Mukteshwar is a small hill station located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. Though it’s not as well known as some of the other Himalayan hill stations, Mukteshwar offers stunning views of the snow-capped peaks and a chance to get away from the crowds. If you’re looking for a quiet, serene retreat surrounded by nature, Mukteshwar is worth a visit.
Nestled in the heart of the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, Mukteshwar is a sleepy little town known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate. But what many visitors to Mukteshwar don’t know is that this idyllic hamlet is also known as the ‘Apple Country. For years, the orchards of Mukteshwar have been producing some of the finest apples in India.
The climate here is perfect for apple cultivation, and the rich soil provides the ideal conditions for the trees to flourish. As a result, Mukteshwar’s apples are crisp, juicy, and full of flavor.
Every year, hordes of tourists come to Mukteshwar to sample the delicious apples and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Himalayas. So if you’re ever in Uttarakhand, be sure to pay a visit to Mukteshwar – the Apple Country.
Mukteshwar was originally a part of the Shivalik Hills but was separated from it by the Kosi River about 8 million years ago. The hill upon which Mukteshwar sits consists of granite, gneiss, and slate rocks. These rocks are believed to be part of the Lesser Himalayas, which were formed about 55 million years ago.
The climate of Mukteshwar is moderate throughout the year. Summers are cool and winters are cold, with temperatures occasionally dipping below freezing point. The average annual rainfall in Mukteshwar is about 250 cm. Snowfall occurs here occasionally in winter.
Mukteshwar is a beautiful place with a serene atmosphere. It is an ideal destination for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy some peace in nature’s lap.
Why Visit Mukteshwar
Getting There
Mukteshwar by Road
The easiest way to get to Mukteshwar is by road. The town is connected to the major city of Delhi by a good network of highways and roads. From Delhi, it’s a relatively short and scenic drive of around six hours. You can also reach Mukteshwar from other nearby towns and cities such as Nainital and Almora. If you’re driving from Delhi, take the NH 24 highway north until you reach Hapur. From there, take the NH 34 highway east until you reach Moradabad. From Moradabad, take the NH 87 highway northeast until you reach Kashipur. Finally, from Kashipur take the NH 309 highway north until you reach Mukteshwar.
Mukteshwar by Rail
If you prefer to travel by rail, there are a few trains that go directly to Mukteshwar from Delhi. The fastest train is the Himalayan Queen, which takes around eight hours. Several slower trains make the journey in 10-12 hours. These include the Garib Rath Express and the Uttarakhand Sampark Kranti Express. To catch any of these trains from Delhi, board Old Delhi Railway Station and head for Kathgodam station, which is the final stop on the line.
Mukteshwar by Air
The nearest airport to Mukteshwar is Pantnagar Airport, which is located about 90 kilometers away in the city of Pantnagar. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Delhi to Pantnagar airport. However, there are direct flights from Delhi to Dehra Dun airport, which is located about 150 kilometers away from Mukteshwar. From either airport, you can either rent a car or take a bus or taxi to Mukteshwar. The journey by car or bus will take around three hours.
Things to Do in Mukteshwar
There’s plenty to keep you occupied during your stay in Mukteshwar. If you’re feeling energetic, you can go for hikes in the surrounding forests or even try rock climbing. Or if you prefer something more relaxed, you can simply enjoy the views from your hotel room or take a stroll through the town. Be sure to try the local strawberries – they’re delicious!
1. Visit the Mukteshwar Temple
The Mukteshwar Temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mukteshwar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is said to be over 500 years old. The temple is located on the top of a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
2. Explore the Mukteshwar Market
The Mukteshwar Market is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs or try some local food. The market is located in the center of town and sells a variety of items, including clothes, jewelry, and food.
3. Go Hiking in the Himalayan foothills
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of Mukteshwar is to go hiking in the Himalayan foothills. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s a trail here that suits your level. With many different levels of difficulty, ranging from easy to challenging, you’ll find the perfect hike for you.
4. Visit a Tea Plantation
Mukteshwar is located in the heart of India’s tea country and is home to numerous tea plantations. A visit to one of these plantations is a great way to learn about how tea is grown and processed. Many plantations offer tours and tastings, so you can sample some of the region’s finest teas.
5. Take a Cable Car Ride
One of the best ways to get a bird’s eye view of Mukteshwar is to take a cable car ride up to the top of Nanda Devi peak. The ride takes about 20 minutes and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains.
6. Go Birdwatching
Mukteshwar is home to a variety of birds, including eagles, kites, hawks, and finches. The best place to go birdwatching is at one of the many lakes in the area, such as Sattal Lake or Naukuchiatal Lake.
7. Visit a Local Winery
Mukteshwar is located in India’s premier wine-growing region and is home to several wineries. A visit to one of these wineries is a great way to learn about Indian wine culture and taste some of the region’s finest wines. Many wineries offer tours and tastings, so you can sample a variety of wines before you buy them.
8. Go Camping in Nainital National Park
Nainital National Park is located just outside Mukteshwar and offers a variety of camping options for both tents and RVs. The park also has numerous hiking trails, so you can explore its lush forests and meadows at your own pace
Where to Stay in Mukteshwar
There are several nice hotels and guesthouses to choose from in Mukteshwar. We recommend staying at the Himalayan View Retreat, which offers beautiful views of the mountains from its rooms and garden. Another good option is the Sunset Inn, which has its own strawberry farm where you can pick your own fruit to eat during your stay!
Mukteshwar is Famous for?
You might be forgiven for thinking that Mukteshwar is famous for its temples. You would be right, to some extent. But there is more to this town than meets the eye. Apart from being a religious hub, Mukteshwar is also known for its stunning views, serene atmosphere, and friendly locals. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at some of the things that make Mukteshwar so special.
Mukteshwar Temple
Let’s start with the temples. As we mentioned, there are several temples in Mukteshwar, which attract both pilgrims and tourists alike. The most famous of these temples is the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, which is said to date back to the 12th century. This temple is located on a hilltop and offers sweeping views of the valley below. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hike up to the temple!
Another popular temple in Mukteshwar is the Kali Temple. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, who is known as the “destroyer of evil.” The Kali Temple is said to be even older than the Mukteshwar Mahadev Temple, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in history and religion.
Mukteshwar Viewpoint
One of the best things about Mukteshwar is its viewpoints. These viewpoints offer breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains, and they’re the perfect place to enjoy a sunset or sunrise. There are many different viewpoints in Mukteshwar, but our personal favorite is ISKCON Viewpoint.
This viewpoint is located near the ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir, and it offers panoramic views of the Nanda Devi mountain range. Trust us when we say that it’s worth getting up early for!
Mukteshwar is a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit if you’re looking for somewhere off the beaten track in India. With its stunning mountain views and delicious strawberries, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone who goes there. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
