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| An enchanting view from Chauli Ki Jali, Mukteshwar |
I know it might sound evil or even criminal to many as I post this Ultimate Guide to Mukteshwar amid the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic. Actually, just like anyone, the Covid-19 has taken a heavy mental toll on me and that is precisely why I started to look for some getaways to beat the pandemic blues. I started to look for pictures and posts to digress myself from the social media overload, which is spreading gloom at the moment.
So, I started to search the internet for options to visit after the lockdown curbs are eased. And I felt so happy seeing snowcapped mountains, gorgeous valleys, temples, serene rivers, and waterfalls. This worked like a magic for me and I found so much solace. Since I am in Uttrakhand, it made sense to look out for some exotic places within reasonable driving distance. During this research, I stumbled upon Mukteshwar, a sleepy town in the Nainital district of Uttrakhand, India.
I found it so enchanting that I decided to dig deeper to know more about the place. The more I researched about Mukteswar, the more I fell in love with this little village. It is truly a paradise - in summers, lush green mountains and valleys will enchant you. While in winters, Mukteswar turns into a dreamy place, fully covered in sheets of snow.
If you wish to know everything about Mukteshwar in detail, stay with me on this fascinating journey. Here we will explore everything - right from the history of the place to Mukteshwar Weather and places to see and where to stay. We're going to cover them all in this ultimate guide. Let's dive in!
Mukteshwar is an exotic destination located at an altitude of 2,285 meters in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. With its gorgeous landscape, magnificent orchards, and lush forests, this small settlement is a quiet and secluded town famous for the Mukteshwar Temple, which is devoted to Lord Shiva.
Mukteshwar offers mesmerizing scenic splendor and breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Mukteshwar lies in the Kumaon range and happens to be a popular tourist and pilgrimage center. Here, you can find plenty of stay options for all budgets. Maybe, you can even go on a long vacation (or work mode from vacation) if your schedule and lifestyle allow!
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About Mukteshwar
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| A View of the Himalayas From Mukteshwar |
According to Hindu legend, Mukteshwar is named after the 350-year-old Lord Shiva temple - Mukteshwar Dham. From the top of the mountain, where the Mukteshwar temple stands, you can enjoy stunning views of the impressive Himalayas.
Mukteshwar is situated atop the highest point in the town, on the veterinary institute's campus. Close to it lie the overhanging cliffs, locally known as Chauli-ki-Jali, used for rock climbing and rappelling, with an excellent view of the valleys below. Mukteshwar is famously known for its breezy waterfalls like the Bhalu Gaad, Tarikhet waterfalls, Rudradhari waterfall, and The Dhokaney waterfall.
Then there is Sunrise Point which is located in the PWD guest house. Another tourist attraction is a small village known as Satoli, which is barely 21 km from Mukteshwar. The town is adorned with beautiful hill houses with red roofs, ancient-style window frames made of wood, and picket barriers. Reminiscent of the British Raj, the town will make you travel back in time to its rhythm at a slow pace.
Delhi to Mukteshwar
Approximately 336 km from Delhi, Mukteshwar is a great place to explore and learn about history and mythology while immersing yourself in stunning natural scenery. The area is also famous for the Indian Veterinary Institute, founded in 1893. There is also a renewable park here, which was established by the Energy and Resources Institute.
Nainital to Mukteshwar
The distance between Nainital and Mukteshwar is approximately 50 km which can be covered in about one hour and forty-five minutes by a personal car or a cab.
History
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| A File Photo of Staff (IVRI, Mukteshwar) |
Initially, Muktesar (cited by Jim Corbett in his book Temple Tiger) became known by its current name in 1947. Many locals still call it Muktesar fondly (just like many people call Bombay instead of now, Mumbai). Mukteshwar was home to Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), which was founded back in 1898, but destroyed by a devastating fire and built again in 1901. It was eventually shifted to Izatnagar. However, it still has an experimental goat farm that is one of the tourist attractions today.
Weather
Mukteshwar weather remains pleasant throughout the year. When you Google Mukteshwar temperature in summers, you are likely to find it in the range of 15-30 °C, while winters are colder with temperatures in the range of 0-24 °C. Of course, the July-September monsoon month is the greenest month, with mountains and orchards brilliantly vibrant.
Best Time to Visit
For people looking for a reprieve from the scorching heat, obviously, the best time is March to June. Also, the Mukteshwar temperature is very pleasing from October to November. This is when the temperature is just perfect, the fruits are in bloom and the risk of landslides is limited. Snow hunters and chill-loving people can visit Mukteshwar from December to February.
In other words, you can visit Mukteshwar round the year (barring monsoon months from July to September) as per your choice and convenience.
Reasons to Visit Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar offers stunning 180-degree views of the majestic Himalayas! Mukteshwar is still fairly untouched and largely unaffected by commercial tourism. Here you can wake up to the chirping of birds, stunning sunrises, beautiful views, and nature walks throughout the day.
World-famous hunter Jim Corbett came here to hunt tigers and fell in love with everything nature offers here! In addition, Lord Shiva is believed to have killed the devil here and gave him salvation.
How to Get There
Mukteshwar has excellent connectivity with the rest of the country. It is easily accessible by air, train, and road.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Pantnagar Airport, about 94 km or 58 miles from Mukteshwar. One can easily hire a cab from the airport for Mukteshwar directly.
By Train:
The closest train station to Mukteshwar is Kathgodam, which is approximately 62 km (38.5 miles) away. Kathgodam station is connected to all the big cities of India, including Kolkata, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Therefore, reaching Kathgodam is not difficult. If coming from Delhi, Delhi-Kathgodam Shatabdi is the most convenient option. Once there, tourists can take a local taxi or rent a private car to go to Mukteshwar.
By Road:
Mukteshwar can also be reached by road. Delhi to Mukteshwar distance is around 336 km which usually takes around 8 hours of drive. However, the roads can be steep, so it is recommended that only experienced drivers engage in uphill driving.
Things to Do In Mukteshwar
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| Love Point - Mukteshwar |
Nature Walk: There are many small trails for those who want to get lost in nature! This is an ideal place to explore or go out for a quiet walk. Early mornings are an ideal environment, especially if you visit the place in the summer.
Mukteshwar is also very famous for trekking. Some routes you can take include Piora, Almora, and my favorite riverside trek.
Mukteshwar offers rock climbing opportunities as well as rappelling. The cliffs of Chauli-ki Jaali are a great place to take part in this activity. Of course, you need to take appropriate precautions under the supervision of an expert. Therefore, it is advisable to hire a professional instructor, especially if you are a beginner.
Visitors should not miss the chance of watching Nanda Devi, India's second-highest mountain peak. The mountain is estimated to be about 7,816 meters above sea level or 25,600 odd feet. The peak of Nanda Devi can be seen from Mukteshwar on a clear day, which is a spectacular sight.
Last but not least, you should try camping for at least a night here. Spend some time under glittering stars, spotting the planets and the nearest galaxies. Owing to peace and serenity, this is an excellent place to connect to your higher self and the universe.
Places To Visit:Â Mukteshwar Temple
It goes without saying that when you are in Mukteshwar, you should go to the Mukteshwar Temple. This 350-year-old temple is located at the highest point of Mukteshwar and is recognized as one of the 18 most important temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Tourists come from all over the country throng Mukteshwar Temple throughout the year to seek solace and blessings.
With friends and family, you can click on stunning pictures of landscapes, temple architecture, and views from the summit. There is an element of peace, solace, and amazing calmness in the air. Therefore, people also come to Mukteshwar Temple to practice meditation.
See Bhalu Gaad Waterfall
Bhalu Gaad Waterfall is a 60-foot-high waterfall surrounded by lush trees. This place is not a popular tourist attraction as many do not know about Bhalu Gaad Falls. This is main the reason why the place is so clean and retains the essence of nature's life.
To reach this waterfall, tourists need to stop at Dali and trek to a location about 2 km away. The waterfall is 10 km from the main city of Mukteshwar, so you will have to drive down to the place, have a good time there, and come back to Mukteshwar by early evening.
Where To Stay in Mukteshwar
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| Sunset at Mukteshwar |
Thanks to its genuine pilgrimage status, it is close to other summer resorts such as Nainital and Ranikhet. Mukteshwar also has many accommodation options. Here you can find everything from luxury hotels and resorts to affordable accommodation and homestays.Â
Check out AGODA.COM for the best deals and biggest discounts on Mukteshwar Hotels and Homestays now!
What To Eat
Mukteshwar enjoys many restaurants and eateries that offer a myriad of dining options, from Indian to Continental.
I'm not affiliated with this Cafe in any way, but research shows that this is one place you should definitely try. Not only to eat, but for the scenic beauty, serenity and calmness it offers. Chirping Tales Cafe will make you feel of being in the clouds (literally you will). Must try one of the many assorted cakes here!
The Nirvana Organic Kitchen is also ideal for Italian cuisine and has outdoor seating. I would suggest you go here for a late breakfast and relax all the time you want! The location of this eating joint is truly stunning and the food they serve is lip-smacking!
If you want to enjoy a romantic dinner on vacation, Birdcage's restaurant is the perfect dreamy atmosphere. It's a little expensive, but the quality of the food is excellent. I highly recommend the burgers here!
Shopping at Mukteshwar
There isn't much to offer when it comes to shopping, but when you're here, it's a good idea to buy the famous rhododendron juice and delicious apple jam. You can also buy hand-woven shawls and stoles made of pure wool.
What To Wear?
During the winter, Mukteshwar receives moderate to heavy snowfall, so you need to carry a bomber jacket. In summers, you should carry full-sleeve tees and carry windcheater in your backpack as the temperatures can drop at any time without warning! This I have learned during my stay in Dehradun, where the weather suddenly changes and it starts raining!
Also, when visiting the various shrines and temples around Mukteshwar, be sure to dress conservatively. Casual is allowed, but don't wear flashy ones as they can offend the locals. A pair of nice Crocs sandals or flip-flops will add glam and convenience without being too loud.
Beyond that, make sure you're allowed to carry your camera or click on photos near certain attractions.
Final Words About Mukteshwar
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| A View of the Himalayas From Mukteshwar |
In conclusion, if relaxation, rejuvenation, and some adventure are on the cards for you on your next holiday – head on over to Mukteshwar. As evinced above, it is very well connected with the rest of the country via all modes of transport. Untouched by commercial tourism – Mukteshwar will take you back to a time of simplicity and authenticity.
I can bet that you will fall in love with the quaint little town and want to spend more time here than planned! Given that there is so much to do here you can easily take an entire week to explore the region and the nearby places. If you have any questions regarding this beautiful wonderland – do comment below and I will be happy to answer any of your queries.
Happy traveling!
If you have been to Mukteshwar, do share your experiences by commenting below, I would love to hear back! I will soon post an article about rhododendron juice. This is known to be excellent nectar to combat hypertension and prevent heart attacks. So, stay tuned!Â
Till then, stay safe!👋
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