Mukteshwar is a serene hill station located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand, India. It’s renowned for its natural beauty, panoramic views of the Himalayas, and tranquility.It’s Situated at an altitude of around 2,285 meters (7,497 feet) above sea level.
Mukteshwar
Location | Nainital |
Famous For | Hill Station, Trekking, |
Altitude | 2285 mtrs |
Railway Station/Nearest Pantnagar | 57 kms / 90 kms |
Mythology About Mukteshwar
Legend has it that Mukteshwar got its name from a belief that Lord Shiva granted ‘moksha’ or liberation to a demon named Kalanemi here. According to the myth, Kalanemi was a devotee of Lord Shiva who meditated intensely to attain immortality. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Shiva appeared before Kalanemi and granted him the boon of immortality. However, Kalanemi misused his power and began troubling the world. The gods sought help from Lord Shiva, who, in turn, subdued Kalanemi at Mukteshwar and liberated him from the cycle of birth and death, hence giving the place its name – ‘Mukteshwar’, meaning ‘the Lord who grants salvation’. This story adds a spiritual essence to Mukteshwar, making it a destination not just for its scenic beauty but also for its association with divine intervention and salvation in Hindu mythology.
Activities In Mukteshwar
Nature Trails and Hiking: it’s adorned with beautiful trails offering scenic views of the Himalayas. You can trek to places like Mukteshwar Dham, Chauli Ki Jali, or explore trails leading to nearby villages like Sitla and Peora.
Adventure Sports: it offers adventure activities like rock climbing, rappelling, and paragliding. Enjoy the thrill while soaking in the panoramic views.
Wildlife Sanctuary Visit: The Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) campus in Mukteshwar houses a forest reserve. You might spot a variety of flora and fauna, including birds and animals like leopards, barking deer, and Himalayan black bears.
Photography: With its picturesque landscapes, Mukteshwar offers ample opportunities for photography enthusiasts. Capture the scenic beauty, flora, fauna, and local life.
Yoga and Meditation: The serene environment makes Mukteshwar an ideal place for yoga and meditation retreats. Many resorts and centers offer yoga sessions amidst nature.
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How To Reach Mukteshwar
By Road
From Delhi: It’s around 350 km from Delhi. You can drive via NH9 or NH34, which takes around 8-9 hours. Alternatively, there are overnight buses available from ISBT Delhi to Haldwani or Nainital, from where you can hire a taxi or take another bus to there.
From Nainital: It is about 50 km from Nainital, and you can hire a taxi or take a bus from there.
From Haldwani: It is approximately 90 km from Haldwani, and you can hire a taxi or take a bus from there as well.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Mukteshwar is Kathgodam Railway Station (KGM), From Kathgodam, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mukteshwar, which is about a 2-3 hour drive away.
By Air
The nearest airport to Mukteshwar is Pantnagar Airport (PGH), located approximately 100 kilometers away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mukteshwar.