Attraction of Mukteshwar

The unexplored heaven of Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar is a small town perched at an altitude of about 2287 metres above sea level, atop the Kumaon hills in Nainital district. For stunning views of the mighty Himalayas, taste of the pahadi aloo (potato) grown on terrace gardens, a break from the chaos and noise of city life, you must make a trip to this magical land. We’ll give you three reasons to put Mukteshwar in Uttarakhand on your travel list:

Gods & demons

Legend has it that Lord Shiva killed a demon king here and granted him salvation. That’s how Mukteshwar got its name. Mukteshwar temple, located on top of the Chauli ki Jali hills, is 350 years old and believed to be the place where the Pandavas asked Lord Shiva for salvation. You don’t have to be religiously inclined to appreciate the serenity and beauty of this place. It offers splendid views of the Kumaon Himalayas peaks like the Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and also the mighty peaks of Adi Nampha of Nepal.

The town is a paradise for hikers and trekking enthusiasts. If you an adventure junkie, you’ll enjoy the rock climbing and rappelling options. Also, anyone who has read Jim Corbett’s famous novel ‘The Man Eaters of Kumaon’, would be fascinated to know that Mukteshwar was his muse.

Looking for a hotel in Mukteshwar is fairly simple. There are plenty of accommodation options – from budget hotels to mid-range and luxury resorts in this part of Uttarakhand.

Date with nature

Legend has it that Lord Shiva killed a demon king here and granted him salvation. That’s how Mukteshwar got its name. Mukteshwar temple, located on top of the Chauli ki Jali hills, is 350 years old and believed to be the place where the Pandavas asked Lord Shiva for salvation.You don’t have to be religiously inclined to appreciate the serenity and beauty of this place. It offers splendid views of the Kumaon Himalayas peaks like the Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi and also the mighty peaks of Adi Nampha of Nepal.

The town is a paradise for hikers and trekking enthusiasts. If you an adventure junkie, you’ll enjoy the rock climbing and rappelling options. Also, anyone who has read Jim Corbett’s famous novel ‘The Man Eaters of Kumaon’, would be fascinated to know that Mukteshwar was his muse.

Looking for a hotel in Mukteshwar is fairly simple. There are plenty of accommodation options – from budget hotels to mid-range and luxury resorts in this part of Uttarakhand.

Date with nature

Thanks to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, which possesses most of the land and deep forests that surround Mukteshwar, you’ll be in good company here. From Rhesus monkeys and langurs to deer and the Himalayan black bear, not to forget, the chirpy mountain birds, a stay at Mukteshwar promises a unique rendezvous with nature. Fancy some bird watching and wildlife spotting?

The weather in Mukteshwar is pleasant all through the year. In summers (March to May) the temperature ranges from 27°C to 10ºC, while in winters (October-February) it’s usually between 17°C to 3°C with the possibility of snowfall. The monsoons (July-September) paint the hill station with gorgeous shades of green. However, do note that heavy rains and snowy winters can sometimes lead to traffic blocks and flight delays.

For the love of fruits

When in Mukeshwar, do visit Ramgarh. Barely 26 km away, it’s a hill station located at an altitude of 1789 metres above the sea level on Bhowali-Mukteshwar Road. Popularly known as ‘the Fruit Bowl of Kumaon’ – courtesy its verdant orchards of peach, apricots, pears and apples – Ramgarh is a real revelation for most city folks.

The erstwhile cantonment of the English army still houses the heritage structures that once housed the British and Indian officers. The Ramgarh bungalows – that is, The Old Bungalow and The Writers’ Bungalow – are a must-visit. There are also famous ashrams of Rabindranath Tagore and social worker Narain Swami. Incidentally, this is the place where Mahadevi Varma, the legendary Hindi poet, got the inspiration to pen down Lachma, one of her most celebrated works. Do drop in at the library dedicated to the famous poet.

There’s no dearth of good hotels and resorts in Ramgarh, making it a viable stay option.