Located at just about 10km from the central city area of Ranikhet, Chaubatia Gardens is a place that greets you with open arms and treats you an overgrowth of apple, peach, plums and apricot trees. These gardens are located at a height of about 1800m above sea level.

According to the local language, Chau denotes “four” and Bhatia denotes “path”. It is named thus, because the gardens are located at the intersection point of four cities namely Bhargaon, Ranikhet, Dehrti and Pilkoli. During 1868, Lord Mayo, who was the British Viceroy then, was so enthralled at the beauty of this place that he wanted the British cantonment to be set up here. This was the reason why the Chaubatia cantonment was formed here. The Government Fruit Research Centre controls and manages the growth of fruit trees here. The apple trees and botanical gardens that are found here are a huge hit among the tourists.

The natural beauty, serene ambience and pollution free mountain air that is present here, make Chaubatia Gardens, one of the most ideal picnic spots in the country. The beauty of the fruit trees and orchards are aggravated by the unique step-farming technique followed here. Located at a height of 1800m above sea level, this place gives a panoramic view of the neighboring Himalayan cities and towns of Ranikhet. The peaks of Neelkanth, Nanda Devi, Trishul and Nandaghunti are clearly visible from these gardens. Spread over an area of 600 acres, these gardens claim an exquisite collection of flora and fauna that includes cedar trees, pine trees, Cyprus trees, oak trees and rhododendron trees. There is a famous restaurant here, where you can enjoy a hot cup of tea as you drink in the beauty of the snow-covered peaks.

The fruits available here of great quality, but the prices at which they are available are government regulated and are therefore cheap and affordable. Some of the other high quality products that are available here are fruit squashes and honey. Bhalu Dam and Jhoola Devi Temple (where the Goddess rests on a swing) are some of the other famous landmarks nearby this area. There are close to 200 different varieties of flowers and fruits here.

Best Time to Visit

The period between March and May is classified as summer season here and the temperature here ranges from 8 to 22 degrees Celsius. The climate is really pleasant here. The winter season between November and February hovers around 3 to 7 degrees Celsius. Therefore the temperature is biting cold here. Sometimes, this area also witnesses snowfall during winters. All seasons in the year, except winters, are apt for visiting Chaubatia Gardens.

Timing

The gardens are open for public viewing from 7 in the morning to 7 in the evening.

How to Reach

By Air

Pantnagar airport, at a distance of around 120 km from Ranikhet, is the nearest airport to Chaubatia Gardens. There are lots of private cars, cabs and taxis from the airport at frequent intervals to reach the gardens.

By Rail

Kathgodam Railway station, at a distance of about 80 km from the Ranikhet city, is the nearest railway station to reach Chaubatia Gardens. Many buses and cars are available from the railway station to get to the gardens.

By Road

The National Highway 24 that connects Rampur to Moradabad must be taken first and then one needs to travel on the National Highway 87 that goes to Kathgodam through Haldwani and Rudrapur. The above route has its origin at New Delhi. Buses from Kathgodam to Ranikhet are available through the routes Bhimtal, Bhowali and Khairna.