Honeymooning in a Queen's Fields

Amongst the several jewels that the Himalayas has to offer, Ranikhet is definitely a crown jewel. A place that tends to remain in one's memories and why not? This place has lured people since its discovery, even a queen, who in the course of her journey is said to have been so enchanted by the place that she settled down there. Hence, the name Ranikhet which literally translates into "the queen's fields." Situated art 1829 metres above sea level, this picturesque haven offers visitors and honeymooners an inimitable experience.

Ranikhet's modern history dates back top 1869 when the British army established their cantonment here. Lord mayor, the Viceroy of India from 18669-72, actually considered shifting the Army headquarters from shimla to Ranikhet. An extensive road network connects this high-profile hill town that figures in every VIP's list of vacation sites,. The nearest railway station, Kathgodam is 84 kms. away while the nearest airport at Pantnagar is 119 kms. away. There is no right time to visit Ranikhet, Most times are good times though it would be a good idea to skip the monsoon season.

The first-time visitor is welcomed into town by the yellow and green arch of the Kumaon Regimental Centre. Slowly, but surely one realises this hill town is adept at springing pleasant surprises. One can expect to find civil establishments;lisjhments ensconced within military areas, charming chapels besides temples, grassy meadows amidst the towering coniferous trees and a sun that engages in the game of peek-a-boo every now and then.

Ranikhet is probably the only place in the country to exhibit a road sign that says"Leopards have the right of way.' This should hardly come as a surprise for one will probably see foxes scampering about during their morning walk or hear the leopards grunt as they walk past your window at night., Monkeys and langurs will vie for one's attention while birds of every colour and hue will call out their songs.

The clear morning sky has an uncanny ability to beckon visitors to get out of the beds for Ranikhet has much to offer. This town is blessed with grassy glades, forests of oak, pine and deodar, rivers,m streams, springs, a sprawling golf course and a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Look out to the horizon and there sparkling amidst the clouds one will see the spectacular Himalayan peaks in all their grandeur.

Ranikhet offers nature lovers the pleasure of a beautiful orchard that extends as far as the eye can see. The Government Fruit Research Centre, at the brink of Ranikhet's borders, stretches over hill and dale bearing 165 varieties of apples, walnuts., pears., chestnuts, plums, apricots and peaches. Their botanical garden also has some rare herbs and flowering plants. The Bhalu dam, about 3 kilometres from Chaubatia, is the main source of water supply for the town. It is also known for the fabulous opportunities that it presents to amateur fishing enthusiasts.

The natural; golf course has been a prime attraction for anyone visiting the Kumaon district. The residential club offers five-star ambience and temporary membership to tourists that permit there the use of the tennis courts, verdant golf links and other indoor recreational facilities.

The Jhoola Devi temple at the outskirts of Ranikhet is visited by devotes from all over, It is believed that every one whose desire is fulfilled, express their gratitude by hanging a brass bell. It is estimated that currently 90000 bells adorn the temple [premises with several more in the storeroom!

Another unique characteristic of Ranikhet is the heady scent of pine that's guaranteed to make one fall in love all over again. A drive towards any direction from Ranikhet will acquaint the honeymooning couple with meandering rivulets that babble alongside the road.

And when these very same rivulets escort the visitor out of Ranikhet, it will remain amongst the most memorable farewells that one would have received.