Amazing Places to Visit Near Ranikhet

Dwarahat is an ancient town full of beautiful temples and breathtaking sceneries, that also serves as a wonderful retreat in the Kumaon Mountains. Situated in the wondrous Almora district of Uttarakhand, Dwarahat is a place of special inheritance and of religious importance. Home to some 55 odd ancient temples built in the medieval ages by the Katyuri Kings, Dwarahat is the representative of the region's great past and its architectural prowess.

Distance from Ranikhet: 34 km

Backyard of the Katyuri Kings in an era gone by, Manila today is home to the popular Maa Manila devi Temple. This small town is a mesmerizing place with wide and panoramic views of the Himalayas. Manila is a place full of folklore and traditions and the people here deeply believe in their traditions and heritage. A place full of magic and breathtaking landscapes, Manila is one of the most enchanting of places in Uttarakhand

Distance from Ranikhet: 58 km

Ranikhet is home to numerous Sunset Points that offer magnanimous views of the snow covered Himalayas. The best ones among them are Machkhali (located near woodvilla point between Transit Camp and Ganiadeoli) and the one on the road from Jhoola Devi Temple to Bhargaon. The place is best visited between February and November to witness these breathtaking mountains and sunsets in all their glory.

Distance from Ranikhet: 32 km

Also known as Katarmal, the Sun Temple dates back to over 800 years, and is one of the most ancient temples that can be found in Almora. It can be reached by a small yet exciting trekking route. The temple is surrounded by a total of 44 small shrines, and other than these, the ancient architectural patterns and exquisite stone carvings continue to attract tourists to it.

Distance from Ranikhet: 32 km

Dunagiri Temple is a famous shrine dedicated to Maa Dunagiri or Maa Durga and is located in Almora district of Dwarahat, Uttarakhand.  Perched at a height of 8000 feet above sea level, this temple is also known as Shakti Temple and Dunagiri Temple is not only an important religious site for locals but also offers a good view of the Himalayan ranges to national and international tourists alike.

Distance from Ranikhet: 33 km

Known For : Naini Lake Snow View Point Mall Road Nainital

The gem of Uttarakhand - Nainital is a charming hill station that sits prettily at the green foothills of the Kumaon ranges in the Himalayas. Located at an elevation of around 1938 metres, the epicentre of the town’s popularity and beauty lies within the gorgeous Naini Lake, after which the town is named. Founded by the British due to its resemblance to the Cumbrian Lake district, Nainital brims with elegant colonial structures that amplify the beauty of this place. It is a perfect weekend getaway from the Indian capital of Delhi.

Distance from Ranikhet: 55 km

Best Time: Throughout the year

33 Nainital Attractions

Known For : Kedarnath Temple Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi Shri Bhairavnath Temple

Kedarnath is one of the most sacred Hindu temples as it is a part of Chhota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The temple is the highest among the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. This abode of Lord Shiva can only be reached from Gaurikund through a trek and remains closed for the six months of winters due to heavy snowfall. Kedar is another name of Lord Shiva, the protector, and the destroyer, and its believed that a journey to this sacred land opens up doorways to "Moksha" or salvation.

Best Time: May to June, September to October

14 Kedarnath Attractions

Known For : Munsiyari Chandak Kafni Glacier Trek

A small urban town bustling with tourists is a prime example of raw beauty of nature and is often fondly referred to as the 'Little Kashmir'. A gateway to Himalayan Range, this town also serves as the stop over for pilgrims on their way to Kailash Mansarover. Situated in a beautiful Soar valley and flanked by Nepal in the east and Tibet in the north, Pithoragarh promises of an unforgettable trip. With River Kali flowing through the town which is prettily adorned with tranquil temples, villages, fort, lush green forests and natural resources, this place is a blessing in disguise for travel enthusiasts.

Distance from Ranikhet: 157 km

Best Time: April to June, October to December

20 Pithoragarh Attractions

Known For : Bhimtal Lake Aquarium Island Cafe Hanuman Garhi

Located at a distance of 23 kilometres from Nainital in Uttarakhand, Bhimtal is an offbeat version of Nainital, most famous for the picturesque Bhimtal Lake. Bounded with a dense forest of oaks, pine and shrubs, a small island in the middle of the lake and a few ancient temples - that is Bhimtal for you! Perched at the height of 1370m above the sea level, Bhimtal is an idyllic and less-crowded version of Nainital. In stark contrast to Nainital, Bhimtal is a scenic hill station, the charm of which lies in the tranquil atmosphere.

Distance from Ranikhet: 55 km

Best Time: March to June, September to December

11 Bhimtal Attractions

The Bagnath Temple in the middle of the town of Bageshwar derives its name from the incident of the celebrated sage Markandeya being visited Lord Shiva in the form of a tiger. Bagnath, literally translates to The Tiger Lord, made from joining the hindi words, 'bagh' meaning tiger, and 'nath', the hindi word for a higher celestial being. The temple was constructed in 1450, by the then ruler of Kumaon, Laxmi Chand, and stands at the breathtaking point where the river Gomati and Sarayu converge.

Distance from Ranikhet: 79 km

Known For : Rudradhari Falls and Caves Gwaldam Trek to Pinnath

Kausani is a hill station located in Bageshwar district of Uttarakhand, 51km from Almora. The panoramic snow-clad view of Himalayas in Kausani is dominated by Trisul, Nanda Devi and Panchuli peaks. Situated at an altitude of 1890m with Pine tree forests, meandering creek, Kausani is ideal for honeymooners, nature lovers and travellers. Kausani receives snowfall during the winter months. Previously known as Valna, this place is blessed with many attractions and sight of sunset so captivating, that it is sure to leave you completely enchanted. 

Distance from Ranikhet: 58 km

Best Time: April to June, September to December

11 Kausani Attractions

Known For : Banasur ka Kila Baleshwar Temple Lohaghat

A gripping journey of self exploration and challenging terrain, Champawat is not your usual retreat. You'll be pushed to your physical and mental limits, because this place gives you a lot to explore, without having to deal with any over intrusive and money gobbling guides around. Champawat, to many people, remains one of the least developed and least populated districts of Uttarakhand. Since long, word has gotten out that it is one of the most uncomfortable places to vacation in, for any traveler.

Distance from Ranikhet: 173 km

Best Time: October to June

8 Champawat Attractions