With an elevation of 2312 metres above sea level, the various places to visit in Mukteshwar boast stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, making it an unforgettable experience. This quaint hill station at the heart of Uttarakhand offers spiritual peace along with heart-pounding adventure, the ideal getaway for nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts and spiritual seekers. If you are on a Nainital tour, you must visit this charming hill station, just under 2 hours from central Nainital.
Mukteshwar has many wonderful experiences to offer, but the most well-known is the ancient Mukteshwar Temple, which is over 350 years old and sits on a hilltop with amazing views of the surroundings. The delightful little town of Mukteshwar also offers adventure activities like rappelling and rock climbing, and lets you see nature in action, like the recently found Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls, which are 60 feet tall and have no visible source. However, the true beauty of Mukteshwar comes from enjoying it at a slow pace to experience the pure beauty and tranquillity of this amazing part of the Himalayas.
Shiva Temple and Chauli Ki Jali: A Spiritual and Scenic Beginning
Your spiritual exploration of Mukteshwar begins with a visit to the holiest shrine in the town. This town’s name has a deeper meaning; “Mukteshwar” comes from the term “Mukti,” which means liberation, and “Ishwar,” which means God, translating to “The Lord who grants liberation.”
Mukteshwar Temple: 350 Years Old Shiva Shrine
This 350-year-old Mukteshwar Temple is located atop a scenic ridge on a hill and is one of the world’s 18 most important Shiva temples. This old temple was built by the Katyuri Kings around the 10th century, and it contains a white marble Shiva Linga situated over a copper yoni. According to local mythology, Lord Shiva fought a demon and killed him in this place, which led to his “mukti” or salvation, thus the name of the temple and the town. The Pandavas are also said to have built this temple during their 12 years of exile to find “mukti.”
In addition to its religious and spiritual importance, the temple has beautiful views of the expansive Himalayan mountains. You will see Nanda Devi (the second-highest peak in India), Nandakot, Nanda Ghunti, and Trishul. The temple layout is simple and has stone steps leading to the place of the deity, and it is nicely blended into nature.
Chauli Ki Jali: Myth, Views, and the Rock Formations
Just a short walk behind the Mukteshwar Temple, you will find Chauli Ki Jali, a spectacular natural formation made out of rock that has openings in it, giving it the appearance of a lattice or “jali.” This formation is a steep rock cliff that offers amazing views of the valley below and is full of interesting myths. The most significant belief is that a childless couple passing through the rock holes will be blessed with a child, and this event is still performed during Shivratri. Furthermore, women from the villages around Mukteshwar will gather at Chauli Ki Jali during Shivratri to pray and ask for blessings.
It has been claimed that there was a battle between a demon and a goddess on this cliff, and there are marks in the rocks that resemble swords and shields, supposedly left behind from ancient battles. Another story states that as Sam Devta was passing with his Ganpati, he discovered Lord Shiva deep in meditation; when he disturbed Shiva from this meditation, Shiva became angry and struck the rocks with a weapon, leaving them with holes. The history alone makes this one of the important places to visit in Mukteshwar. For adventure seekers, Chauli Ki Jali offers opportunities to rock climb and rappel in full view of the beautiful Himalayan mountains.
Bonus Tip:
Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds. Early morning visitors may also witness the sunlight shining on the snowy peaks of the Himalayas; this whole experience is divine.
Nature Escapes: Waterfalls and Viewpoints
Apart from spiritual experiences related to temples, the landscape of Mukteshwar offers just as remarkable an experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Bhalu Gaad Waterfalls: A Hidden Gem
About 10 km from Mukteshwar town is the gorgeous Bhalu Gaad Waterfall. To get here, you must go on a challenging trek beginning at Dhari village. The trek should take somewhere between 30 and 45 minutes. You’ll hike through dense timber-oak and rhododendron forests, small streams, and rock paths, which makes the trek worthwhile and actually adds to the excitement of your journey.
Unlike other trekking in Uttarakhand, Bhalu Gaad is not overcrowded. The waterfall flows all year long, and swimming in the deep base pool (with permission) requires you to wear a lifejacket (available at a rental cost of about ₹100). This is for safety reasons, but most people love coming here to escape city life, delighting in nature in their own ways, such as photography, bird watching, or just hanging out.
Nainital Viewpoint: Panoramic views of the Himalayas
Although information about this specific viewpoint is limited, it is worth noting that this is one of the offbeat places in Uttarakhand. Mukteshwar is at an elevation of about 7,000 feet. You can get awesome views of the Himalayan range from a variety of places to visit in Mukteshwar. The viewpoints offer opportunities for people who love photography to capture impressive views of mountains framed by lush greenery.
After a tiring trek to the waterfalls and Nainital viewpoint, you would definitely need a place to rest. It is better to stay somewhere where these destinations are easily accessible. During your travel, make sure to stay at recognised hotel chains like Treebo Hotels, which have hotels in Dhanachuli Mukteshwar that offer essential amenities with a comfortable stay. They have set a benchmark for customer service, which will ensure a hassle-free stay experience that comes with an option of complimentary breakfast.
Bonus Tip:
- Bring Good Footwear for the Waterfall Trail. Good walking shoes or trekking boots with good traction are important for safe walking.
- Visit early (from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM) to avoid hordes of people later and carry plenty of drinking water, and possibly a light snack.
- Entry is ₹60 per person, paid in cash or UPI.
- The site is open 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in the summer and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Winter.
Adventure Activities in Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar does provide an abundance of adventure activities for individuals seeking some fun, in addition to its spiritual sites and natural beauty. The terrain of this hill station is just right for sporting excitement in all seasons, and also one of the unmissable places to visit in Mukteshwar.
Rock Climbing and Rappelling
Chauli Ki Jali is the renowned rock outcrop for the climbing enthusiast in Mukteshwar. This natural rock structure consists of cliffs that drop off into deep valleys and are perfect for adventure, with spectacular views. The site has varied terrain that can accommodate beginner to experienced climbing levels.
Rappelling down the cliffs from heights up to about 40 feet is an adrenaline rush when you are descending and looking out over the valley below. Most sessions last about 30 minutes and are equipped with safety gear, including helmets and harnesses. In addition to rock climbing and rappelling, adventure camps located near Chauli Ki Jali sometimes offer additional activities, including, but not limited to, flying fox (valley crossing), ladder climbing, and jummaring.
Cultural and Scientific Landmarks
Mukteshwar is home to extraordinary scientific institutions and colonial buildings that have cemented the hill station’s rich cultural heritage.
Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow: Colonial Charm
A 19th-century British-built structure, it represents colonial architecture. It was built as a residential base for British officers during the course of their official inspections, which became necessary when the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory came into being. Located at about 2,285 metres, it provides sweeping views of the Himalayan range. The building retains all its heritage features like the traditional sloping roofs, timber beams, and old furniture, while still being used as accommodation for the visitors. This also claims a top spot on the places to visit in Uttarakhand, mainly for its Colonial appeal.
Starscapes Observatory: Stargazing experience
Starscapes Observatory offers an opportunity to observe the night sky from its location on the beautiful hills in Mukteshwar. The observatory has high-powered telescopes, such as Dobsonian and refractor telescopes, to observe planets, stars, and galaxies. Visitors can attend different astronomy experience shows, including their popular 45-minute night sky show that includes characteristics of the constellations and sightings of various celestial bodies, and daytime solar observations of sunspots and solar flares.
Bonus Tips:
- Book the observatory experiences in advance. Due to the popularity of stargazing experiences, it is best to book the observatory experiences well before arriving.
- The Night Sky Show runs from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, while solar observation sessions run from 10 AM to 4 PM.
- The winter months (November to February) tend to have clearer skies and the best visibility for your stargazing experience. Visit on a new moon night when even fainter stars are visible.
Shopping and Cafes: Local Flavours
After discovering nature and culture in Mukteshwar, enjoy the vibrant local marketplace to take some Kumaoni crafts and flavours home.
Kilmora Shop: Handicrafts and Organic Goods
Kilmora is an ethical social enterprise based in the Kumaon Himalayas with special mountain-made items. The Fairtrade and Craftmark certified organisation invests revenues in rural development activities. The store is full of various hand-woven and hand-knit items made from hand-spun, vegetable-dyed wool created by women artisans.Visitors have praised Kilmora’s wool sweaters, caps, mufflers and hand-knit toys for their quality and intricate designs. The shop also carries cold-pressed oils and culinary herbs that are organically grown in the Himalayas. These villages in Uttarakhand have been upholding their skills and practices for centuries.
Chocohouse and Mountain Cafes: A Must-Try
The Chocohouse Mukteshwar is sure to impress chocolate lovers with its famous Belgian-style handmade chocolates. Even with its recent relocation near Cafe Gehna, chocoholics can find their speciality flavours, such as caramel-centred and hazelnut that melt in your mouth as you enjoy them. Prices for their artisanal chocolates range from ₹1300 to ₹3400 per kg.
Finally, if you visit Mukteshwar, you must try some buransh (rhododendron) squash, a vibrant red drink unique to Uttarakhand. Buransh squash is a refreshing, tangy drink, available at several stores like Fruitage, Royal Mart or Bhowali. These mountain cafes make it on the list of places to visit in Mukteshwar for their cultural and local vibe that sets them apart.
Bonus Tip:
- Support women cooperatives by buying organic products from dedicated stores. This directly contributes towards sustainable mountain livelihoods.
- Shops such as Nirvana Organic Store only sell products from women farmers in the farming community.
Best Time to Visit Mukteshwar
Choosing the right time to visit Mukteshwar can certainly make a difference to your experience of this Himalayan jewel. The climate in Mukteshwar varies a lot over the year, and so the experiences also differ accordingly.
March to June:
The summer months reveal Mukteshwar as a cool and pleasant place to experience temperatures ranging from 15° to 30°. The climate provides the perfect experience for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The cool mountain air is a much-needed break from the heat of the plains below.
And in spring, there is a colourful burst of wildflowers and flowering orchards, adding to the natural beauty. Rocky trails are generally very accessible during this time, which makes it the optimal time for a trek or for those looking to be active outside. These months are Mukteshwar’s tourism peak season, and it is important to confirm your bookings ahead of time.
October to February:
Winter covers Mukteshwar with a soft blanket of white, with temperatures likely ranging from -3℃ to 16°C. Generally, from late December into February, snowfall is frequent, which ultimately transforms Mukteshwar into a beautiful winter wonderland. The surrounding snow-capped pine forests, shimmering rooftops glistening in the sun’s gleam, and every possible corner of Mukteshwar appear to be a fairy tale.
July to September:
While the monsoon season provides Mukteshwar with verdant green foliage, it is not friendly for visitors. Mukteshwar has heavy rainfall during the monsoon months, which could potentially affect travel behaviour. More importantly, you would be more prone to landslides and subsequent road closures while visiting.
Whether you are looking for spiritual awareness, adventure to the core, or just a peaceful escape to the mountains, Mukteshwar has open arms waiting for you. This little-known gem of Uttarakhand will bring you memories back well after you make your descent back from the mountains. So grab your bags, bring the camera, and prepare for a life-changing Himalayan experience in Mukteshwar, where mountains meet the sky and adventure meets peace.
