Ranikhet also known as Queen`s Field is located in District Almora, Uttarakhand. Ranikhet is a divine and holy place that offers beautiful and clear panoramic views from its sight. The marvelous pine trees, apple orchards, extravagant greenery, vivid life, the undulating mountains and the rivers flowing in wavy motion integrate together to form the splendid beauty of Ranikhet. Ranikhet is also renowned as the abode of Gods because of the legends that has taken place in this holy land.

Geographical location of Ranikhet
Ranikhet positioned at an altitude of 1,829 meters offers a clear picturesque view of the snow-clad mountains, abundant green forests and the aromatic apple orchards make the atmosphere pleasing and filed with ecstasy. This a perfect place of tourist destination undoubtedly at each and every season cause of its tranquility and serene atmosphere that leaves the spectator enchanted. It is just sixty kilometers far from Nainital. Ranikhet is enclosed by the shimmering mountains which are always covered by white sheets of snow.

History of Ranikhet
Ranikhet is said to have got it`s name through a popular legend of Rani Padmini, Queen of Raja Sudhardev who became fond of this awestruck scenic beauty and designated this place as her place of residence. Since then this place came to be known as Ranikhet or the Queen`s Field. When she decided to stay here, she built a beautiful palace for her residence, today this palace is known as the Ranikhet Club. After her rule, the Britishers came to this place and preferred this place for the British troops and established the Kumaon regimental centre in 1869. Now it is the Head Quarter of Kumaon regimental centre. The Kumaon regimental centre Museum and Memorial are some of the places that are jewels of Ranikhet.

Visiting places in and around Ranikhet:
Ranikhet is a celestial land that is blessed with God`s grace and therefore it has such picturesque and awe-inspiring natural beauties. The places worth visiting in Ranikhet are Golf course, Kalika temple, Jhula-Devi temple, Chaubattia garden, Hairakhan temple, Binsar Mahadev, Dronagiri, Bajinath temple, Katarmal (Sun temple), Chamarkhan.

How to Reach Ranikhet:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Ranikhet is Pant Nagar, Nainital at a distance of 114 km. During the summer, flights link other places with Nainital and in turn Ranikhet.

By Railways:
The nearest railway station is Kathgodam situated at a distance of 82 km. The excellent road network connects the other important cities.

By Bus:
The main bus station is located near the tourist office besides the Sadar bazaar area.

The bus service is available from Ranikhet to Nainital, Almora, Kathgodam, Kausani and these services are regular and perpetual.

When to visit Ranikhet:
The atmosphere of Ranikhet remains pleasing throughout the year. During the summer, temperature is quite pleasing and mirthful and it lasts from the month of April to June. The winter season is cold and one must carry heavy woolen clothes. Through July and August, Ranikhet experiences heavy rainfalls because of the influence of southwestern monsoons. Here rains are infamous for causing landslides.

Accommodation in Ranikhet:
Accommodation in Ranikhet is available in plenty ranging from budget hotels to good quality hotels offering warmth and recreational facilities. One such hotel is Chevron Hotel and Resort that was mainly built with the idea of promoting the natural beauty and the rich culture of the Kumaon in the Himalayas. The aim behind this was to present the culture and atmosphere to the tourists that they had seen centuries ago. This hotel has a staggering collection of the heritage beauties and that to fixed considering in the mind people`s budget.

Another Hotel is the West View that provides a blend of sophisticated and traditional style which is marvelous and awe-inspiring. The hotel rooms are bequeathed with simple and elegant furnishings, rich woods, and warm fireplaces along with modern facilities. Each room is equipped with a satellite television and telephone. This hotel offers varied facilities of en suite rooms, dinning table, dinning hall, cafe and a coffee shop. Old British houses that have been transformed into hotels are the most pleasant and warm places to stay.

Shopping in Ranikhet:
If visiting this striking place of nature, don`t miss the traditional Bal Mithai made up of condensed and concentrated milk and ghee. It is covered with tiny particles of sugar beads. Another favourite local is the Singaudi which is rich in sugar and ghee. Other Shopping options in Ranikhet are shawls at KRC Shawl and Tweed factory and outlet. It is located at an old church which has high roof-tops and the windows are blemished, if one wants to see the creativity of the weavers surely visit this place and find out how they churn out different hues and patterns possible.

Eating in Ranikhet:
One may come across good eating options in Ranikhet but poorly they are insufficient. The food available here are standard Mughlai and Indian-Chinese. One excellent hotel to eat at is the restaurant at West View Hotel sited on the mall. It is beautifully decorated with china plates, large mirrors and printed wallpaper. The restaurant`s cuisines of delight are Indian, Thai, Chinese and Italian that do stick to Indian. The food is simple with a home made simplicity but it tastes amazing. If one wishes to have local delicacies of pahadi raita and nepali dal, ask for it, the waiter will gently bring it for you, although it is not listed in the menu. The restaurant has outside sitting as well, glancing the undulating valleys.