Perched at 2286 meters above sea level, Mukteshwar is a small town in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand. It is known for its breathtaking Himalayan views, pine forests, pristine environment, and serene natural beauty. If you are looking for a peaceful hill escape to take a break, enjoy some quality time in the lap of nature to rejuvenate and nurture your soul, then Mukteshwar is the perfect destination. This hill station in Uttarakhand feels like a kingdom of heaven to nature lovers. It offers a perfect mountain retreat featuring peaceful nature trails, adventure activities, and a spiritual break. What is more interesting is that you can easily get the best hotels in Mukteshwar to experience a luxurious homestay during your trip. If you are planning a trip, then here is the list of the most popular tourist destinations in Mukteshwar.
Mukteshwar Dham Temple is an iconic structure that is dedicated to lord shiva. This is a century-old temple. It is believed that this is the temple where lord shiva granted mukti (liberation) to a demon, which is why the place is named after this legend, Mukteshwar. What makes this temple special is that it offers stunning hilltop views. From the complex of the temple, you can see the Nanda Devi, Trishul, Panchachuli, and Nanda Kot mountain ranges that delight you whenever you see the panoramic scenery scattered in nature.
The place holds great importance in the hearts of Shiva devotees. They believe that visiting the place brings inner peace, blessings, and spiritual clarity to the visitors. During the Mahashivratri, the place remains full with the pilgrims who celebrate the event with each other. The temple is surrounded by dense deodar and pine forests, adding to the serenity and charm of the place.
Mukteshwar Dham Temple is a perfect place where you can meditate, take pictures, and spend quality time with your near and dear ones. If you are in Mukteshwar, then you must visit this place. It is a 10–15 minute uphill walk from the road. The trail is easy and offers scenic views along the way. You can visit it in the morning as well as the evening and enjoy the sunrise and sunset views.
Chauli Ki Jali is another tourist attraction in Mukteshwar that is famous for its dramatic rock formations, breathtaking valley views, and adventure activities. If you are a nature lover, photographer, or adventure seeker, then this place serves you perfectly. The Chauli means rock, and the jali means hole or crevice in the local Kumaoni language. So this place offers you big, massive overhanging cliffs, deep valleys, and natural crevices in the mountains.
Similar to Mukteshwar Dham Temple, it has mythological significance. Local legends tell that Goddess Durga fought with the demon here. The marks and impressions on the rocks are believed to be inscribed on the rocks and mountains.
In Chauli ki jali, you can enjoy panoramic Himalayan views, terraced fields, and the Nanda Devi ranges. This is the most iconic place featuring the wonders of nature. If you love photography, then this place is a paradise for you. It allows you to capture natural silhouettes and dramatic backdrop shots. It is a 5–10 minute walk from Mukteshwar Dham, and the path is well-marked and easy for families and seniors.
Bhalu Gaad Waterfall is a natural attraction of Mukteshwar that is famous for its deep, lush forests and 60-foot cascading waterfall. Here you can experience the pristine beauty of nature, crystal-clear water pooling, and forest density. If you love trekking, nature walks, and experiencing the untouched atmosphere, you must visit this place at all costs. Along the Bhalu Gaad, you get a 1.2–1.5 km trek that features gentle slopes, small streams, and rocky paths. It is an ideal place for trekking if you're a beginner or going with the family.
At the end of the trail, you will come across a tall, narrow waterfall. At the dropping point, you get a big pool of clean and cold water. Here you can enjoy some time taking dips and doing your favorite activities. If it is monsoon, then you can avoid visiting the place as it becomes more powerful and aggressive. So, choose your right time to visit the Bhalu Gaad Waterfall to enjoy your peaceful time in nature.
Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow is a British-era structure. From here, you can see wide-angle Himalayan views and peaceful walking paths. This tourist attraction is located on the campus of the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). It is perched on a quiet hilltop surrounded by the deodar and pine forests. The British built this structure as a rest house for British officers working in the region. It gives a vintage vibe with its colonial architecture, sloping roofs, stone walls, and wide lawns.
You must visit Mukteshwar Inspection Bungalow during your trip. From here, you get panoramic views of Nandadevi, Panchauli peaks, Trishul, and 180 Himalayan mountain peaks. These scenic views make this destination perfect for photography and relaxation. You can take peaceful forest walks and enjoy clean and nourishing air around the place. One more thing to remember while visiting the place. Since this bungalow is inside the IVRI campus, there are some restrictions and limitations on visiting the area on specific days.
Nathukhan & Sitla are two small hamlets nestled around here. These are surrounded by dense oak, pine, and rhododendron forests. In these two small settlements, you can get beautiful eco-stays and wooden cottages for your homestay in Mukteshwar. Both villages are perfect for travelers who want to avoid crowded hill stations and live in a slow, peaceful region of Kumaon. You can engage in the serene activities of watching beautiful birds such as the Himalayan Monal, Woodpeckers, and Flycatchers. You can take nature walks and forest trails and enjoy the simple and pristine life of villages in the hills. The night sky is lit with stars as the pollution level in these areas is nil. So, you will get a full view of starry nights above the mountain peaks.
Dhanachuli is famous for its beautiful resorts, orchards, and picturesque landscapes. It is a charming Himalayan village with picture-perfect scenery. You can find the luxury hotels here to make your homestay in the hills comfortable and hassle-free. If you want to travel in luxury and enjoy nature in style, then Dhanachuli is the perfect destination. You can get premium accommodations with fully furnished cottages, luxury rooms, and lodgings in Mukteshwar.
In addition to this, Dhanachuli is blessed with all the natural beauties that include rolling hills covered, fruit orchards and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. The clean and clear surroundings are best for spending quiet time in the lap of nature and nurturing your souls from the hectic and exhaustive life of the city.
Mukteshwar is full of breathtaking viewpoints from where you can observe the scenic views of mountains, rivers, sloping landscapes, dense forests, and sunrise and sunset views. Sarai Bhanjyang View Point is one such viewpoint that offers you a clear, unobstructed view of the Himalayan ranges. You can enjoy the golden sunset skies and deep valleys far away from the crowded tourist places. It gives you a perfect spot for photography and relaxation. If the day is clear, you can also get the view of famous peaks such as Trishul, Nanda Kot, and Panchachuli glowing in the sunlight.
