Ranikhet means ‘Queen’s meadow’ in the local language and legend has it that Raja Sudhardev won the heart of his queen, Rani Padmini, who subsequently chose the area for her residence, giving it the name, Ranikhet though I could find no trace of a palace or fort that could provide anymore insight in to this urban legend.However, I did find the century old heritage hunting lodge, the Windsor Lodge build in 1909 that retains all the charm, solidity and dignity of the gracious era with its many legends.Built with solid blocks of stone in the rough hewn walls and solid timber, the heritage hunting lodge combines the best of both the old world architecture and modern amenities.
Ranikhet is well connected by road to New Delhi and its a 12 hour journey. However, I would suggest the daily overnight air-conditioned train from Old Delhi railway station ( departing at 10:45 PM ) to Kathgodam (arriving next morning at 06:15 AM.) and then a 2 hour drive to Ranikhet via Bhimtal & Bhowali.
An ideal example of fusion of modern comforts and colonial splendor along with the enchanting beauty of nature makes the lodge a unique getaway for the weekend traveler.Situated on the outskirts of Ranikhet cantonment town, in the village of Dadgallia,with snow-clad peaks in the backdrop, Windsor lodge is perched on a hillock with a commanding view of snow-capped mountains, thick pine and cedar forests and the sweep of the Ranikhet golf course. It is located in Kalika Estate, in the village of Dadgallia, on the outskirts of the Ranikhet cantonment town, just high and removed enough to seem remote and yet within easy reach of all the hill station’s amenities and activities.
At the Windsor Lodge, I stayed in the Deluxe room, a huge spacious room that was tastefully decorated with period furniture that reminds you of the charm of the bygone British luxury lifestyle. There was wood paneling on the walls, fireplaces set in stone hearths, and yet the place is equipped with modern creature comforts such as international telephone facility, satellite television, running hot and cold water in the modern bathrooms and even a doctor on call to handle any unforeseen emergencies. There is also a tea/coffee maker in the rooms to cater to that frequent desire for a hot cuppa in the enchanting cool climes.From the windows, one can enjoy the beautiful scenery including spectacular views of snow peaks and valleys.
The Kumaon Room is the in-house multi-cuisine restaurant that offers delectable Indian, Tandoori and Continental specialties. The tandoori dishes were simply awesome and I was simply hooked on to the Chicken Tikka Masala. The al-fresco dining experience in the Kafal Bagh will leave you floored. In the open orchard of Kafal(a mountain berry)trees overlooking pine forest and the golf course, the food is served piping hot, an experience that makes dining a unique experience here.
The place offers a host of indoor activities that include Pool, Billiards and Snooker, Carrom and Chess. For the health conscious, there is a gymnasium and health club that offers Sauna and Steam massage.
I undertook day long trips to the nearby popular tourist spots. Bhimtal at a distance of 60 kms is an idyllic lake town and it is very close to Naukuchiatal where there is another huge lake which like Bhimtal is good for a boat ride. While coming back from Bhimtal, I visited Sat Tal, the land of Seven small lakes set in the midst of pristine pine forests. From Sat Tal, it is a mere 30 kms to the popular hill station Nainital where I enjoyed a ride in the mountain cable that runs between the two of the highest peaks. The mall road in Nainital and the Bhotiya market run by immigrants from Tibet is the popular flea market where you can bargain for some good deals on imported goods. And not to be missed is the ‘Thokpa’ and ‘Momo’ served hot and spicy at the local favorite stall of a guy called Sonam from Tibet. The ‘momo’ here has the authentic flavor of the momo as made by those from Tibet.Simply delicious!
Back in the evening at the Windsor Lodge after a exhausting but thrilling trip, I sat down at the terrace lounge Bar, named Raja of Sheikhpura and enjoyed a couple of shots of my favorite whisky along with some delicious snacks. After a delightful dinner of my choicest tandoori fare, I hit the bed and fell asleep immediately.
Next day was filled with a range of adventurous activities. I participated in a supervised session of rock-climbing at a nearby site. This was followed by half a day long soft trekking through the lush green forests that are the haunt of a variety of bird species and the rich flora of the area is a sight to behold. Sitting on the mountain slope in a bed of native mountain flowers towards the nod of the trek and watching the sun go down behind the mountains is a true spiritual experience.
The stay at the Windsor Lodge in Ranikhet had everything to soothe my tangled nerves and I returned fully satisfied having witnessed the most sublime and beautiful of all spectacles in the gentle Himalayas.
