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Ages ago a Kumaoni queen, Rani Padmini, fell so deeply in love with the green glades and meadows of a tiny hill paradise that her king, Raja Sukherdev, built her a grand palace there and named the place Ranikhet, or ?queen's meadow?. So goes the legend? there is no trace of a palace to lend credence to this legend, but few who have visited Ranikhet have any doubts about its charms.

Part of the Ranikhet experience is in getting there. Yu are treated to the vistas that made the hill stations of Uttaranchal justly famous ? thick, forested slopes of pine and deodar down which charge lively mountain streams and, far below, pristine valleys carpeted with flowers.

As you approach Ranikhet, keep a lookout for the best view of all as the snow clad Himalaya comes into full view.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

With museums, temples, lively bazaars and orchards full of fruit, there is plenty to see and do here, Ranikhet is also a great place in which to do nothing but relax and gaze leisurely at the majestic Himalaya.

Also check out The Kumaon Regimental Centre Museum, KRC widows? Organisation and weaving factory, Jhula Devi and Mankameshawar temples.

Majhkhali

Another 13km down the Almora Road, this village has many nice picnic spots. Awe-inspiring snow peaks provide magnificent views. Go lose yourself to nature.

Upat and Kalika

Upat offers golfing at high altitudes, where a high-powered shot can land far, far below in the valley! Visitors can have a game of golf at the Army Golf Course on Upat.

Best from March to June and again from October to February. Avoid the rains from July to September.

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GETTING THERE

Rail Nearest railhead: Kathgodam (79 km / 3 hrs). Hire a cab from Kathgodam ($20). A shared cab to Ranikhet costs $5 per head. The taxi back to Kathgodam costs more at $20. Road from Delhi take NH24 to Rampur, NH87 to Kathgodam, state highways and roads to Ranikhet via Bhimtal, Bhowali and Khairna. A most scenic drive from Kathgodam, over winding roads.

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