RANIKHET

A long time ago, a Kumaoni queen, Rani Padmini while travelling with her entourage chanced upon hill side upon hill side of lush green meadows and instantly fell in love with the natural beauty surrounding her. This she decided was her refuge and she conveyed her whim to the King who deeply loved her. Raja Sukhardev to win the heart of his queen built her a palace here where she lived for the rest of her days. This place came to be called Ranikhet literally meaning the “Queens meadows” …. this is how the legend goes, the fairy tale saga from long ago.

The beauty of Ranikhet is as much in the journey as in the destination. The road winds up through a thick pine and oak forest and as you leave behind wave upon wave of blue green mountains and climb to an altitude of 6132 feet the horizon opens up to a most magnificent view of the snow peaks of the Himalayas.

Ranikhet is a sprawling cantonment town, the headquarters of the Kumaon regiment.  Broad tree lined roads; Bungalows with well maintained flowering gardens ferns spilling out from every rock make the perfect setting for great evening walks. Just ambling along the bazaar on the mall you meet good humoured simple Kumaoni folk selling simple wares. A taste of the local food is a treat for the palette. Most dhabas prepare these simple yet delectable dishes like Jholi thin gravy made from curd, tubers and tomatoes and Kafuli made from Spinach served with rice.

Just before the mall road at the toll barrier an old church has been converted into the Kumaon Shawl and Tweed Factory a nonprofit organisation for war widows who weave and sell some intricately made shawls. Some rappelling and rock climbing are an absolute adrenaline rush. At first a step down a bare precipitous cliff just hanging from a thin rope can be nerve wrecking but slowly one gets the hang of it. Bare face rock cliffs around Ranikhet are ideal for this and you can pick your grade from easy to tough depending on your confidence levels.

For those with a religious bent of mind can pay their respects to the Devi at Jhula Devi temple ; locals believe that if you tie a bell and make a wish it comes true. Head to Chaubatia orchards to buy some fruit to carry back. Located 10 kilometers away from the main town the orchard grows delicious apricots, plums, peaches and apples.