Ranikhet is a beautiful hill station, located in the state of Uttarakhand. The various tourist attractions of Ranikhet are the following:
Golf Course
The Golf Course at Ranikhet is the second biggest natural golf course in the country today. It is a nine-hole course and is one of the major attractions of the Ranikhet town. A temple dedicated to Goddess Kalika is located very close to the Ranikhet Golf Course.
Jhula Devi
Jhula Devi is a temple that is dedicated to Goddess Durga. This temple is more than 800 years old. It is said that if a person asks for something and gets it, then he is supposed to tie a bell in the temple. Situated very close to the Jhula Devi temple is another temple, that is dedicated to Lord Ram.
Chaubattia Garden
Chaubattia garden is a world famous apple garden which is also famous for breeding apple plants. One can buy fresh fruit juice, etc. from the counters at the outlet, during the season. The research laboratory located here is a must visit place. Also, the Chaubattia garden provides a wonderful view of the Himalayan ranges.
Hairakhan Temple
The Hairakhan temple is located about 4 kms. from the city of Ranikhet in the town of Chiliyanaula. The Hairakhan temple was established by Shri Hairakhan Maharaj who is said to be the incarnation of Lord Shiva. From here, one can also get a very good view of the Himalayan valley. The GD Birla Memorial School is also located not far from this place.
Binsar Mahadev
Situated about 15 kms. from Ranikhet, is the Binsar Mahadev Temple. It has a beautiful and fresh water stream flowing very close to it. Apart from the temple, Binsar Mahadev also has cedar forests surrounding the place.
Dronagiri and Pandavkholi
The 1,100 year old Dronagiri temple is located about 52 kms. from Ranikhet. Legends have it that during the Ram Ravan battle, when Laxman got injured by Medhnath's arrow, Hanuman was sent to get Sanjivani buti from Himalayas. This buti fell from his hands where the Dronagiri stands now. About 5 kms. ahead of Dronagiri is the famous cave of Pandavkholi which finds its description even in the famous autobiography of a Yogi of Lahiri Mahashay.
Baijnath Temple
The Baijnath temple is located about 70 kms. from Ranikhet. There is a stone idol of Goddess Parvathi inside the temple. This temple is an beautiful example of ancient art. Here, one can also enjoy feeding large number of fishes but please keep in mind that fishing in this area is strictly prohibited.
Katarmal (Sun Temple)
Situated about 25 kms. from Ranikhet, a beautiful trek leads one to one of the two Sun temples of the country. If you do not quite feel like trekking all the way up, there is also the option to drive although it won't take you up all the way to the temple. This beautifully designed temple was created in the 12th century this temple is protected and preserved by the Archaelogical Survey of India (ASI).
Dwarahat
Dwarahat is located about 37 kms. from Ranikhet. It is a prime tourist attraction of the Kumaon region. It was once the power centre of the Katyuri rulers back in the 16th century.
