Mukteshwar is a scenic hill station in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand famous for temples, waterfalls, hills, orchards, meadows, and coniferous jungles. The place is named after a 350-year-old temple Mukteshwar Dham dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. In this Mukteshwar Travel Guide, get mesmerizing views of snow-clad Himalayan mountain ranges (Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli, and Neelkanth). From this place, tourists can get a breathtaking view of Nanda Devi, the second-highest peak in India.
In the year 1893, the Britishers converted this hill station into a research and educational hub. The fascinating novel “Man-Eaters of Kumaon” by the famous British hunter and naturalist Jim Corbett has made Mukteshwar very popular. The famous British hunter killed six endangered Kumaon Tigers, including the Champawat Tiger and the Panar Cheetah, which were responsible for killing hundreds of residents of the region.
In addition, verdant trails and narrow lanes make it an ideal place for trekking. Rock climbing, rappelling, and paragliding attract adventure lovers to this hill station. Little cottages and homes exhibit British colonial style, which captivates history buffs. Every year lakhs of tourists flock here to see the scenic beauty away from the mundane city life and spend a few moments of relaxation in the lap of nature.
Legend Of Mukteshwar Temples, Hills, And Waterfalls
It is believed that Lord Shiva bestows “moksha” on the devotees. As per legend, Lord Shiva fought a fierce battle with a demon and killed him. Later the deity gifted him with salvation (Mukti). Thus, this place came to be known as Mukteshwar.
Where Is Mukteshwar Temples?
Mukteshwar is located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand (Uttarakhand). Mukteshwar’s Height from Sea Level is 2171 meters in the Kumaon Hills. Mukteshwar Tour Packages from Namaste India Trip cover all the major attractions in and around Mukteshwar.
Places To Visit in Mukteshwar Temples
Visit various tourist places in Mukteshwar and appreciate its beauty. Let us learn more about some of the hidden gems in the hills.
Mukteshwar Shiv Temple
Mukteshwar Temple or Mukteshwar Dham is a Shiva temple on top of a hill. Devotees climb 100 steps to reach the temple. The idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Hanuman, and Nandi are installed along with Lord Shiva. It is believed that there was a war between the goddess and the demon. Along with this, Kalki, the future incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is also seated here.
The kings of the Katyuri dynasty built the temple in the 10th century at an altitude of 2315 meters amidst beautiful natural scenery and tall deodar and oak trees. The hill town is named after this ancient temple. It is believed that this entire temple was built in a single night. Devotees offer bells in the temple when their wishes are granted. It also serves as a picnic spot for tourists.
Mukteshwar Temple Timings: 06:00 am to 08:00 pm
Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow
The inspection bungalow of the Public Works Department (PWD) is a major tourist attraction near Mukteshwar Temple. Here, you can take in the beauty of sunrise views in the Himalayas and enjoy holiday accommodation. The eminent British hunter “Jim Corbett” had spent time here while strategizing the plan to kill the tigers. Nanda Devi Peak can be seen completely and tourists coming to Mukteshwar should see a glimpse of this attractive beauty. It exhibits colonial architecture.
Chauli Ki Jali
Chauli Ki Jali is situated on the top of the highest mountain. A short walk through the temple leads to Chauli ki Jali or Chauthi ki Jali. This place gives a panoramic view of the entire Mukteshwar city, Almora, and the snow-clad hills. One of these rocks has a big hole in the middle of the rock. It is believed that if a childless woman passes through this hole on Shivratri, then she will conceive and have a child. You can unwind at this place during the morning hours.
Timings: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm
Brahmeshwar Dham Temple
Brahmeshwar is a Shiva temple, situated above the Chauli Ki Jali. The temple harbors four other temples on its premises. Small ponds and intricate sculptures are the main attractions.
Bhalu Gaad Waterfall
Bhalu Gaad is a picturesque waterfall at Mukteshwar in the Nainital district. It is 10 kilometers from Mukteshwar, and you must trek 2 kilometers through a dense green forest. This natural waterfall is a hot spot for fishing, picnics, and nature walks.
Entry Fee: INR 20, Guide Charges: INR 200
Timings: 08:30 am to 05:00 pm
Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI)
Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) is an important center for veterinary medicine. It lies at the intersection of Gagar and Gangolihat ranges of Kumaon hills at an altitude of 7620 feet. The center was established in 1885 at the recommendations of Col. J. H. B. Halan. British Museum, library, and courtyard garden are the main attractions. It is a good place to get information about animals.
Timings: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Dhanachuli
Dhanachuli is a perfect holiday spot near Mukteshwar at an altitude of 7000 feet. It is famous for apple orchards, dense forests, and the beautiful hills of the Himalayas.
Sargakhet
Sargakhet is a birder’s paradise. This place attracts bird lovers for a variety of birds. Besides, it is a hot spot for adventure activities of hiking, paragliding, and camping.
Sitla (Sheetla Village)
Sheetla Village is 5 kilometers away from Mukteshwar. It is famous for trekking, bird watching, and photography. You can marvel at 180-degree views of Nanda Devi, Panchachuli, and Trishul Peak from here. Api and Nahapa Mountains at the end of this area lie across the Nepal border.
Ramgarh
Ramgarh is a small town around 17 kilometers from Mukteshwar. It is famous for the fruit market, where you can buy peaches, apples, apricots, and Poolam. The Nobel laureate Guru Rabindranath Tagore composed Gitanjali. That is why the place has got the name Tagore Top. The famous poet, Mahadevi Varma, used to live in Ramgarh, and Mahadevi Varma Srijanpeeth was founded in her memory.
Peora
Peora is an eco-tourism spot in the Kosiyakutoli tehsil of Nainital. It is 8 kilometers from Mukteshwar. It is regarded as the fruit bowl of Uttarakhand. The entire village is ringed by Sal, Deodar, Oak, Barun, Kapal, and Rhododendron trees. Bird watching, viewing Himalayan Ranges, and trekking are popular activities.
Nathuakhan
Nathuakhan is a small village in the Kumaon hills of Mukteshwar. Small wooden and stone country clubs adorn the landscape of this beautiful village. It is 19 kilometers from Mukteshwar.
Rajarani Temple
Rajarani is an ancient temple built in the 11th century. It is famous for intricate stone sculptures.
Kilmora Shop
Kilmora shop is an ideal place to buy winter wear, toys, cereals, herbs, spices, and fruit processed products. Kilmora Apricot Oil and hand-woven shawls are the best items to purchase.
Accommodation in Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar has numerous budget lodges, guesthouses, hotels, and resorts to suit all pockets. You can choose the best one as per your requirements.
- Mukteshwar Luxury Resorts – Digantaa Resort, Dyo-The Organic Village Resort, Ojaswi Himalayan Resort, Frozen Woods Resorts, Mukteshwar Heritage, etc.
- Mukteshwar 5 Star Hotels – Adrushya Estate by Vista Rooms, Writers Retreat in the Himalayas, Vayu Retreat.
Local Food in Mukteshwar
Aloo Ke Gutke, Sisunak Saag (leafy vegetable), Kappa (green curry), Rus, and Bhang Ki Khatai are local Kumaoni delicacies. You can get Chinese and continental cuisines at some select restaurants. The majority of restaurants serve North Indian food.
How to Reach Mukteshwar?
Mukteshwar is conveniently accessible to other parts of India by a network of buses, trains, and airplanes. Mukteshwar from Nainital is 51 kilometers away. Haldwani is 72 kilometers, and you may have to travel 343 kilometers from Delhi.
- By Air: The nearest domestic airport is 100 kilometers from Pantnagar, and Delhi is the nearest international airport to Mukteshwar. Mukteshwar has regular flights from Delhi. Reserve a prepaid taxi to Mukteshwar from the airport.
- By Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest railhead to Mukteshwar 73 km away. Kathgodam has trains from Delhi, Dehradun, Agra, and other major cities of India. After arriving at Kathgodam, you can catch a taxi or bus to reach the hill town.
- By Road: Regular government and private luxury buses ply to Mukteshwar from neighboring cities, such as Kathgodam, Delhi, Haldwani, Nainital, etc. You can hire a cab to get here.
Best Time to Visit Mukteshwar
You can visit Mukteshwar any time of the year for its pleasant climate. Between March and May, nights are cool with warm days. The temperature reaches a maximum of 27°C.
Things to Do at Mukteshwar
During your excursion at Mukteshwar, you can take part in various exciting activities to make your vacation interesting in the hill town:
- You can buy apple jams, rhododendron squash, and rhododendron juice (burans) from the local market. Kumaun Grameen Udyog in Kasiyalekh sells hand-woven stoles and shawls.
- Engage in rappelling and rock climbing. Chauli Ki Jali Cliffs is a good spot for rock climbing.
- Go trekking on famous routes from Peora to Mukteshwar, Peora to Almora, Binsar to Artola, and riverside trek.
- Go on early morning nature walks to admire the beauty of hills and greenery.
- You can go camping in the natural surroundings. Contemporary camping, boutique camping, winter camping, historical camping, work camping, and survivalist camping are various types of camping in the hill town. Wildrift Purple Camp and Naina Devi Jungle Camp are some of the camps.
- You can try paragliding at Mukteshwar and even enroll in paragliding courses.
Conclusion
As we have described all about this Mukteshwar travel guide. If you are also a person who wants to know about Mukteshwar before going on a trip, this page helps you explore more. Such as how you can reach out to this place and what kind of things or activities you can do there during making your trip.
However, if you are also a Devotee of the Shiv and want to visit Mukteshwar Shiv Temple within your budget. Then you should read this blog very carefully it will definitely help you to know everything and want to get a completely reasonable trip, you can visit Uttarakhand tour packages to make your trip affordable with exclusive accommodation facilities.
FAQs For Mukteshwar Temples, Hills, and Waterfalls
How Many Days Are Enough For Mukteshwar?
One or two days are good enough to explore the picture-perfect town of Mukteshwar in the Nainital district.
Is Mukteshwar Open To Tourists?
Mukteshwar is a year-round destination that is open to visitors throughout the year.
Is There Snowfall In Mukteshwar?
Mukteshwar receives a sparse snowfall in December and January for a wonderful experience in the hill town.
Is It Worth Going To Mukteshwar?
Mukteshwar hill town is worth visiting for attractions, such as the Chauli ki Jali mountain cliff, Nanda Devi Hills, Mukteshwar Temple, and adventure sports.
Why Is Mukteshwar Famous?
Mukteshwar is famous for its beautiful view of Himalayan peaks, coniferous forests, Rolling Meadows, waterfalls, temples, and fruit orchards. It attracts adventure lovers for rappelling and rock climbing.