Ranikhet is a quiet cantonment town, base of the Kumaon Regiment, with pine forests and views of the snow peaks. It is calmer than Nainital. Note: there is no heritage toy train to Ranikhet, so plan on road travel from Kathgodam.
About this page: Compiled from general knowledge and secondary sources. Distances and times are approximate and were not checked against an official page. Confirm road, permit and opening status before you travel.
Things to see
- Chaubatia Gardens. Orchards and a garden area outside the town.
- Jhula Devi Temple. Temple with a large number of bells.
- Kumaon Regiment museum. Museum of the regiment's history.
- Golf course. A well-known hilltop course.
How to reach Ranikhet
By road
About 80 km from Kathgodam, 3 hours or more; Nainital is about 60 km.
By rail
Kathgodam.
By air
Pantnagar Airport.
Where to stay
Hotels, resorts and KMVN accommodation.
Food
Local dhabas and hotel restaurants.
Budget
No verified price list is published on this page. Use the budget estimator and replace its placeholder rates with real quotes. Open the budget estimator.
Season and weather
Winters are cold; summers pleasant.
Tips
- Parts of the area are military-controlled; follow signage.
Plan around Ranikhet
Itineraries that include it
- Kumaon in a week (7 days)
- Family holiday: Nainital and Corbett (7 days)
Map
Approximate location at town level. Use an official or navigation map for exact directions.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train to Ranikhet?
No. The nearest railhead is Kathgodam, and you continue by road.
Sources and verification
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.