Mukteshwar is one of the important tourist spots of Uttarakhand and is situated in the district of Nainital. This town has derived its name from an ancient temple of Lord Shiva and is situated at a height of 2286 meters above the sea level. Mukteshwar often gets characterized as a ‘silent town’ because of its serene and peaceful environment. However, this small town offers a lot of attractions for those who seek adventure in the hills. One can have access to breath-taking views of over 22 snow clad peaks and dense deodar forests which are spread across an area of 220 square miles.
Mukteshwar was earlier known as ‘Muktesar’ and used to be the hub of man-eating tigers in 1900s. Even today, wildlife lovers visit this town as it is surrounded by wild animals like Tigers and Bears. Mukteshwar offers over 11 tourist spots and receives the maximum number of tourists on weekends. If you are looking for a perfect getaway in the hills, Mukteshwar will not disappoint you at all. Here are top 5 places to visit in Mukteshwar that you simply cannot afford to miss on your trip to this charming town of Uttarakhand.
1. Mukteshwar Dham
Mukteshwar Dham is a temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva and is situated at the top most point of this town. This temple was built around 350 years ago is believed to be the most sacred spot for the locals of Mukteshwar town. Visitors love this place as it gives a consummate view of the Himalayas from its highest point. Trishul, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot and Panchachuli are among the best Himalayan peaks that are visible from the Mukteshwar Dham. The temple compound is also decorated by idols of other Hindu deities including Vishnu, Parvati, Brahma, Hanuman and Ganesh.
Apart from being a meditation point for the visitors, Mukteshwar Dham also offers adventurous activities like trekking, rock climbing and ropeway. As the name itself suggests, the town of Mukteshwar has derived its name from this ancient temple. This Shiva Dham gives you a pleasant experience of nature and is a must visit destination for the tourists.
2. Indian Veterinary Research Institute
Indian Veterinary Research Institute was established under the guidance of British Rule and stands as a proud example of veterinary sciences in the country. Initially this institute was developed as a Bacteria Research Institute in Pune and was later shifted to its current location in Mukteshwar.
This institute is surrounded by a thick network of flora and fauna and is often visited by researchers and explorers. Other important places in the Indian Veterinary Institute include science library and veterinary exhibition. These places give you a deep insight into the history of veterinary sciences in India.
3. Chauthi Ki Jaali
Chauthi Ki Jaali is one of the most artistic places of Mukteshwar and is situated in close proximity of the Mukteshwar Dham. Due to its location on a cliff, this site offers a magnificent view of the entire Kumaon Valley. This place is engraved with some special kind of rocks and has got an interesting mythology attached to it. It is believed that if women having pregnancy problems touch these rocks, they may get blessed with a child soon. As a result of this belief, thousands of women from faraway places visit this place as they believe in the healing powers of this spot.
Chauthi Ki Jaali is also an attractive spot for adventure lovers as it offers activities like mountain climbing and rappelling. This place attracts the maximum number of tourists in Mukteshwar and is one of the most wonderful places of this small town.
4. Methodist Church
Methodist Church is situated in the midst of thick green Cedar Forests of Mukteshwar. The way to this church is a bit tricky as it involves small treks and rock cut stairs. This church is one of the oldest buildings in Mukteshwar as was built during early 1900s.
Ancient rock built walls, stained windows and a steeple bell are few things that enhance the beauty of this place. People visit this place for its mysterious location and divine environment. If you are planning to visit the Methodist Church, you should keep yourself in accordance with its timings as it opens for a time slot of only 2 hours on Sundays. On rest of the working days, you’ll find its doors closed for you.
5. Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow
Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow is one of the most important landmarks of this town. This bungalow has got a terrific legacy attached to it. Jim Corbett, the famous tiger hunter, used this bungalow for his temporary stay in Mukteshwar in 1929. One can get some breath-taking views of Himalayan peaks from the outskirts of this bungalow. Various peaks like Nanda Ghunti, Trishul and Nanda Devi East can be viewed from this bungalow. Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow is indeed the most beautiful building of this town and has been reported many times for its architectural brilliance. You can also visit this place for its thick green surroundings and lush presence of flora.
The town of Mukteshwar is a perfect combination of peace, divinity, adventure and history. This town is often considered as a gateway to the Himlayas as it offers some of the most beautiful views of the epic Himlayan Range. The months ranging from March to December are considered as the best months to visit this place. The above mentioned places have been cautiously chosen and will give you a life time experience of this beautiful town.
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