“Parakramo Vijayate (Valor Triumphs)” – The Motto of Kumaon Regiment. This Regiment proved this very well in every situation they faced.

Kumoan Regiment is not only the proud of India but also the representing face of Ranikhet as well. The Regiment originated in 18^th century and a most important participant of every major campaign of British Indian Army and the Indian Army. This Regiment is also participated in two world wars as well.

The History

Kumaonis, Garhwalis and Ghorkhas belong to a region that is having a long history of warfare so they are into soldiering. This passion of Kumaonis raised a battalion at Ranikhet on 23^rd October 1917 named as 4/39^th Kumaon Rifles for World War I. This was the rise of a battalion that shows awesome bravery at all the major campaign of Indian Army. In 1923 this Battalion merged with Hyderabad Contingent and named 19^th Hyderabad Regiment.

After the world war II, on 27^th October 1945, the 19^th Hyderabad Regiment was renamed as 19^th Kumaon Regiment. After independence it is called Kumoan Regiment. In May 1948, Ranikhet become the Regiment Center for Kumaon Regiment.

The Achievements

This regiment is most decorated Infantry Regiment of Indian Army. This Regiment is Decorated with:

Param Vir Chakra (India’s Highest Award for Gallantry): 2

Ashoka Chakra (India’s Highest Peacetime Gallantry Award): 4

Maha Vir Chakra (India’s Second Highest Award for Gallantry): 10

Kirti Chakra (India’s Second Highest Peacetime Gallantry Award): 6

Uttam Yudh Seva Medal: 2

Vir Chakra (India’s Third Highest Award for Gallantry): 78

Vir Chakra & Bar: 1

Shaurya Chakra (India’s Third Highest Peacetime Gallantry Award): 23

Yudh Seva Medal: 1

Sena Medal: 127

Sena Medal & Bar: 2

Param Vishisht Seva Medal: 8

Ati Vishisht Seva Medal: 24

Padma Vibhusan: 1

Padma Bhusan: 2

Padma Shri: 1

AW: 1

Vishisht Seva Medal: 36

This Regiment is the first regiment that received the Nation’s First Param Vir Chakra. Major Somnath Sharma received the first Param Vir Chakra – India’s Highest Award for Gallantry for the regiment in October 1947 for Indo-Pakistan war of 1947.

Second Recipient of Param Vir Chakra for the Regiment war Major Shaitan Singh in November 1962 for Sino-Indian War of 1962.

This Regiment has produced three Indian Army Chiefs: General Satyawant Mallannah Shriganesh, General Kodendera Subayya Thimayya, and Tapishwar Narain Raina.

Ranikhet and Kumaon Regiment

Ranikhet is the Regimental Center of Kumaon Regiment. This regiment is also one of the factor of the beauty of this place. Somnath Ground and Shaitan Singh Ground is dedicated to Major Somnath Sharma and Major Shaitan Singh (Both the Recipient of Param Vir Chakra) respectively. The Beautiful city of Ranikhet is surrounded by the Cantonment Area. Beautiful Vijay Chauk is dedicated to the Martyrs of Kargill war (Operation Vijay). War Memorial near Somnath Ground mention all the martyrs of Kumaon Regiment who laid down their life for the country. You can see practicing soldiers preparing for the battle at Somnath Ground.

Army Museum, Ranikhet:

Army Museum at Ranikhet is maintained by the Kumaun Regiment and The Naga Regiment of Indian Army. This museum is the place where you will feel real patriotism, be there and feel the Proud. You will be proud by visiting there because here you will came to know about the bravery shown by this Regiment in battle field as well as in peace time.

Kumaon Regimental Center Museum and Memorial Ranikhet

At the museum, you will find the heroic story of this Regiment from First World War till date. You will find the contribution of the regiment in various wars like, World War, Indo-China War, and Pakistan War, Stories of Operation Vijay, Operation Pawan etc. The Kumaon Regiment is the first regiment of Indian Army that landed in Jaffna, Sri Lanka during Operation Pawan. The captured LTTE boat is available at the museum for display. Also various weapons that are captured from various wars are interesting to watch.

Museum is beautifully maintained by the Army and you will be also provided with an Army guide who will help you to the history and the Heroics of the Regiment. Photography is Strictly Prohibited inside the Museum. This place is Must visit place when you visit Ranikhet.

Mankameswar Temple:

“Kalika Mata Ki Jai (Victory to the Great Goddess Kali)” it is the war cry of Kumaon Regiment. This temple is dedicated to Great Goddess Kali. This temple was built in 1978 and beautifully maintained by Army. A Gurudwara and tweed Shawl Factory is placed opposite of the temple. These two are also run and maintained by the Army.

Somnath Ground:

It is the main Parade Ground of the Kumaon Regiment at Ranikhet. Before the independence, the British troops located at Ranikhet use this ground as racecourse and Polo Ground. When Ranikhet become Kumaon Regimental Center in 1948, they named this ground after the first Param Vir Chakra (PVC) winner of the Nation ‘Major Somnath Sharma’. This Ground is the nodal point of many major events, besides being the main Parade Ground of the Regimental Centre for all training activities, and witness to many historical events - the color presentation parades, reunions and sweat and toil of thousands of recruits, who proudly and firmly took their first step as young soldiers of our two Regiments, and were privileged to wear the Green or the Golden hackle.

Shaitan Singh Ground:

This Ground is named after the second Param Vir Chakra winner and hero of Rezangla, Major Shaitan Singh. Shaitan Singh Ground is the training ground for Naulakha and Butchery Companies.

Nar Singh Ground:

This Ground is named after “Naik Nar Singh” the winner of Maha Vir Chakra in Indo-Pakistan War of 1947. The Nar Singh Ground was used for tethering horses since 1932 and the old shed, which still stands today, was used as a stable. The ground is flanked on either side by two beautifully constructed churches, St Peter’s Church and the Presbyterian Church, both of which are being maintained and used by the Kumaon Regimental Centre for welfare activity (for War Widows and retired personnel) as they house the Shawl Factory. The large number of century old churches of Ranikhet was built for all sects of Christianity. These are masterpieces of architectural aestheticism and should be preserved as a cultural heritage. Today the Nar Singh Ground is the Centre of all cultural activities, being the only ground available to the people of Ranikhet. People from all walks of life flock the Nar Singh ground for all occasions, be it a religious discourse, a school fete, the Annual Autumn Festival or Ram Lila. Over the years this ground symbolizes the bond between the military and civil population of the brotherhood which ties the entire population of this unique township into one.

The Ranikhet Club:

The Ranikhet Club, located on the slopes of the Upper Mall was conceived in 1918. The bungalow was a picture of architectural beauty with its numerous tennis courts and lush green lawns surrounded by flower beds full of the choicest of flowers, the seeds for which were brought from the famous Valley of Flowers. The club was the hub of activity with the British Civil-Military aristocracy and foreign dignitaries visiting it. Unfortunately, the club building was burnt down due to an accidental fire in 1987. Today when one passes the Ranikhet Club, one is heartened to see that the buildings have been restored to their previous glory. The Club still proudly displays an old photograph of Lt Col Noel Frederick Barwell, the man who in 1946-47 saved the Club from extinction. It is again a thriving institution now.

The War Memorial:

The War Memorial, built in 1974, stands as an inspiration for valour and the supreme sacrifice, towering over the Somnath Ground.

Ranikhet is a beautiful hill station and a perfect destination for family, kids and couples. If you are tired of the hectic, exhausted life of your city and want to relax in the lap of nature then Ranikhet is the Best Destination for you. Well several tour packages are available by travel agencies that will complete your tour to Ranikhet in a day but if you really want to explore this beautiful place give 3 days to this place you will return with a heavenly experience and peace in mind.

The Geography:

Ranikhet is a Hill Station located in Almora district of Uttarakhand, it is having an elevation of 1869 m or 6132 ft above sea level. This is a place where you will forget all the stress and tension of your life. Panoramic view of the Great Himalayas, lush green locality and a peaceful environment, this is the nature’s beauty at its best.

Climate:

In winters, Ranikhet becomes very cold and one can enjoy snow fall during this season. The temperature remains moderate during summers. So this is a best place to visit throughout the year.

Local Languages:

Hindi & Kumauni

How to Reach Ranikhet:

Ranikhet is at a distance of 350 km from the Indian National Capital, Delhi. This place is well connected by road and railway.

By Road: Ranikhet is having a Bus Depot. Direst Bus Service is available for Ranikhet from Delhi, bus takes 10-12 hours to reach destination. One can take Bus from ISBT Anand Vihar towards Ranikhet. For bus enquiry from Anand Vihar you can contact Enquiry Counter on 011-22142914, 2158641, 22141611.

By Train: The Nearest Railway Station is Kathgodam, which is well connected with trains from Delhi. Kathgodam is around 70 Km from Ranikhet. You can easily get private taxis or government bus from Kathgodam to reach Ranikhet. It will hardly take 3 hours to reach Ranikhet from Kathgodam.

Trains From Delhi to Ranikhet:

Ranikhet Express (Train Type: Mail/Express): Departure from Old Delhi Railway Station at 10:30 PM, Arrival at Kathgodam is 5:05 AM. (Train Runs Every day)

Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti (Train Type: Sampark Kranti): Departure from Old Delhi Railway Station at 4:00 PM, Arrival at Kathgodam is 10:40 PM. (Train Runs Every Day)

Delhi Anand Vihar – Kathgodam Shatabdi Express (Train Type: Shatabdi): Departure from Delhi Anand Vihar Terminal at 6:15 AM, Arrival at Kathgodam is 11:40 AM. (Runs 6 days in Week: Not Running on Thursday)

(Train Timings According to Indian Railways)

By Air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest Airport which is 110 km from Ranikhet. Air India Runs their flight on “Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday” from IGI Delhi to Pant Nagar At 2:30 PM, the Flight Arrive at Pantnagar Airport at 3:40 PM.

Local Transport at Ranikhet:

Local taxi are available at Ranikhet. Ranikhet is Having Three Taxi Stands. It’s your choice whether you choose a private taxi or a shared taxi.

Tourist Attractions At Ranikhet:

Temple: Baba Hairakhan Temple, Binsar Mahadev Temple, Jhula Devi Temple, Ram Mandir, Kalika Temple, Mankameswar Temple, Nanda Devi Temple, St. Bridget Church, KRC Gurudwara.

Scenic Beauties: Chaubatia, Bhalu Dam, Upat & Kalika, Golf Course, Aashiyana Park, Panoramic Views of Himalaya, Sun Set Point.

Historic Places: Kumaon Regimental Center Museum, War Memorial

Market: Sadar Bazar, Khadi Bazar, Jaroori Bazar.

Special: Saul Factory (See how workers making Saul).

Must Do at Ranikhet:

Camping in Jungle, Tracking, Local Fair/Mela, Hill Conquering (Mountaineering), Picnic, Spend a night at Local Village and understand the culture, the people’s value and heart of people.

Nearby Places to Visit:

Dwarahat, Kausani, Chaukhutia, Doonagiri, Naithana, Masi, Pali, Tarikhet, Katarmal (Sun Temple).

Culture:

People: People of Ranikhet are very helpful and simple hearted, called Kumaonis or Paharis they are humble, friendly and always welcoming for the tourists.

Fair and Festival: Ranikhet celebrates all Hindu festivals but “Nanda Devi Fair” held at Nanda Devi Temple is very much important and famous fair held in Ranikhet. People celebrate it with great pomp and it is really mesmerizing. This fair shows in the month of September. There are other famous fairs as well nearby like Shayaldeh Mela, Dwarahat Mela, and Navratri Festival.

Food: If you are at Ranikhet, you should miss the various local mouth watering and delicious dishes of Ranikhet that reflects the culture of this beautiful town. Some famous dishes are Madue ki Roti, Bhatt ki Churkani, shai, bhang ki chatni, Neembu ka Sanwa, gahat ki daal, etc and don’t forget to take these with you and cook at your home. Also take “Baal-Mithai” with you, this is major sweet available in market.

Accommodation Options in Ranikhet:

Ranikhet is having plentiful hotels including Resorts, Heritage Hotels, Cottages, as well as budget hotels.

Flora & Fauna

The pine, oak, and deodar forests host an array of wildlife including leopard, leopard cat, mountain goat, barking deer, sambar, pine marten, Indian hare, red-faced monkey, jackal, langur, red fox, and porcupine.

Photo courtesy: Deep Sah

Ranikhet, A most adorable hill station in the lap of Himalayas which cannot be describe in words. Its beauty, its location, its culture and its everything is so special that you cannot afford to miss this destination.

This charming hill station is located in Almora District of Uttarakhand. It is at the elevation of 1,869 Meters above sea level. Ranikhet is a perfect destination for every city dweller.

Before moving further first look what people who visited this place says about this place.

Karuna Kamboj from Delhi says

“Heaven on Earth, will make you forget everything”
It was the most amazing experience being in lap of hills. Fresh air and the waterfalls on the way to ranikhet. Exotic greenery, beautiful scenery, awesome weather and lastly peaceful environment. Forgot all of my work stress

Nitish Goel from Delhi says

"A place close to nature"
It is a great place to visit. You will feel really close to nature. One more thing to love about Ranikhet is that it is an area mostly covered with military training and cantonment. So you will see military training all over Ranikhet which is really pleasing. If you are lucky, you may meet some of the nature's best creatures as there are jungles all around Ranikhet.

Ankith Kumar says

"Amazing Ranikhet"
Ranikhet is small town. Mainly army area. Kumaon regiment's base. It clean, calm and rejuvenating. U must visit haidakhan baba temple, kali temple and golf grounds. If visiting during the March to June season then Chaubatia apple garden is also a must visit. The view is breathtaking.

There are such lots of awesome testimonials about this beautiful place.

Why One Must Visit Ranikhet?

Its not photoshoped, this pic was taken by "Mr. Deep Shah" of Snowfall at Ranikhet... Seems stars are falling from the Sky... No one should miss this beautiful place.

Local people called this place “Heaven, Paradise on Earth, The Only One etc…” They are right because for only these qualities of this place British Government established the Headquarters of The “Kumaon Regiment” in 1869, Since then this place is a Cantonment Area. This Place is also proposed as the summer headquarters of Government of India instead of Shimla.

Ranikhet is an all season tourist spot. Lush green tourist spot with all natural beauty, Ranikhet is a place that reflects the best of Great Himalayas. Only here you will find a charismatic mixture of awesome natural views, whether it is Majestic view of pine trees, or it is Lush Green Forests or it is delicate plant life and charming wild life or the scented mountain breeze or the whispering of birds. This place is a paradise because it is pure not only by nature but also by the heart of people living there. As I told you earlier you cannot afford missing Ranikhet, so you must visit this place before you die.

The awesomeness of this place is this place takes you far from the day today problems, and you will forget all the stress.

History Of Ranikhet

Literally Ranikhet means “Queen’s Meadow”. It is believed that Queen Padmini of Kumaon loved this paradise so much that King Sudhardev build a palace for her and named this place “Ranikhet”.

Though no palace can be found here today, the place is always the same: Awesome and Charismatic.

Ranikhet is rediscovered by the Britishers, and now it is a headquarters of the Glorious Kumaon Regiment and Naga Regiment and is maintained by Indian Army.

Previously Ranikhet was under Nepalese Rule. Under the leadership of Great General Kashi Nath Adhikari people of Kumoun (Also Called “Kumaonese”) won it and around 1816 it became a part of India with the help of Britishers.

How To Reach Ranikhet?

Ranikhet is situated at a distance of 350 Km from Delhi, It is well connected by road and railways. Kathgodam is the nearest railway station, which is 75 Km from Ranikhet.

Several modes are available from Kathgodam to Ranikhet. One can use public transport or you can also hire Taxi to reach there.

What Not To Miss Between the Travel From Kathgodam To Ranikhet?

Starting your journey from Kathgodam to Ranikhet will turn to be your most memorable travel memory, you will remember it a lot because from Kathgodam you are entering the hills. Roads on hills are always fascinating.

After leaving Kathgodam enjoy travelling besides the river “Gaula – the lifeline of Kathgodam & Haldwani”. You are going to see several scenic beauties and you will reach Bhimtal. This is one of the Biggest Lakes of Uttarakhand.

After that you will reach Bhowali, a small town, don’t forget to buy seasonal fruits from the venders there. After leaving Bhowali you will reach “Kainchi Dham”, don’t miss the opportunity to meet “Vaisno Devi”. Here you can also enjoy the tea and pakodas also aalu k guthke and rayta.

Now moving ahead you will reach Khairna-Garampani, famous spot for snacks. Move ahead and see the beauty of nature, hills on right and beautiful valley at left.

Told you, this will be your most memorable journey, right. Travelling few more km now you are at Ranikhet…

In my Next blog I will tell you What to Do and Where to Stay at Ranikhet. Till then happy Reading and Stay Tuned…

Ranikhet - A Must Visit Place Before You Die

Kumaon Regiment: The Proud of India & Ranikhet