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Getting Acquainted With Nature

Ranikhet is a lovely hill station in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Ranikhet is the ideal location for getting acquainted with nature. Its pine and oak trees add to its beauty. Mountains and greenery will make you feel refreshing and your mind happy.

Ranikhet, exactly meaning "Queen's Land," is a year-round tourist destination for those who appreciate nature and its beauty. Located at an elevation of 1,869 metres above sea level, from where you can view the majestic peaks of western Himalayas.

The British discovered this beautiful hill station in 1886 after it had been lost in shadows for a long time. Ranikhet is now maintained by the Indian Army and is home to the Kumaon Regimental Center and the Naga Regiment.

If we look into history of Ranikhet, it is said that Queen Padmini, the wife of King Sukhardev, discovered this hill station. When the queen was passing through here, she was so taken with the beauty of Ranikhet that she told the king to stay here. Following the queen's advice, the king decided to stay here and named it Ranikhet.

There are numerous places to visit

Jhula Devi Temple the 700-year-old temple, which is open to devotees seven days a week. There is a story behind this temple.

It is said that there was a time when leopards and tigers were feared in the forests of Chaubatia. The mother goddess appeared in a dream of one of the villager and told him about her idol buried in the ground at one location. Mother goddess claimed that by constructing a temple and placing her idol in the temple, the people of the area will get rid of wild animals.

The villagers then dig out goddess idol from the same location and constructed a temple of the goddess there. After the temple was built, the people of village got rid of wild animals and started grazing their animals freely.

Chaubatia Garden is located 10 kilometres from Ranikhet which is almost in 265-hectare area. You will be able to see dozens of different types of fruit orchards. In which apart from apple, Peach, Apricot, Chestnut and Plum orchards can also be seen. Also you can get to see 36 varieties of apple trees in this garden.

The best time to visit this garden is between April and June, when the Chaubatia Garden is completely laden with apples, which tourists from all over the country and abroad come to see. Their primary reason for visiting Chaubatia Garden is that it is Asia's largest apple orchard.

Ashiyana Park, Ranikhet's first and only park built exclusively for children. It offers various attractions for children such as beautiful lawns, colourful fountains, herbal gardens, and viewpoints to witness the mighty Himalayan ranges. The park is built on the jungle theme and entirely built on high hills.

Mankameshwar Temple, maintained by the Indian National Army that is popular with tourists.

Haidakhan Balaji Temple, on the top of Uttarakhand's Kumaon mountain range and offering breathtaking views of the Nanda Devi range.

Sheetalkhet, which is only an hour away from Ranikhet. It is a beautiful hill stations nestled in the shade of nature which attracts tourists towards it. Very calm and pleasant. You can also have a view of beautiful mountain peaks from here.

Golf course. This 9-hole golf course is the largest in Asia which is 5 km from Ranikhet. Surrounded by long pine trees with lush green golf course gives a spectacular view of this place.

Sunset Point, located at 14 km from Ranikhet, Machkhali Sunset point with magnificent views of the snow-capped Himalayas. The best time to visit is between February and November, when the mountains and sunsets are at their most spectacular looks.

Where to Stay

In Ranikhet, there are a variety of tourist accommodations available. Ranikhet provides both luxury and budget-friendly guesthouses. There are also options for luxurious hotels and resorts here.

Food

There are many good restaurants in Ranikhet that serve a variety of cuisines ranging from North Indian, Chinese, and Tibetan to local Kumaoni cuisine. There is also street food available if you are interested.

When to come

Although tourist keeps coming in Ranikhet all season around. Temperature varies from -3 degree Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius. But the best time to visit Ranikhet is between April to September, when the weather is mild and you enjoy your presence at the best.

How to reach

The closest domestic airport is Pantnagar, 109 km from Ranikhet, which is well connected from various cities and towns. From here you can take a cab to reach Ranikhet.

Closest railway station is Kathgodam which is 80 km from Ranikhet. Cab facilities are always available here for Ranikhet. Direct bus services are also available from Delhi which is 370 km, from Ramnagar which is 90 km and Kathgodam which is 80km and from Ranikhet.

If you want to spend few moments in peace away from the hustle and bustle of the city life and want to see the unique beauty of nature, then give yourself a chance to feel the Ranikhet enhanced by the charming and majestic views of pine trees, oak trees, lush green forests, elusive flora and fauna, aromatic mountain gentle wind fresh and pure, chirping of birds, and the scenic view of the Himalayas.

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A Beautiful Village

Kalpa, a beautiful village in the district Kinnaur of Himachal Pradesh state in India. The Sutlej River, which flows below, carves deep gorges through the winding mountain road. Before, this beautiful place was not frequently visited by people from abroad, but there are still relatively few visitors who continue to visit this nature's paradise. From Kalpa, you can also see the sacred Shivling rock on Kailash Mountain, which is famous for changing its colours throughout the day at different points.

Kalpa is located at 2,960 metres (9,711 feet), 5 kilometres above Reckong Peo, the district headquarter of Kinnaur, and 265 kilometres from Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, India. Surrounded by snow-capped ranges you find apple orchards, pine-nut forests, and the stately deodars here in Kalpa. The main cash crop of this region is apples. The locals practise Hinduism and Buddhism religions.

Tourist Attractions

Trekking to Chakka: Chaka is full of exciting adventures! The Chaka peak, at an elevation of 15000 feet above sea level, is an incredible trek up the hill along the gurgling water channel. While going uphill it takes approximately 2-3 hours, while coming down it takes approximately 1.5 hours. You can also take the help of local guides who will make your visit more memorable.

Narayan-Nagini temple: Built in the traditional Tibetan Pagoda style of architecture, this temple is a perfect example of Kinnauri craftsmanship. This temple, located on top of a hill in Chini Village, is one of the village's main attractions and a must-see.

Kothi: It is only 3 kilometres from Reckong Peo. Kothi is home to a temple honouring the goddess Chandika Devi. The temple has an unusual architectural style and fine sculpture, set against a backdrop of mountains and deodar groves. The temple houses an exquisite gold image of the goddess.

Hu-Ba-Lan-Kar Monastery: A small monastery in Kalpa that is more of a gompa (temple), however, it is in a lovely location with a peaceful atmosphere. The temple's doors include beautiful carvings. It is not particularly challenging to get to as it is located inside the town.

Climate

Due to its high elevation, Kalpa has a temperate climate, with long winters from October to May and short summers from June to September. People wear heavy woollens during the winter because the temperature drops below freezing at around -15 to -20 degrees Celsius. The entire village is covered in 5 to 7 feet of snow during winters. Even in the summer, woollen clothes are required.

Staying in Kalpa

You will find lots of staying options both in Recong Peo and Kalpa. You will find  from both decent hotels to high-range of hotels as per your budget. If you are of a adventurous nature then there are camping sites for you in  nearby village. For that make sure to carry camping equipment along with you.

Food

Good North Indian foods with both veg and non-veg along with local delicacies are served in all Restaurants and Hotels.

Best time to visit Kalpa

The best time to visit Kalpa is between April to May and between September to October.

Reaching Kalpa

Shimla, the state capital of Himachal Pradesh, is well connected by road, rail, and air. Beyond that, the way to get to Kalpa is by road, and you'll get to enjoy all of the scenic beauties that fall on your way to Kalpa. Coming to Kalpa, from Shimla you can take one of the state-run buses or hire a cab.

You can witness the majesty and mystery of the sunrise while taking a stroll around this sanctuary in the early morning hours. A sight to behold is the pinkish hue on the peaks that progressively becomes coloured with golden brightness. This tiny village, adorned with a variety of flora and fauna and is a must-see destination.