RANIKHET
The enchanting Kumoani hills keep drawing me to it every year. Of all the places in Uttaranchal, particularly in Kumaon, Ranikhet is the best place to be. So lush with green pines, so quiet and secluded, full of old world charm, breathtaking views and so ambrosial. This ethereal small town is so peaceful that it makes you forget everything in the world. It has that certain healing effect on one's souls. Till now it has been unaffected by tourist rushes, major tourism spot being Nainital. One can just walk and walk around the Mall Road, which is practically devoid of any traffic. The people are very humble and down to earth. Very honest too. Best time for visiting Ranikhet is from September to November and from February to April. Once there you begin to understand as to why the hermits and sages always preferred to do penance or take sanyas there. Restricted eating places and no shopping mall as such, but you do manage to get your items of little luxury in the market place. I was in Ranikhet again in October 2005 and fell in love with the place all aver again. The clean, unpolluted air and tall Deodars and the walks on the Mall Road was a great experience once again. This time I had taken my daughter Avtara alongwith me sans her mother, who was expecting Adah, and she also enjoyed every bit of her time there. I do hope she grows up to be a nature lover as I am.
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