Mukteshwar is situated in the Nainital District of Uttarakhand and is famous for the Mukteshwar temple enshrining the idol of Lord Shiva. Amongst many tourist places of Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar stands out for its breath-taking scenic beauty, vibrant fruit orchards and beautiful coniferous forests. With ample places to visit, this hill station is frequented by tourists who can enjoy the magnificent views of the Himalayas. Recently, Mukteshwar is being developed with many construction units, townships and shopping zones. Read the travel guide further to know about this ideal holiday retreat for people who desire seclusion and tranquillity during vacations.
The name of this town is derived from Lord Shiva, who is known to offer Moksha (salvation) to a demon after killing him here giving it a literal meaning of “Lord offering Salvation”. Situated at an altitude of about 7500 feet in the Kumaon Hill, this city seems like an artist’s canvas with small cottage like homes with red roofs, squared, wooden window frames and picketed barriers. Mukteshwar is famous for Indian Veterinary Research Institute established in 1893 and The Energy and Resources Institute housing a Renewable Park that uses solar electricity. The renowned novel by Jim Corbett ‘The man eaters of Kumaon’ has made this city even more popular with its vivid descriptions. Mukteshwar is well known as the home of the great saint Shri Mukteshwar Maharaj Ji, who dwelled at the Top Cottage Temple where his Samadhi presently exists.
Mukteshwar has no high profile restaurants, but the ones you get are clean, well decorated serving sumptuous local delicacies. In meals, rice is the staple food and lentils play an important role. 'Bhatt' a variety of soybean, 'badis' or dried urad dal, 'mangodi' a kind of moong dal and 'kulath' or rust brown gahat are popular delights during chilling winters. Other favourite dishes are Mundua and Linguda. There are plenty of tea and coffee stalls here.
For regular needs, Mukteshwar has several commercial centres. “Shri Hari Store” is the busiest store offering all your daily need items. You can buy hand woven woollen garments, wood carved items, local paintings, ornaments and of course the famous varieties of basmati rice found here.
After you complete sightseeing in Mukteshwar, you can consider visiting the following destinations situated close by:
- Nainital: One of the most popular hill stations, Nainital is best known for its panoramic mountains, lakes, zoo and wildlife. People who are fond of adventure can enjoy camping, night safari, trekking, nature walk, paragliding, rock climbing and bird watching. It is located around 48 km. away from Mukteshwar.
- Ramgarh: Around 30 km. away, this hill station can be reached just 30 mins. from Mukteshwar by road. This idyllic Himalayan town is best known for its rich orchards.
- Uttarakhand is a hill station paradise. Some of the famous tourist locations nearby include Ranikhet (about 83 km.), Almora (about 51 km.), Bhimtal (about 41 km.) and many more.