Mukteshwar is the pleasing spot at an elevation of 2,285 meters above sea the level in Nainital region of Uttarakhand. The town got its name from 350 years old shrine Mukteshwar where the deity is Lord Shiva. The highest peak on which Mukteshwar shrine stands is offering astounding and spectacular views of the magnificent Himalayan range.
History
Previously town was named 'Muktesar' as quoted in Jim Corbett’s book “The Temple Tiger.” It became popular by its present name from 1947. The town was established by Britishers as a research and education center (IVRI) in 1893. Surrounded with Kumaon hills the town is bounded by fruit plantations and coniferous forestry.
Mythology of Town
As per a Hindu epic, Lord Shiva had a ferocious battle with a demon, when the demon was destroyed Lord Shiva gifted him the Mukti (boon of immortality). The place was renamed to ‘Mukti+Ishwar’ and later changed to Mukteshwar.
Travelers can view the Nanda Devi, Nandaghunti, Nanda Kot, Trishul and Panchachuli peaks from Mukteshwar. One side the town is covered with dense forest and another side is with splendid enchanting valley and the Himalayas ranges. It is the known tourist place that can be visited all year round. It also receives a fair share of snowfall between December to mid-February.
Reason to Visit Mukteshwar
This wonderful Indian tourist place offers a manifestly visible 180-degree view of the imposing Himalayan range. This unpolluted and unaffected spot is having plenty of accommodation options. As per epics, it is held that Lord Shiva killed the demon at this spot and granted him Mukti.
The pristine beauty of Mukteshwar has so much to offer. Wake-up with twittering of birds and sun rays kissing the cliffs and take pleasure of short treks in the jungle. Jim Corbett, the nature lover came here to shoot the tiger, though he fell in love with the natural bounty of Mukteshwar.
Attraction in Mukteshwar
Dhanachuli
The first destination of town at 14 km distance from Mahadev temple. The spot is surrounded by lush green forest and accessible through road. This tiny hamlet hovering place is 7000 feet above the sea level. Dhanachuli is only 26 km away from Bhimtal, that allows visitors to reach Bhimtal as well which is another big tourism spot of Uttarakhand.
Chauli Ki Jali
Also known as Chauthi Jali is the next place to visit here. This spot is located behind the cliff of Mahadev temple at just 250 meters distance from the temple. Chauli means solid rock and Jali means holes. You will find rocks with holes in this area and you have to be careful while visiting this place.
Mukteshwar Temple
An ancient Hindu temple of Lord Shiva at 2312 meters above sea level is next place to visit. This temple is 350 years old offers an enchanting view of the surrounding landscape.
Activities
Adventure Sports: This town is famous for escapade activities such as rock climbing and rappelling. The sagging cliffs at Mukteshwar known as ‘Chauli-ki-Jali’ is another popular spot people like climbing. Paragliding is a popular sport here and travelers can enjoy, though they have to be in the queue.
Hiking/ Trekking: Mukteshwar offers many options for trekking here. As there are countless trekking trails visitors can have a good experience. Peoria to Mukteshwar or towards Almora is the best trekking part of Mukteshwar.
Go Camping: Another good activity to spend time with your family at our destination. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of dense deodar tree forest.
Accommodation in Mukteshwar
Nainital and Ranikhet are two tourism spots closer to Mukteshwar and plenty of accommodations have mushroomed here in the last few years. Luxury hotels and resorts are available with excellent amenities in addition to budget guesthouses.
Mukteshwar is a famous Hill Station and pilgrimage place and it is recommended for Corporates, Couples, Foreigners, Family and Kids, Groups, Solo, etc.
How to Reach Mukteshwar
The town is located in the Nainital region, Kumaon, Uttarakhand. Nainital is properly linked through road and train to various big cities of India. The closest railway station is Kathgodam at 57 km. The nearest airport is Pantnagar at 90 km. Any town of Uttarakhand is linked to major cities of India through road as well so as Mukteshwar.
