Mukteshwar - India HillTop Trips - Cool and pleasant weekend trips

The Hill Resort

Mukteshwar is a spectacular hill resort lying at an altitude of 2,286 m above the sea level in the Kumaon division of the state of Uttaranchal in northern India. Located 42 Km from Haldwani, 51 Km from Nainital and 395 Km from Delhi - Mukteshwar is a beautiful destination which must be visited while holidaying at Uttaranchal. A tour to Mukteshwar will essentially feature an idyllic holiday at this secluded retreat endowed with pleasant weather and breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayas.

Associated with a legend of Lord Shiva who gifted immortality or "mukti" to a demon that he slew, Mukteshwar was a quiet mountain hamlet surrounded by fruit orchards and dense coniferous forests. The place gained prominence when the British developed the Indian Veterinary Research Institute here in 1893. Today, the land is a celebrated scenic destination, overlooking the snow-capped Himalayas
.
While on tour to Mukteshwar, enjoy scenic vistas of the Himalayan peaks of the 6596m-high Neelkantha (Blue-throated Shiva), the 7120m Trishul (Shiva's Trident), the 7817m Nanadadevi (Goddess of Bliss), 6310m Nanadaghunti (the Veil of the Goddess), and the Panchuli Group.

Shopping

Mukteshwar does not have many shops, but if one is eager to buy the local products like candles and woollen shawls and mufflers, Naini Tal has a lot to offer.

Activities

Adventure enthusiasts will find plenty to do in Mukteshwar. There are plenty of great trekking trails here. Some of the most popular ones include the one to Peora and to Almora. Mukteswar to Peora is an 8 Km trek which should take approximately 3 hours. Another trail leads to Almora 16 Km and 5 hours is the time taken for this trek. The path winds through green forests and you would have to cross rippling streams. It will not be possible to return the same day so you would have to spend the night at Almora. For those wanting to push their limits a little further can try their hand at Rock Climbing. The Chauli-ki-Jaali cliffs offer an excellent site for rock climbing. Here you can do various grades of rock-climbing, rappelling, long pitch and artificial climbing.

Trekking

Mukteshwar is famous for trekking trips as it makes for the perfect combination of adventure and fun. Some of the trekking trails are Peora to Mukteswar (8Kms), Peora to Almora (16 Kms), riverside trek (6 Kms) and Binsar to Artola Trek (73 Kms). Trekkers can also chart some new trekking paths if they wish to explore the unknown. Don't forget to put on your trekking shoes and make minimum noise while you trek, so as not to disturb the nature.

Nature Walks

Mukteshwar is the ideal destination for those who want to connect with the nature and absorb its soothing beauty. While it provides for some amazing sightseeing, quite walks in the natural environs have an enticing charm of their own. Nature walks are the best way to rejuvenate your mind and feel afresh. One can go for a long walk in the evening. Early morning nature walks can be the very pleasant to delight in the morning freshness and admire the matchless beauty of the mighty Himalayas.

Rappelling

Rappelling in Mukteshwar can be a fabulous experience. A lot of tourists visit Mukteshwar for the purpose of engaging in rock climbing and rappelling. This can also be coupled with forest picnics or camping to double the fun. Take the necessary equipments along and ensure that you are taking proper protection against danger. Seek the help of professional instructors, if you have not done rappelling before.

Elevation

Mukteshwar - 2,286 m.

Top

Location Details

Mukteshwar is situated at an altitude of 2,286 m above the sea level in the Kumaon division of Uttaranchal. It is 42 Km from Haldwani, 51 Km from Nainital and 395 Km from Delhi.

Top

How to Reach There and Distances

By Air

The nearest airport is at Pantnagar.

By Rail

The nearest railway station is at Kathgodam at a distance of35 Km from Mukteshwar.

By Road

Mukteshwar is well connected by surface network with important town and cities like Haldwani, Kathgodam, Nainital, Moradabad, Delhi.

Top

Best Season to Visit/Weather

Mukteshwar has very pleasant temperature pattern all through the year. Summers during March to May have a maximum temperature of 27 deg C. Winters are cold with temperature varies between 17 deg C to a low 3 deg C. Heavy snowfalls occur during winters. July, August and September are rainy months.

Mukteshwar is beautiful round the year. Summers offers majestic sceneries with the trees heavy with fruits, imposingly snow covered during winters and at the best greeneries during monsoons.

Best time is all through the year, may avoid heavy rainy season and snowy winters. Traffic blocks and flight delays may happen during rainy days and heavy snow falling days

Tourist places near Mukteshwar

Sight Seeing

Mukteshwar is an ideal hill station if you want to do nothing but only admire the panoramic beauty of the Himalayas and leisurely walks through the winding paths of the hills. Mukteshwar Temple is at an altitude of 2,315 m and can be approached by stone stairs. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and has a lingam made of white marble. The idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Ganesh, Nandi and Hanuman surround the lingam. Next to the temple is the Chauli Jali. It is a natural latticework on the rock. It is a belief that barren women are blessed with a child if they touch this jail. Indian Veterinary Research Institute was established in 1898. The campus of the institute has various departments for Research, Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Bacteriology along with a library and a museum. Special permission is required to enter the campus of the institute. How to Reach