Credit: Muthuraja S
Mukteshwar is a beautiful town located in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Mukteshwar is a beautiful destination for those who are looking for relaxation and natural beauty.
History of Mukteshwar
Originally known as “Muktesar” was famous for its ancient temples. Mukteshwar is named after the ancient temple dedicated to the Lord of the Ocean which is 350 years old. It is believed that the temple was built by a king named Laxmi Chand in the 17th century.
In Jim Corbett’s book, a famous environmentalist and conservationist, referred to the place as Muktesar.
During the British era, Mukteshwar was used as a research center for studying the flora and fauna of the Himalayan region. Mukteshwar’s history includes the visit of the famous Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Robert Koch. His scientific equipment is now part of a museum that is managed by the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) in Mukteshwar.
Rich scientific history can be spotted in the hill-carved cold rooms of the 1900s, which are made up of biological materials.
Mythological story
According to Hindu mythology, Mukteshwar is associated with Lord Shiva. According to legend, Lord Shiva and a demon once engaged in a firefight here. In this battle, the demon got defeated, and Lord Shiva granted a vow of immortality, or Mukti, to the demon. This is said to be the reason this place came to be known as Mukteshwar, a combination of two words: Mukti, meaning freedom, and Ishwar, meaning God or lord. Thus, the Mukteshwar name means “the lord who bestows freedom or salvation.”
In this article, we’re going to explore Top Places to Visit In Mukteshwar that you can add to your bucket list and plan your trip according to them.
Top Places to Visit In Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is home to several tourist destinations that attract people from all over the world. Here are some of the tourist attraction
Credit: Sudivya Kumar
Mukteshwar temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century. one of the 18 main Shiva temples for its architectural brilliance. The Garbhagriha of the temple houses a beautiful carved Shivling that is encircled with the idols of Brahma, Parvati, Nandi, and Ganesh.
Credit: Rashmi M
Chauli ki Jali
It’s a popular spot situated behind the Mukteshwar temple on a cliff called Chauli ki Jali. Apart from offering a view of Kumaon Valley and Himalayan peaks, it offers activities like rock climbing and rappelling.
Credit: rajesh vohra
Methodist Church
It is located 40 km from the town on the way to Chowfulli. Built by the British in the early 20th century, it’s one of the oldest churches in the region. It is believed that it has been used by the British to station British soldiers.
How to reach
By Road:
Mukteshwar is connected to the major cities in Uttarakhand and neighboring states via a well-maintained road network. The nearest city is Nainital, which is around 50 kilometers away from Mukteshwar. One can easily hire a taxi or take a bus from Nainital to reach Mukteshwar. The distance between Delhi and Mukteshwar is around 350 km and can be covered via road in around 8–9 hours.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Mukteshwar is the Pantnagar Airport, which is located around 95 km away from the hill station. Several airlines operate flights to Pantnagar from major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mukteshwar.
By Train:
Kathgodam Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Mukteshwar, located around 62 km away. It is well connected to major cities in India like Delhi, Lucknow, and Kolkata. From the railway station, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Mukteshwar.