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Mukteshwar, situated at a height of approx. 2300 meters above sea-level and 330 kms. away from the capital city of New Delhi, was literally ‘brought out to the world’ after the Indian Veterinary Research Institute was established here in 1898. Acres and acres of dense virgin forest, diverse flora and fauna and the fact that it is home to the famous langurs and rhesus monkeys, ancestors of mankind, make the place a romantic mystery.
The Name and the Legend of the place…
The name Mukteshwar has been formed by combining two Sanskrit words. The first word is 'Mukti' which means “such a death after which one gets out of the dreaded life-death cycle” or “salvation” and 'Ishwar' another name for God almighty.
As for the legend behind it, according to it a demon once had a battle with Lord Shiva Himself in which the demon was defeated. But even in the defeat at the end, he came out with the attainment of immortality.
The Landscape and sights-worth-seeing
The real beauty of the place can be experienced by trekking through the untouched parts of the dense green forest. The baby-streams of crystal clear water, the lyrical green meadows & the thundering water falls seem to be a part of one of those romantic dreams.
The wide range of peaks that one can see from here includes:
- Neelkantha (21569 ft)
- Nandaghunti (19233 ft)
- Trishul (23282 ft)
- Nanda Devi (25562 ft)
Apart from these prominent ones, the stately Panchchuli peaks and peaks of Api and Nampa, in Nepal, are also visible. The sights have oodles of calmness and serenity.
Another fact that makes it even more significant in terms of tourist value is that almost 200 species of birds, 18 species of mammals apart from 15 different varieties of fruits and 75 varieties of charming flowers, are found in and around Mukteshwar.
Attractions nearby
The century-old ShivaTemple, located on the Mukteshwar Mahadev, the highest peak of Mukteshwar, is very significant from the religious point-of-view. A Shiv-lingam made of white marble and idols of Vishnu, Parvati, Ganesh and Hanuman present here are true masterpieces of art.
Chauthi Jali, a life-like rock-formation, is the place to be if you want to see the majestic sights of eagles and the birds of prey as they encircle the rocks and act-and-react. It is amazingly beautiful and exciting with a straight drop of about 2000 ft. One is bound to skip a heartbeat while being here.
It is a popular belief that if a barren woman touches the Jali, she is bound to be blessed with a child.
A 75-year old church, lying on the side of the hill, is one place you cannot afford to miss. This place has one of the most beautiful views in the whole of Kumaon.
The PWD guest house where the famous hunter, conservationist and celebrated writer, Jim Corbett, often found refuge when he came here is also worth a visit.
The campus of Indian Veterinary Research Institute has many different departments for Research, Animal Nutrition, Genetics and Bacteriology. A well-compiled library and a museum offer a glimpse into the past with an eye on the future. It requires prior special permission to visit the campus.
Getting there
The nearest airport is at Pantnagar and the nearest railway station is at Kathgodam, 35 kms away from Mukteshwar.
Mukteshwar is fairly well-connected with the road-network and the distance of various big cities from here is:
- Haldwani (42 kms)
- Nainital (51 kms)
- Delhi (395 kms)
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