Ranikhet

Legend recounts that when the beautiful Kumaoni Queen Padmini visited this enchanting high-altitude meadow in Almora district, she was so entranced by its whispering pine forests and mountain vistas that King Sukhardev built her a palace here, christening it Ranikhet ("The Queen's Meadow"). In 1869, the British transformed this idyllic ridge at 1,869 metres (6,132 feet) into an elite military cantonment that today serves as the proud home of the Kumaon Regiment.

Ranikhet's military discipline has preserved it as one of the cleanest, quietest, and most dignified hill stations in India. The Kumaon Regimental Centre (KRC) Museum houses an awe-inspiring collection of military war trophies, captured weaponry, battle flags, and historical exhibits honoring legendary heroes like Major Somnath Sharma (India's first Param Vir Chakra recipient).

A short drive leads to the historic Jhula Devi Temple, an 8th-century goddess shrine famous for the tens of thousands of brass bells tied to its railings by devotees whose prayers have been answered. The continuous gentle chiming of bells in the mountain breeze creates a profoundly serene and uplifting spiritual environment.

Sporting enthusiasts flock to Upat, home to one of the highest 9-hole golf courses in Asia. Surrounded by towering deodars and blue pines, the lush green fairways offer a magical sporting experience with snow-capped Himalayan peaks framing every tee and green.

Nearby sits Chaubatia Orchards, a 265-acre government research fruit estate famous for producing hundreds of varieties of apples, peaches, plums, and apricots. Visitors can walk along tranquil orchard trails, purchase freshly squeezed rhododendron juice, and admire panoramic views from the ridge.

From the peaceful viewpoint of Majkhali, the Great Himalayan Range reveals itself in an astounding 300-km panorama from Trishul to Nanda Devi. Free from noisy nightlife and commercial clutter, Ranikhet remains the ultimate sanctuary for nature walks, creative reflection, and deep mountain tranquility.