Mukteshwar is a quaint hill town, mostly known for its serene
ambience, amazing weather, and jaw-dropping views of the snow clad
Himalayan range. This tranquil weekend retreat boasts of age-old temples, lush green woods, and narrow hilly trails. Also, there is a wide range of things to do in Mukteshwar like rock climbing & rappelling that are fun to try on a weekend getaway.
Other
than getting mesmerised and amused with the most photogenic surrounding
views, here are few activities in Mukteshwar for an enchanting and
amazing holiday.
1. Trekking & camping – Breathe in the mountain goodness
The
rolling topography, unknown trails, plush green forests, and narrow
tracks make trekking one of the most exciting activities in Mukteshwar.
Based on your expertise and stamina, you can choose from easy to
moderate hiking trails here. Most of them need no professional guidance
and offer a refreshing walk in the fresh air of Mukteshwar.
Popular
trails are from Peora to Almora, Peora to Mukteshwar, Binsar to Artola
Trek and the riverside trek. Night trekking and camping are also
popular. Such activities are fun when you plan a weekend getaway with
family, same age couples, or a group of close friends.
2. Paragliding – Fly above the world so high!
Paragliding
is one of the most exhilarating things to do in Mukteshwar. Mostly it
is offered as a part of a camping package, which includes a number of
fun and thrilling activities like river crossing, kite flying, night
treks, & wildlife tracking; besides food and accommodation. The
complete package costs close to INR 5000 per person.
This is one of the best places for trying paragliding in India as professional guidance ensures that it’s a smooth, safe glide over the lovely greenery of Mukteshwar.
3. Rock climbing & rappelling – Take the challenge
Rock
climbing and rappelling are two more of the most challenging things to
do in Mukteshwar. There are a number of cliffs and rocky outcrops in
Mukteshwar that offer varied difficulty levels. Even if you are a
beginner, there are enough of easy climbs that you can attempt.
With
experts helping you sail through the challenge, both rappelling and
rock climbing will make you feel proud about completing the challenge.
4. Watching the sunrise above the Nanda Devi peak – Behold the sight
Nanda
Devi- the second highest peak of India is visible from Mukteshwar
mountain tops. The spellbinding view is accentuated with orange and
golden hues of sunrise. One of the best experiences in Mukteshwar is
witnessing the sun as it rises above the Nanda Devi peak and lights up
the small hill-station.
Capture it in your video camera to relive this wonderful sunrise again and again.
5. Visiting the age old temples – Meet the pahari Gods
There
is something inexplicably charming about temples in the mountains, and
Mukteshwar is no different. It is a small town with many age-old temples
such as Shiva Temple, Rajarani Temple, and Brahmeswara Temple,
which are popular among locals as well as tourist coming here for a
weekend vacation.
The most famous temple- Mukteshwar Dham is
dedicated to Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Nandi. Temple visits are
an essential part of sightseeing in Mukteshwar. Include these visits in
your list of things to do in Mukteshwar to connect with nature and the
pahari Gods!
6. Shopping at Kilmora Shop – Pick some souvenirs
If
you love Kumaoni knits and handicrafts, do visit the Kilmora – the
handicraft shop in Mukteshwar. Located in outskirts area in Sita
Village, it is known for wide & vivid collections of hand woven
shawls, hand knitted apparels, skincare & cosmetic products, agri
produce, and other souvenirs. Shopping at Kilmora is one of the most fun
things to do in Mukteshwar.
These activities and
things to do in Mukteshwar are enough to turn your regular weekend into a
super fun getaway in the hills. Let’s now get to the other essential
details.
Best time to visit Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is best visited anytime of the year.
Summers are best for sightseeing while the winter season is the best
time to visit if you love snow. During the monsoon season, average to
heavy rain showers make Mukteshwar look greener and more enchanting.
However, this also is the season of landslides. So, make sure you do
your research well before visiting.
How to reach Mukteshwar
Mukteshwar is easily reachable using different modes of transportation.
- By bus: Mukteshwar is connected to different towns and cities via motorable roads. Government-run and private buses operate from Delhi’s Anand Vihar ISBT. You can get direct buses, or buses heading to Haldwani, Almora and Nainital. From the bus stop you can hire a taxi to reach further.
- By train: Nearest major railway station from Mukteshwar is located in Kathgodam, 64 km away. From the station, there is easily availability of taxis and buses going towards Mukteshwar. The station is well connected with different cities of India, such as Delhi, Lucknow and Kolkata.
- By air: Pantnagar Airport is the nearest airport from Mukteshwar, at a distance of 98 km. The airport is directly connected to Delhi, through 4 round trips weekly. Don’t worry about buses and taxis, ast they’re easily available outside the airport.
