Set amidst the conifer forests and fruit orchards, Mukteshwar offers the most enchanting view of the Himalayas and its snow bound peaks. It is situated at an altitude of 2286 m, 51 km from Nainital. Surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest it was developed by the Britishers as research and education institute (IVRI) in 1893. It is the celebrated scenic spot overlooking long ranges of Himalaya. Old temple of Lord Shiva exists on the top of a hillock.



Jim Corbett, the world renowned hunter and nature lover came to shoot a tiger here and fell in love with its natural beauty.

Away from the popular hill station environ, Mukteshwar is pure magic. Abundant with apple, plum, peach and apricot trees, this place is a hidden beauty, mostly unexplored.

The snow clad Himalayan peaks can be seen from Muktesthwar. Among the major peaks visible from Mukteshwar are Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Nandaghunti, Trishul and Panchachuli.

The most enchanting thing about Mukteshwar is its serenity and tranquility. The vastness of nature in the background of a boundless sky and mighty Himalayas provides an air, that's oozing out the elixir of life. The place surrounded by fruit orchards and thick coniferous forest was developed by the Britishers as research and education institute (IVRI) in 1893. It is the celebrated scenic spot overlooking long ranges of Himalayas.

Because of the hilly topography, agriculture in the area consists chiefly of potato fields and fruit orchards on terraces cut into the hillsides.

The town of Mukteshwar is associated with a legend of Shiva who gifted immortality or Mukti to a demon here.

Places to see in Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is a quiet paradise. On the sunshine days you can easily see the surrounding peaks with your naked eyes, stretching upto the far borders of Nepal. You can trek to your heart's content, visit the local temples or do absolutely nothing, just enjoy the bliss around.

Mukteshwar Temple:
This place got its name from the ancient Shiva temple atop a hill. There is an ashram on the hill, with a hermit living there. Mukteshwar Temple is at an altitude of 2,312 m and can be approached by stone stairs. The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and has a lingam made of white marble. The idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Ganesh, Nandi and Hanuman surround the lingam. Next to the temple is the Chauli Ki Jali. It is a natural latticework on the rock. It is a belief that barren women are blessed with kids if they touch this jali.

Ramgarh:
Ramgarh is a small and beautiful hill station and tourist destination on the way to Mukteshwar (25 kms from Mukteshwar). Ramgarh is rich in fruit orchards. This serene place is situated at an altitude of 1789 mts. An unobstructed view of the snow-capped ranges of the Himalayas from this place can be seen. The place was once the cantonment of the English army. The famous poets Rabindra Nath Tagore and social worker Narain Swami had established their ashrams over here. There is also a library dedicated to famous writer Mahadevi Varma, who got the idea of writing Lachma, the famous story, in Ramgarh.

Chauli ki Jali:
A fascinating rocky cliff behind the Mukteshwar temple. Leaning on the edge of the cliff you can have a view of your lifetime of the surroundings and the far off peaks. But be careful. This particular place is worth a visit. According to local belief, if you make wishes here, they are fulfilled.

How to reach Mukteshwar
Air: The nearest airport is Pantnagar (152 kms.).
Rail: The nearest railhead is Kathgodam (65 kms.).
Road: The nearest major city is Nainital, at a distance of 52 kms. An uphill drive from Nainital via Bhowali and Dhanachuli is endowed with breathtaking views around.