:: :: :: H O L I D A Y S U N L I M I T E D ::: N O R T H I N D I A -- R A N I K H E T -- ::: :: :: :: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


	:: N O R T H I N D I A > R A N I K H E T ::

	Brief -
	An important point, on the Kumaon circuit and unrivalled for the panoramic views of the Himalayas, Ranikhet, as hill station, is idyllic in its charm. Weaving an instant spell on the visitor, tourists, over the centuries have, enthused ecstatically over its valley, meadows, cliffs, hills, snow-capped mountains, serpentine rivers and crystal clear rivulets, who here and there, display the rainbow. An unusual name, a quaint legend and the sheer beauty of its environs, make this Kumaon hill station, a wonderful holiday resort. The flowering plants amaze and confuse, when, different branches of the same plant yield flowers of different colours and varying fragrance. Against the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, it has the added attraction of ancient temples, pretty picnic spots, quiet strolls and exciting treks. There is also a nine hole golf course at Upat, on the outskirts of Ranikhet.

	History -

	The ancient Aryans had designated the region of the Central Himalayas as the Celestial Land - the Dev Bhumi. Here amidst the rustling and encircled by dazzling white peaks, glistening in the sun, once camped a beauteous Queen of legend and lore, giving the town its name-Rani (Queen)-Khet (Field). Falling in love, with the beauty of the place, she decided to stay and built a palace, near what is now the Ranikhet Club. Later it was discovered and built entirely by the British in 1869. On a visit here, late Prime Minister Nehru commented, " I wish more of our people living in plains below, would visit the Himalayas... They can have their fill of flower and noble trees in primeval forests. They can breathe the free untainted air, which invigorates and they can return strengthened in body, mind and spirits".

	Culture Climate & Geographical Location -
	Summers are cool and pleasant and the winters are cold and chilly. Ranikhet is 60 Km from Nainital.

	How to Reach -
	Ranikhet is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is at Pantnagar at 119Km. By rail, the nearest railhead is Kathgodam at 84 km and is well connected to Delhi, Kolkata, Agra, Lucknow and Bareilly. Transfer facilities, by bus and taxis, are available in Ranikhet. By road, direct buses ply from Delhi via Nainital and nearby areas on a reasonably well maintained highway. It is well connected via Nainital to Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, Haridwar and Mussoorie.

	: T O U R I S T P L A C E S :

	Nanda Devi -
	Nanda means prosperity and well being. Nanda Devi Mela ,is held as a symbol of prosperity, both material and spiritual, of the hill regions. A fair of great religious and cultural significance, it is held at Nanda Devi Temple in September to commemorate the memory of goddesses, Nanda and Sunanda. It is said to have started in Kumaon, during the reign of Raja Kalyan Chand in the 16th century. The Nanda Devi Mela is held at Almora, Nainital, Nauti, Dandidhara, Munsyari and Ranikhet, of which the Almora and Roopkund fairs are the most famous.

	Naukuchia Tal -
	A haven for the fishing enthusiasts, this fine lake, with nine corners, is 4 Km to the north-east of Bhim Tal.

	Upat and Kalika -
	With one of the best 9 hole golf links in the country, Upat is a boon to the enthusiast, with views of the Great Himalayas. A British cavalry officer, originally laid out the course,on a cross-country race-track, but it now forms the perimeter of the nine-hole course. The army runs the golf course, but anyone with a set of clubs is welcome to a game for a nominal charge. Further along the same road, is Majkhali, recommended for its views of the snow. Just 1 Km from Upat, is Kalika with its famous temple to the Goddess Kali. It also has good forest nursery. A beautiful snowcapped mountain peak, is available on the other side of the golf link at Upat.

	Nainital -
	Located at a height of 1940 mtrs. above sea level, and placed around the beautiful lake, Naini Tal, is the charming hill resort of Nainital. Surrounded by seven hills, this attractive hill station, was once the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh and is expected to become the future capital of the new state of Uttaranchal. The most sought after hill resort in India, its quaint cottages, colourful markets, the lush landscape and the beautiful lake at the very heart of it, makes Nainital a delightful spot. With many interesting walks, thorough the forests, to points with superb views of the Himalayas.

	Bhimtal -
	22 Km from Nainital and named after one of the Pandava brothers, the Bhimtal. is the largest lake in the district. Situated at a level of 1371.6 mtrs it is longer than Naini Lake, as it is 1701 mtrs by 454 mtrs. Known for its robust majesty, Bhim Tal has an exquisite gem in the middle of the lake - an islet situated within the range of temple bells, which have been chiming, for the last 300 years. In this 17th century edifice, beneath the shadow of the towering mountain, it rushes precipitously down to the emerald green of the lake

	Others -

	BHOWALI - 11 Km east of Nainital, Bhowali is an ideal spot , for a days outing, a weekend, or even the whole summer, for those in search of fragrant pines. . Enclosed by a pine forest, the crisp, salubrious air makes it an ideal spot.

	CHAUBATIA - As the name implies, these are four, fruit gardens, with a Government Fruit Research Centre, complete with a fruit sales depot and cafeteria.

	HANUMAN GARHI AND OBSERVATORY - An ecstatic spot reputed for its glorious sun-set, the Hanuman Temple, has turned lately into a pilgrim centre, as well. Near the temple, are the U.P. Government Astronomical Observatory and the Satellite Tracking Centre well worth a visit.

	HERA KHAN TEMPLE - Hera Khan Temple and Ashram, near Chilianaula village, is 4 kms from Sadar Bazaar. The Hindu saint, Hera Khan, died in 1984 and the modern marble-faced temple with a garden was constructed according to his wishes.

	SAT TAL - 21 Km from Nainital, Sat Tal or Seven Lakes is a picturesque spot where nature reigns supreme in all her beauty. Here are seven small ,but exquisite lakes; including Panna, Nal-Damayanti, Sita, Government and the Sukha Tal Lakes.

	TARAKHET - The beloved spot of Gandhi, this is the place, Mahatma Gandhi fell in love with, and stayed for a length of time during the days of the Independence struggle. Here, he came for peace of mind, which he always found.