Nature · Ranikhet, Kumaon
Chaubatia orchards and viewpoint
Ten kilometres south of Ranikhet, Chaubatia's government orchards and fruit research centre fill a slope with apple, peach, plum and apricot trees. Walk the orchard paths, buy juice and preserves, and look north to the snow peaks from the viewpoint.
Photo: Ibn Batoota · CC BY-SA 2.0 · CommonsChaubatia's name means the meeting of four paths, from the Kumaoni words for four and path, after the junction of roads to Bhargaon, Ranikhet, Dehrti and Pilkholi. It lies at about 1,800 m. The government garden and fruit and vegetable research centre here run the orchards and test fruit varieties for the hills.
Visitors can walk the orchard paths and the garden. In March and April the trees blossom white and pink; from July to September apples and other fruits ripen. A small sales counter usually sells juices, squashes and jams made from the orchard's fruit. Buy here and you support the hill fruit economy directly.
On clear days, especially from October to December, the viewpoint near the gardens looks north to the peaks of the Trishul and Nanda Devi groups. Combine the trip with Jhula Devi temple on the same road. Keep to paths, do not pick fruit, and carry your rubbish out.
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Questions
Before you book
What does Chaubatia mean?
In Kumaoni, chau means four and bat means path, so Chaubatia is the meeting point of four paths, after the road junction there.
When is the best time to visit Chaubatia gardens?
Late March and April for blossom, July to September for fruit, and October to December for clear mountain views. Winters are cold but quiet.
Can I buy fruit at Chaubatia?
A sales counter usually sells juices, squashes and preserves, and fresh fruit in season. Stock varies, so check on arrival.