Ranikhet

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Ranikhet | type = city | latd = 29.65 | longd = 79.42
state_name = Uttarakhand
district = Almora
leader_title =
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altitude = 1869
population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 19,049| population_density =
area_magnitude= 21.76 km²
area_total =
area_telephone =
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sex_ratio =
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Ranikhet is a hill station and cantonment town in Almora district in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the home for the Kumaon Regiment (KRC) & Naga Regiment and is maintained by the Indian Army.

Ranikhet is at an altitude of 1869 metres above sea level and within sight of the western peaks of the Himalayas.

History

Ranikhet, which means "Queen's meadow" in English, gets its name from a local legend, which states that it was here, that Raja Sudhardev won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet [ [http://nainital.nic.in/ranikhet.htm Ranikhet] Official website of Nainital district.] , though no palace exists in the area.

In 1869 [ [http://www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in/history/history.aspx History] www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in. ] , the British established the headquarters of the Kumaon Regiment here and used the station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer. At one time during British Raj, it was also proposed as the summer headquarters of Government of India, in lieu of Shimla. In 1900, it had a summer population of 7,705, and its corresponding winter population was measured in 1901 as 3,153 [ [http://dsal.uchicago.edu/reference/gazetteer/pager.html?objectid=DS405.1.I34_V21_239.gifRanikhet] The Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 21, p. 233.]

Geography

Ranikhet is located at coord|29.65|N|79.42|E|. [ [http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/39/Ranikhet.html Falling Rain Genomics, Inc - Ranikhet] ] It has an average elevation of 1,869 metres (6,132 feet).The cantonment is spread across two ridges, first called the Ranikhet ridge is situated at an elevation of 5,983 ft. and the second, the Chaubattia ridge, is at an elevation of 6,942 ft.

Climate

Ranikhet becomes very cold in the winters and remains moderate in summers, and is best enjoyed from October to March. Ranikhet gets snowfall in the winter season, mainly in the months of December, January and February.

Flora and Fauna

The reserve forests of Pine, Oak and Deodar in Ranikhet, host a vast bio-diversity of flora and fauna, its array of wildlife include, Leopard, Leopard Cat, Mountain Goat, Barking Deer, Sambhar, Pine Mertin, Wild Bear, Indian Hare, Red Faced Monkey, Jackal, Langur, Red Fox, and Porcupine [ [http://www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in/haritage/haritage.aspx Ranikhet - Hertiage Cantonment] ] .

Demographics

As of 2001 India census, [GR|India] Ranikhet had a population of 19,049. Males constitute 61% of the population and females 39%. Ranikhet has an average literacy rate of 83%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 87%, and female literacy is 76%. In Ranikhet, 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.

The local languages in the town area are English, Hindi and Kumaoni.

Transport

Ranikhet is situated at a distance of 279km from Delhi, well connected by road and railway. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, approximately 80 km from Ranikhet. Nearest hill stations are Almora - 50km, Nainital - 60 km.

References

External links

* [http://www.ranikhetcantonment.org.in/index.aspx Ranikhet Cantonment Board Official website]
* [http://wikimapia.org/country/India/Uttaranchal/Ranikhet/ Ranikhet on wikimapia]