7 Things to Do in Ranikhet, the Kumaon Cantonment Town With a View of Nanda Devi

Ranikhet sits at around 1,870 metres in Uttarakhand's Almora district, developed by the British in the 1860s as a cantonment and hill retreat and still functioning today as the headquarters of the Indian Army's Kumaon Regiment. That military presence has kept much of the town's forest cover intact and its pace unhurried, in contrast to some of Kumaon's more built-up hill stations. Here's how to spend a couple of days there.

1. Walk through Chaubatia Gardens and its apple orchards

A cluster of government-run fruit orchards and gardens a short drive from town, Chaubatia is known for its apple, apricot and plum trees and for some of the area's clearest Himalayan viewpoints, with Nanda Devi and Trishul visible on a good day.

2. Visit Jhula Devi Temple

An eighth-century temple dedicated to the goddess Durga, Jhula Devi is instantly recognisable for the thousands of brass and bronze bells hung across its structure by devotees whose wishes are said to have been granted.

View on Google Maps →

3. See the Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum

Run by the Kumaon Regiment, this small military museum holds artefacts spanning the regiment's history, from World War II-era equipment to items connected to the 1962 war with China, alongside older colonial-era memorabilia.

4. Play a round at Upat Golf Course

A nine-hole course established in the early 20th century and maintained by the Indian Army, Upat is among the higher-altitude golf courses in Asia, its fairways cut through chir pine forest with Himalayan views from several holes.

5. Stop at Bhalu Dam

A small reservoir a short distance from the town centre, popular for an easy walk and a quiet spot away from the main cantonment roads, particularly in the late afternoon.

6. Take in the view from Majkhali

A viewpoint and small settlement on the road toward Someshwar, Majkhali offers a broader, less-visited outlook over the surrounding Kumaon hills than some of the closer-in viewpoints around Ranikhet itself.

7. Wander the Mall Road and cantonment area

Ranikhet's own Mall Road is smaller and quieter than those in Nainital or Mussoorie, running past colonial-era cantonment buildings, churches and a handful of local cafes, and makes for an easy evening walk.

Traveller tips

• Kathgodam is the nearest railhead, roughly 80km away, with Pantnagar the closest airport; both are usually reached by road via Nainital or Almora.
• As an active cantonment, some areas of Ranikhet have restricted access or set visiting hours; check locally before planning a route.
• April to June and September to November give the clearest Himalayan views, ahead of the monsoon and after it clears respectively.
• Ranikhet makes a reasonable base for day trips to Almora or Kausani, both under two hours away by road.