple which is 2 to 3 miles hike from Sitlakhet village, visitors often enjoy tranquility and solitude this place has to offer.

Majkhali

A small Hamlet located at 12 Km from Ranikhet town on Almora road well known for its natural beauty. It is also famous for goddess Kali temple. There are numerous picnic spots in its nearby locations. Majhkali is a beautiful place famed for the striking views of the Himalayan range, sunset and long nature walks along the forested areas. Enchanting tourist destinations enriched with imposing natural beauty, Majkhali is popular for its splendid and attractive celestial beauty.