Monsoon Holidays: Mukteshwar - The Charming Kumaon Hills

As far as sightseeing is concerned Mukteshwar doesn’t have much to offer which in a way is a blessing in disguise for it lets you enjoy the beauty of nature. There is a century old Shiva Temple, popularly known as the Mukteshwar Temple located on top of a hill which attracts a lot of devotees during the annual Shivratri festival. A few meters (250mts) from the Mukteshwar Temple is the Chauti Jaali – a rocky cliff jutting 500 ft out from the hill and offering splendid views of the mountains and of the town of Ramgarh as well. There is also a small but dangerous hole in the cliff and it is said that if one managed to make a parikarma through it, alltheir wishes will be fulfilled. However, one needs to be very careful about it, a single miss-step and you bade the world good bye.

More than a century old Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) is another place worth visiting. A beautiful colonial style structure, the institute besides having one of the best veterinary hospitals in the area also takes care of the animals and birds of the Mukteshwar forest. Still, nothing can beat this small hill station as far as the views of the Himalaya range are concerned. Here one can enjoy 180 degree uninterrupted view of the Himalayan snow peaks namely the Neelkantha - named after Lord Shiva - the three pronged peaks of the Trishul or the 'trident of the Shiva', Nandaghunti or the 'Veil of the Goddess', Nandadevi, the goddess of bliss & the second highest peak in India and the five-pronged Panchchuli on a clear sunny day.

Getting a room at Mukteshwar is not a problem, for the hill station has plenty of resorts, home stays and hotels - ranging from budget to luxury category. Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam also has a tourist guest house at Mukteshwar, which can be booked online. Check out hotels in Mukteshwar.

By Air: Nearest airport is at Pantnagar, which is 111 km away. One can hire a taxi from the airport to reach Mukteshwar.

By Rail: Kathgodam is the nearest rail head, which is 77 km away from Mukteshwar.

By Road: Mukteshwar is 351 km from Delhi (8 hours approx) and is 26 km ahead of Ramgarh. The quickest route is via Bhimtal, Bhowali and Ramgarh. Nainital is 53 km while Haldwani is 49 km from Mukteshwar.

Check Driving Directions from Delhi to Mukteshwar