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VISITING PLACES Ranikhet reflects the very best of the heavenly Himalayas: their lush green forests, majestic mountains peaks, exotic plant life and attractive wildlife. To see nature and its elements in full harmony, the right place is Ranikhet. This hill resort is undoubtedly a tourist's paradise. The invigorating mountain breeze, the singing of birds, the panoramic view of the Himalayas, sounds and smells of the surrounding leave the on lookers spell bound. During the rains, flowers sprout up everywhere in rainbow colors, branches of trees are loaded with fruits. Sunlights peeping through the mist and clouds create 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. GOLF GROUND It is one of the best Golf Ground courses of Asia, located at a height of 6000 ft. It is approx. five kilometers away from Ranikhet town, within the limits of Ranikhet Cantonment, on the main road leading to Almora.

It is a very fascinating Golf course of nine holes surrounded by dense pine forests. It gives different colors during the year and hence it is one of the most popular spot. Documentaries, short films and even movies are very often filmed at this location. Scene of the Golf hut of this golf course is very famous among the moviemakers. Many films have been clicked on this serene piece of land and latest of them are Kishna, Julli, Vivah, and many more. Ok!! So, you are planning to visit Ranikhet; Welcome into the arms of Himalayas…. It is recommended that, you must spare at least one evening to wonder here with family members and capture the beauty of this beautiful and heart warming land of colours with your camera to treasure each and every single memory of it for your lifetime. CANTT. AASHIYANA PARK - The Multifarious Environmental Zone Ranikhet has developed a multifarious environmental zone named as “Aashiyana” As there was not a single park where tourists can visit and take a short break from their usual hectic schedule, it is a complete park in all respect. The park is a complete world for all age group.

It contains a complete children park, herbal garden for those persons who are interested in herbal and medicinal plants, lawn, sitting arrangement, colorful fountains, view points for Himalayan peaks, evening lighting etc. It was inaugurated on 14/11/04. APPLE GARDEN CHAUBATTIA It is an exclusive apple garden mixed with trees of plum, apricot, peach, pear, chestnut etc spread over an area of 600 acres.

It is said that it is the first apple garden in India, grounded and cultivated by the Britishers. Now it is the famous apple garden for delicious varieties of apples.

Stair type cultivation of apple, facing the great Himalayan Peaks gives the message of peace and harmony of cultivation culture. Are you visiting Ranikhet? How can you restrict yourself from visiting this attractive garden, full of colorful and juicy apples? Of course, only between June to Aug. one can have a real look at the apples. RANI JHEEL As Ranikhet is located at a higher altitude (between 5500 ft to 7500 ft.), no river is crossing through the vicinity of this naturally beautiful small town. Even there is no such lake/dam, which can preserve rain water/spring water.

It is said that there were hundreds of spring water sources at Ranikhet, but it is observed that during last one decade 50% of natural water springs have been dried and out lived their utility.

Keeping in view the above problem, the Cantt. Board is developing a huge lake named as Rani Jheel. It is beautifully located between two natural ridges of Ranikhet i.e. between Canossa Convent School and Kendriya Vidyalaya.After complete development of the said Jheel the same will preserve rain water as well as spring water of 3 perennial springs joining the lake. A check Dam of 40 ft in length and 30 ft. in height has already been constructed to retain water reserved in the lake. Retaining wall of approx. 200 mt. in perimeter has been erected to prevent the possibilities of silting at the main Jheel.

After complete development of the Rani Jheel i.e. provision of floating fountains, paddle boats, boundary wall and railing and steal grill, cafeteria, it will be most attractive place for the tourist as well as children who may enjoy boating in the lake. The dam is designed so the down stream end will attract the tourist as an artificial fall. In all, Rani Jheel will be a peaceful picnic spot and a tourist spot. DEVDAR AND PINE FOREST Really we are proud of having one of the dense forest of India in Ranikhet. There are so many ridges completely full of devdar (mainly at Chaubattia), pine and oak as well as ridges full of mixed vegetation.

In fact whole Ranikhet is surrounded by forest of pine, oak, devdar, alder (Utish), Suprius (Surai), rhododendron, species (Bras), Miricanagi (cafal). The total area of the forest in Ranikhet Cantonment is 4124.07 acres.

The forests are thickly and well weeded and adds the scenic beauty of the station. Its evergreen vistas of exquisite beauty and the sapphire of in circling hills blend with deep blue cloudless skies. These have a charm of their own against the background of snowy Himalayan peaks glistering in the distance. Good work has been done in improving the scenic beauty of Ranikhet by way of large scale of plantation of flowers, shrub-berry along roadsides. Various species of saplings were planted along nalas, water logged areas and on roadsides in order to stop the erosion of soil and to balance environmental ecology. Besides, the Board has fenced the re-generation areas as well as by making protection walls in the forest in order to stop the damage. Flowerbeds were added on certain main road sides as well as on important vicinities. WILDLIFE The reserved forest of Ranikhet Cantt is also known for its unique wildlife which are now rare in any open forest except national parks, sanctuary etc.

While wondering in jungle paths/treking routes one can watch leopard, leopard cat, mountain goat, barking deer, Sambhar, pine mertin, wild bear, Indian hare, red faced monkey, jackal, langur, red fox, porcupine, cheer pheasant, kaleej pheasant, hill partridge, black partridge, Indian ringdove, blue rock pigeon, green pigeon etc. During evening time these are also seen on the motorable road. You can’t believe the forest of Ranikhet is a heavenly world in form of serene peaceful and living today even in the original and spiritual shape of the nature/almighty God—as per your faith. Whatever you can belief, it is our invitation to wonder in the purest world at Ranikhet in its natural forest through the trekking routes developed by the Cantt.Board throughout the Jungle. Words are not enough. Please have a trekking experience in the forest, you will feel world of nature and peace. It can not be denied, you can also forget yourself.

Oh! Nothing to worry you may not forget yourself forever. BHALU DAM It is the most beautiful artificial lake situated in the reserved forest 3 km below Chaubattia in the Cantt. area. The lake was constructed by the Britishers in 1903.The Imperial Gazetteer of India 1908 says about the Bhalu Dam “an excellent system of water-works have recently been carried out”. Water from the dam comes to reservoir at Nagpani treatment plant by gravity and then it is supplied to Chaubattia.

The visitors may visit the dam by tracking route approx 3 km through the dense forest and then they can enjoy a pleasant and peaceful daytime picnic at the dam. RANIKHET BAZAAR Bazaars have been established by the Britishers for providing necessary goods to the troops as well as local people of Ranikhet Tehsil.

Among these Sadar Bazaar, Zaruri Bazaar (previously it was known as Napier street), Khari Bazaar (previously Mayo Street) even today these market have been maintaining its original heritage look.

The present traders even today are maintaining the old system and tradition of selling traditional goods and new wares, in small but well stocked shops. Visitors may purchase any items as per their wishes from the modern to traditional ethnic products of Kumaon Villages. So why are you skipping yourself from moving in these Bazaars of colonial heritage? RANIKHET CLUB Ranikhet club is a very suitable place for the visitors to enjoy evening with the facilities available with the club such as:- Billiards, Table Tennis, lawn tennis, skating, playcards etc.

Prior to 1920 the club was known as Gymkhana Club established by the britishers long back. It is one of the oldest clubs in India.

Even after complete devastation of the club by severe fire incident in the year 1987, it is erected in original shape and look.

Why are you not visiting Ranikhet Club? At least for having an impression, how we are preserving our heritage ? WAR MEMORIAL

War memorial at Som Nath ground symbolizes the bravery and dedication of war heroes of Kumaon Regiment. This war memorial is dedicated to the valiant soldiers of Kumaon Regiment for their valour and bravery. SUN SET POINTS One of the major attractions of Ranikhet is to view the gradual sun set from different locations. The prominent are:- At Machkhali from hill top near Woodvilla, the other are at Golf Ground, site between Transit Camp and Ganiadeoli, and the site located on the road leading from Jhoola Devi to Bhargaon approx 1 k.m. away from Jhoola Devi Temple.

If you have a wish to glare at the sun (the power house of the solar system) you must visit any of these sites, it will provide the opportunity to view huge reddish circle. Of course, moving fast. KUMAON MUSEUM It is a huge war museum afforded by KRC. It is full of so many monuments, item, articles, weapons, clothes related to so many battle won by the Indian Army and participated by the troops of different battalions of Kumaon Regimental Center.

You may also have a rare chance of interviewing with the personal items/things of Heroes of Kumaon Regiment. Sorry!! You can't snap here. Do you know why? It is the collection of our Military Heritage. TEMPLES, CHURCHES, MAZAARS, MOSQUE AND GURUDWARA TEMPLES 1. JHOOLA DEVI Jhoola Devi temple is very famous temple of Ma Durga the Goddess of Sakti. It is 7 Kms. from Ranikhet on the way to Chaubattia. There is a long and quite scientific mythology and traditional faith behind this temple well explained in the information board displayed at the temple gate.

Devotees pray at the temple for fulfillment of their wishes and after so devotees come again and to pay tribute, devotees tie bells at Ma Jhoola Devi temple.

So there are thousands bells hanging in the temple premises.

It is said that all these bells are the symbol of fulfillment of wishes of such numbers of persons equivalent to the number of bells hanging there. 2. RAM MANDIR The most famous temple of the Kumaon hill dedicated to lord Rama. It is above Jhoola Devi Temple. 3. MANKAMESHWAR Mankameshwer temple is a beautifully designed and developed temple by Kumaon Regimental Centre for Lord Shiva and Radha Krishna.

This temple is near to the Nar Singh ground. 4. HAIRAKHAN TEMPLE It is nicely designed, well developed and well maintained temple at Chilianaula just about 4 kms from Ranikhet.

The temple is dedicated to Baba Hairakhan, the famous saint of this region and he is believed to be an incarnation of lord Shiva.

You may also view all peaks of great Himalayas. 5. SHIV MANDIR There is a temple named as Shiv Mandir situated at 100 meter from the Sadar Bazaar (Rajdeep Hotel). The devotees of Ranikhet established the temple 150 years ago. The temple is very famous being religious center for the devotees of the surrounding areas.

Within the premises of temple, small temples for Radha Krishna and Ram Darbar have also been established.

In fact, it is not only a Shiv Mandir but it is developed and maintained as a group of temples containing number of small temples. The temple is not only restricted upto religious aspect, but it has many branches which are providing uncountable services in social, economical, cultural and educational fields. 6. KALIKA MANDIR Devotees of surrounding areas of Ranikhet established the Kalika Temple 200 years ago. The temple is 5 km from Ranikhet. It is a very famous temple of Ma Kali. This temple is of great mythological importance a place to visit. MOSQUES 1. JAMA MASJID AT SADAR BAZAAR Muslim communities are performing their prayer, religious functions at this mosque. It is also spreading its social welfare services in so many forms. Some other Mosques are at Chaubattia, Kumpoor etc. 2. MAZAAR There are so many mazaars and most of them belong to the Sufis of Chishti Silsila. The most famous among them is a Mazaar of Hazrat Kalu Sayyed Baba below KMOU Station near Cantt High School, Sadar Bazaar. An annual Urs is organized at this mosque each year in the month of May.

The other Mazaars are: - At near Spring field on the way to Army School which called Phool Shah Baba and one near Kalu Gadhera on the way to Holm Farm another one mazaar is below Sarna Garden called Khazanchi Baba Mazaar. GURUDWARA There is one Gurudwara located just opposite to Mankameshwer Mandir, where devotees of Sikh Community use to deliver their faith in God. CHURCHES 1. St Martins Church, Dulikhet. 2. St. Patricks Church, Chaubattia. 3. Wesleyan Chapel Church, Mall Road.

Chaubattia Garden -Chaubattia Garden is a world famous Apple garden famous for breeding apples plants one can get apples and other fruits during fruit season and a stroll amidst apple groves. One can also buy honey and fresh fruit juice from the sales counter at the outlet. A visit to the research laboratory is a worth watch. One can also have a spectacular view of Himalayas from here.