There are times in the humdrum of life when we want to get away from it all… to recoup our energy and pamper our senses… when the sight of snow-capped Himalayas is enough to lift our weary spirit. At times like these, Kaafal cottage, overlooking Majhkhali in Ranikhet, provides you the ideal getaway. Your home away from home, it provides a glimpse into the Kumaoni culture. From the ‘aipan’ on the s
teps to the brass and copper vessels used in traditional Kumaoni homes, it gives you an experience of the Kumaoni way of life. Kaafal cottage derives its name from the Bayberry trees surrounding it. Typically, the ripe berries are eaten mixed with a little rock salt. A forest of Banj (oak), chir (pine) and deodar (cedar) trees overlooks the cottage and provides a serene haven for leisurely strolls. Ranikhet
A cantonment set up in 1869, Ranikhet or Queen’s Meadow, as it was known, is situated at an altitude of 1829 metres above sea level in the Almora district of Uttarakhand. Local legend has it that it was here that Raja Sudhardev won the heart of her queen Rani Padmini and chose it as her residence, though there is no palace here. Ranikhet is home to the Kumaon Regiment. The Naga regiment too was raised here. The British used the station as a retreat from the heat of the Indian summer. At one time, it was also proposed as the summer capital of the British Raj instead of Shimla. The beautiful spots of Ranikhet have formed the location of many a Bollywood movies.
