Ranikhet (“Queen’s field”)  offers spectacular view of the snow capped Himalayas. This 12th century hamlet owes its name to a queen Padmini of the Katyuri dynasty. She was so captivated by the splendid view of the imposing peaks and the beauty of the area that she built a home for herself here.

Several centuries later, in 1869, the British established a military cantonment at Ranikhet. It’s the only cantonment which enjoys the status of a heritage cantonment in the country. Due to this Ranikhet retains its pristine charm till date.

The area densely forested with cedar, pine, rhododendron and oak tree, is dotted with colonial bungalows engulfed by large and beautiful gardens. Deep verandahs, sloping tin roofs, smoking chimneys, hydrangea bushes, potted geraniums, fascias and begonias add a riot of color to the otherwise peeling face of the heritage building.

Ranikhet Bazaar
The bazaar has the buzz that you would expect from a hill station of modern times. Bustling crowds of both locals and tourists throng the marketplace.

Jhuladevi Temple
One of the “must do’s” in Ranikhet is to visit this ancient temple, dedicated to the Goddess Durga. As per the legend, a wish made here is always granted and the beneficiary returns to play obeisance and express gratitude by typing a bell in the temple compound. Thousands of bells adorning the walls and courtyard stands testimony to the largess of the goddess.

Orchards and Gardens of Chaubatia
The famed fruit gardens lies in cantonment station. In springtime, the sloping orchards come alive with myriad colors of apples, cherry and plum blossoms.

Bhaley Dunga Lake
A short distance away from Chaubatia exists  the man-made Bhaley Dunga Lake, the main water source for Ranikhet

Old Churches
The town has churches dating back to the early nineteenth century. The Methodist Church near the Som Nath Parade Ground and another located close to Nursing Stadium are lovely pieces of architecture and reminiscence of colonial past.

Kumaon Regiment Museum
Ranikhet also has an interesting museum that traces the history of the Kumaon Regiment.

Haidakhan Wale Baba
Another place of interest to visit is the ashram and temple of Haidakhan Wale Baba at Chiliyanola.

Golf Course
Less than a km from Windsor Lodge is the popular KRC Golf Course. The KRC Golf Course offers nine holes but with 18 tees. It is a lovely expanse of green, undulating and quit open. Whistling pines and terrific views of the valley with the shimmering Himalayas in the background make up must be one of the most picturesque courses anywhere.

Kalika Temple
Within few hundred meters of Windsor Lodge is the Kalika temple, in the midst of a beautiful woods of pine and oak.

Mankameshwar
A modern temple dedicated to Lord Ram Krishana, and othe Gods & Goddesses rebuilt by the jawans of Kumaon Regiment.