Places Visit In Ranikhet

The Jhoola Devi Temple

Jhula Devi temple is a place of attraction at Ranikhet hill Station. It is situated at a distance of 7 km from the town of Ranikhet near Chaubatia Gardens in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. The Present Temple complex was constructed in 1935.

The countless bells that hang around the temple compound are a testimony to the divine and the healing powers of "Maa Jhula Devi".It is said that the Temple is nearly 700 years old. Chaubatia was a dense forest full of wild animal. Leopards and Tigers used to attack people and take away their livestock. People felt scared and prayed to "Maa Durga" for their protection from the dangerous wild animals. It is said that "The Goddess" appeared in a shepherd's dream and asked him to dig up a particular place where he would find an idol and She wanted a temple to be constructed at that site. After that the villagers constructed a temple at that site and installed the Idol of the Deity and thus the villagers were freed from the harassment by wild animals and the shepherd could roam around the area freely.

Children would play merrily on the swing. "Maa Durga" again appeared in some one's dream and asked for a "Jhula" for Herself. The Devotees there-after placed the idol on a wooden jhula inside the temple sanctorium. Since then the Diety is called as "Maa Jhula Devi" and the temple as "Jhula Devi Temple". This explains the fact that despite the presence of Leopards and an Tigers in this area, villagers and their cattle roam freely inside the forest even today. People believe that "Maa Jhula Devi" still continues to protect them and their live stock.
The Jhoola Devi Temple of Ranikhet is an ancient temple built in the 8th century, situated at 7 km from the town. The main deity of this temple is Goddess Durga and is a believed at this temple, that Jhoola Devi has the powers to fulfil the wishes of all her devotees. The temple houses a cluster of holy bells tied to its walls that are known for granting wishes on being ringed. The clangs of these bells are heard till a very long distance.According to a mythology, this temple was built to seek Durga’s protection for the wild animals in the place. The idol of Goddess Durga is said to have been excavated by a shepherd from a particular spot after being guided so by the goddess herself in his dream. This temple is made on the same spot from where this idol was obtained. A Rama Mandir dedicated to Lord Rama also resides atop this Jhoola Temple, on the Kumaon Hill.

Haidakhan Babaji Temple

Haidakhan Babaji, simply called "Babaji" or Bhole Baba by his students and devotees, was a teacher who appeared near the village of Haidakhan in northern India (Uttarakhand) and taught publicly from 1970 to 1984.

According to "The Teachings of Babaji," Haidakhan Babaji "appeared" in June 1970 in a cave at the foot of the Kumaon Mount Kailash, across the river Gautama Ganga, near a remote village called Hairakhan, in the Nainital District of Uttrakhand, India. His followers maintain that Haidakhan Babaji is a Mahavatar – "a human manifestation of God, not born from woman.

It is reported that starting in late September 1970 Haidakhan Babaji spent forty-five days meditating in a small temple on the top of the Kumaon Mount Kailash "without leaving his seat." In September 1971, Haidakhan Babaji, in a sworn testimony, convinced the judge of the court in Haldwani that he was the "Old Hairakhan Baba,” thought to be active in that region in the years 1860–1922, and that he had the right to use the ashrams in Kathgaria and Haidakhan.In 1971 Haidakhan Babaji started travelling across India, proclaiming his Message, performing sacred ceremonies, such as yagna, and attracting more devotees. This included celebrities, such as Shammi Kapoor, and gradually more Westerners.
aidakhan Babaji maintained that: “All religions are incorporated in the principle of Truth, Simplicity and Love.” In his living years he taught intensively the importance to live a simple life with loving principles in truth. Although worshipped according to local customs, Haidakhan Babaji explained that he came to restore Sanatana Dharma rather than Hindu Dharma (Hinduism). Sanatan Dharma can be understood as a primordial religion reflecting natural laws established at the beginning of the Creation. He explained further: "I have come to guide humanity to a higher path. I do not belong to any particular religion, but respect all religions. I seek the elevation of all mankind.

He stressed the unity of all religions as expressed in the following words: "In any town there is always a central place; all the roads in the town or from out of town lead to that central place. Similarly, all religions lead to one point, and that is God Himself; and therefore following any religion you will ultimately reach God." He said: "We are all one with each other and with God." Haidakhan Babaji said: "You should seek harmony in everything you do. I am harmony. Thank you for your love." Haidakhan Babaji proclaimed: "One can follow any religion, one can follow any practice or path, but one must be humane."[15] He said: "The world now is in a state of turmoil. It is suffering from three kinds of pain – physical, mental, spiritual – and there is only one way of being cured from these. We have to root out inhumanity and replace it with humanity. He also made the following statement: "The only true man is one who practices 'humanism.' this is the only way to success in life.

Golf Ground Ranikhet

Ranikhet’s ‘Golf Course’ or ‘Upat Golf Ground’ is one of the prime attractions of Kumaon tourism in Almora district. It is a nine hole golf course and highest in the Asia located at 6132 ft. Golf course comes under Kumaon Regiment of Indian Army but outsiders can also join the club.

It is very natural therefore changes its color from green to brown to white as per the season. In rainy season it shows excessive green, in summers it changes to brown and in winters, snow converts it into white.Every visitor admires this amazing ground located en-route hilltop on the Almora-Ranikhet road. It is just five kilometers from Ranikhet market. It is a place which surprises the visitors by its charming natural effects which makes this place a must visit itinerary.

The Beautiful cantonment town of Ranikhet is located in Almora District of Almora, in the state of Uttarakhand at an elevation of 1,892 meters above sea level. Ranikhet, literally meaning queens' Land is a place related to the legends of Himalayas and gets its name from a local legend Rani Padmini. According to historical accounts, the Rani Padmini of Kumaon was enchanted by this Beautifull hill paradise. King Sudhardev obliged her, by building a palace here for the queen and named the place Ranikhet (the queen's field).
Ranikhet Golf Course is one of the highest golf courses in Asia. Ranikhet Golf Course is known as Golf ground by locals, located at a distance of 5 KM from main Ranikhet town. Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9-hole course making it one of the prime attractions of Ranikhet for tourists.The green meadow of the golf course at such high altitude is breathtaking. The golf club provides membership plans for outsiders as well.

Tarikhet village

Tarikhet is a scenic hamlet in Almora situated 8 km away from Ranikhet. Besides its natural ambiance and eye-catching beauty, it is also known for its role in the Independence Movement of India. Tarikhet houses the famous Gandhi Kuti, where Mahatma Gandhi once visited during the freedom struggle

It is believed that Bapu came here in search of peace, which he found. Also, the pivotal freedom movement of India's history, the non-cooperation movement, was initiated in Tarkihet by Bhagirath Pandey and his associates by establishing Prem Vidyalaya, which was later visited by Gandhiji in the year 1929. The temple of Golu Devta is also a nearby tourist attraction, which is venerated in the Kumaon Hills. Thousands of devotees come here every year to worship Lord Golu - an incarnation of Gaur Bhairav (Lord Shiva). It is believed that all their wishes are fulfilled by just visiting the temple. Visiting Tarikhet is a peaceful experience for the tourists!

As per Census 2011, Tarikhet's population is 66831. Out of this, 31479 are males whereas the females count 35352 here. This block has 8829 children in the age group of 0-6 years. Among them 4649 are boys and 4180 are girls.

Literacy rate in Tarikhet block is 72%. 48575 out of total 66831 population is literate here. In males the literacy rate is 80% as 25497 males out of total 31479 are literate while female literacy rate is 65% as 23078 out of total 35352 females are literate in this Block.The Negative side is that illiteracy ratio of Tarikhet block is 27%. Here 18256 out of total 66831 persons are illiterate. Male illiteracy ratio here is 19% as 5982 males out of total 31479 are illiterate. In females the illiteracy ratio is 34% and 12274 out of total 35352 females are illiterate in this block.

Tarikhet is small, yet popular hill station located at distance of 8 km from the town of Ranikhet. This village is a famous as a significant site during the India’s struggle for independence. Its most popular attraction is the ‘Gandhi Kutiya’, which is said to be the place where Mahatma Gandhi stayed for a long time during the freedom struggle

Bhalu Dam

An artificial lake surrounded by idyllic forests, the Bhalu dam is the perfect spot for a picnic complete with birds, breeze and snow-capped valleys. However, the water is typically low or negligible except during monsoon season. Also, one needs to trek for 3 km to reach this reservoir.

According to many people there is not much to see for visitors but for people like me who loves hiking this place is certainly a paradise. it’s a wonderful track, but be prepared for a 6 Km long track.First, lets dig into the Historical value of this place. The Cantonment of Chaubatia, come to existence in 1868 when the British Viceroy of India, Lord Mayo visited Chaubatia during his visit to Ranikhet. Chaubatia so captivated the Heart of Lord Mayo that he ordered the establishment of the Cantonment for the British Cavalry. '

This Place was at the top so soon they realize the water shortage issues in this area. So British army constructed this Dam in 1903 (More than 100 years ago) to solve the water shortage issue. So the historic value of this dam adds a plus to visit this place.

The beauty of the Track and the place is beautifully described by Mr. Dilip from Vadodara, his words are“November is not the month to appreciate Chaubatia , the world famous fruit orchard of Ranikhet. So there was no point in walking through Chaubatia looking for the fruit laden trees. But for me, a serious water resources engineer, there was a purpose to trek a 3 km winding path through the reserved forest to study a semi circular masonry dam constructed in 1903 across Kosi to supply water to Ranikhet. The trek through the wooded pine forest was accompanied by the sweet music played by the leaves, orchestra conducted by Blue whistling thrush and chorused by Brown dipper, Common myna, Crested kingfisher, Great barbet, Himalayan bulbul, Scaley breasted muniya & Yellow breasted green finch. While going and returning Bar tailed treecreeper, Chestnut bellied nuthatch, Long tailed minivet and Ultramarine flycatcher showed themselves. There was a small 70.0m long, 6.6m wide and 9.0m deep emerald green reservoir upstream of the dam. I climbed down 30 steps to reach the river downstream. As I had seen such a semi circular dam first time, I was greatly thrilled. My enjoyment was enhanced by a small but beautiful nearby garden. From the top of the garden I could see the terraced fields , two small temples and few mansions. it was a picture post card view.”
True words by Mr. Dilip, the singing of birds, the cool breeze and snow capped Himalayan beauty makes the dam area a perfect picnic spot and holidaying spot for the person who is a nature lover. This place gives you a perfect calmness and scenic surrounding.The dam is open for tourist throughout the year, but summers are the best time to visit this place. Visiting this place after sunset can be dangerous because this place is in dense forest so you must make the plan accordingly. Prefer to take tourist guide to visit this place else the chances of getting lost in the woods are higher. You will find very good and knowledgeable guides with fixed Government Rate that will lead you to the Dam. He will let you know about the Jungle, about the flora and fauna of the area so you can have a great science project story for your kids.

Binsar Mahadev Temple

Bindeshwar Mahadev, popularly known as Binsar Mahadev or simply Binsar, is an ancient rock temple situated in Chauthan region of Thalisain Block in Pauri Garhwal district, Uttarakhand.

Its coordinates are 30° 0'59.53"N 79° 9'43.89"E. It is situated at an altitude of 2490 metres (8169 ft) at the edge of a dense Deodar (Cedrus Deodara) forest. The main deity of this temple is Binsar or Bindeshwar, a form of lord Shiva and a popular deity in the region. The temple is of archaeological significance. The central room of the temple is beautifully adorned by the idols of Ganesh, Shiva-Parvati and Mahishasuramardini. A huge fair is organized here on Vaikunth Chaturdashi every year

History

The temple is said to be built in the Katyuri style . It is a contemporary of Jageshwar and Adi-Badri group of temples but no recorded history of the temple exists. Many rock cut idols, shrines, and shiva-lingas lie scattered in the tiny valley. Many historians and researchers have visited the location but no-one could come up with accurate historical data. There have always been speculations but no accurate facts and figures.
The temple lies in a small hanging valley in the vast Dudhatoli region. The altitude of the entire temple complex ranges from 2480 metres (8136 ft) to 2500 metres (8202 ft). The whole complex is on a meadow which lies in a forest clearing. The forest around the temple is one of the densest temperate forests in Uttarakhand with Deodar (Cedrus Deodara) as the dominant tree species. Going further east, Deodar becomes the only tree species. This tiny valley is dotted with cool water springs, at least 6 in number. Some have been channeled into rock formations (known as Mangārā in Garhwali language) whereas some flow naturally (known as dhārā). The surrounding ridges have an average elevation of 2700 metres (8860 ft) with dense mixed broadleaf forests, containing Kharsu and Moru Oaks, Hornbeam, Maple, Rhododendrons, Hazelnut (Corylus Jacquemontii) and dozens other species.There are many ways to reach the temple; however, two routes are most commonly used. First route is Thalisain-Peethsain-Binsar. There is a good motorable road from Thalisain (NH 121) to Peethsain (2260 metres). From Peethsain there is a long but gentle trek of 11 kilometres. Second route is Jagatpuri-Chounda-Binsar, which is a steep, uphill trek of around 6 kilometres. Jagatpuri is a roadside market, reachable from Baijro-Uffrainkhal in Garhwal and from Deghat in Kumaon (18 kilometres).

Chaubatia Orchards

Chaubattia is a settlement in Almora district, in the state of Uttarakhand, northern India. It is located roughly 10 kilometres (6 mi) south of the cantonment town of Ranikhet. Chabatia is 1,800 metres (5,906 ft) above sea level, within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas.

Its name literally means a common meeting point of four paths ("chau" meaning four and "bat" meaning path). It is named this way because of its location at the intersection of four places connects in front of Rawat Building: Bhargaon, Ranikhet, Dehrti and Pilkholi.

Chaubatia is best known as the location of a botanical garden and fruit orchard which are popular with tourists to the region. The gardens contain predominantly apple, peach, plum and apricot trees. It is also home to a government operated fruit and vegetable research centre, which owns and runs the fruit orchard.

Chaubatia Orchard is situated at 10 km from the town of Ranikhet. This orchard comprises more than 200 varieties of fruits and flowers. A research laboratory is also situated within its premises. Along with this, the surroundings of this place provides panoramic views of the snow clad mountain peaks of Himalayas, as well as a few religious spots like Nanda Devi Temple, Trishul, Nandaghunti, and Nilkanth. The GD Birla Memorial School is also located in proximity to this place.

Chaubatia with its serene environment and natural beauty is an excellent place for a picnic with the family. The step farming used for growing fruits is a sight to behold. Also being set at over 1800 mts above sea level this place becomes a vantage point for viewing the surrounding mountain ranges. One can clearly see distant snow capped Himalayan Mountains and the heights of the Nilkanth, Trishul, Nanda Devi and Nandaghunti. You can also go for a walk in the forests. The place covers an area of around 600 acres and is filled with flora of different species. The vegetation here mainly consists of silver oak, rhododendron, cypress, cedar and pine trees. At the end of the orchard there is a small restaurant where you can enjoy a cup of tea while enjoying the majestic view in front of you.

Another reason to visit this place is that you can get quality fruits at government regulated prices which won’t burn a hole in your pocket. Along with fruits you can also buy the best squashes juices and honey at the place. Nearby places to visit are the Bhalu dam and the Jhoola Devi temple which is a shrine to a goddess on a swing.

Mankameshwar Temple

Mankameshwar Mandir (Temple) in Agra is one of the ancient temples devoted to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at Rawatpara, near Agra Fort Railway Station.

It is said that the shiv linga is covered by silver metal and was founded by Lord Shiva himself during Dwapara era, when Krishna was born in Mathura. Shiva wished to get a darshan of Lord Krishna in child form. While he was coming from mount kailash he rested here

Yamuna used to flow here, Shiva meditated and night-stayed at the Mankameshwar Temple.He said "If I would be able to make Krishna play on my lap I will put a linga here". Next day after seeing Shiva's swaroop, Ma Yashoda asked Shiva not to come near the child as Krishna might get afraid of him. Seeing this Krishna did a leela(drama),he started crying and pointing towards Shiva who was sitting under a banyan tree in samadhi position.seeing this Ma Yashoda called Lord Shiva and asked him to give his blessings to her child(Krishna). Coming back from Gokul, Shiva came back and laid his linga(swaroop) here. Thus, he said "My wishes were fulfilled here;Whosoever in coming future comes here with his mankamna(wishes) this lingaswaroop will fulfill his or her mankamna(wishes)". From then onwards this lingaswaroop is known as Shri Mankameshwarnath .The temple has one sanctum sanctorum where the vigraha of Lord Shiva sits. It is surrounded by the typical Shiva family idols. One has to descend down a score of stairs to reach the sanctum sanctorum. One can reach fully close to the main vigraha provided one doesn't wear leather items and English style pants, pyjamas, and salwaar suits.On 24 July 2004, Lord Krishna's swaroop(ShriNath ji) was established under the guidelines of Shri Nanaji Bhai Mukhiya ji of Mathura. Madhurashtkam and aarti of Shrinath ji is a special scene to see.Behind the sanctum sanctorum are several small temples within the main temple complex. These are devoted to various deities like Goddess Ganga, Saraswati, Gayatri, Hanuman, Kaila devi, Narsimha, Krishna, Rama to name a few.Math is looked after by Shri Mahant Yogesh Puriji, who succeeded his father late Shri Mahant Udhav Puriji. 11 Akhand jyotis are being lit every day (24 hrs.) with desi ghee. Devotees after fulfilling their wishes comes here to light a deepak of 1.25 Rs. to 1.25 lakh Rs. every day.

Math also runs a Hospital, Vidyalaya, Gowshaala, village, digner on shamshabad road agra, 17km far from the temple. Temple of Shri Girraj Maharaj(Govardhan Nath) is getting constructed over there. At Rawatpada a pre-nursery school, homeopathic clinic, computer education centre, a dharmshaala(guesthouse) is also run by the Math Administrator, Shri Harihar Puriji.There are special paan which you get near Mankameshwar. These are folded in such a manner so that their shape becomes that of a pyramid. They are then coated with "chandi ka verk" (Silver Foil) and garnished with coconut powder.

Dwarahat

Dwarahat is a town and a nagar panchayat in Almora district in the state of Uttarakhand, India.

Peace Pagoda is a well-known Buddhist temple and monastery which is set in the beautiful town, Darjeeling. The temple was built under the supervision of Nichidatsu Fujii who was a Buddhist monk from Japan and who also advocated the Nipponzan-Myo-ho-ji Buddhist Order. This revered place is considered a symbol of religion and peace.The foundation stone of the pagoda was laid on 3 November 1972 by Nichidatsu Fujii, and was inaugurated on 1 November 1992. The pagoda was designed by M. Ohka, and it took 36 months for constructing it. It houses the four avatars of Buddha including Maitreya Buddha. The height of the pagoda is 28.5 metres (94 ft) and diameter is 23 metres (75 ft).The Pagoda is situated on the slopes of the Jalapahar hills of Darjeeling, a few kilometres from the town of Darjeeling.

Perched on a hillside at the end of AJC Bose Rd, this gleaming white pagoda is one of more than 70 pagodas built around the world by the Japanese Buddhist Nipponzan Myohoji organisation. During the drumming puja (prayers) sessions, visitors are offered a hand drum and encouraged to join in the rituals. Getting here involves a pleasant, gentle 30-minute walk from Clubside junction along Gandhi and AJC Bose Rds, past the curiously named Institute of Astroparticle Physics and Space Science.Dwarahat is a small town in the Kumaon Mountains of Almora and is situated at an elevation of 1510 meters. It is known for its archaeological and historical importance. The place has many beautiful and numinous temples and hence called “The village of temples”. Dwarahat houses eight temples from the 10th-12th centuries, most of which have pyramidal cones made of stones that are further bound by iron chairs. The famous Shakthi Temple at Dunagiri and the Naithna Devi Temple are the two primary attractions of Dwarahat. It is believed that the rare and mythical herbs of ‘Sanjivani’ known for their majestic and healing powers grow inside the temple premises of Shakthi temple. And if you’re fond of Apricots, this is an ideal destination for you. Much like its name, a visit to Dwarahat gives you a feeling of a visit to heaven.