Ranikhet
Ranikhet is a hill station located in the Almora district of the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an altitude of 1,869 meters above sea level and is surrounded by dense forests of pine, oak, and deodar trees.
The town was established by the British as a cantonment town and served as a summer retreat during the colonial period. The name "Ranikhet" means "Queen's meadow" in Hindi, and it is said that a queen fell in love with the place's beauty and named it after herself.
Ranikhet has a pleasant climate throughout the year, making it a popular tourist destination. The best time to visit Ranikhet is from March to November. The town is known for its scenic beauty and numerous tourist attractions, including the Chaubatia Orchard, Jhula Devi Temple, Mankameshwar Temple, Haidakhan Babaji Temple, and Bhalu Dam.
Ranikhet also offers several adventure activities, such as trekking, camping, and rock climbing. The town has a famous golf course, which is one of the highest golf courses in Asia.
The nearest airport to Ranikhet is the Pantnagar Airport, which is about 110 km away, while the nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is about 75 km away. Ranikhet is well connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand and neighboring states.
The distance between Ranikhet and Jim Corbett National Park is approximately 80 kilometers, and the best way to travel from Ranikhet to Corbett is by road. There are several options available for transportation, including taxis, buses, and private cars.
- By Car/Taxi : You can hire a taxi from Ranikhet to Jim Corbett National Park, and it will take you around 2-3 hours to reach your destination. The taxi fare can vary depending on the type of taxi you choose and the time of the day. It is advisable to negotiate the fare with the taxi driver beforehand to avoid any inconvenience.
- By Bus : There are regular bus services available from Ranikhet to Ramnagar, which is the nearest town to Jim Corbett National Park. From Ramnagar, you can take a taxi or a shared jeep to reach the national park. The bus fare is much cheaper compared to a taxi, but it can be crowded and uncomfortable.
- By Private Car : You can also drive your own car from Ranikhet to Jim Corbett National Park. The route is scenic, and you can enjoy the beautiful views of the hills and forests along the way. However, make sure to check the road conditions and weather forecast before embarking on the journey.
Overall, it is recommended to book your transportation in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Regardless of which mode of transportation you choose, it is always recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
