A Weekend Trip To Ranikhet

WELCOME THE WINTER

From Delhi To Ranikhet- 

In November, nature’s cold arm is just beginning to embrace the lower Himalaya, slowly transforming the landscape into a mist-covered, frosted picture postcard. Soak in the best of the season at Ranikhet, in Uttarakhand’s Almora district. Let your city-induced stress disappear in the mountain air, amidst the pine forests, the sloping meadows and the enchanting views of the distant peaks.

Ranikhet is the perfect spot for lazy, languorous holidays, you can also pack lots of action into your break here. At Upat is one of the most picturesque nine-hole golf links in the country, with snow-capped mountains providing a lovely backdrop. Not far from Upat is Kalika, with its famous temple dedicated to the Goddess Kali; here, you can also wander about a well-maintained forest nursery with an abundance of indigenous plants. 

For a day in a charming, relaxed setting, set out for a picnic at Bhalu Dam, an artificial lake surrounded by a pretty garden. Walks along scenic routes are an essential part of the Ranikhet getaway for most travellers. The stroll from the ancient Jhula Devi Temple to Chaubatia, known for its orchards, is an especially picturesque one and will have you stopping every now and then to soak in the views.

Ranikhet is also an ideal zone for trekking—from easy to challenging. Choose from routes such as Chaubatia Orchards to Holm Farm and Chaubatia to Bhalu Dam. Also scattered across the region Ranikhet is also an ideal zone for trekking—from easy to challenging. 

Choose from routes such as Chaubatia Orchards to Holm Farm and Chaubatia to Bhalu Dam. Also scattered across the region are a string of sparkling lakes. You can explore them and picnic at the edge of these waterbodies while avid anglers can spend hours fishing at lakes such as the Naukuchiya Tal.

You can drive from Delhi to Ranikhet, a distance of about 370 km, via Haldwani and Bhowali. If you want a room with a view—and you should when you’re in this part of the country—check into the Royal Mountain Hotel, where the comfortable rooms look out over the lower Himalaya.

Ranikhet is a good place to shop for woolens, especially shawls. The main
shopping districts in the town are the Mall and Sadar Bazaar. You should also stop by at the Tweed and Shawl Factory for its handcrafted products. Also carry back some Bal Mithai, the caramel-like fudge sweet that’s coated with sugar balls, one of Ranikhet’s specialties.

Even if November is just the beginning o winter, it can get chilly at these altitudes. Carry plenty of warm wear, not forgetting sturdy shoes for those mountain walks.