Mukteshwar is another gem in the Nainital District, Kumaon Uttarakhand. Located at an elevation of 2,285 mts, the tiny hamlet is the namesake of a 350-year-old temple Mukteshwar Dham whose residing deity is Lord Shiva. The views from the top of the mountain, also the location of the Mukteshwar Temple, offers you stunning 180-degree views of the vistas!
Here’s all you need to know about this little offbeat place in Uttarakhand that has so much to offer!
Let's quickly dive into the details:
About Mukteshwar
The unspoiled beauty of Mukteshwar has a lot to offer and then some! It is believed that Jim Corbett had visited this place to hunt tigers and yet fell in love with the natural munificence.
Major peaks such as the Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Nandaghunti, Trishul, and Panchachuli are clearly visible from here. On one side, you’ll witness Mukteshwar covered in dense forest, but on the other side – there is a stunning view of the valley and far-off peaks.
History
Mukteshwar was developed by the British as a research and education institute (IVRI) in 1893. Up until 1893 – the region mostly remained in hollows and was known for ancient temples. Early citing of the place is in Jim Corbett’s book “The Temple Tiger” as Muktesar.
The current name and its association are the same started after 1947. Nobel prize-winning scientist – Robert Koch had visited the hamlet in the 1900s and created a cold room, using only biological materials! It is a beautiful specimen and a must-visit at the museum in the region!
Mythology
As per Hindu mythology, Shivji conquered a fierce battle with a demon at Mukteshwar. When the demon was annihilated, Shiv Ji gifted him with Mukti – the boon of immortality. Therefore, this is how the region came to be known as Mukteshwar – Mukti + Ishwar, or immortality granted by God.
Trip Ideas: Have you been to Munsiyari? If you have more days in hand, you can plan to add this place to your Kumaon trip plan.
Mukteshwar Weather
Mukteshwar enjoys the perfectly pleasant weather of the lower Himalayas with the summers never getting too warm and the winters enjoy small amounts of snowfall! It is truly a magical wonderland with temperatures ranging from 25-30 Degrees (max) in the summer months to -5 degrees (minimum) in the winter months. Remember to carry enough layers with you as the sun can be a mischievous being in the hills!
Best time to visit Mukteshwar
This destination is pretty safe to visit throughout the year. In fact, even in the monsoon months – you can drive up to Mukteshwar. However, this endeavor should be undertaken if you’re a seasoned mountain driver.
How to reach Mukteshwar
Well connected to most of the important towns in Uttarakhand, it is easy to reach this tiny village. Situated around 336 KMs from Delhi, you can reach Mukteshwar by Air, Rail, or Road.
By Air
The nearest airport to Mukteshwar is Pantnagar, around 90 km from the village. You can easily find cabs and buses plying the route from here to Mukteshwar. Pantnagar enjoys 4 direct flights (and round trips) from Delhi every week
By Rail
The nearest railway station is 57 km away, at Kathgodam. Again, you’ll easily find cabs (shared and private) as well as buses from Kathgodam to Mukteshwar.
By Road
Buses are easily available from ISBT to Haldwani, Nainital, Almora, and Mukteshwar. Taxis are also easily available to reach Mukteshwar. Many private buses also operate luxury buses to reach the village in Kumaon.
Trip Ideas: You can also travel to Binsar, which is also an offbeat place in Uttarakhand and pretty nearby as well.
Things to Do in Mukteshwar
If you’re looking for scenic and natural connectivity, it is an amazing place. But, if you’re also seeking thrill and adventure –Mukteshwar has a ton to offer here as well!
Adventure Sports
Rock Climbing and Rappelling are quite fun in Mukteshwar, given the stunning scenic location. The overhanging cliffs near Mukteshwar – Chauli ki Jali – is a popular rock climbing destination. Another great activity to partake in is paragliding.
Camping in Mukteshwar
Bang in the lap of nature- you’ll have a fool-proof plan if you decide to camp under the starry skies up there in the region. Given the magical, mystical location amongst the dense Deodar trees, Mukteshwar is a glorious camping site.
Trekking/Hiking
There are many trekking trails near Mukteshwar – such as – Peora to Mukteshwar, or Peora to Almora as well as Binsar to Artola.
Places to visit in Mukteshwar
The tiny hamlet is quite blessed with a lot to do in and around the region. Let me break it down for you –
Mukteshwar Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is an ancient temple after which the village has been named. This 350 years old Shiva temple, is perched at an elevation of 2,312 meters above sea level and offers an enchanting view of the surreal landscape.
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While the temple boasts of humble and simple architecture with a stone staircase leading to the deity’s heavenly abode – the Shiv Linga has huge religious significance. This temple is believed to be one of the 18 important Shiv temples.
Chauli ki Jali
As I said above, Chauli Ki Jali also known as Chauthi Jali is a visitor’s attraction located behind the cliff of Mukteshwar temple. It is located at a distance of 250 meters from the temple. ‘Chauli’ means rock and ‘Jali’ means hole. Truly a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike – the rock climbing experience here is out of the ordinary!
Dhanachuli
At an astounding elevation of 7,000 feet, Dhanachuli is only a few KMs from Mukteshwar. With stunning views of the Himalayas, the dense forests, and the orchards all around – Dhanachuli offers the perfect companion for your nature connectivity.
Other nearby places
While the place itself has so much to offer, there’s, even more, to explore around the region –
Nainital
Situated 50 km from Mukteshwar – Nainital needs no introduction. The lake District is dotted with lakes – Nainital, Bhimtal, Naukuchiatal, Khurpatal, Sattal. Especially at night time, the city feels like there is one more under the stagnant water body.
Ramgarh
Situated 25 km from Mukteshwar, Ramgarh is at an elevation of 1789 mts and offers a very tranquil environment. Full of orchards and with stunning snow-laden mountains as the view to keep you company – Ramgarh is a quintessential Himalayan experience.
Where to stay in Mukteshwar
Given the close proximity to Nainital and Ranikhet etc. – Mukteshwar enjoys a bunch of options for accommodations. These include the entire diaspora from luxury to budget or guesthouses and camping options. The ever trusty KMVN is also available in Mukteshwar.
If you’re looking for a luxury stay (read for honeymoons etc.) is DYO- the Organic Village Resort. It has some of the most stunning views and will give you the most stunning views each morning. Worth every penny!
What to Eat
There are a bunch of restaurants in Mukteshwar with all sorts of cuisine available from Chinese/Tibetan to North and South Indian. Continental food is also available in addition to all the regional cuisine.
Trip Ideas: Have you checked our most common itinerary of Kumaon followed by 1000s of travelers?
Other Travel Tips
- Mukteshwar is a destination that can be visited all year round.
- Mukteshwar also receives its fair share of snowfall from the last week of December last week to mid-February.
- Ideally, you should spend at least 3 days in the region to fully immerse yourself in the experience
- The cab far from the railway station to Mukteshwar is around INR 100
- ATM facility is available in the town as well as other services such as hospitals, phone connectivity, etc.
- Do purchase the Rhododendron juice concentrate when you’re here!
Conclusion
Perfect extended weekend getaway or even an off-beat honeymoon destination – The place has a lot to offer for all alike. Whether you love adventure or are seeking to reconnect with nature, head on to Mukteshwar for a perfect rejuvenation and relaxation experience.
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Still untouched by commercial tourism, the place retains its charm and manages to keep afloat while packing a punch. I hope the above guide has been helpful in your planning for a weekend getaway. However, if you need any more or specific information, please feel free to reach out and I will be happy to guide you along!
