Mukteshwar
Brief
One of the brightest jewels in the crown of the Kumaon Hills, Mukteshwar provides a majestic view of the Himalayas and the Almora town below, in glittering moonlit nights. Surrounded by apple and peach orchards and inspired by a colour, that blends perfectly with nature, with its lush greenery, strange flowers, and unforgettable view of the pristine, white Himalayan crests in the distant horizon, Mukteshwar is an ideal tourist destination. Long walks through the meadows, jungles and villages make for experiences close to nature. The more adventurous ones can try rock-climbing and rappelling. Spend your day, enjoying picnics out in the jungles, across meadows and streams or just stargazing and daydreaming on sun- drenched grassy slopes. Watching the sun set or rise over Himalayan peaks, the distant graded mountains and the morning mist, offering a veritable feast to the eyes are sure to take your breath away.
History
Mukteshwar owes its existence as much to the British, as to geography. In 1889 the British set up the Imperial Bacteriological Laboratory, now renamed the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI), which saw the rise of a small town. What little employment opportunities exist in Mukteshwar, apart from tea stalls and a solitary hotel is at the IVRI.
CultureClimate & Geogaphical Location
The summers are cool and pleasant, while winters are snow bound in Mukteshwar. Barely 52 km from Nainital, Mukteshwar is located on one of the highest ridges in the middle Kumaon in Uttaranchal.
How to Reach
Mukteshwar is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, the nearest airport is Pantnagar at 95 km and is well connected. By rail, the nearest railhead is Kathgodam at 72 km and has regular trains to Delhi, Kolkata, Agra, Lucknow and Bareilly. By road, Mukteshwar is well connected by motorable roads with the surrounding areas and especially with Nainital, which by a reasonably well maintained highway is well connected to Delhi, Lucknow, Bareilly, Haridwar and Mussoorie.
Tourist Places
Mukteshwar Temple
A winding, steep stone stairs, approaches the Mukteshwar Temple, at an altitude of 2315 km. Devoted to Shiva, it has a white marble lingam with a copper yoni. There are six idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Parvati, Hanuman, Ganesh and Mandi surrounding the lingam
Chauli ka Jali
Adjacent to the temple is a natural lattice-work around the rock. Legend states, that barren women who came and touched the lattice, were blessed with a baby. Also there are faint outlines of a sword, a shield and a trunk of an elephant, which bears testamony, of a battle fought here between a demon and a goddess.
Nainital..
Located at a height of 1940 mtrs above sea level and placed around the beautiful lake, Naini Tal, is the charming hill resort of Nainital. Surrounded by seven hills, this attractive hill station was once the summer capital of Uttar Pradesh and is expected to become the future capital of the new state of Uttaranchal. The most sought after hill resort in India, its quaint cottages, colourful markets, the lush landscape and the beautiful lake, at the very heart of it, makes Nainital a delightful spot. With many interesting walks thorough the forests, to points with superb views of the Himalayas.
Bhim Tal.
Closer to Sat Tal and named after one of the Pandava brothers, Bhimtal is the largest lake in the district. Situated at a level of 1371.6 mtrs, it is longer than Naini Lake, as it is 1701 mtrs by 454 mtrs, making it 265 mtrs. Known for its robust majesty, Bhim Tal has an exquisite gem in the middle of the lake - an islet situated within the range of temple bells, which have been chiming for the last 300 years. In this 17th century edifice, beneath the shadow of the towering mountain, it rushes precipitously down to the emerald green of the lake
Ranikhet.
An important point on the Kumaon circuit and unrivalled for the panoramic views of the Himalayas, Ranikhet, as a hill station, is idyllic in its charm. Weaving an instant spell on the visitor, tourists, over the centuries have, enthused ecstatically over its valley, meadows, cliffs, hills, snow-capped mountains, serpentine rivers and crystal clear rivulets here and there, displaying the rainbow. Against the backdrop of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, it has the added attraction of ancient temples, pretty picnic spots, quiet strolls and exciting treks. There is also a nine-hole golf course at Upat, on the outskirts of Ranikhet.
Others
BHOWALI - Situated at an altitude of 1706 mtrs. on the main Haldwani-Almora road, Bhowali is a popular health resort. GHORAKHAL - It is famous for the temple of Gollu Devta, a demi-god highly revered by the Kumaonis. IVRI - The Indian Veterinary Research Institute campus, has a museum, library and departments for research, animal nutrition, genetics and bacteriology. There are wonderful, quiet walks, within the sprawling campus. RAMGARH - A picturesque hamlet in the heart of apple, plum, peaches and apricot orchards, this fruit belt of Kumaon is famous for its juicy fruits all over India. SAT TAL - 21 Km from Nainital, Sat Tal or Seven Lakes is a picturesque spot, where nature reigns supreme in all her beauty. Here are seven small but exquisite lakes; including Panna, Nal-Damayanti, Sita, Government and the Sukha Tal Lakes.
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Ashish Bhat - INDIA 25th June 2010Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
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Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.Welcome to Incredible India, the land of prosperity which can be seen in its dynamic culture, age old traditions and geography.
