Major city · India
Ranikhetरानीखेत
Spend 1–2 days: explore the market, Chaubatia Garden and nearby temples, then head back to Kathgodam or Nainital.
Ranikhet is a 1,830‑m hill station in Uttarakhand, known for pine forests, army‑run golf course and fruit orchards. Walking and short SUV rides let you see markets, Chaubatia Garden and nearby historic villages. One night covers the main sights; a second day adds a temple trek.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- INR
- Best months
- Oct–Apr (clear weather, mountain views)
- avoid May–Sep (monsoon, landslides)
- Airport
- PGH
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 6
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- India ↗Apply for the e-visa only on the official government portal (indianvisaonline.gov.in); lookalike sites charge extra. Check the current rules, fees and how far ahead to apply.
- India ↗Do not follow anyone who says your hotel is closed, the station ticket office is closed or a road is shut; use the prepaid taxi counter, the metro or an app car.
- India ↗Carry Indian rupees in small notes (10, 20, 50, 100); change for 500 is often refused.
- India ↗Parts of the Northeast, Sikkim, Ladakh, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and all border belts need a Protected or Restricted Area Permit or an Inner Line Permit for foreigners; check before you book the route.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Ranikhet112 ▾
- All services112
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Ranikhet, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Indian rupees (INR, ₹) in small notes for autos, street food, tips and entry tickets.India-wide
- SIM or eSIMJio, Airtel and Vi sell tourist SIMs at airport counters and their shops; passport, visa and a photo needed; activation can take a few hours.India-wide
- Tap waterNot drinkable from the tap.India-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 5–10% if no service charge is on the bill.India-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/D/M. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.India-wide
- SafetyRanikhet is a quiet cantonment town with low crime.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsWestern toilets in hotels, malls and airports; squat toilets with a water jug or hose in stations and villages.India-wide
- Emergency numbers112 All services (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysThe Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays; many museums close on Mondays; banks close on the second and fourth Saturdays…India-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportPGH Pantnagar Airport (112 km (70 mi) south, limited flights).PGH Pantnagar Airport (70 mi (112 km) south, limited flights).
- Getting aroundWalking is primary; local SUVs and government buses connect villages and market.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Budget bedGuesthouse room, a night, per room₹1,500 (≈ US$18)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse room, a night, per room₹2,500 (≈ US$30)
- High-end bedGuesthouse room, a night, per room₹4,000 (≈ US$50)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₹1,200 (≈ US$14) · Mid ₹2,000 (≈ US$25) · High ₹3,500 (≈ US$40)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- PGH Pantnagar Airport (112 km (70 mi) south, limited flights)PGH Pantnagar Airport (70 mi (112 km) south, limited flights)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
Feb
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Mar
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jun
Avoid
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Jul
Avoid
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
Aug
Avoid
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Sep
Avoid
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Oct
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
Nov
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Dec
Best
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: Oct–Apr. Avoid: May–Sep. Month by month →
Warmest May (26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jul (17 rain days), driest Nov (1). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Ranikhet: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
3 rd
Feb
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
4 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
5 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4 rd
May
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
5 rd
Jun
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
10 rd
Jul
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
17 rd
Aug
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
16 rd
Sep
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
10 rd
Oct
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3 rd
Nov
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
1 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
2 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walking is primary; local SUVs and government buses connect villages and market. Taxis from Kathgodam cost ₹250‑₹300.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bhalu Dam
goDoor to door: ≈2 h
Local bus or SUV, about 2 h via Ganiatoli
Small artificial lake 2.5 km (1.6 mi) from Chaubatia GardenSmall artificial lake 1.6 mi (2.5 km) from Chaubatia Garden
Dwarahat
goDoor to door: ≈1 h 30 m
Bus or shared taxi, 38 km (24 mi) east via GingarikhalBus or shared taxi, 24 mi (38 km) east via Gingarikhal
Historic town with ancient sculptures
Kalika Golf Links
goDoor to door: ≈30 min
Drive or SUV, 6 km (3.7 mi) on Almora roadDrive or SUV, 3.7 mi (6 km) on Almora road
Mountain golf course maintained by the army
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Dunagiri Retreat
Guesthouses with garden views, near Dunagiri Temple
West View
Plateau hotel overlooking west valley, pine forest setting
Windsor Lodge
Heritage hunting lodge, Kalika Estate outskirts
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ₹1,200–1,800 (≈ US$14–25) excl. bed
- Mid
- ₹2,000–3,000 (≈ US$25–35) excl. bed
- High
- ₹3,500 (≈ US$40)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse room1 × 1 night × ₹1,500 | ₹1,500 |
| Food, local transport, entries1 × 1 day × ₹1,200 | ₹1,200 |
| Taxi from Kathgodam (one way)1 × ₹280 · check | ₹280 |
| Local bus ticket (city‑to‑city)1 × ₹120 · check | ₹120 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | ₹310 |
| Trip total≈ ₹3,410 per person per day, bed included | ₹3,410≈ US$40 |
2026 estimate in INR; flights and long‑distance trains excluded.
Prices of common things
| Bal Mithai (sweet) | ₹80–₹150 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Buransh juice (glass) | ₹50–₹100 (≈ US$1–2) |
| Tea (cup) | ₹30–₹60 (≈ under US$1) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Roads can be rough on the scenic Bhimtal route; check vehicle condition.
- Winter snow may block higher passes; verify access to Chaubatia in Jan‑Feb.
Emergency numbers
- All services
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
Ranikhetरानीखेत
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
इस पते पर ले जाएँTo this address, please
Emergency
- All services112
Embassy
US consulate in New Delhi; Indian embassy in Washington, D.C.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Kathgodam → Ranikhet (taxi): ≈₹275, 1 h 30 min (check)
- Local bus Ranikhet ↔ Nainital: ≈₹120, 2 h (check)
Say or show
- माफ़ कीजिए — Excuse me / Sorry (maaf kijiye)
- धन्यवाद — Thank you (dhanyavaad)
- यह कितना है? — How much is this? (yeh kitna hai?)
- बस स्टॉप कहाँ है? — Where is the bus stop? (bas stop kahaan hai?)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Ranikhet. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Oct–Apr (clear weather, mountain views) · avoid May–Sep (monsoon, landslides) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
Ask about Ranikhet
Loading…
Was this useful?