Named after the mighty Lord Shiva, Mukteshwar is a small quaint town in the Kumaon Hills of Uttarakhand. The town has a chilly average altitude of 2700m above sea level and is filled with heartwarming sights to see and enjoy.
SITLA
Sitla is a beautiful hill station an hour drive away from Mukteshwar, at an elevation of 6000 ft. Sitla boasts of historic colonial-style bungalows and panoramic views of the iconic Himalayan peak of Panchachuli, Trishul and Nanda Devi. Sitla also hosts trekking trails and home to unique Himalayan and Migratory Birds. Sitla is full of dense forests and inviting orchards, making it a fulfilling sightseeing opportunity for tourists.
BHALU GAAD WATERFALLS
Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls 10km from the heart of Mukteshwar, it is a treat for those seeking retreat. The falls are not overrun with tourists and hence are clean and serene. It is a 60 ft high waterfall with an undiscovered source which is able to provide a continuous flow of water throughout the year making it a visitable place in any season. Towards its end, the waterfall takes a rather interesting shape of a horseshoe. The waterfall is said to have. At the bottom of the waterfall emerges a rainbow, therefore giving it the name Rainbow falls amongst the locals.
CHAULI KI JAALI
Chauli ki jaali is believed to be the spot where a great battle was fought on this site between the goddess and a demon. It is another spiritual place behind the Mukteshwar temple. Chauli ki jaali is perfect for sightseeing, rock climbing, and rappelling experiences, with an amazing view of Himalayan ranges from the edge of the place.
MUKTESHWAR TEMPLE
Mukteshwar, town is named after this ancient Lord Shiva Temple. Mukteshwar temple is believed to be at least 5500 years old.
The legend of the Mukteshwar Temple is from the Mahabharata period, the tale tells that The Pandavas built the temple during their exile. The Pandavas chose this beautiful and peaceful location for their stay after praying to the Goddess Mother, Chintpurni. The brothers carved five caves and stayed here for six months, praying to a Shivling that they built, hoping to secure God Shiva’s blessings to win the future war that they believed was imminent.
The temple top is reached by finishing a scenic and peaceful trek, with beautiful deodar and pine trees on the sides. Or you can also choose to climb 90 steps, whichever path suits you the best. At the end of the trek lies the grand temple where one can pray and also enjoy landscape views of the Himalayas.
NANDA DEVI PEAK
Mukteshwar gives a 180° view of the Himalayan Range, one can. Here one can see many snow-covered peaks that you take home as memories with you for a lifetime.
You can enjoy the view of Nanda Devi peak, the highest mountain within India. Nanda Devi was thought to be the highest peak in the world until just 200 years ago. One can comfortably view the Nanda Devi Peak from the Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow.
INDIAN VETERINARY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
Indian veterinary research institute was established in 1893 and is credited for significant development of Veterinary science in India. In 1893, Mukteshwar was selected as a production and research centre of serums to protect animals from cattle plague. The Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory decided to relocate to Mukteshwar from Pune, under the recommendation of the Cattle Plague Commission, to facilitate segregation and quarantine of highly contagious organisms. It is one of the few positive landmarks from the colonial era, the campus is spread in a huge area and is a peaceful place to visit in Mukteshwar.
The architecture of the place deeply reflects the British style of architecture. It also has a rather large library and museum, both attracting travellers and providing them with knowledge of the history of the institute.
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