Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course at 1829 metres altitude in Ranikhet cantonment, maintained by the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army. Established in 1904 by the British Army, it is one of Asia's highest golf courses. Open to civilians. Green fee approximately ₹300–500. Best time: March–June or September–November.
About Ranikhet Golf Course
Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course in Uttarakhand, located in the Ranikhet cantonment, Almora district, maintained by the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army. Located 2 km from Ranikhet town at 1829 metres (5,997 feet) altitude, it is one of the highest golf courses in Asia and among the oldest in India, having been established in 1904 during the British Raj. (Source: Kumaon Regiment Centre, Ranikhet cantonment records) The fairways are lined with tall deodar cedars and Himalayan oak, with a dramatic Himalayan backdrop visible from most holes.
The course is open to civilian visitors and tourists. Non-golfers may enter to enjoy the setting, photography and the Himalayan panorama. On clear days, the course offers direct views of Nanda Devi (7816 m) — the highest peak entirely within India — Trishul and Nanda Ghunti to the north-east. (Nanda Devi elevation: Survey of India) The Upat Kalika Temple — an important Shakti shrine — is located right at the edge of the golf course, making it easy to visit both in a single stop.
On-ground verified: Our team has visited Ranikhet Golf Course during multiple Ranikhet tours — in spring and post-monsoon seasons. Entry procedure, timings, fee information and tips in this guide are based on direct visits and conversations with Army staff at the cantonment gate.
History of Ranikhet Golf Course
British Era Origins (1869–1947)
Ranikhet was established as a British military cantonment in 1869, chosen for its cool climate and strategic elevation in the Kumaon Himalayan foothills. The golf course was created in 1904 as a recreation facility for British officers of the Kumaon regiment. At 1829 metres altitude, it was built to replicate the highland courses of Scotland in the Himalayan hills.
Post-Independence: Kumaon Regiment Stewardship
After Indian independence, the golf course came under the management of the Kumaon Regiment Centre, which has its regimental headquarters in Ranikhet. The regiment has maintained the course continuously since then, keeping the fairways, greens and deodar tree lines in their original 9-hole layout. The course is one of only a handful of pre-independence golf courses still in regular use in India.
Today: Heritage Attraction + Active Army Golf Course
Today Ranikhet Golf Course is both an active Army golf course used by military personnel and a heritage attraction for civilians visiting Ranikhet. It is a Category A cantonment facility, meaning civilian access is permitted with standard entry procedures. Most visitors on Ranikhet tour packages include the golf course alongside Chaubatia Garden and Upat Kalika Temple in their Ranikhet sightseeing day.
What Can You See and Do at Ranikhet Golf Course?
For Golfers
The golf course offers different experiences for golfers and non-golfers alike. Golfers can play a full 9-hole round at 1829 metres altitude — the elevation means the ball travels approximately 10–15% further than at sea level, which affects club selection. The fairways are lined with tall deodar cedars, and the course plays to a par suited for recreational golfers. Equipment rental (clubs, balls, caddies) is available at the clubhouse.
For Non-Golfers & Tourists
Non-golfers and tourists visit primarily for the Himalayan views and the heritage setting. The course's elevated position at 1829 metres offers a direct sightline to Nanda Devi (7816 m) and Trishul on clear days. The best views are from the northern end of the course, above the 7th and 8th holes. Sunrise and morning hours (before 10 AM) give the clearest atmospheric visibility.
The Upat Kalika Temple — dedicated to Goddess Kalika and one of the most visited temples in Ranikhet — is located right next to the golf course. It is a natural combination stop. The temple sits on a ridge with panoramic views of the Himalayan range, and on clear days the snow peaks are visible from both the temple and the adjacent golf course.
1,829 m · 9 holes · Est. 1904
2,650 m · 9 holes · Higher altitude
1,496 m · 18 holes · Est. 1898
Ranikhet Golf Course at 1829 m is among India's highest golf courses. While Gulmarg is at greater altitude, Ranikhet has the distinction of a continuously maintained 120+ year heritage course with civilian access year-round (except heavy snowfall months).
Ranikhet Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course in Ranikhet cantonment, Uttarakhand, at 1829 metres altitude, maintained by the Kumaon Regiment of the Indian Army. Established in 1904 by the British Army, it is one of the oldest and highest golf courses in Asia. Open to civilians, with a green fee of approximately ₹300–500. Adjacent to Upat Kalika Temple.
Ranikhet Golf Course — Quick Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 2 km from Ranikhet town, Ranikhet cantonment, Almora district |
| Altitude | 1,829 metres (5,997 feet) |
| Established | 1904 (by British Army) |
| Managed By | Kumaon Regiment, Indian Army |
| Course | 9-hole golf course |
| Course Type | Grass fairways, natural Himalayan terrain, deodar tree-lined |
| Altitude Effect | Ball travels ~10–15% further than sea-level courses due to altitude |
| Timings | Approximately 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (varies by season; confirm at gate) |
| Green Fee (Civilians) | ~₹300–500 per round (subject to change) |
| Entry for Tourists | ~₹50–100 per person (viewing only) |
| Equipment Rental | Clubs, caddies available at clubhouse |
| Adjacent Attraction | Upat Kalika Temple (0.5 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Kathgodam (80 km, ~2.5 hrs) |
| Nearest Airport | Pantnagar (110 km, ~3 hrs) |
| Distance from Nainital | 60 km (~2 hours by road) |
| Distance from Delhi | 340 km (~9 hours via Moradabad) |
What is the Best Time to Visit Ranikhet Golf Course?
Ranikhet Golf Course is open year-round except during very heavy snowfall in January and February, when the greens may be unusable. The course sits in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand at 1829 metres, so temperatures are 5–8°C cooler than the plains throughout the year. Each season offers a distinct experience. Check our Ranikhet tour packages which can be timed for either the blossom season or the post-monsoon clear days. The golf course pairs naturally with Chaubatia Garden (6 km) and Upat Kalika Temple (adjacent) on a single half-day circuit.
| Season / Month | Weather | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| March – June (Spring/Summer) | 10–25°C, mild | Lush green fairways; clear Himalayan views in morning; best overall season for golf and photography |
| July – August (Monsoon) | 18–26°C, rain | Course remains green; intermittent rain; views often misty; fewer visitors; golf possible on dry days |
| September – November | 8–22°C, clear | Best Himalayan views of the year; crystal-clear sightlines to Nanda Devi and Trishul; highly recommended |
| December – February (Winter) | 0–12°C, cold/snow | Possible snow on course; limited golf; views of snow-covered Himalayas striking on clear days |
How to Reach Ranikhet Golf Course from Delhi, Nainital & Kathgodam?
| From | Distance | Travel Time | Mode |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranikhet Town | 2 km | 5–10 min | Taxi / Auto / Walk |
| Upat Kalika Temple | 0.5 km | 2 min | Walk (adjacent) |
| Kathgodam (Railway) | 80 km | ~2.5 hrs | Taxi |
| Nainital | 60 km | ~2 hrs | Road via Bhowali |
| Pantnagar (Airport) | 110 km | ~3 hrs | Taxi |
| Delhi | 340 km | ~9 hrs | Road via Moradabad |
By Air
Nearest airport: Pantnagar (110 km). Taxi from Pantnagar to Ranikhet in about 3 hours. The Golf Course is 2 km from Ranikhet main market.
By Train
Nearest railway: Kathgodam (80 km). Regular trains from Delhi and Lucknow. Hire a taxi from Kathgodam to Ranikhet (2.5 hours).
By Bus
Uttarakhand Roadways buses from Delhi (Anand Vihar), Nainital, Almora and Haldwani reach Ranikhet. Golf Course is 2 km from Ranikhet bus stand.
By Taxi / Self Drive
From Delhi: NH9 via Moradabad–Rampur–Haldwani–Kathgodam–Ranikhet (approx. 340 km, 9 hrs). From Nainital: 60 km via Bhowali.
Combine With
Golf Course and Upat Kalika Temple are adjacent. Chaubatia Garden is 6 km away. Cover all three in a single half-day circuit from Ranikhet town.
What Should You Know Before Visiting Ranikhet Golf Course?
- Carry ID: As this is an Army cantonment area, carry a valid government photo ID (Aadhar, PAN, passport) for entry at the gate. Entry is generally smooth but may require a brief registration.
- Arrive early for views: Himalayan views are clearest before 10 AM. Clouds tend to build over the peaks by late morning. Plan to arrive between 7–9 AM for the best sightlines to Nanda Devi.
- Golf equipment rental: Clubs, balls and caddies are available for hire at the clubhouse. You do not need to bring your own equipment if you plan to play a casual round.
- Non-golfers welcome: A significant portion of visitors come only to see the views and heritage setting — not to play. Entry for tourists is permitted and the staff are accustomed to non-golfer visitors.
- Club Upat Kalika Temple: The Upat Kalika Temple is right next to the course. A visit to both takes under an hour. Remove footwear before entering the temple.
- Dress code: There is no strict dress code for tourist visitors. Golfers are expected to follow standard golf course etiquette — no jeans on the fairways.
- Photography: Photography of the course, surrounding landscape and Himalayan views is generally permitted for personal use. Avoid photographing military installations or personnel.
- Best day: Weekday mornings are quietest. Weekends may see more Army personnel using the course, so plan accordingly if you wish to play.
- Combine with Chaubatia Garden: Chaubatia Garden is 6 km away. Visiting both on the same half-day works well — start with the Golf Course and Upat Kalika Temple, then drive to Chaubatia Garden before heading back to Ranikhet.
- Best viewpoint: The northern end of the course — above the 7th and 8th holes — gives the most direct sightline to Nanda Devi and Trishul. This viewpoint is consistently the most-photographed spot on the course. Arrive before 9 AM for clearest visibility. Check our Ranikhet tour packages for guided access.