Mukteshwar

When we start traveling nature starts showing us its many different colors and it's really beautiful to see these changes.
Over the time I have learned one thing: the more we travel and explore, the more chances we get  to see the different colors of nature.
This time we planned to head towards a small hill station in the state of Uttarakhand named Mukteshwa. It is around 51Km from Nainital.

Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is at the altitude of 2286 meters and is one of the highest point in  Kumaon Hills.At a distance of about 395KM from Delhi Mukteshwar is a destination for all those travelers who are in search of peace, a place which is not a typical hill station.
On reaching Mukteshwar I felt that this is the place where I want to spend some time close to myself to think about myself.

Mukteshwar is not a big hill station, it's a small hill station covered with green forests.
This is not the place for those who expect a big market or quality eating places or a walk on the Mall road. This is the place to enjoy the nature, to listen to the air passing you, to watch birds, the colors of sunset and sunrise. This is the place for all those who are seeking peace and want some closure with their soul.

What to Do
This is not a very big hill station where one has a lots of activities to pursue, but still in Mukteshwar there are many things which can be done.

Muktashwer Dham:
This is a 350 years old temple of lord Shiva, this place has driven its name from this temple. The Temple is situated at the highest point in the town. It  gives an eye catching view of the Valley and the surroundings.
Our recommendation is to spend some time in the temple.

Chauli ki Jali:
This is one of the main attraction points of  Mukteshwar, an overhanging cliffs, used for rock climbing and rappelling. This place in itself gives a panoramic view of the Valley. We found it hard to stand on the rocks due to the intensity of the wind.
Chauli means rock and Jali means a hole, so it all means a hole in the rock.There is one point in these rocks where there is a hole in the rock, as per locals, women who are not able to conceive tend to cross this hole on Maha_Shivaratri and it is believed that after crossing this they will be blessed with a child.

Rock climbing charges were ranging from 150 INR to 350 INR based on the height one is opting.

Walk:
Mukteshwar is a gift of the nature and the best thing to do here is to go for a walk. Just go anywhere in this area and you will find yourself close to nature

Sunset/Sunrise
Being one of the top point in Kumaon Hills this place provides an ever refreshing view of sunrise and sunset. Just stand and watch the colors of the sun and you will realize how beautiful nature is for you, we have seen one of the most beautiful sunset here in Mukteshwar.

Night Safari:
For all those who love a little adventure you can go for a night safari, ask the person of the hotel/resorts about the details.
Note: This is not a typical Night Safari, all they will arrange you to have a night walk in the forests. So get all details before going for it.

IVRI campus:
One can have a walk around IVRI campus.

Where to Stay:
One can find a lot of options to stay at Muktashwer and all these options are available in a very budgeted manner.There is IVRI hostel as well rest house.
KMVN also provides a guest house at Muktashwer which can be booked online or over phone.
Beside these there are many hotels/resorts available in Muktashwer.
Since it is not such a popular hill station one will not find any problem in getting accommodation.
Our recommendation is to book hotel in Muktashwer  itself after looking at the location and view.

Best Time :
Some people prefer to go to Hill station in the summer to get some relief from the heat. We believe that the best time to go to Muktashwer is during winters when the surroundings will be covered by the white sheet of the snow or at the monsoon time when one will be able to see how the drops of the rain will enhance the beauty of this place.

Communication:
All major network operators works well here.

Road Condition:
Road up to Muktashwer is over all in good condition, due to the hilly area roads are small and if you are not much comfortable with the hill driving, we recommend you to avoid self driving, hire a locale vehicle and enjoy the nature and its beauty.

How to Reach:
Only way to reach Muktashwer is by road.
Nearest railway station to Muktashwer is Kathgodam which is about 65KM from Muktashwer, one can hire a taxi from Kathgodam .
For those who want to choose air way, the nearest airport is Pantnagar which is around 85KM away.

Medical Help:
Only first level medical help will be available at Muktashwer, one has to go to Kathgodam or Nanitaal for detailed help.
In case of any emergency dial 108, this is an emergency help service being operated by the Uttrakhand government and you will get quick help by them, so keep handy this number.

Precautions:
While going to Muktashwer we have certain recommendations for you
1. Carry your first aid medical box.
2. If you are on medication do carry them and in buffer you will not get any good medical shop there.
3. Carry some light woollen clothes if you are going in summers/monsoon and heavy clothes for winters.
4. In Monsoon time consult locals in Bhimtaal about the road condition as well about any road blockage, in the rainy season it's common to have landslides or road blocks in this area.
5. If you are not comfortable or experienced with hill driving, it is good to hire a local taxi especially in the monsoon when the roads become slippery.

We will suggest you to go for Muktashwer and we found this place really really good. Avoid this place if you are city-addicted since the solitude and nature will bore you.

We hope that soon you will start packing you bag for this beautiful place and we wish you the best of journey in advance.
If you still have any question about this place do write to us and we will be happy to assist you to make your trip a memorable and a long lasting memory.