Mukteshwar is a hill station, situated in Nainital district in Uttarakhand. Mukteshwar is located about 50 km from Nainital and this place has pleasant weather throughout the year. Tourists come here in the summer season to enjoy the weather and adventure sports. Mukteshwar is located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level. Mukteshwar also receives snow in winter.
Mukteshwar - Story behind name | Mukteshwar Tourist Places to Visit
Every city and town in India has some or the other religious and historical significance and this is also felt in the names of these cities and other places. Why the name Mukteshwar, it is also mentioned in mythology. It is said that Lord Shiva had killed a demon here and granted him liberation i.e. freed that demon from the cycle of life and death. That's why since then the name of this place has been "Mukteshwar".
In the local language, it is also called Muktsar.
Mukteshwar, a Hill Station
Mukteshwar is a small hill station which is not at all like a busy tourist city. Not many commercial markets and facilities are available here, but the pleasant weather gives tourists a new refreshment along with a pleasant and comfortable holiday away from the crowd and noise of the cities.
Mukteshwar Tourist Places and Attractions
Sitla Village
Sitla village, only 5 kilometers from Mukteshwar, is a major attraction for tourists visiting Mukteshwar. Sitla is a small hill station and this place also has mythological significance. A temple of Sheetla Devi is situated here. It is said that Goddess Sheetla first set foot here. It is a small village where not many tourists come. From Sitla, one gets to see the beautiful views of the Himalayan peaks and experience the beautiful weather here.
Devotees come from far and wide to see the Mukteshwar Dham Temple of Mukteshwar and offer prayers here.
Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple
Mukteshwar Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is about 5500 years old. It is said that this temple was built during Mahabharat yug by the Pandavas while they were in exile.
From the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, one gets to see and experience a very beautiful view of the valley and the surrounding nature. This temple is considered a Siddha Peetha and is one of the 18 main temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to mythology, this temple is located at the same place where Lord Shiva killed a demon and freed him.
Every year big religious festivals are organized in this temple. A large number of locals and tourists come here on the day of Mahashivaratri.
Chowley ki Jaali
Chauli ke Jali is located near Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple. This is a hole in a rock about 2 feet long and wide. Chauli ki Jaali is highly recognized and on Mahashivratri, women used to go through this Jaali / hole to the other side of the rock to complete the special ritual . Though now it is not permitted to do so.
Chauli Ki Jali is a famous sunset point. Apart from this, it is a good location for adventure sports. Zip line and flying fox flying activities are also done here.
Dattatrey Sainath Temple
On the way from Nainital to Mukteshwar, there is a temple of Dattatreya Sai Nath, 5 kilometers before Mukteshwar. This temple is dedicated to Sai.
Zero Point of Mukteshwar
This is a view point. It is called zero point because this point is the last point, there is a deep chasm ahead of it. This point is a popular tourist point and view point. It is very relaxing to see the clouds covering the valley from Zero Point and almost every tourist who comes here likes to spend time sitting here. The view here is amazing, especially in the morning and evening.
Bhalu Gad Waterfall
Bhalu Gad Waterfall is a famous waterfall. To visit this waterfall, an entry ticket of Rs 50 per person has to be taken. This waterfall can be seen after going a little far inside the forest. One has to trek for about 2 kilometers to reach the waterfall. This is a beautiful waterfall. Some small waterfalls are also found on the way to Bhalu Gad waterfall and tourists often go back midway considering them as the main waterfalls.
To go to the Bhalu Gad waterfall, it is better to confirm the route information by talking in detail at the ticket window. You can also take a bath in its cool water while visiting the waterfall.
Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow
This inspection bungalow was built during the British period and is known for its location. A beautiful view of the mountains and the valley is available from here. Inspection Bangla is a site near Mukteshwar Temple and people like to spend time here in the morning.
Adventure Sports in Mukteshwar
Uttarakhand is the first choice of tourists for adventure sports. Adventure sports are organized by hotels and tour clubs in Mukteshwar. Here you can enjoy sports like camping, rock climbing, rappelling, mountain biking, zip line, sky walk, paragliding. Paragliding is the most popular adventure activity here.
Fruit Gardens in Mukteshwar
The fruit gardens of Mukteshwar are also an attraction here. Especially trees laden with apples are seen here and there. Malta is also in abundance here and that is the reason why there are Malta juice corners in Mukteshwar. If you come in that season, you can also taste these fresh fruits.
How to reach Mukteshwar
By Flight to Mukteshwar
The best way to reach Mukteshwar is by road. There are good roads from Delhi to Mukteshwar and often tourists from Delhi and nearby areas prefer to come here by their own car. The nearest airport to this hill station is Pant Nagar Airport. The distance from Pant Nagar to Mukteshwar is about 95 kms. There is flight connectivity from Delhi to Pant Nagar Airport in Uttarakhand. Once you reach Pant Nagar Airport, you can reach here by road.
By Train to Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a small hill station which is not connected by train network. The nearest railway station is Kathgodam, which is situated at a distance of about 65 kms. One can reach here from Kathgodam by bus and taxi.
By Road to Mukteshwar
Many tourists who are interested in motor biking come here by bike ride.
If you are traveling by your car then you can easily reach here. Snow is often seen on the way to Mukteshwar in winters, so coming by bike is a bit unsafe.
Shopping in Mukteshwar
If you are willing to go for shopping then you can go to Mukteshwar market. You can buy woolen clothes, shawls etc. from here. Apart from this, you can also buy some craft items from here.
Kilmoda Shop
Kilmora Shop is a popular shop from where you can buy Kumaoni craft items, clothes, show-pieces etc. Here you will also get to see and buy Agri products of Mukteshwar.
Food in Mukteshwar
There are many restaurants serving Kumaoni food in Mukteshwar where you can enjoy both veg and non-veg food. Bhat ki dal and potato gutkas are a famous Kumaoni delicacy here. Apart from this tourist can find a lot variety of Kumaoni dishes and other regional food here.
Stay in Mukteshwar
It takes 1 to 2 days to visit Mukteshwar and its surrounding and see all the tourist spots. Apart from this, the weather and calm atmosphere here is a boon. Tourists keep coming here almost throughout the year, that's why it is better to book in advance. Especially for the weekend, you should go only after booking. For the rest of the days, hotels and homestays are easily available, but that too depends on the weather here.
If you are planning a trip to Mukteshwar during summer, it is advised to do the hotel booking in advance. Hotels will be found in every budget to stay here. For hotel booking, you can book hotels online.
There are many homestays in Mukteshwar. Getting around Mukteshwar becomes very easy with homestays or hotels close to the city centre.