Jim Corbett, the world renowned hunter and nature lover came to shoot a tiger here and fell in love with its natural beauty.

The sleeping hamlet atop a high soaring 2,286 mtrs into the sky, is a place of unrivaled beauty.

Set amidst the conifer forests and orchards, Mukteshwar offers the most enchanting view of the Himalayas and its snow bound peaks.

Away from the popular hill station environ, Mukteshwar is pure magic. Abundant with apple, plum, peach and apricot trees, this place is a hidden beauty, mostly unexplored.

Among the major peaks visible from here are Nanda Devi (7816 mtrs), Nanda Kot (6861 mtrs), Nandaghunti (6390 mtrs), Trishul and Panchachuli.

The most enchanting thing about this place is it’s serenity and tranquility. The vastness of nature in the background of a boundless sky and mighty Himalayas provides an air, that’s oozing out the elixir of life.

The place surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest was developed by the Britishers as research and education institute (IVRI) in 1893. It is the celebrated scenic spot overlooking long ranges of Himalayas.

The Town of Mukteshwar is associated with a legend of Shiva, who gifted immortality or Mukti to a demon that he slew. Mukteshwar was a quiet mountain hamlet till the  turn of the last century. Today Mukteshwar is an ideal hill station if you want to admire the panoramic beauty of the Himalayas and leisurely walks through the winding paths of the hills. Mukteshwar Temple is at an altitude of 2,312 mtrs and can be approached by stone stairs. The temple is dedicated to Shiva and has a lingam made of white marble. The idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Ganesh, Nandi and Hanuman surround the lingam. Next to the temple is the Chauli ki Jali. It is a natural latticework on the rock. It is a belief that barren women are blessed with kids, if they touch this Jali.

How To Reach

Air- The nearest airport is Pantnagar (152 km’s)

Rail- The nearest rail head is Kathgodam (65 km’s)

Road- The nearest major city is Nainital at a distance of 52 km’s. An uphill drive from Nainital via Bhowali and Dhanachuli is endowed with breathtaking views arround.

Where To Stay(STD Code- 05942)

• KMVN Tourist Rest House         ph.: 286263
• PWD Guest House  (Jim Corbett Stayed here)

Many private hotels are also offering accommodations in and around Mukteshwar.

What To See

Mukteshwar is a quiet paradise. Spend days  and nights immersed completely in nature to detoxify your body and mind completely. On the sunshine days you can easily see the surrounding peaks with your naked eyes, stretching up to the far borders of Nepal.

You can trek to your heart’s content, visit the local temples or do absolutely nothing, just enjoy the bliss around.

Mukteshwar Temple– This place got it’s name from the ancient Shiva temple atop a hill. There is an ashram on the hill, with a hermit living there.

Chauli Ki Jali- A fascinating rocky cliff behind the Mukteshwar temple. Leaning on the edge of the cliff you can have a view of your lifetime of the surroundings and the far off peaks. But be care full.

The particular place is worth a visit. According to local belief, if you make wishes here, they are full filled.

The Market Place- A treasure trove for souvenirs and knick knacks. The local sell trinkets made out of pine cones. You can buy fresh apples or delicious apple jams, or perhaps the never tasted Rhododendron (बुराँश) squash.

Beyond Mukteshwar

Sitla- 5 km’s from Mukteshwar, a picturesque picnic spot and camping ground.

Ramgarh– A tiny hamlet, 25 km’s from Mukteshwar on Mukteshwar-Nanital road. This place is full of Apple and Christmas-trees. It offers a fantastic view of the Himalayas.